Chapter 33
THE PARTY
I stand in the foyer of the once-crumbling lake house, breathing in the scent of freshly painted walls and newly polished floors.
My gaze roams around in admiration of the high ceilings, intricate crown moulding and the warm glow cast by vintage chandeliers.
I can’t help but feel a swell of pride as I reflect on the weeks of renovation work our team poured into the house and now it’s finished. Right on schedule. Ta-da!
We’d been complete strangers when we first stepped foot into the abandoned building, each with our own talents and personalities.
But soon enough, we grew close, genuine buddies, clocking in countless hours of work and lots of laughter, fuelled by cups of tea.
Bringing a shared dream together, turning this relic into something wonderful.
As I run my fingers along the smooth balustrade of the polished staircase, I feel a gentle touch on my shoulder.
I look up to find James, the lawyer turned tour guide turned historian turned odd-jobs man with quiet confidence and skilful hands that saved me here countless times.
He hands me a plastic envelope of documents. ‘Insurance has been approved,’ he says. ‘One of the last things you’ll have to sign.’
I take the packet and sit down on the bottom stair. As I slowly scan each page, James brings over two cups of coffee and slides onto the step beside me. He smiles knowingly as I sign off on the final page.
A hint of sadness hangs in his eyes as he gazes around the house. ‘It’s bittersweet, isn’t it?’ he says softly. ‘It turned out better than any of us could have imagined, but all good things must come to an end, eh?’
Without conscious thought, I take his hand and give it an encouraging squeeze. ‘We should celebrate our final night here at the house, while we’re all together,’ I suggest. ‘Something that’ll leave us with good memories.’
A sly smile creases James’ lips. ‘I may have just the thing. Be here for 8 p.m.’
‘Thanks, James – you’ve been such a great friend. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, let me know.’ He raises an eyebrow at me. ‘Like if you need any help? Like you broke your leg, or your account got hacked and you had no money, or if you got food poisoning…?’
‘Sounds like a great offer. Thanks.’ He grins back at me, and I feel my heart flutter.
I laugh and throw my hands up in the air. ‘You know what I mean. I’m here for you, just like how you’ve been here for me.’
I think about all James has taught me since I got here.
He’s helped me realise that it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away; that life will give us what we need when we least expect it and that being brave enough to take risks will lead us to places we never dreamed were possible. Even against the odds.
‘James,’ I begin hesitantly. ‘So what’s next for you now? What’s your plan?’
‘Well, I’ve had a little bit of news myself on the career front.’ He raises an eyebrow, almost coy.
‘Go on – tell me more!’ I gently nudge him in the ribs.
‘It’s a human rights position in Brussels that I’ve wanted for a while, but the timing wasn’t right – I couldn’t just leave Dad to manage the office on his own.
But, strangely enough, it was him who suggested I apply!
Not sure if he’s trying to get rid of me or if he’s thinking of scaling back a bit.
Odds are I won’t get it, but I’m in with a slim chance,’ he says with a sigh.
‘A slim chance is still a chance,’ I reply optimistically. ‘We’ve faced tough odds before and come out on top!’
‘You’re right – if anyone can do it against the odds, it’s us, Daisy.’
I swallow. My cheeks flame, and all of a sudden, I just don’t know what to do with myself.
Oh dear.
Oh no.
Oh please.
Please don’t make me think that this is anything even close to real and confuse me and make me screw up my entire life just when I’ve finally got it together.
I hold his piercing gaze. If I were single, wow, would this be a moment.
I’d tell him how much he meant to me, wrap my arms around him and press myself against him, inhale his scent, run my fingers through his hair.
I’m close enough to feel the warmth emanating from his body.
My breath hitches; it’s difficult to contain the desire that courses through my veins when he’s so close, like now.
The way his touch electrifies my skin, the way we complement each other – it’s impossible to ignore our chemistry.
My eyes flicker down to his lips, and I watch as he bites them softly with anticipation.
It takes everything in me to resist kissing him right now, right here, to finally give in to what I know has been stirring from the moment I saw him in The Fox.
And I can tell by the way he’s looking at me that it might be the same for him.
We’re both caught in this moment and hyper-aware of the tension between us. I know I have to do something before it becomes too intense for me to handle. Before I make an irreversible mistake.
I can’t. I won’t. I couldn’t… It’s not fair to Ash. It’s not fair to anyone.
I jump up from my seat and walk away with my back turned towards him, pretending to busy myself with anything else besides him.
As Kayla and I step into the Lake House dining room, a wave of warmth and light embraces us both. She turns to me, gobsmacked. This is the first time since Kayla has been ill that she’s seen the place in its full glory.
I can see the awe in her eyes as she takes in the beautifully decorated space, her hand holding on to mine tightly. I can’t help but smile, knowing that this is all because of our hard work.
‘Wow,’ Kayla breathes, her voice filled with wonder. ‘It’s so beautiful.’
‘It really is,’ I reply, squeezing her hand affectionately. ‘And it’s all thanks to everyone here.’
The scent of home-cooked food lingers in the air, and flickering candles add a soft glow to the long table set with delicate vases filled with wildflowers and crisp linens.
Friends, both familiar and new, surround the table, joyfully chattering as James presents an Irish feast: honey-and-mustard-glazed ham, buttery mash potatoes, stew, fresh carrots and peas from his garden – each dish garnished with love and care.
We take our seats, and I can feel the excitement in the air.
Everyone is chatting and laughing, sharing stories about their time at the Lake House.
The food is passed around, each dish more delicious than the last. I can see Kayla taking small bites of everything, putting on a brave face despite still feeling under par.
As we enjoy the lavish meal, my eyes can’t help but drift to the man across from me, the one who made all this happen.
Amidst the hearty conversation and playful banter, his presence feels like the gravity that keeps us all grounded.
If I’m being fully honest with myself, I’ve been feeling an intense pull towards James since our first encounter, and my friendship with him is something that’s grown deeper than I ever expected.
His company has been a bright spot in my life here in Innisfree, and I’ve loved all the moments we’ve shared together.
It’s like he sees the real me, the person behind the doubts and fears.
He makes me feel like I’m enough, just as I am.
And I see the same in him. I’ve been realising that my feelings for him are more than just platonic, and my reluctance to leave the Lake House has just as much to do with James as the property itself.
As I watch the laughter and friendship zigzag across the table, my heart fills with joy, while the unknown territory of my feelings for James brews a subtle cocktail of confusion and anxiety and, of course, guilt over Ash.
Believe me, I didn’t set out to feel this way.
It’s what I do with these feelings that matters.
I daren’t even speak to Kayla about this.
I was hoping that the feelings would go away, but instead they’re only becoming more intense and harder to ignore.
Suddenly, a hush falls over the room as James stands up, a glass of wine in his hand. He clears his throat and raises his glass, looking around the table with a smile.
‘I just wanted to say a few words,’ he begins, his voice carrying through the room.
‘You all have made this project so much more than just a job. You’ve all become friends, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.
This isn’t just a beautiful space; it’s a space filled with memories and laughter and love. ’
There’s a murmur of agreement from the group, and I can see tears in Kayla’s eyes as she listens to James’ heartfelt words. This place has become more than just a project for all of us – it’s become a home.
‘To the Lake House,’ James says, raising his glass high. ‘May it always be a place of love, friendship and happiness. And to Mick, who made it all possible.’
The whole group raises their glasses, echoing James’ words with resounding cheer.
I take a sip of my wine, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.
This is where I belong, amongst friends and loved ones, building a future filled with laughter and joy.
I look over at Kayla, who’s smiling through her tears, and I know that this is exactly where we’re meant to be.
I just don’t know how realistic it is to even think this way.
Actually, I do. Completely unrealistic. Nobody should capsize their life after a few weeks away from home. I’m sure they even teach that in schools.
After dinner, we move out to a massive campfire that Finn and Liam have lit.
Grace and her friends pull out their instruments – guitars, fiddles and even a borrowed accordion.
Grace strums away and happily takes requests as Fintan belts out much-loved favourites, and Dom and Jacinta dance together, holding their hands high in an old set dance.
Kayla whoops and claps, wrapped in a blanket, giving herself a night off from high kicks and what can only be described as ‘interpretive jigging’.
The music and wine weave a magical web around us, filling the night with a sense of camaraderie and comfort I’ve never experienced before.
Despite the simple beauty of the moment, however, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by a sense of impending sadness.
As we share stories and laugh in unison, I find myself desperate for time to slow down so I can stay here forever.
James and I sit side by side, sharing a blanket to ward off the chill of the night air, mesmerised by the orange glow and dancing sparks before us.
The warmth of the blaze adds a deeper hue to the silvery moonlight, and for a moment I’m sure I can feel my heart swell with the sheer beauty of it all.
James turns to me and smiles. ‘You did it,’ he says softly.
There’s a beat before I reply, my throat tight with emotion. ‘We did it,’ I finally whisper.
A glance between us hints at the unspoken bond that’s been growing ever since I set foot here in Innisfree. Aching with bittersweet sadness, I know our time is up.
The stars twinkle in the night sky, like a million eyes watching us from above.
‘You’re something special,’ he whispers, his blue eyes piercing into mine with undeniable longing. ‘I wish we didn’t have to say goodbye. I wish you weren’t heading back to London.’
My breath hitches as I feel emotions swell up and threaten to overflow.
Reaching out, I place my hand in his, feeling the strength of his calloused fingers intertwined with mine.
I can’t help myself. It was as natural and as sudden as a reflex.
For a moment, time stands still. I know I won’t be able to forget this night or the way it makes me feel.
As the moon slowly inches across the sky, James’ thumb grazes gently against my knuckles and I feel an overwhelming warmth flow through me. It’s everything I want and yet… I can’t. This isn’t right. It isn’t fair. It’s not to be.
I slip my hand from his grasp. ‘I should go,’ I say softly. Even as I say this I’m fighting against what my heart is telling me. But he knows it too. He bows his head, a slow, sad nod of acceptance.
With one last glance at the campfire, my hands deep in my pockets and my eyes trained downwards, I make my way back to the house.
The moon rises above the treetops, casting a pale light over the meadow.
The grass shimmers with dewdrops that glisten like diamonds in the moonlight.
The air is alive with the sweet fragrances of wildflowers, and I take a deep breath, letting them fill my nostrils.
I close my eyes and listen to the music; crickets chirping and frogs croaking, the campfire sing-song and the easy laughter of my Innisfree family wrapping around me like a blanket, wishing to carve this perfect stolen moment into my memory forever.