Chapter 18
KANE
After a pouring rain overnight, the St. Patrick’s Day festival dawns bright and clear. I take that as a sign that today is the perfect day for me to propose to Quinn.
The citizens of Pelican Point, along with a record-breaking number of visitors, are out in full force to celebrate family, unity, and tradition.
From the parade down Seabreeze Avenue, to the entertainment provided by the Irish pipe and drum corps and an Irish step-dancing group, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
And we have food trucks! The event is truly a celebration of community and connection, much like an old-fashioned street fair.
The businesses along the parade route, as well as both of the pubs, are overflowing with music, laughter, and the kind of magic that only happens when old wounds finally heal and everyone comes together for a common goal.
As Quinn and I stand on the corner greeting festival goers, Gramma approaches. This is the first time in years that I can recall her attending the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. We each give her a hug.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Gramma?”
“Oh my, yes. It’s a beautiful day for a festival.”
Quinn speaks up, excited to give Gramma some news we can’t keep secret any longer.
“We’ve got something to tell you. After the festival, Kane and I plan to announce the coupling of our businesses.
We’ll merge the traditional menu of Kavanaugh’s with the modern flair of O’Brien’s to create one beautiful blended pub family. ”
I drape an arm over Quinn’s shoulder and pull her in close. “But it’s about more than business. This move is about building a shared legacy, one that honors the past while embracing the future.”
Gramma claps her hands together in glee.
“You have no idea how happy this makes me. This is probably a good time to tell you that not only did Connor want to merge the businesses, he wanted the two of you to fall in love. It was all part of his grand plan to end the rift between our families once and for all.”
That’s my cue. I get down on one knee and clasp Quinn’s hand in mine. “Let’s not just merge the pubs, let’s join our families together forever. I love you, Quinn. And I will do everything in my power to show you that every day. Will you marry me?”
Quinn lowers herself to my level. “I love you too, Kane. And yes, I will marry you. Now kiss me, please.”
I take the ring out of my pocket and place it on her finger, then pull her in for a kiss as festival revelers cheer and shout out congratulations.
Later, as darkness descends, Quinn and I stand in the alley between the two pubs, the engagement ring I placed on her finger earlier sparkling under the lights strung along the canopy that now connects the two buildings.
Although neither of us is wealthy, we know that the real treasure at the end of our rainbow isn’t a pot of gold, it’s the love our grandparents hoped we’d find.