Chapter 43
AOIFE
We’ve been at the villa for three glorious days now, splitting our time between the bedroom and the decking.
This afternoon we’re lying side by side on the cushioned daybeds overlooking the lake glistening in front of us—smooth and unbroken, a pale blue mirror cradled by dark green mountains.
My bikini is still wet from our swim. The plush white mattress is warm beneath my skin.
The air is balmy with a gentle breeze. And the empty carton of Chunky Monkey Ben it’s just that in my experience it doesn’t last. The things I love are always taken from me. I had to get used to being on my own.’
‘You aren’t on your own anymore, Aoife. You don’t have to fight every battle alone. And you never will again.’
Something inside me shifts.
Because for the first time in my life, someone isn’t asking what I can give.
He’s telling me what he can give me.
‘You’re allowed to be happy. It can last,’ he says, simply. ‘And you don’t owe anyone an apology for it. You have an entire family now. And you’re allowed to let them fight for you. For us.’
His pupils bore into mine, hotter than the midday sun. ‘You and I are the real deal, sweetheart. I spent my life looking for you. I just didn’t know it until you tripped into my bar.’
He leans across the thick, plush mattress, cradles my chin, tilting my mouth up to meet his. ‘I love you, Aoife Kincaid,’ he says.
I will never tire of hearing him say those three little words because they scream to my soul.