Page 54 of An Irish Hope

“It’s true.”

And Aisling?

Her heart hovered at the head of the hallway of resentment.

Aisling had a good man nowhere. Except she had a good God, so she’d have to learn to trust in Him instead.

* * *

“And he’s back!”

Andy accepted the hugs from his parents, and Beth and her family, who were back after travelling in the north. Thank goodness for the past few days to have a chance to recalibrate, get his emotions under control. “Good to see you.”

“And you,” Beth said. “How was Kerry?”

“It was grand.”

“Was it awkward at all, staying at the hotel you were supposed to honeymoon at?”

Trust Beth to go there. “It was nice. No, not awkward at all.”

“You sure? I ran into Grady at the shops and he mentioned that you seemed a little down since coming back.”

“I think we all know to take what Grady says with a pinch of salt.” He had to change the subject. Quick. “How have your holidays been?”

“Ah, we had a lovely time in Donegal. I can thoroughly recommend it. Even if it means staying with the in-laws and being a little cramped.”

His mind flicked back to the Castle Griffin Hotel. And the fact that whoever married Aisling certainly wouldn’t feel cramped if they had to stay there. Then realised that unless it was him, that would be another man’s privilege.

His heart pinched.

“What’s that look for? You worried about returning to school?”

“No. It’ll be fine. I can’t believe it’s only a couple more weeks to go.”

“Time flies if you’re having fun. So obviously you had a lot of fun.”

“Obviously,” he muttered.

“Well, didn’t you?” Beth demanded.

Honestly, there were some times when his sister reminded him of Aisling. Or was it the other way around? No. He shook his head. He wouldn’t let himself be distracted by her. He’d made a vow to God to stay focused on Him. And that meant not letting a cute redhead with sass and smiles steal his focus.

He was glad for the distraction of his nephew as the conversation turned once again. Little David was starting big school, so Andy was invited to share what limited knowledge he had about what to expect in primary school.

“See, Davy? I told you there’s nothing to be worried about,” Beth assured her son. “Oh, I bumped into someone else recently. You’ll never guess who.”

Judging from the face she made, he had a fairly good idea. “Why don’t you tell me?”

“Greta.” Beth’s face contorted like she’d just eaten poison. “She was not looking her best self, can I say?” Her smile held satisfaction. “She asked after you. I obviously said you had moved on, and—”

“Why did you say that?” he asked quickly.

“Because I didn’t want her thinking that you still cared.”

“But I don’t have to have another girlfriend to convince anyone I’ve moved on, do I?”

“Well, it is a wee bit more convincing than constantly telling people you’re fine.” She studied him. “And maybe I’m misreading things, but something is telling me that you’re not really that fine, are you?”