‘You’re nothing like Teagan. You’re nothing like any woman I’ve ever met before. I’m sorry I wobbled. Bonnie’s comment, the wedding, and everyone assuming we were a done deal freaked me out. But the second I left I missed you. Just so you know, that’s not why I snuck out in the dark.’
‘No?’ I assumed space meant mileage but maybe I was wrong.
‘I told you, it’s a long story, and in the short term, it doesn’t have a happy ending like ours, but in the long term, I’m sure it’s going to work out just fine.’
‘Spoken like a true believer in fairy tales and forevers …’
ChapterForty-Two
CILLIAN
Back at St Jude’s the car park is thronged. We abandon Ava’s Porsche in the first available spot and nudge our way through the gangs of gossiping mothers. Majella and Stanley Howard fall into step beside us.
‘Cillian, how are you?’ I didn't see you at ballet this week.’ Majella paws my arm. Stanley doesn’t bat an eyelid. Yep, that’s one party I still don’t want to be part of.
‘I was with Ava at a family wedding.’ I place a hand on the small of Ava’s back pointedly.
Majella stills in her tracks and does a double take. ‘Aren't you Nate Jackson’s sister?’
‘I am.’ Ava offers a trademark sunny smile.
Majella shoots a sideways glance at Stanley. ‘Oh how wonderful, you two must come over for a playdate one day. I’ll cook for you …’
Stanley’s eyes gleam.
‘Not going to happen, Majella.’ I prod Ava forwards.
‘She seemed nice.’
‘Trust me, that’s one “play date” you don’t want to be part of.’ I blow out a breath.
‘Oh.’ Realisation sparks in her iris. ‘I could give them my parents’ number …’
‘Don’t even joke.’
There are two free seats in the front row on the left and I tug Ava towards them. ‘I’m not a parent,’ she protests. ‘I should sit at the back.’
‘You’re not a parent, yet.’ I nudge her in front of me and pinch her firm buttcheek. As much as I’m desperate to see my daughter on stage, I’m equally as desperate to see her step off it. The need to make up with Ava properly is overwhelming. Though, it looks like we have the rest of our lives to do that.
We sit side by side on cheap plastic chairs, our thighs touching, our fingers entwined. I glance at Ava from my periphery, she really is stunning. She’s everything I ever wanted and everything I was too chicken shit to chase. But I’m here for it now. For the long haul. If she’s willing to take a chance on me and Phoebe, I’m willing to take a chance on whatever life throws at us.
‘Hey, I thought it was you two.’ Savannah Kingsley slides into the seat beside Ava. Dressed in a cream faux fur coat and matching beret, she’s channelling Claudia Schiffer in Love Actually (yes, Lillian Callaghan used to watch that on repeat too.)
‘Savannah.’ Ava greets Dublin’s single-mam celebrity like she’s her best friend. ‘It’s so lovely to see you here.’
‘Not as lovely as it is to see you here.’ Savannah’s knowing stare flits between Ava and me with unapologetic glee.
‘We’ll have to start doing playdates with the girls. Isla and Eden adore Phoebe. We should take them to the nail bar and for ice cream. It would give us the perfect opportunity to catch up. Your sister-in-law is my best friend so that makes us practically related.’
Ava glances to me almost shyly. ‘Would that be okay with you?’
‘Oh my goodness woman, what part of “I love you” didn't you hear? Of course it’s okay with me.’ I plant a kiss on her cheek just as the curtains roll back. Phoebe stands in her costume at the front, her silver eyes widening as she takes in me kissing her favourite new friend.
She turns to the twins next to her, hopping from foot to foot with excitement. ‘Did you see that? My daddy kissed Ava! It WAS the real Santa at Hollybrooke! He sprinkled his magic! All I need now is a dog!’
‘Shh!’ Ashley Kearney, St Jude’s principal, and Savannah’s best friend, appears at the side of the stage and shoots Phoebe a warning look, but even that doesn’t diminish the smile stretching Phoebe’s lips.
‘Is this seat taken?’ A burly blonde-haired guy drops into the seat next to Savannah.
