I wanted someone like Amberlyn. Someone who will stand up for herself against me, or anyone else, for that matter. She isn’t a pushover, and I believe that all the pain and loss she has been on the receiving end of has made her tough as nails. Something she’ll need if she’s going to be my wife. It won’t be easy, but I believe that our love will overcome the obstacles that may arise. All we have to do is get through the next couple months. Once we are married, nothing else will matter. It will be her and me, and that’s it.

As her eyes sparkle with love and pride, I know we have it all wrapped up. We are meant for each other. Two halves of a heart. My Amberlyn. Mo stór.

“I am so proud of you,” she says, her fingers tickling the back of my neck.

I smile as I brush my lips against hers. My cheeks burn with color. I don’t like the attention on me, but when I’m in her arms, I don’t have the desire to take off and run. I don’t want to be anywhere but where I am. Kissing her lips, I melt against her as she holds me tight.

Backing away, she grins at me as I whisper, “Grand ’cause I want to be a man who you are proud of.”

“Well, Mr. O’Callaghan, you have that in the bag.”

“So do you, future Mrs. O’Callaghan.”

Her lips curve as she leans into me, looking deep into my eyes. “I love the sound of that.”

Closing my eyes, I lean my forehead against hers as I take in the same air she breathes. “As do I, mo stór. I can’t wait till it’s for real.”

As she cups my face, I open my eyes and she smiles. “Not too much longer.”

“I’m counting the hours.”

“I’m counting the minutes,” she counters.

“Fine, the seconds are what I’m counting,” I tease back, kissing her nose.

“I wish it would just happen so both of ya will stop all this ooey gooey counting shite! Jaysus,” Kane supplies before looking over at Fiona. “I refuse to be like that.”

She laughs before looking over at us. “Don’t let him fool ya a bit. He’s as ooey gooey as a melted slice of cheese, that one.”

That has everyone laughing, and as Amberlyn laughs in my arms, I pull her closer.

I live for moments like these.

Just holding her and feeling her laugh against me.

I almost lost her.

These moments.

That is something I’ll never forget, and because of it, I treasure her.

Completely.

“And this is my future daughter-in-law, our soon-to-be Whiskey Princess.”

Six pair of eyes cut to me as I stand awkwardly near Mrs. O’Callaghan and Lena. While I am dressed like them, even look as if I could be one of them, I feel so out of place. Both of them are very slim, long legs, and long, flowing blond hair. Their dresses make them look like a billion bucks, and while mine is obviously by the same designer, I’m pretty sure I look frumpy in it. I never really cared for tea dresses; I don’t like the length or the look of them, but apparently everyone who is in the world of upper society loves them.

Declan assured me that I looked great, but I am sure I could wear a paper bag and he’d think that. By the look of the ladies around the table, I don’t look great, I look stupid, and I want to go home. Wringing my fingers together, I wish that Declan were here. He’d assure me that the Fadmish ladies aren’t looking at me like I don’t belong. That they aren’t stuck-up people but very sweet ladies, but he is nowhere to be seen. He drove me over here and said he’d take me home afterward. I’m pretty sure he’s out playing with his horse.

Lucky duck.

I want to stop being nervous, but I don’t get what I wish for. Smiling, like I assume I’m supposed to be, I walk with Mrs. O’Callaghan and Lena into the gazebo before taking my seat between them. Everyone falls into fast conversation while I sit there and try to keep up. Some of the ladies’ accents are very thick and I try to understand them, but it’s hard. Lena and Mrs. O’Callaghan keep up with no issue at all, not that I thought they wouldn’t, I just wish I could. I’ve been here almost six months; shouldn’t I be a little more fluent in the Irish manner of speaking?

I’ll catch on. Hopefully. Looking off to the left, I watch as two bluebirds play carelessly in the bird bath. I’d love to be one of those birds right now. It’s a gorgeous day. Fall is coming and you can feel the cool in the air, but still it’s beautiful. I love the weather here. It’s so crisp and instantly makes you feel happy. It isn’t just weather though, I’ve realized since being in Ireland. No, it’s a part of you. The way the air brushes your hair off your shoulders or kisses your cheeks. It’s poetic almost. I just love it here.

Leaning back in my chair, I cross my legs but soon Mrs. O’Callaghan is tapping my ribs. “Sit up, my love,” she whispers, and I almost think she isn’t talking to me until she sets me with a disapproving look. My brows come together as I sit up like I’m asked to. I’m not sure why I do that, but I do. Crossing my hands on my knee, I keep smiling as one of the ladies and Lena talk about Micah. From what I hear, she is a friend of Micah’s family.

“And you’ll go with him?” she asks Lena.

Lena smiles as she shrugs. “I’m considering it. I just don’t know what I’d do without a straightener or my phone, even!”

Everyone laughs and I smile attentively. I feel someone looking at me, and when I glance over at the lady who was talking to Lena, she’s smiling at me. She then asks, “Would you go if our sweet Declan were leaving for Africa?”

I clear my throat before saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

Everyone smiles and I know it’s because of my accent. My non Irish-speaking accent. “Considering I didn’t throw it, I’d doubt ya would.” I try not to be offended as she says, “My name is Rhonda.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say with a grin, one that is totally fake, of course. “Yes, I would go.”

“Yous wouldn’t be scared about not having a straightener? Or other things we women need?” Another of the ladies asks with a look of horror on her face. “I wouldn’t go! I’d wait like a good wife would.”

Everyone nods in agreement and even laughs softly as I shrug, running my finger along the rim of my teacup.

“I’d have Declan. What else would I need?” I say simply, a small grin pulling at my lips. I’d go anywhere Declan was. We’d figure out a way to be happy wherever we are.