“I could never— Iwouldneverask you to do such a thing.”
Cupping her hands between his, Patrick replied honestly. “Nan, it would be my honor to do this. Our families are bound. Let us keep this home. Let future Byrne generations have the same happy memories as your son and his daughters got to have.”
“Oh my. Oh my, oh my, Pat, you’ve settled me as nothing has for months. Thank you. I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and I can tell you, Devlen will be right pleased to see the last of my tears.”
“When will you tell them?”
“Hmm, how about we head to Dublin first of next week. Devlen and I will drive ourselves, obviously. Raven has asked me to come already, but with you staying and my own silliness, I wasn’t ready. River wants me to look over my new apartment and make a few final design decisions. I would love for Devlen to be a part of that.”
Patrick’s heart was beating out of his chest. “I’m not supposed to return until Raven goes into labor, Nan. And though I want to go so bad, I won’t risk upsetting River.”
“I’ll speak with the girls, not about my news, mind, but I do want to be close in case Raven goes early. I had Daniel three weeks early, though the doctor could have gotten the date wrong. Anyway, I’ll speak with them. You can stay at the hotel again, at least until the dust settles.”
And that was, apparently, that.
Four weeks, not five. Thank God.
20
Dear River,
I miss you.
I hope I’m not writing too often. I’ve tried to continue some of the letters, but I can’t stop myself from posting them. I worry you might think I’m not thinking of you. I always am. Raven sent me some pictures. Thank you for asking her.
I talked to your mom and dad last night. I sat in the nook you and your sisters created. I looked at all the pictures and mementos in the cabinet. I... well, I decided to talk to your folks. You always say they’re watching over you. I wanted them to know that I love you. That I want to marry you. That I hurt you. That I don’t deserve you. That I hope one day, you will love me again.
I fixed the toilet today. I had to watch a YouTube video, but I must say, I think I nailed it. I’ve also been in touch with the distillery that’s for sale outside of Dublin. I’ve been going over the seller’s portfolio— financial statements, legal documents, etc. The property is beautiful. The distillery itself was built in the mid-1800s, but some of the outlying buildings are much older.
Once I’m back, I’ll be talking to Dad and Bran. With the whole Delton situation, I decided not to add to their plates, but I think this would be an excellent venture. I would love to hear your ideas for naming the distillery. O’Faolain Distillery? Dark Wolf Distillery? Triple R Distillery? I hope someday you will look at the property. With me.
I’m about to fall asleep sitting up. I’ll continue tomorrow night.
Think of me.
Nan made me pancakes this morning. They were better than mine, which I’d be totally offended by, except she gave me her recipe. I hope you and I can make them together one day.
I worked for your grandma’s neighbor, Mr. Dunn, today. His property wraps this one and is really nice. I chopped wood, sharpened mower blades, and patched a roof on one of his sheds.
Do you think I should give up entrepreneurial endeavors and just become a handyman? Patrick Patches Shit?
Bran called earlier. I was washing dinner dishes— it was my turn. I don’t mind. Your Nan always has a whiskey waiting by the fire for me.
I miss you.
I dream of you every night.
Bran was good. He’s excited and scared equally. The baby shower is in a few days, right? I hope Raven and Bran aren’t too busy to send me a pic. I have a present, but I’ll bring it with me when Baby O decides to get here.
I haven’t asked yet, but how was your day? I hate to sound like my dad, but are you eating enough? The last time I went to town to post your letters, I bought a bottle of Jameson Black Barrel in your honor. It was delicious.
Tell Raven and Rowan I said hello.
No need to tell Dad. He calls me every day. He mainly just sits on the phone saying nothing, but... it’s his way of letting me know he’s thinking of me. So, I don’t mind if he doesn’t talk.
Did you get the daisy dishes from Stella? Will you use them?
I told your grandma some personal stuff. It wasn’t as horrible as I thought it’d be. I mean, I didn’t die.
