Page 64 of The Widow's Irish Secret

‘You’re getting more and more like Granny,’ Rose said. ‘Even though you’re not related.’

‘But we’re alike in our personalities,’ Tricia remarked. ‘That’s why we clash from time to time.’

‘Fleury girls to the core,’ Rose said. ‘If not by blood, by spirit.’

‘You said it.’ Tricia went over and kissed Rose on the cheek. ‘I’ll be off. I’m sure you both want to sleep.’

Rose smiled. ‘Yes, we do. I’m trying to get all the sleep I can before I have to go home and tackle being a mum of two. Sophie is looking forward to being the big sister, so she’ll be a big help.’

‘She will. It’s surprising how helpful a five-year-old can be. Especially a girl.’ Tricia gathered up her bag and her phone. ‘I’m only a phone call away if you need me.’

‘I know, Mum. It’s great to know I can count on you.’

‘Of course you can. Bye for now.’ Tricia smiled at her daughter and brand-new grandson as she slipped out of the room.

The campervan was parked outside the cottage when Tricia got home. Cillian was home earlier than she had expected. She pulled up, jumped out of the car, ran to the front door and flung it open as soon as she got there. ‘Cillian,’ she called. ‘I’m home. Where are you?’

‘In the kitchen,’ Cillian’s voice replied. ‘I’m cooking up a storm here. How’s the new member of the family?’

‘The most beautiful baby in the world,’ Tricia replied as she walked into the kitchen, where she found the table set for two with candles, a red rose in a vase and a little box with a red ribbon by her place. There was a delicious smell of something cooking in red wine and herbs.

‘Sit down,’ he urged and pulled out a chair.

Tricia sat down. ‘What’s this?’ she asked, touching the little box.

‘Open it and find out,’ Cillian said.

Tricia undid the red ribbon and opened the box. She gasped as she saw the Claddagh ring set with tiny diamonds. ‘Oh, Cillian, how beautiful. But it’s not my birthday or anything.’

‘It’s my way of saying I love you,’ he said, standing beside her. ‘And it’s not exactly an engagement ring either as you said you didn’t want that. It’s just a ring that means you’re mine and I’m yours, that’s all.’

‘What a lovely thought.’ Tricia put the ring on the ring finger of her right hand, the bottom tip of the heart pointing inward. ‘I think this is the way to wear it if you’re in a relationship.’

‘That’s right. In love but not married.’ Cillian pulled Tricia to her feet. ‘I thought that was the right thing for us to be. Together but apart from time to time. But always with each other in our minds and hearts wherever we are. Does that sound good to you?’

Tricia looked into his kind and earnest hazel eyes. ‘Perfect,’ she whispered.

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