Epilogue
Saint Patrick’s Day. One Year later
“What are you drinking?” the man across the bar asked. He wore large green overalls without a shirt and a top hat. He looked like most everyone tonight, dressed to celebrate their favorite drinking holiday in various shades of green.
It was strange, having that phrase catch my attention tonight instead of the one I’d heard for so many years. Wanna get lucky? But it was nice too.
Just like Mom promised, my magic left when Liam and I got together.
It hadn’t stirred or even fizzled all year, although that wasn’t unexpected.
Under normal circumstances, my blessing—that was more of a curse—was confined to one night and one night only.
Saint Patrick’s Day. This year, for the first time since I was eighteen, it slept silently, more than satisfied with the bargain I made. Choosing Liam and love set me free.
Unfortunately, my so-called freedom did not prevent me from being hit on—a downside of practically living at High Tide Tavern.
Thankfully, I had a boyfriend who was more than happy to chase away the creeps.
If he wasn’t around, the team, which had become a second family this past year, was more than happy to step in.
“She’s not interested.” Liam’s deep voice vibrated the little hairs at the back of my neck as he pulled me into his arms. I couldn’t see his expression, but I was sure he’d narrowed his eyes into that broody, touch her and I’ll knock you out look he gave every man who talked to me.
“Sorry,” the man muttered, then turned away, looking for a different soul to seduce.
“It’s your fault, you know,” Liam said right before dipping his head to kiss my neck.
I pinched my shoulder upward, laughed, then turned to look at him. Even though I picked his outfit, seeing him dressed like a leprechaun—tan trousers, white shirt, green suspenders, and a short scruffy beard that I sprayed orange with temporary dye along with the rest of his hair—made me giggle.
“And how do you figure that?”
“Because you look so damn beautiful.” Liam kissed me and just like on the very first night, the world faded away. I would have thought by now that the butterflies and constant need to feel his touch would have faded, but I want him just as much today as I did a year ago. Maybe more.
Liam pulled back and playfully brushed his nose against mine. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”
“Maybe,” I whispered, a grin tugging at my lips, “but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.” I laced my fingers with his and pulled him toward the back hall. “Upstairs. Where you can show me just how much.”