Epilogue
Eight months later, they stood outside their new house holding hands.
It was a small cottage with three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and a bathroom in the lean-to extension at the back.
It sat on the top of the hill overlooking Dingle Bay and had stunning views of both the ocean and the islands.
It had taken them most of the winter to find it and when they did, it had caused many an argument about all the work the old Victorian house would need to make it at least comfortable.
The garden was also overgrown with a gnarled crab apple tree that was now, in the month of April, in full bloom, and the grass knee high.
So much had happened since last year, the most exciting event being the launch of Sylvia’s memoirs.
It had overshadowed John Peters’ novel and nobody had paid much attention to the old secrets he had revealed.
Everyone was fascinated by Sylvia’s story and she was hailed as the most modern and independent woman of her generation.
Her launch party was a huge success and everyone celebrated with champagne and dancing into the early hours of the morning.
Marian smiled at the memory as she looked at the house. All her troubles had finally been resolved and there was harmony within the Fleury family once more.
‘Happy?’ Theo asked, squeezing her hand.
‘Oh yes. It’s the house of my dreams,’ Marian said, gazing at the sagging roof, the flaking paint and the cracked windows.
‘It will be once we do it up,’ Theo said. ‘I can’t wait to get stuck in.’
‘You’re mad to even consider living there now,’ Marian said, looking at his two suitcases on the front step.
Theo jingled the keys in his hand. ‘I’ll be fine. There’s electricity and water and I have a bed and a table and two chairs. What more would I want?’
‘At least you’re not asking me to move in with you,’ Marian said, laughing.
‘No, you can stay in your cosy little flat,’ Theo said. ‘Until I make this fit for a princess.’
‘And you will come for dinner every day, of course,’ Marian added. ‘And sit on my sofa and watch all the footie matches on TV.’
‘The perfect life for any bloke.’ Theo suddenly grabbed Marian and lifted her in his arms.
‘What are you doing?’ she squealed.
‘What do you think? I’m carrying you across the threshold, of course.
’ Theo walked to the front door, skirting the suitcases, and managed to put the key in the lock and swing the door open.
Then he carried Marian into the little hall and put her down.
‘There, your ladyship. You’re in our forever home. ’
‘Thank God for that,’ Marian said, still laughing.
‘I thought you’d drop me.’ Then she walked into what would be their living room and felt that homely feeling, just like the first time she’d been in the little house.
‘It’s as if the house has been waiting for us,’ she said in awe.
‘I just know we’ll be happy here.’ It was true despite the peeling paint, the cracked mantelpiece, the broken panes in the windows.
She had liked Sean’s house before she knew who owned it, but this cottage was even more special.
It had a peace and calm like no other place she had ever been in.
She had been happy in her little flat, but this house had the space and potential to be something really beautiful.
‘I think the kids will like it too,’ Theo said. ‘Rebecca is coming back to Ireland and Conor will love to come for visits from London. And I’d say that we’ll be grandparents one day. The garden will be perfect for the littlies, don’t you think?’
Marian smiled at the Australian expression. ‘Oh yes. They’ll love their Aussie granddad,’ she said. ‘But that is in the future and this is now. We have to get started, or it’ll never get finished.’
The house was finally finished a whole year later.
Marian couldn’t believe it was the same house, as she stood in front of it, ready to move in with her suitcases and a few boxes of belongings.
Beside her were her whole family: Theo, Rebecca and Conor.
The children had just arrived in Kerry to celebrate the move to their parents’ new home.
Rebecca had recently moved back to Ireland and Conor had come over from London for a long weekend.
‘Oh, Mum,’ Rebecca said beside Marian. ‘It’s gorgeous. Dad has really worked hard.’
‘We both have,’ Marian said. ‘It’s been a tough winter with storms and rain and power cuts.
But Theo with Dominic and his team finished the roof and painted the outside before the winter.
And then we did most of the indoor work together.
But your dad did the bathroom, and it’s like something from a five-star hotel. ’
‘I can believe it,’ Rebecca said. ‘Weren’t you clever to marry a plumber?’
‘Of course I was,’ Marian said and put her arm around her daughter. ‘And you were so clever to get engaged to that lovely Irishman and move back to Dublin.’
‘I’m a little envious,’ Conor said. ‘I should perhaps look for a job in Ireland, but I’m happy where I am.’
‘You’re not too far away,’ Theo said. ‘And we’ll get you back to the auld sod one of these days.’
‘You never know,’ Conor said with a wide smile, so like his father’s. ‘But don’t count your chickens just yet. You did the right thing, though, Rebecca. And you were lucky to find that great bloke to settle down with.’
Rebecca smiled. ‘Yeah, I think I was. Eoin is not a plumber, but an economist. Which will be great when we do our tax returns.’
‘Nearly as good as a plumber,’ Marian said and lifted one of her suitcases. ‘Come on, then, kids. Let’s move in. Dad can’t wait to show you around.’
Theo opened the door as they approached. ‘Welcome home,’ he said, beaming. ‘I’d carry you all across the threshold but I’ve strained my back putting in the bathtub, so you’ll have to take a raincheck.’
‘Never mind carrying anyone,’ Marian said. ‘Keep the door open while we get everything inside.’
Rebecca walked to her father’s side and gave him a big hug. ‘I’m so happy to be here at last. What a lovely home you’ve made for us.’
Theo hugged her back and smiled at Marian and Conor over Rebecca’s shoulder. ‘Our chicks seem to have come home again.’
‘Only for the weekend,’ Rebecca said. ‘But I’ll be back very often.’
‘So will I,’ Conor agreed.
‘That’s good enough for me,’ Theo said, pulling his daughter into the house.
Marian followed, with Conor in her wake, enjoying seeing father and daughter together. Then she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She was finally home with her family.