“You look beautiful.”
“Of course I do.” I winked at him. “I got this dress from a fancy store in Ennis.”
He put his hands on my hips and drew me close to him. “It’s not the dress, Dee. It’s you.”
“You’re laying it on thick tonight, Yank.”
He chuckled, standing and offering me his hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here for a bit.”
We stepped outside into the cool spring air, the sounds of the pub muffled behind us. The stars were out, scattered like diamonds across the inky sky, and the bench by the stone wall looked as inviting as ever.
He led me there, his hand warm and steady around mine. When we sat down, he pulled me close, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. For a long moment, we just sat there in silence, the quiet of the night wrapping around us like a blanket.
“You did it,” he said finally, hisvoice soft.
I shook my head. “Wedid it.”
He smiled, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Fair enough. But you’re the one who kept this place together, Dee. You’re the heart of Ballybeg.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He tipped my chin up, his blue eyes locking on mine. “Dee, darlin’, you’ll never have to do anything without me ever again.”
I shrugged. “I heard you talking to Brad. You’ve got to leave soon.”
“The championships are starting. I need to train.”
“I know. But you’ll come back to me.”
“Every time. Maybe you can come and watch me play.”
I kissed him softly. “I’d love to.”
He smiled, his hand sliding around my waist as he pulled me to my feet. “Good. Now, dance with me.”
“Out here?”
“Out here.”
He spun me into his arms, and before I knew it, we were swaying under the stars, the faint music from the pub drifting through the night air.
I let myself relax. The fight was over, spring was in the air, and I was in the arms of the man I loved.
And even though I knew he’d have to leave soon, I also knew he’d come back. Because Ballybeg wasn’t just my home anymore; it was his, too.
I was going to suggest we sneak away and head to bed when Ronan came running outside.
“Dee,” he called out.
“What?”
“It’s Liam,” he said sadly.
“No.” I shook my head.
“No,” I repeated.
Ronan’s expression didn’t change, and the weight of loss hit me like a punch to the gut.
