Chapter 40
Jax
I’d won championships. I’d played in front of thousands of people, cameras zoomed in on my every move, millions watching at home.
But none of that—not the pressure of a final putt, not the roar of a crowd—came close to how nervous I felt standing in The Banshee’s Rest, a ring box tucked in my pocket, surrounded by the quirkiest bunch of misfits I’d ever known.
I’d lived here for a year and a half now, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else ever again.
Ballybeg. My village. My home.
And Dee Gallagher—my whole damn world.
The pub was packed tonight. This past weekend's first charity golf game was a resounding success, and everyone was in a celebratory mood.
Mrs. Nolan was settled in her usual spot by the fire, deep in conversation with Seamus, who didn’t look any worse for wear despite trying to “race” one of the golf carts earlier and getting a fierce telling-off from Ronan.
Liam Ryan and Connor Kelly were halfway through what looked like their third pint, arguing loudly about who had the better swing.
Ronan was behind the bar, grinning as he poured a fresh round for the regulars. He still helped out at the pub when Dee needed it, and she needed it today.
Dee moved between tables, holding a tray in one hand. Her sharp, witty smile lit up the room.
She had no idea what was coming.
I took a deep breath, glancing at Ronan, who caught my eye and gave me a subtle nod. He was in on the plan—he’d been the first person I told, mostly because I needed him to make sure no one accidentally ruined the moment. I didn’t trust Seamus not to blurt something out after a couple of pints.
Saoirse caught Ronan’s eye and went up to Dee. “Give me that, and rest your feet. You’ve been up all feckin’ day.”
Dee gratefully handed off the tray and made her way to a barstool next to Cadhla, who was also in the know because she’d baked a cake for after. She slipped away quietly, leaving Dee alone at the bar.
I walked to her and tapped her shoulder. She swiveled on the barstool and grinned at me. “What’s up with you?”
My chest felt like it was going to explode.
I held my hand to her, and she slipped hers in, though she raised an eyebrow in query.
I pulled her to her feet and led her to the center of the pub.
She frowned, glancing around. “My feet are killing me if you’re wanting to dance.”
Slowly, everyone quieted. Some knew, and some were now starting to guess, which was why there were big smiles across the room.
I cleared my throat as the last of the murmurs died down, and all eyes turned on us.
“What the hell are you doing?” Dee whispered, her cheeks flushing as she glanced around the room.
“Patience, darlin’ Dee.” I raised my voice. “Alright, everyone, if I could have your attention for just a minute….”
“Get on with it, Yank!” Paddy called out, earning a round of laughter from the crowd.
“Right, then. As most of you know, Ballybeg has become a second home to me over the past year. You’ve all welcomed me in, shown me what it means to be part of a community, and made me feel like I belong here. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Dee rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. She did that a lot now. Sure, she could still sass with the best of them and scare the life out of vendors—but there was a softness to her that came from happiness.
“But the most important reason I’m still here—isn’t just because of y’all, since you’re completely whacked.”
A cheer of agreement went through our audience.
“Dee Gallagher, you are the strongest, smartest, most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.
” I had my heart in my eyes, and I could see that she now knew what was coming.
“You’ve challenged me, fought me, and made me a better man just by being you.
I didn’t know what I was looking for when I came to Ballybeg, but you took my heart when you told Liam Murphy, may he rest in peace, that you could pick out his gnarly fingers in a butt-pinching lineup. ”
Her eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise as the color in her cheeks deepened.
“Liam had some wanderin’ hands. God, bless his soul.” Geraldine patted Poppy’s head, who let out a short bark as if in agreement.
The room erupted into laughter, and Dee let out a small, shaky laugh, and her eyes filled with tears.
Happy ones.
I could tell the difference now.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring box that had the emerald ring I’d bought all those months ago in Cork.
In the past year and a half, I’d given her the earrings and, most recently, the bracelet for her birthday.
I was saving the necklace for when she had our baby.
We’d just stopped using protection, so I knew that day was going to be here soon; after all, none of us was getting younger, and I desperately wanted a family with Dee.
“Darlin’ Dee, I want to spend the rest of my life making sure I never ruin a single day in your life.”
I dropped to one knee, the noise in the room fading into nothing as I held the ring up to her.
“Dee Gallagher. Will you marry me?”
The room held its collective breath. Dee looked at me, her green eyes wide, shimmering with tears. Then she let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she reached down and grabbed my face with both hands.
“Why the hell not,” she said, her voice breaking.
“And that’s how a woman accepts a proposal,” Mrs. O’Leary said proudly. “Why the hell not? It’s feckin’ perfect.”
Like I said, the entire village was feckin’ whacked!
Dee wiggled her ring finger at me. “Now, put that ring on me, Yank.”
“First, say yes, nicely.” I closed my fist with the ring in it.
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll marry you, Jax Caldwell.”
“Why?” I pushed.
“Because I love you!” she shouted.
The room erupted into cheers and applause as she pulled me to my feet, wrapping her arms around my neck, and kissing me like it was the only thing that mattered.
I slipped the ring onto her finger, grinning like an idiot as everyone crowded around us, clapping us on the back and shouting their congratulations.
“You’re stuck with me now, Wildcat,” I whispered.
“Damn right, I am.” Her smile was brighter than I’d ever seen it.
“Thank you for giving me everything,” I murmured.
And, as I held her close, surrounded by the chaotic, beautiful madness of Ballybeg, I knew I’d never been happier.
Thank you for reading Till There Was You. Want more Jax and Dee? Read the bonus chapter: The Day Ballybeg Went Fowl, on my website at
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