Fallon doesn’t look away. She just stands there stoically like the warrior she is.
“If it doesn’t matter, I’ll tell you the truth, and then it will be done. You’ll never have to see me or think about me ever again.” She holds her head up high despite the inflections in her voice. “I still love you. I never stopped. But I hurt you. And I know that. I’m not expecting a reunion, but I was hoping for at least your forgiveness.”
“That’s a lot to ask for. You hurt me. Deeply.”
Her face falls solemnly. Yet, even etched with despair, it’s still the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen. It’s still the one I dream about. The one I picture as my wife. The one who tucks my daughter in at night.
I cave because I’m weak. And because I’m lonely. And because I miss her so damn much a chunk of my insides are gone. “C’mere to me and say it again.”
“Say what again?”
I take a step closer to her. And then one more.
“That you still love me.” I slide my arm around her waist.
Fallon lays her hands on my chest and inhales deeply, like she’s gathering all her strength. “I still love you. I never stopped.”
“What do you want, then?” I ask, my heart pounding with anticipation.
“I want to stay . . .with you.”
I fight the smile from spreading across my face. “What about Farrah? Won’t she need you?”
“She’s all grown up and going to college soon. She doesn’t need her mothercramping her style. But there is someone out there who deserves a good mom.”
Jesus, she knows how to play me just like a fiddle.
I grab her face. “Woman, don’t fuck with my emotions.”
“I’m not. I finally know just what I want.”
“And what’s that exactly?” I fish for her to say it.
“You. And Aisling. And a happy family.”
There’s no stopping the influx of joy. Or the elation those words bring me.
“Kiss the lass already!” someone shouts from the doorway of the pub.
Fallon and I both laugh. But I listen to the wise man, pulling Fallon’s mouth to mine. I indulge in the feel of her lips. In the eagerness of her tongue. In the warmth of her embrace.
Cheers break out behind the glass. You’d think those drunk fuckers were watching a football match.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d want it,” Fallon whispers in my ear. “But I brought you another Christmas present.”
“Oh?” My interest is piqued.
“You have to open it in private, though.” She clutches the fur on the front of her coat.
“Please tell me you're naked under there.” I salivate like a dog.
“There’s only one way to find out.” She’s a redheaded vixen through and through.
“Fuck, I missed you.” I snake my arm around her and bury my face in her neck. “Time to go.”
“Don’t you need to say goodbye to all your friends?” Fallon waves as I drag her down the street. My flat is only a few blocks away.
“They’ll be in the same seats tomorrow,” I assure her.
