Bittersweet (21 page)

They were staying at a castle hotel and it was extremely elegant. It had a grand circular staircase in the middle of the lobby made of solid oak, which was surrounded by beautiful tapestries on the walls and against the windows, yet the castle had a homey feel. It was a huge red-brick building with white trim from the grand entrance all the way up to the towers high above. And their rooms—Good God, she felt like a princess. They’d grabbed two single suites a few doors down from each other. Hers was pale, with white walls and purple accents, where Sam’s had golden tones and flowery wallpaper. In the center of Jenna’s room was an enormous king-sized bed with a beautiful purple-and-beige canopy and matching accent pillows and a lush down comforter. To the right of it, a two-seater table overlooked the acres and acres of dreamlike greenery that could be seen through the glass doors that led to a small private terrace. On the other side of the room was her master en suite, where she’d been able to get up close and personal with the claw-foot tub a few times since she’d arrived. There was nothing like dimming the lights after a hard day and soaking in the tub to relieve your everyday stresses. Especially when you didn’t have to worry about your child banging on the door whenever he needed something.

Jayden.

Jenna sighed. She missed her baby like crazy, and with every passing day she was beginning to think they’d made the trip for nothing.

All too soon a week had passed, and still there were no sightings of her Irish dream man, or Sam’s for that matter. They did the sightseeing thing, went to a few pubs and on a couple of tours, including that amazing helicopter tour she’d once imagined, taken a ride in a horse and buggy, and had shopped galore. So much so that she’d had to buy a new carry-on bag for the souvenirs she’d bought for Jayden and her parents.

This morning, Jenna had just finished getting ready to meet Sam to check out a few more shops and have breakfast. She kept her fingers crossed that perhaps today would be the day something—anything—would happen. She’d been so distracted with finding Brady, if truth be told, that she felt she’d missed the enjoyment of most of their activities.
Breathe easy, Jenna. Take a deep breath and let it go. If it’s meant to be it’ll happen, and if not you’ll know you at least tried to find him. Have some fun, damn it!

So she forced herself to let go, and did.

“So what would you like to check out next?” Sam asked later that morning. They’d stopped at the Loft for a bite. It was a quaint, cozy little café in the shopping district that had incredibly good food.

“We’re on Grafton, so we might as well do some shopping.” Jenna took a sip of her coffee to help wash down the muffin she’d been eating and smiled as Sam groaned.

“Jesus, those books of yours must be selling like hot cakes. Aren’t you all shopped out yet?”

“I have some savings. Besides, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I guess I just want to bring as much of it back with me as I can. Most of the souvenirs are for Jayden and my family, but they’re for me too. I’m making the dream a reality, and I want it to last. Does that make sense?” She chuckled. “Because I tell you, Sam, I want to make the most of this trip from now on. Life is way too short, and I plan to live it to its full potential. I may not find Brady but damn it, I’m done stressing myself out over it. So let’s throw caution to the wind and have some fun, shopping by day, and a few drinks at another local pub tonight, whatever you want?”

“Well when you put it that way…” Sam winked, threw some Euros on the table to cover their bill, and reached across the table before Jenna could stand to leave. She squeezed her hand. “So you’re stressing, huh?”

“Maybe a little.” She bit her lip nervously and looked out the window before she sighed. “I want this so much I…”

“I know.”

“I suppose you do, and don’t get me wrong, I’m not giving up or anything. I’ve just vowed to have a good time from now on. This whole week I’ve been so distracted with my thoughts that it feels like I’ve let my experiences here so far slip right past me. I’m in love with a man who may or may not exist.” Jenna smiled at her friend, knowing how ridiculous that sounded out loud. “And here we are with no sight of him or his friend for you.”

“Have a little faith, sweetie. If it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen.” Sam shook her head. “Just enjoy yourself.”

“That’s the plan, and I’m done second-guessing everything. So are you ready?” Jenna scrapped back her chair and stood as she waited for Sam to lead the way out. It felt like a whole new beginning once again, only this time with much less stress ahead of her.

The sky was a clear blue filled with big, fluffy white clouds and sunshine. The moment they hit the pavement again, Jenna stopped to take a deep breath.
Here goes nothing. With every new day is a brand new beginning. Count your blessings and take advantage of the escape. So buck up, buttercup, this is Ireland. Make the most of it...

After visiting a few local spots, she decided to get Sam a little something as a thank-you for being so supportive and patient, especially over the last few years. So when Sam became distracted in the bookstore they were currently in, she saw an opportunity to make it happen.

“Hey, I’ll meet you back here in ten, okay?”

“What? Why?” Her friend clutched the book she was holding to her chest and looked puzzled.

“Because I already found what I’m looking for in here, and I wanted to check the store across the road.” She held up the bag of books she’d already purchased and smiled.

“You want me to come with?”

“It’s not a big deal.” Jenna shrugged. “Finish up here and meet me over there when you’re ready.”

“Okay, I’ll try not to be too long.” Sam grabbed a few more photography books as though she was rushing.

“Take your time.” Jenna chuckled as she waved. “I’ll see you in a few.”

Blarney’s was a Celtic gift shop that was filled to the brim with everything from your regular tourist tee down to some unique custom jewelry. She lightly traced her fingers along a necklace that caught her eye and thought it’d be the perfect sentiment. It was a sterling-silver chain with a Tree of Life pendant.
Better grab it before she meets you here. You don’t want to spoil the surprise.
It was a symbol of family pride and earthly and celestial energies combining to form a balance between heaven and earth. And, most importantly, the Tree of Life reminded her of love and grace, an end, and most importantly new beginnings. It was perfect.

“Jaysus, ’tis been a donkey’s years since I been here. Care to help an ol’ bogtrotter out?” The old man winked and Jenna jumped. Her heart beat faster, and she could feel the blood drain from her face as if she were seeing a ghost standing right in front of her.
Holy shit!

Familiar blue eyes stared back at her with sudden concern as she lost her balance and had to grasp the display table for support. Eyes she’d been dreaming about, only these didn’t belong to her dream man but to the next best thing…

“Charles?” Jenna gasped, “Is that really you?”
Brady’s dad…could it be?

“Cian Charles Connelly at yer service.” He helped to steady her and gave her a hesitant smile. “Ye look a li’l gobsmacked, child.”

“I’m fine, really, thank you.” She blushed. “You just looked a little familiar, but I must have been mistaken. I’m sorry.”

“Stop the lights, whut for?”

“Why don’t we start over?” She held out her hand and stood straighter. “Hello, my name is Jenna Baker. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cian.”

“Lovely, Jenna.” The old man winked again and softly kissed her hand before releasing her.

She grabbed the necklace for Sam and took a step back. “Now what is it you were asking me to help you out with?”

“I need a gift for me
bhean chiele
, an I was hopin’ ye’d be able to help an ol’
bodach
find somethin’ grand for her.”

Some of the words he spoke escaped her, so she made a guess. “For your wife, then?”

“Aye.”

“Okay, how about these?” She pointed to a pretty pair of earrings locked inside the display cabinet and waited for his reaction. They were platinum Celtic knot drop earrings. According to the tag next to them, the unbroken lines of the knot symbolize eternal life and love. Each earring showcased a quartz drusy stone, which dazzled with the tiny crystals covering it. The earrings also had a secret trinity knot in the back. They were breathtaking. “Any woman would love them, trust me.”

“Well then—” Cian smiled “—looks like I have whut I’m lookin’ for, thank ye.” They chatted quietly as they made their purchases, but not until they were outside did she decided to take the risk of asking him at least one question before he left her. It may be her only chance to make progress.

“So Cian, you wouldn’t happen to have a son by any chance, would you?” The old man seemed pleased she’d asked, and Jenna realized then that he probably thought she was flirting with him. “I mean…”

“’Tis no worry,” he assured her and chuckled. “Me buck is in the USA at the moment. He up and left in a hurry too. Not sure when he’ll be back.”

“I see.” Her shoulders hunched in defeat.
Would fate be that cruel to let me come this close to Brady only to miss him? Fickle bitch.
“Do you need help with anything else?”

“Nay, but I tell you what, I don’t normally invite
bures
to the
gaff
, but there’s somethin’ special about ye, familiar.” He scratched his head before shaking it. “Sarah’d call me a muppet if I did’na ask too. Wer havin’ a pairti for her tomorrow, and I’d be daft to not offer an invite to such a fine thing like yerself.”

“Seriously?”

“Aye, ’t’id be grand if ye were there when she got this. Ye know?” He pointed to the bag with the earrings.

“That would be lovely, and I’d love to meet Sarah. Thank you.” Just then Sam caught up to her. “I’m not alone, though, so would it be all right if I brought my friend along?”

There was an amused sparkle in his eye when Cian nodded and answered, “Aye.” After a wink directed at both women a handshake, he gave them directions to the house, and Jenna watched as he casually walked away.

Chapter Twenty-Four

“Do I look okay?”

“You’re gorgeous, now stop fidgeting.” Sam smiled and held her steady. Jenna had taken extra care to make herself look nice for the party. Cian had looked so familiar that Jenna still held on to the hope that somehow he and his wife might be the link they were hoping for.

“Okay.” Jenna took a deep breath and thought of her conversation with Sam the night before in her hotel room.

“
So what’s up with the hunky older guy?”

“I think the
happily married
older guy might be Brady’s father.”

“Oh as if, Jenna. I wasn’t trying to imply I was interested.” Sam rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at her. “I didn’t mean anything by it.” And then as if she’d just registered the full extent of what Jenna had said, she did a double take and squealed. “He has a son and you think it’s your dream man?”

“But his son is in the US right now.” Her posture slumped a little at the thought. “I honestly don’t know what to think anymore. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, and all I’ve got in my corner is a little bit of hope and faith I’ll one day find him. Maybe I just need to move on.”

“But you have been moving on, and you’ve been doing it for a while now. So stop stressing and live your life. It’s not going to be the end of the world. We’re giving this a shot, though, okay?”

“You’re right.” She nodded. “Cian was really nice, and I’m sure his wife is just as lovely. We’ll go have some fun and there’ll be nothing to it. Have I told you lately that I love you?” Jenna smirked and reached over to give her friend a big hug. “You’re the sister I’ve always wanted, a great friend, you’ve always been there to listen to me, and you know when to kick me in the ass to keep moving forward.” She chuckled. “So…” She got up to search through her bags. “When we split up earlier, I got you a little something to show my appreciation.”

“Oh wow.” Sam sat up straighter and squealed as Jenna held up the box. “You really didn’t have to, but thanks!”

Jenna handed her the box, and Sam gasped when she opened it.

“Oh my God, it’s breathtaking. Now help me put it on.”

It was back to reality as they now stood in front of a large, newly renovated Victorian house set against the scenic backdrop of the Dublin mountains on its own large piece of land with a driveway and automatic gates. What was even more breathtaking was the view. The house was situated on acres and acres of greenery, with gardens, colorful flower beds, livestock at the other end of the property, and the spectacular ability to look over Dublin from right where she stood. “This place is amazing, don’t you think?” Awesruck, she gripped the bottle of wine she’d brought from the Wine Rooms.

“It is.” Sam giggled. “But you might want to pick up your jaw up from the floor and wipe your mouth a little bit before we go in.”

“Oh, stop teasing.” She playfully nudged her friend. “It looks like there are quite a few people here already.” Judging by the amount of cars nearby, Cian’s home was party central. “You ready?”             

The inside of the home was just as spectacular as the outside, even more so, actually. The modern touches mixed in with the character and charm of the older house was impeccable, from the dark hardwood floors with regal-looking rugs, to the thick oak staircase in the center of the foyer that split on each side, to the pale painted walls down to the white wainscoting at the bottom. There were beautiful flowers arranged to and fro, unique-looking landscape paintings, and personal photos she undoubtedly wanted to take a closer look at once she got the chance. Could her
Brady
be in any of them?

Deciding that being there was exciting, nerve-racking, and an honor, Jenna almost missed Cian welcoming them. “Ah, ’tis grand ye made it. The pairti is just beginnin’. Jenna and…” He looked toward Sam to catch her name, and Jenna cringed a little, remembering that she’d forgotten to introduce them properly the last time.

“It’s Sam.” Her friend elbowed her in the side to keep her from continually staring awestruck. “Thank you for inviting us today. You have such a beautiful home.”

“Aye, well…” Cian blushed before he bellowed a laugh. “Jenna, Sam, I’d like to introduce ye to me auld
segotia,
me
bhean cheile
, Sarah. The reason I breathe, me
gra
, and the reason for today.”

The curvy beauty beside him blushed at his words and playfully swatted him. “Thank you. Jenna, Sam it’s lovely te meet ch’ya.” Sarah extended her hand to shake and drew them toward the crowd after Jenna gave them their gift and accepted their gratitude.

“Jaysus, I love it when she blushes.” Cian grinned cheekily and winked when his wife replied with “Oh, would ya shtop?” The love they displayed was endearing, and it was nice to see how playful they were toward each other. It was clear to everyone around them that each complimented the other, and her heart broke as she wondered if she’d ever feel the same way again. She’d thought she found perfection in Tyler, but she’d obviously been wrong and now here she was, divorced, and loveless. The hope was there, though, and she was tough enough to find out if her dream man existed. It just wasn’t clicking like she’d hoped, as if the pieces of her future were still scrambled.
Join the club, why don’t you? Nobody is supposed to know their future, and it’s not set in stone. Remember the positives. You have a beautiful little boy, loving parents, great friends, you’re on a fabulous vacation, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t forget, Cian looks so much like Charles, and Sarah is the same name from your visions. Could she be Brady’s mom?

There was only one way to find out, and it was going to take patience before it all fell into place, her life, love—whatever—because nothing worthwhile ever came easily.

After mingling a little, the partygoers drifted outside to the yard, and Jenna leaned against one of the large French doors connected to the house while Sam went to fill her plate with goodies. She took a sip of wine and smiled when their host seated the guest of honor in the middle of the crowd and tapped his glass to gather everyone’s attention.

“We’re here to celebrate the love of me life. Sarah blessed this ol’ heart years ago, and I thank God for her every day. May we drink to celebrate, get drunk to fall asleep, because when we fall we commit no sin, an’ when we commit no sin, we go to heaven. But, before we continue on I’ve got a li’l somethin’…” Cian reached inside his pocket and withdrew the small box with Sarah’s gift. She gasped the moment she laid eyes on the delicate pair of earrings and laughed and cried joyously when he put them on her.

Jenna smiled wide and wiped a tear of her own when Cian began his speech again. “May God grant us both many years to go on, for sure he must be knowin’ the earth has angels all too few.
Slainte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mna go deo
. An’ for those who don’t know what I be sayin’…” He held his drink high. “Health to the men, and may the women live forever! I love ye.”

Cheers and whistles erupted, and that might have been why she hadn’t seen him approach until the last second. “The ol’ man sure has a way with words.”

“I think it’s beautiful.” Jenna smiled and turned to face the good-looking stranger. “If only we were all that lucky.” She tipped her drink toward the kissing older couple and then took a sip while she watched him from above the rim. Whoever he was, he was tall, slender, and very pleasing to the eye with his short, tousled dirty-blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. She instantly liked him.

“Aye, if only,” he agreed. “The name’s Callum, and ’tis always a pleasure to meet such a lovely bird.”

“Oh you definitely have to be related to our hosts. I’ve never met a bunch of men with such flirtatious charm. Or maybe it’s just the Irish in general.” She giggled, “Whatever it is, it’s quite refreshing.”

“Oh, well I’m glad ye think so.” He winked.

“Definitely, Callum.” She placed her hand in his to shake, only he had other plans and brought it to his lips for a kiss. She gulped. “M-my name is Jenna, Jenna Baker.”

“So how long will ye be visitin’?” he asked curiously. “Ye gotta love a woman who’s as perceptive as she is stunnin’. Family, they are. They’re like me own ma and da up there.”

“What?” Jenna did a double take. “Your parents are Cian and Sarah? I thought they said their son was in the USA?”

“Aye, that’d be me cousin. Me ma and da died when I was only a boyo, an’ me Aint Sarah and Uncail Cian looked after me after it happened.” He shrugged.

Oh wow!
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize—I mean…” She winced and noticed how she kind of sounded like a fool. “What I mean is I’m sorry for your loss, but from the impression I’m getting, those two would be a fabulous substitute. I can’t even imagine.” She reached forward to touch his arm out of compassion and didn’t want to imagine how hard it must have been. “How old were you?”

“Nine. Now enough of that. I’d much rather hear more about ye, and ye never did answer my question about yer visit.”

“Oh.” She fanned herself to try to hide the flush in her cheeks. “Sam and I will be here for another three weeks.” After gesturing toward the table near which her friend was standing, she bit her lip. What was it with these attractive Irishmen and their wayward charm? It was flattering, fascinating, and a little unnerving. She was here trying to find Brady and was suddenly feeling quite guilty at being attracted to the man standing in front of her who could be his cousin.
Gah!

“Please tell me yer pointin’ to the girl and not the guy she’s talkin’ to.” He laughed and gestured toward the portly man her friend was engaged in conversation with.

“Yes, I was, actually.”

“So Jenna, I was wonderin’ if ye might be free tomorrow for a bit? I can show ye how to play hurling, or we can grab a bite or a pint. Can I buy ye a bag of chips, maybe?”

“She’d love to!” Sam strolled up and nudged her shoulder after answering for her, and Jenna went wide-eyed in disbelief.

“Uh, dinner and a drink, then?” Now that Sam had answered for her, she really had no choice without being rude. “Uh, Callum, this is my very helpful friend Samantha.”

“A pleasure.” He locked eyes with Jenna as he gave her friend the same courteous greeting as he had Jenna with a kiss on the top of her hand. “A bite sounds great, then. I can pick ye up around seven if ye’ll tell me where to do it.”

Whether she was ready or not, the date was set for the following night, and she wasn’t sure how to feel about that. Callum seemed really nice, and he was definitely nice to look at, but her heart still longed for her dream man. She shook the thought away. The only difference was that one man was real and the other—well, that still remained to be seen.

It’s one date. What’s the worst that could happen?

***

“So how’dya meet me aint and uncail?”

He’d taken her to the Auld Dubliner for a few drinks and a taste of coddle. It was a delicious, hearty stew made with traditional local sausage, bacon, and potato. It was quite a charming place, and a fabulous spot for tourists to listen to live bands playing traditional Irish music. It was also busy, but they’d managed to get a couple of stools so they could sit and get to know each other while enjoying their surroundings. She was quite charmed, actually, from the moment they’d walked in and loved that he’d taken the touristy route when he chose to bring her here for their date.

“Sam and I were doing some souvenir shopping, and I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Cian as he was searching for his wife’s gift. He was as charismatic as can be and asked for my help to pick something out.” She bit her lip to hold back a smile and shrugged. “I hope those earrings were a big hit.”

“The ol’ bugger always had remarkable taste, and I bet he knew exactly what to get her. Seeing ye just provided him a chance to talk to a beautiful bird. He’s harmless, really, and loves me aint like crazy.” Callum shook his head and chuckled. “Who could blame ’im? And now I get the pleasure of accompanying ye thanks to that friendliness of his, a score for me.” He winked and she blushed.

He was gorgeous. Really he was, with his blond hair, striking light eyes, his easy demeanor, slim, athletic frame, and drool-worthy accent. His respectful behavior also made her completely comfortable. Tall, light, and handsome he was, but the spark just wasn’t there, and she really wished it could be. Her heart, however, belonged to the clichéd Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome from her visions, and that scared her as well, considering they’d never even met before outside of her dreams.

She took a sip of her beer. “It’s a score with me as well. The great company, I mean.” Jenna smiled fondly. “Your aunt and uncle are wonderful people, and I’m always up for making new friends.” She gestured back and forth between them. “I’m having a great time with you, thank you.”

“Ugh!” He smiled and grabbed his chest dramatically. “Ye’re pulling the friend card on me already. I must be doin’ somethin’ terribly wrong.”

“No, not wrong.” She chuckled as he feigned pulling a knife from his heart and acted goofy to lighten the mood, and was grateful he was being such a good sport about it. “You’re an incredible guy, and any girl would be crazy lucky to have you. I can tell that about you already. My heart, however, belongs to another. I’m sorry.”