Page 3 of Tempting Irish

“I’m sure he’snice.”

I shrug again, because I haven’t even met the man that we’re flying across the ocean for. My mom met him on one of those online dating sites. All I know is that he’s got a big house, and three cars, and my mom thinks he’s hersoulmate.

Whatever that means. She tends to think every guy she dates is the one who’ll finally make her happy. Maybe this guy finally will. I’ve heard her and my Aunt Agnus arguing about it. About him. And aboutme.

I begged my mom to let me stay here. I know Agnus would let me live with her. But mom scolds me every time I mention it, then starts to cry, saying I love my aunt more than her. So, I stoppedasking.

“What if I never see ye again?” I say, a frown tugging at my lips as I straddle the largebranch.

“Ye’ll come back to visit.” He tugs gently on my braid. “And ye’ll have yer music. Every time ye play, just close yer eyes and ye’ll behome.”

I close my eyes now, and let out a small sigh. “It’s not thesame.”

“I’ll make ye a promise.” He places a callused hand on my shoulder and squeezes gently. “I’ll write to ye. And ye can write back and tell me about all yer excitingadventures.”

“Ye promise ye’llwrite.”

“Promise.” He holds out his pinky finger and I take it with my own, thenshake.

For the first time since my mother told me we were moving, hope and happiness warm mychest.

“Would ye do something for me, Bee?” Owen asks as he helps me down from the tree, large hands circling my waist until my feet are planted on theground.

“Anything.”And Iwould.

“Would ye give this to Emer for me.” He pulls out the folded paper he’d placed in his pocket, and fidgets with it for a few seconds before holding it out tome.

I frown, but take it. “Sure.”

“Thanks, Baby Bee.” He messes my hair, giving me another lopsided grin that stops me from correcting him again about the stupidnickname.

I clutch the letter to my chest and watch him until he disappears over the hill, my heart going withhim.

One day, I’ll come back. And when I do, he’ll bemine.

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