“I trust you, and I love you too. Now go.”
forty-eight
THE WATCHER
She loves another man.
I hate her so much.
I love her more.
forty-nine
BÉBHINN
Dad,
The family met Dagr today. It went how I dreaded—in the beginning. All four of the boys didn’t try as hard as I hoped, yet they didn’t throw him out… Silver linings? Things got better once Mom and the aunts got involved in torturing them.
I’m not under any false illusions that you would have behaved any better, but I do believe you would have enjoyed meeting him. Dagr took all their nonsense in stride. Being only ten or so years younger than Bran and Patrick probably evened the odds.
He spent the night last night—probably one of the things that you’re glad to have not lived through. He flewto Dublin only to see me. He got to know Gray, Mags, and Blair. They love him, by the way.
He’s it for me, Dad. I wish you could yell at me or shake me or hug me. I need your advice. I need you to tell me not to jump the gun (America has the best sayings).
We said I love you to each other, and oh my God, I’m so gone for him. You’re the first person I’ve told. I think he’s my person, like Mom was for you, and you were for her.
Before leaving for Wales, he said he had a plan for us to be together, maybe even before I graduate. Whatever it is, I’ll do it. The “boys” won’t be happy. You probably wouldn’t be happy either (though I believe Mom and I could talk you around).
I wish you were here to give me a hard time about it. I wish we could have argued about Dagr’s age or that I’m sleeping with him or anything really.
I just need you. It’s getting easier, though. I don’t cry anymore, or rarely anyway. I always remember that you wanted me to be happy, and Dagr makes me more than that.
I think Mom likes him.
River thinks he’s some long-lost relative of Bran and Pat’s. I’m gagging. I’ll keep you updated on that saga.
When I find out Dagr’s plans for our future, I’ll let you know first.
Thanks for listening, Dad.
I love you,
Bébhinn
“So, he’s like inviting all of us to his house in Colorado?” Mags clapped her hands in excitement. “I’ve always wanted to visit.”
“Are the two turds invited?” Blair signed.
“They are,” Bébhinn laughed. “He even invited Ciar.”
“I hope Dagr told them they aren’t allowed to bring any of their trashy dates with them.” Gray clearly hadn’t forgiven the boys completely for what their dates had said to Blair months ago.
“He didn’t tell them, but I did. Not that I can stop my nephews from trolling the local bars for willing women. I’m just excited about the trip. We leave in three weeks, which will leave us six weeks before school starts once we’re home.
“Bran and Patrick said they would cover Daniel and Jonathan’s work commitments. I think that Mom, Raven, and River must have ‘encouraged,’” Bébhinn air-quoted, “the guys to do whatever it took to get Daniel and Jon to go. I’m hoping the trip will solidify, at least to some of my family, that Dagr is perfect for me.”
“Clearly, the man knows how to give orgasms if the noises coming from your bedroom earlier are anything to go by,” Gray teased.
