‘It’ll be the Benedicts.’ Mam smooths a palm across the tablecloth dusting a speckle of tiny crumbs on to the floor. ‘Irene and Cyril usually call on a Saturday evening.’ Alex’s parents.
I’m just glad it’s not Teagan’s.
Perhaps this time, she really will stay in touch with Phoebe, but I won’t hold my breath.
ChapterThirty-Five
AVA
Monday 18th December
‘Are you excited?’ Cillian nuzzles my neck from behind, as the winter wind whips my hair into a wild frenzy around the two of us. We take in the scenery from the open deck of the tiny, dilapidated ferry that runs twice daily from Galway to Inis Emeraude.
My brother might have renovated an entire hotel in preparation for the wedding, but he certainly overlooked the transport situation. Thankfully, the stellar company and the mesmerising view of the snow-coated rocky cliffs and rugged tapestry in the distance compensates for the lack of luxury, and the bumpy crossing.
‘Excited about a few dirty days away with you?’ I tilt my face up to his and our noses bump. ‘Absolutely.’
‘Excited for your only brother’s wedding.’ He nips the sensitive skin of my earlobe with his teeth.
‘Oh yeah, there is that too I suppose.’ And the prospect of spending a few days with my family, and best friend is the icing on the cake. Bonnie practically grew up in our house. There was no way she wouldn't be invited to my brother’s wedding. She didn't bring James, unashamedly admitting she’s hoping to snag one of Nate’s famous actor friends.
Inis Emeraude looms enchantingly before us, a hidden gem nestled twenty miles off the rugged west coast of Galway. At only twelve miles in length and four in width, it’s going to make for a cosy few days. Let’s hope no one falls out.
‘It’s stunning, isn't it?’ Cillian’s voice is thick with awe. The small ferry hits a wave and the spray from the crashing wild Atlantic Ocean blasts into the air. We jump backwards, giggling like school kids.
‘It really is. Stunning and secure.’ Nate paid the islanders a hefty price to vacate this week, which means the only people here are friends and family. No chance of smarmy paps gatecrashing.
‘Coo heee, love birds!’ My mother’s blow-dried blonde bob pokes out on to the deck. ‘The captain says we’re docking in five minutes.’
‘Great.’ The quicker we get off this boat, the quicker we can get the celebrations started.
‘I can’t believe my baby boy is getting married.’ Mam gushes, grasping her scarf as it thrashes in the wind. ‘This time next year, it could be you too! Imagine that.’
Cillian stiffens behind me, and not in a good way.
‘Give us a break, Mam, will you.’ I swat her away with my hand. ‘Bonnie was hoping you’d share your mince pie recipe with her, go find her before the madness starts.’
She wasn't.
Bonnie hates mince pies but it was the first thing I could think of to get rid of my well-meaning but pushy mother. Planning our wedding doesn’t fall under the ‘baby steps’ category and I don’t want my mother terrifying Cillian.
Several private hire cars await when we disembark, driving us the couple of miles along the coast to the only hotel on the island. We share with Bonnie and Natalie, while Mam and Dad thankfully travel with my sister, Faith, and her husband, helping them to load the kids into the car seats.
‘Wow.’ Perched atop a rugged bluff overlooking the Atlantic, the hotel boasts breath-taking panoramic views of the ocean. Waves crash therapeutically against the rocks below. The shingled exterior, large windows and beautifully landscaped grounds combine a timeless elegance with the charm of a classic seaside estate.
No wonder Nate snapped this place up. It’s like owning a tiny slice of heaven.
We make our way inside the grand lobby, welcomed by high ceilings and chandeliers. The coastal colours inside reflect the ocean’s hues.
Holly and Nate are waiting for us. Harriet’s sleeping in the pram next to them; Holly rocks it back and forth with one hand and clutches a glass of champagne in the other.
‘Welcome.’ Her complexion is flawless and glowing.
Nate’s arm is tucked protectively over her shoulders, as he glances up from his fiancée and daughter with a look of pure wonder in his eyes.
‘It’s not too late to run, Holly.’ I greet her with a kiss on the cheek. ‘The boat is docked, I’m sure someone round here knows how to sail it.’
‘Very funny, sis.’ Nate ruffles my hair in that annoying big brother way. ‘But I see you managed to bring a date, so unlesshefinds someone to sail that boat before one o’clock tomorrow, it looks like HeartSync has a new investor.’ He extends a calloused hand.
