Chapter 23
O’Brian’s pub was alive with laughter, music, and the clatter of glasses as friends and family filled every available space. Sophie stood near the bar, offering smiles and gracious thank-you’s to well-wishers, but inside, she felt a hollowness she couldn’t shake. This night should have been perfect. The pub was ready to open, and the people who mattered most were here, celebrating with them. And yet, one person was missing.
She should have invited him.
Liam belonged here. He had helped make this dream a reality in more ways than she could count. She looked around at all the joyous faces.
Darcie and Connor were dancing, Henry and Shamus were cuddling the twins, Simon and Sondra were kissing in the corner, Emma was laughing with some of the guys from the construction crew… but the one person she wanted to see most wasn’t there.
And that was her fault.
A sudden roar of delight from the crowd broke through her thoughts, and Sophie turned in time to see her parents, Caitriona and Ronan, stepping through the doorway. The sight of them stole her breath.
“Mom! Dad!” Keefe was already moving toward them and called to Sophie over the crowd. “Sophie! Look who’s here!” Keefe embraced their mother, lifting her off her feet then moved to their dad. Sophie followed, throwing herself into their arms, overwhelmed by their presence.
“You didn’t think we’d miss our twins opening their dream place, did you?” Caitriona said. She cupped Sophie’s face in her hands before pulling her in for another hug.
Sophie swallowed against the lump in her throat. “You should have told us you were coming. We’d have picked you up from the airport.”
“We wanted it to be a surprise,” Ronan said with a knowing smile. “Besides, we weren’t about to miss a party this grand.”
And grand it was. The pub was packed with the construction crew—Tom, Mack, Dermot, Young Trev, Duff, and Tully—who had all brought their families along. The air buzzed with energy as people danced to the lively music played on the stage, and with hands clapping and feet stomping, joy radiated through the space.
But still, Sophie couldn’t shake the emptiness inside.
She slipped away as the dancing picked up, finding refuge in the kitchen, her hands pressing against the cool countertop as she exhaled a slow breath. The noise from the main room was muffled here, and she welcomed the solitary moment.
“You should be out there celebrating.”
She turned to see Keefe leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.
“I am celebrating.” Even she could hear the lie in her voice.
Keefe sighed and stepped into the kitchen. “No, you’re not. You’ve been smiling all night, but not once have your eyes matched it and we both know why.”
Sophie opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off.
“You should have invited Liam.”
Her throat tightened. “It’s too late now.”
“It’s never too late.” He held her gaze, voice softening. “Go after him, Soph. What’s stopping you?”
Her heart pounded. She wanted to. God, she wanted to. She hadn’t realized until this moment just how badly.
“But, what if?—”
“No.” Keefe shook his head. “No what ifs. No buts. No overthinking. Just go.”
Sophie hesitated for only a moment longer before pushing off the counter.
Her eyes widened. “You’re right! I should have invited him! What the hell am I doing here? Keefe, sorry but, I gotta go!” She snatched her purse from the counter and dashed for the door.
“Hey, Soph—wait!”
She turned, exasperated. “What?”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
And with that, she hurried out the door, leaving Keefe shaking his head with a knowing smile.
* * *
Sophie barely paused to knock as she pushed open Liam’s front door, her heart pounding. “It’s me! Are you in here?” she called, breathless with excitement as she stepped inside.
“In the kitchen, love,” Liam answered.
She followed the sound, her steps quick, barely able to contain herself. She found him standing by the counter, pouring a cup of coffee, the rich aroma curling in the air. The sight of him calm, steady, utterly unaware of the storm inside her only made her pulse race faster.
Liam glanced up at her, his expression concerned as he took in her flushed cheeks and wide, urgent eyes. “What’s got you wound up?”
“Ask me,” she said, vibrating with anticipation.
“What?”
“Ask me,” she repeated. Her excitement was ready to bubble over.
“Ask you what?” He gave a small, confused laugh, setting the coffeepot back down.
She took a deep, unsteady breath. “Listen, a few days ago, I found a ring in your drawer.” Her words tumbled out in a rush. “And now today, we’re having this big family dinner, and you’re not there! You, of all people, should be there!” She blinked rapidly, the lump in her throat making it hard to breathe. “You said you would never marry anyone but me, right? So, so—ask me! Please?”
Her voice cracked on the last word, and the floodgates broke spilling tears down her cheeks.
Now, any other man might have rushed forward in panic to dry her tears. But not Liam.
This man knew her too well.
A slow, knowing smile spread across his face as he stepped forward. In one smooth motion, he swept her off her feet as he lifted her effortlessly into the air. A laugh bubbled out of her, mixing with her tears as he spun her around, her hair flying, her hands clutching at his shoulders.
“Will you marry me, Sophie?”