Page 117 of Twist of Fate
The only one who wants forever.
* * *
Finn
“I love this town, Finn.”
My lips twitch in amusement as I watch her looking out the window. We have a lovely view of the Cullenagh River, and she’s been staring at it for an age.
The late afternoon sun seems to envelop her like a blanket, making her coppery blonde hair almost glow as it cascades down her back. Her name means vision, and at this moment, she embodies one.
“You mentioned that about almost every village we passed between here and Dublin, darlin’.”
“Well, I love this one the best.”Because it is where her family is.
We met them earlier for lunch at her great-aunt’s house. Her grandfather was one of four siblings. He was the oldest, followed by a younger brother and two sisters. Only the youngest sister, Lonnie, remains.
Lonnie is in her eighties but still sharp as a whip.
When we arrived at the house, I swear Ash almost turned around a dozen times as we walked to the doorway. She was so nervous. But I assured her it would be okay and that despite her mother’s reservations, no one held any ill will.
The minute the door opened, I was proven right.
Aisling was nearly mulled over in hugs. She was fussed over as nearly a dozen Farrells looked her up and down, showering her with compliments.
“She’s a ginger, just like her granda,” her great-aunt practically hollered. She may be sharp as a whip, but her hearing was pretty nonexistent.
“It’s not ginger. It’s blond, you ninny!”her husband yelled back.
And on and on it went.
There were great-nieces, nephews, and cousins. So many names were tossed around that it made my head spin. The house was small and old, with stone walls and appliances so outdated they could belong in a museum. Yet it was filled with warmth and love, and I know Ash would have loved to share this with her mother.
I hadn’t broached the subject of her ashes. Today was overwhelming enough. Besides, I had a feeling we’d be back soon enough.
Or at least one of us would.
Our three-month deadline was looming, and I didn’t have a clue what I was going to do. Did I want things to end?
Fuck no.
Did I have a solution?
Fuck no.
For the past two months, I’ve been pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, and so far, I’m holding it together. However, it isn’t sustainable, and even I’m not that good.
Things are slipping through the cracks. I am losing focus at meetings or forgetting them altogether. I feel like a cheating boyfriend, sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night to spend extra hours in front of my laptop.
Eventually, something has to give.
The worst part is I can’t tell her any of this because once I do, it will be like admitting defeat.
I told you this would never work.
The company will always come first.
I’m just like my father.
