“You helped me find my way out.”
“And,” she points a crooked finger at the cross over her head.
“And Big J,” I say.
Aunt Maureen smiles through a cough. “I intended to show him that by focusing on faith, working hard, and being the best version of himself, all things were possible. He could be a pilot, live in a place like Bermuda, or?—”
I finish for my aunt, knowing exactly where she’s going with the story. “On our flight back, we were rerouted because of a storm.”
“Oh, the strings I had to pull for that one.” Aunt Maureen smirks.
I cross my arms in front of my chest and rock back on my heels, using air quotes, I repeat, “A storm.”
“So, there wasn’t a storm?” Maggie asks.
“Tickets to the Carolina Storm and the Boston Bruisers at the Super Bowl.” I smile.
“Pulled some strings for those tickets, too. And since Declan had moved to Boston, he’d become quite the American footballfan. Good at it too. A natural talent if I ever saw one. Who knew?”
“So, you had a birthday extravaganza?” Maggie’s eyes light up, likely thinking of our day so far.
“I wanted to make up for lost time. We had sixteen years’ worth of birthday celebrations to pack into four days. That’s how long I had off from work.”
“She’s a saint,” I say, smiling fondly at my aunt.
“Well, I’m not so sure about that yet.”
My heart hiccups.
“It’s Maggie Day. Let’s hear about her best birthday memory,” Aunt Maureen says.
“Today. Today has been the best day.” But her sad smile is back.
“She’s the sweetest,” Aunt Maureen says to me. Then she turns to Maggie. “No, I mean from when you were a lass. What did your parents do for you? They’re big on birthday parties over there in the States.”
Maggie shakes her head slowly.
Aunt Maureen enters a coughing fit and the nurse checks on her. Once she’s settled, I say goodnight so she can rest.
Concern for my aunt pierces my chest and worry about Maggie fills my mind.
30
MAGGIE
During the next week, Declan has to increase his workouts since he intends to stay on the team and has to start training for the upcoming season. He also attends a few press events.
More than once, it’s obvious he restrains himself from the usual hijinks the Boston Bruiser’s wide receiver is known for. However, he handles his public appearances without any commentary or instruction from me. It’s almost like I’m not on the job. More like I’m traveling around Ireland with my boyfriend.
I mean my best friend.
I mean Declan.
I don’t know what we are, but the highlights of the week involve the frequent kisses he steals when we’re alone. I never knew something as simple as a pair of lips pecking my cheek, the space behind my ear, my temple, forehead, the top of my head, and my lips could ignite me in such a way. I’ve hardly stopped smiling because it’s like I’m living in a fairy tale.
I didn’t mean to tell him about Sly the Single Guy who’d smashed my cupcake dreams. It was shortly after I’d left school.Too bad my business degree didn’t cover how to protect my heart and not get duped. I hardly ever thought about my lousy ex, but my dream to open a bakery someday or have some other cake-related business is ever-present. It’s a someday kind of thing, though, but being away from my normal routine and with Declan makes anything seem possible.
We visit Aunt Maureen every day, see sites in the city, which amounts to a lot of walking, and go on a boating excursion. Even though it’s summer, it’s too cold to swim in the sea, but we take a dip in the infinity pool behind the townhome in Howth.
