Epilogue
MAEVE
It’s been six months since the fundraiser, and in that time, I’ve managed to fix not only the pipes but also update the roof and windows. There were a few extra thousand left over, which I tucked away as an emergency fund. Something I never would’ve dreamed of having just a few months ago.
And then there’s Rory. He went home with his brother but came back a few weeks later with all his stuff.
He tried staying at a nearby hotel, but after a week of practically living with me anyway, I told him to move in.
He’s the easiest person to live with. He cleans up after himself, even cooks for me after late nights at the bar.
He hasn’t spoken to his brother since leaving the States.
I think he’s still hopeful, but not hopeful enough to work with him again.
He’s gone back to contract work, fixing up homes around the neighborhood, and even helped Seimon with his house.
Seimon and his brothers have since apologized for everything, and now Rory even goes out for beers with them sometimes.
But the help he’s given my family is what’s been irreplaceable.
He helped my dad pay off his debts, and soon he and my sister will be moving to Ireland.
Maddy was resistant at first. She’s never been one to leave home, but then she applied to universities here and got accepted into Dublin City University for a PhD in socioeconomics.
Now, she talks about the move more than I do.
It’s strange to think I’ll have my whole family together again. Or almost. And honestly? I don’t hate the idea. Not one bit.
“Hey, Maeve! You coming?” Eliza calls from the bar entrance.
She and Rory have been planning some kind of party for the last month, and they’ve conveniently kept the details from me.
I have a pretty good idea what it might be— especially after Rory asked for my ring size, but I’ll act surprised, just in case I’m right.
I already know what I’m going to say. I’ve known since the first time we kissed.
“Yes!” I call back and follow Eliza out of the bar.
Love to hear what you thought about this romance. Even a few words helps- Irish Fire & Forbidden Love Review .
Be sure to read the second in the Celtic Men Series, Scottish Legends & Lost Love.
Lachlan
At thirty years old, I find myself as a troubled landowner on the brink of financial despair.
I've been contemplating selling my ancestral estate in the Highlands to developers, feeling it's the only way to secure my family’s future.
Enter Fiona MacGregor, a dedicated historian with a fervor for safeguarding Scotland’s forgotten legends and treasures.
She’s been presented with the remarkable opportunity to document historical relics on my land—a dream come true for her.
Yet, while Fiona is determined to locate a mythical artifact rumored to protect the Highlands and potentially save the estate, I remain convinced that selling is the more practical choice.
As we collaborate, I notice that Fiona and I are growing closer, yet our relationship is strained by our conflicting goals.
To her, selling the estate would be a betrayal of everything she values, while I grapple with the dilemma of choosing between my family's legacy and the pressing need for financial security.
When an investor pressures me to finalize the sale, Fiona faces a pivotal choice about trusting me to preserve the estate.
Ultimately, we join forces to uncover the artifact, which reignites my pride in my heritage.
Together, we reimagine the estate as a cultural heritage site, ensuring the preservation of Scotland’s rich history and nurturing our blossoming love.