Page 48 of Niall

“I gave her a private performance this morning,” I informed the table.

Una bit her lip. “I thought there was a cat in heat, but it was Anna, um, singing.” She pulled a face. “Sort of.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “We call it caterwauling, I’ll have you know.”

Una threw her arms around my neck, laughing. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Everyone else smiled, and Finn met my eyes with a droll wink.

Then he clapped his hands. “Boys, it’s time for me to show you the best of Irish food. You’ll never go back to pasta.”

That earned him some groans and eye rolls.

Niall looked at me and pulled me close, his voice low and gravelly in my ear. “If you’re in heat, Anna, I can put out that fire later.”

I cupped his face and kissed him.

“I look forward to it, you mother hen.”

He had an amused glint in his eye. “I told you⁠—”

I grinned as I covered his mouth. “Sorry. You big rooster.”

Then he was laughing too.

I was curled up by the waterfall the next morning, enjoying the quiet. It was still early, and guests weren’t up yet, the lobby fairly empty. Niall was upstairs with Finn, doing whatever they did. Hotel business, casino problems, his other…interests. I didn’t want to ask or delve too deeply.

Una appeared, looking radiant. She hugged me, then sat down, reaching for the teapot. I gasped as the light caught the ring on her finger.

“Una!” I exclaimed, taking her hand. “That is gorgeous!”

She smiled, staring down at the large stone on her hand. “Finn said the emerald reminds him of my eyes. He gave it to me last night.”

“It is exquisite.”

She handed me my tea. “I know.” Then she winked. “I noticed something on your wrist last night.” She lifted one eyebrow. “Something you want to share?”

I told her about Niall’s confession. His quiet admission and asking for time. “This is a gift, but it has a tracker in it as well.”

She nodded, tapping the infinity necklace she wore. “Finn added one to this after…” She trailed off. “Just in case.” She grinned. “Our men take our safety seriously.”

“Una,” I asked, leaning forward. “Is it possible to love someone that quickly? Niall worries it is hero worship. I think it’s more. He is beginning to think so as well…” I shrugged. “But I have never experienced anything like it.”

She took a sip of tea, frowning as if in thought. “I met Finn when I had just turned eighteen. He shook my hand, and I felt something. Once during the evening, he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, and it was as if he’d branded me as his. One touch. I loved him from that moment. So, do I believe love can happen fast? Yes. Do I believe Niall loves you and you him? Yes. How you met was under extraordinary circumstances, but you did meet. And you had the same connection as Finn and me. Instant. It’s rare, but it happens.”

I squeezed her hand. “Thanks.”

We sipped our tea, enjoying the peaceful silence between us.

“Well, it’s the dynamic duo!” Heidi sang, appearing around the corner. “What are you two up to today?”

She sat down, looking runway-ready as usual, her dark hair in a perfect braid.

Una smiled. “Not much. You?”

“I think I found a place my husband will love. I’m doing a second visit. Best part is that it’s empty, so we would get possession right away.”

“Congratulations,” Una and I said at the same time, then began to laugh.