Epilogue
EPILOGUE
~SHAWN~
T he lighting is intentional.
It’s the holidays, so traditional twinkle lights are strewn about the space, but Kane was specific about which pieces should be near the lights, assuring that the glass is the focus and not the holiday decorations.
The gallery in Galway hosting this exhibit is stunning. It only features Irish artists, and Kane knew that he wanted pieces that were also fired here in Ireland to be the ones on display for his exhibit.
He and Anastasia have been here for six months while Kane worked tirelessly to be ready.
Despite a museum in his honor in Washington, and the pieces he’s made for heads of state around the world, I don’t know that I’ve been prouder of him than I am today.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” I say to him as I give him a firm hug. “You should be very proud.”
“Thank you,” he says. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I rub my hands together and glance around the room. I spoke with Kane about my plans the other night because I wanted to make sure he wouldn’t think I was trying to steal his thunder.
Of course, he didn’t.
Lexi joins us, and I link my hand with hers just as Keegan walks over to join in on the conversation.
“How does it feel to be away from the pub for a while?” Lexi asks him.
“I’m a fish out of water,” he says. “But it’s nice to take a holiday. This show is beyond amazing, Kane. It’s proud I am to be your brother.”
“We’re a sentimental lot tonight,” Kane says with a laugh. “Thank you. I’d better go find my bride.”
He walks away and stops to talk with Cameron, who also came to Ireland to celebrate the holiday with our family. Cameron’s gaze sweeps the area and lands on Maggie.
His jaw tightens.
He rocks on the balls of his feet.
Yes, Cameron has it bad for my baby sister.
“So, Keegan, we need to find you a nice girl,” Lexi says to my brother. He stares at her for a moment and then tips his head back and lets out a laugh. “Why is that funny?”
“Because, lass, the pub is my one and only mistress these days. I don’t have time for a woman in my life. She’d be angry because I’m always working. I enjoy the company of a bonny lass when I’ve a mind to. That’s all I need.”
“Sure,” Lexi says. “We’ll see about that.”
“You might want to take control of this one,” Keegan says to me, and I watch with humor as Lexi bristles at his words.
“Do you want a knuckle sandwich?” Lexi asks, making him chuckle. “Because I can give you one.”
“I’m sure that’s the truth,” Keegan says and leans in to kiss her cheek. “But I’d rather have a cuddle instead.”
“Get your own girl,” I say, my voice mild. Keegan grins and walks away to talk with Maeve and Ma.
I glance around again and see that everyone is in place. Our parents are gathered nearby, along with my siblings. Everyone I hold most dear is here.
And I’ve suddenly never been surer of anything in my life.
“Lexi,” I say, catching her attention. I lower to one knee and pull the ring Ma gave me for her out of my pocket. “We started this in a room full of glass, and it’s in another room full of glass that I want to say this to you. Hopefully, this ends better than it did last time.”
She grins down at me, and I take that as a good sign.
“You’re not the only one who found something precious in our time on the island. I discovered that I love being challenged, every day, by a passionate and intelligent woman. That my life without you is empty and lonely. That I need to speak up for what I want and to fight for it. And you’re what I want, angel. I want to navigate this life with you, for the rest of our days. Please do me the honor of being my wife, Lexi. Will you marry me?”
She brushes a tear from her cheek as she nods enthusiastically. “I would love nothing more.”
I slip the ring onto her finger, then bring her hand to my lips and cover the stone with a kiss before scooping her up into my arms and swinging her around.
“I love you.” I nuzzle her nose with mine.
“I love you, too.”
“Our family is growing by leaps and bounds, mo chroí ,” Da says to Ma, who also dabs a tear from her eye.
“And isn’t that a mighty fine thing?”