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When I finally break the kiss, I pull away and look down at her beautiful face. I want ta steal her away from this life. I didn’t expect ta fall fer her, but I did, and there’s nothin’ that’s goin’ta change it.
“I don’t want ta hurt ye, shinin’ star,” I tell her. There’s never been a more honest statement than that. I don’t turn away from her when I continue, “This may be a feckin’ rocky road we’re travellin’ on. I can’t guarantee I ain’t goin’ta do somethin’ stupid.”
Callia smiles, her eyes shimmerin’ and bright as she looks up at me. “We all do stupid shite,” she says with a smile. “I’m not losin’ ye when I’ve just found ye. It’s taken us too long ta get ta this point ta just walk away.”
I can’t argue with that. Since she was sixteen and I first laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her. I didn’t second guess my desire, but I did push it all the way ta the back of my mind. I knew I wasn’t good enough fer her. I was a feckin’ arsehole back then. I still am, but I think she’s old enough to deal with it now.
“I’ve never considered myself a good person,” I tell her. “I grew up with parents who loved me, and my da taught me everythin’ I know. But I also realise I’m a stubborn bastard.”
“Aye, that ye are,” she tells me with a grin on her face. “Look,” Callia whispers as she takes my hand, “I’m not askin’ ye ta change. I’m askin’ ye ta take a chance on us. Nothin’ in life is perfect, but we can make the most of it while we have the opportunity. Don’t walk away from us, Rebel.”
“What if I hurt ye? I’m not good enough fer ye, Callia. I was prepared ta try ta be better, but I’m a father now. I don’t know how ta do that.”
Callia offers me such a sweet smile, it makes my chest tighten with emotion. I know I’m right—she is too good fer me. But I also know, if I were ta walk away, I’d never forgive myself.
“Look at me,” Callia pleads. “Ye’re good man, Ronan. I know ye are. All those men in there,” she says, gesturin’ with her head, “they know it too. We all do. It’s time fer ye ta listen to us, ta believe in yerself.”
I don’t know how I could ever consider walkin’ away from her. She has such a beautiful soul, and there’s nothin’ that can taint it. I see it now. Callia has a bright light that shines so deeply within her, nothin’ can extinguish it. That’s why she’s my shinin’ star.
“What did I ever do in my life ta deserve ye?” I ask her before I pull her into my arms once more.
Her warm curves nestle against me, and I want ta get lost in them. But we have so much we need ta talk about, so much ta do, I know it’s goin’ta be a long night.
“Let’s sit down and talk ta yer daughter. She’s young, but she may be able ta give you an insight into how she’s feelin’.”
My wee little star is right. I also think she should be there because I want my daughter ta know she’s got me, but she’s also got someone who has a heart full of love, who’ll ensure she’s happy and well looked after.
“Ye’re willin’ ta sit with her ma as well?” I challenge Callia, prayin’ she won’t say no, because I want her beside me. She’s mine now. Nothin’ is goin’ta change that, and Orla needs ta realise it too.
When I heard my ex got married and was happy, I allowed myself ta forgive and forget. Now I’ve found happiness, I don’t want ta hurt Orla, but she needs ta understand, even though she’s had my baby, she’s not goin’ta be in my life as a partner.
“I told ye,” Callia says. “I’ll do what needs to be done. I’m in yer life now, and I hope your ex will accept I’m not leavin’.”
I smile at my girl. “Then let’s go in and talk ta them both.”
Callia links her fingers with mine, and we make our way ta the lounge where Miren is servin’ up some tea and juice to my ex and my daughter. I’m convinced Aine is mine. I knew the moment I saw her, and if I count the years since Orla and I were together, the wee lassie is the perfect age.
Orla looks up at me when I walk into the lounge, and her gaze falls ta where my hand is linked with Callia’s. She doesn’t look like the girl I remember from all those years ago. She’s aged. Some kinda stress and heartbreak has clearly taken hold of her. It’s sad ta see her now. She used to be bubbly—the life and soul of the party.
