He looked deep into her eyes as if searching for the hidden meaning behind her words. “Does that mean you intend to return to Chesapeake Shores with yours?” he asked eventually, his expression sad.
Nell knew what he was asking. And the truth was that she’d missed many things about Dublin, the sights, the stores, the noisy, friendly pubs, the sound of an Irish lilt like the one in Dillon’s voice. In the end, though, she preferred the peace of Chesapeake Shores. It was home.
She tried to picture Dillon there, in her cottage, walking with her along the shore. It fit. It really did. She wondered if he would visit, maybe even stay.
Ignoring his question, she responded with one of her own. “Dillon, have you ever thought of coming to the States?”
He shook his head, his expression increasingly filled with sorrow as her intentions became more clear.
“I guess I’ve always thought of it as the place that took you away from me,” he told her. “Of course, it was Charles O’Brien who did that, but it was hard to lay blame on him, when it was him you chose.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“It wasn’t meant to be between the two of us back then,” he said, sounding resigned. “Or now, I’m guessing. You were a bit too careful to avoid my question about going home.”
She sighed at his ability to see through her. “To be honest, I just don’t know what to do, Dillon. You were right before. My family means everything to me. I’m comfortable in my little cottage by the sea, surrounded by people I love.” She held his gaze. “Would you at least consider coming for a visit now and then? I’d like to show you my world, have you be a part of it for however long you could stay.”
“And I’ve been hoping I could entice you into staying on here, at least for a while,” he said.
“But my family—” she protested, just as he’d obviously anticipated. But then she stopped herself.
Her sons and grandchildren were mostly grown, settled. They could spare her for a few more days, even a few more weeks. Didn’t she owe it to herself and to Dillon to see what might come of this? Was it foolish at her age to think they might find something meaningful together? It would be foolish only if she were to throw caution to the wind and uproot herself on a whim, she decided.
“I’ll think about staying a bit longer, if you’ll consider coming to Chesapeake Shores after that.” She held his gaze. “We’re both comfortably off, Dillon. There’s no reason we couldn’t spend time in both places, is there?”
“A compromise?” he teased with exaggerated shock. “The Nell I knew never compromised.”
“I’ve learned a few things over the years. Life is filled with compromises.”
“It is,” he agreed. “And if we’re wise, we make them happily and don’t look back.”
He lifted his hand, rested it gently against her cheek. “I’m so glad we’ve had this chance to look back for just a little while.”
“Better, though,” she told him, “is that we’ve given each other hope in looking forward.”
He smiled. “That it is, Nell. That it is.”
Laila was about to take a sip of champagne amid the chaos of Christmas morning with the O’Briens, when Jess and Connie caught up with her and steered her away from everyone else.
“What is the meaning of this?” Jess demanded, holding Laila’s hand up to the light so that the diamond ring sparkled brightly.
Laila grinned. “You’re a smart woman. I’m sure you can figure it out.”
“You and Matthew are engaged!” Connie exclaimed. “Why hasn’t anyone made an announcement? This moment should not go unnoticed.”
“You afraid I’ll back out if there aren’t witnesses?” Laila teased.
“Well, you have been known to get cold feet about this relationship before,” Jess said.
“But today it all became very clear to me. Matthew is the future I want. No more doubts. No questions. No hiding,” Laila said firmly.
“Well, hallelujah for that,” Connie said. “How did it happen?”
“Was it when he got you alone after church last night?” Jess asked. “That get-lost look he gave Will and me was pretty obvious.”
Laila described how badly that plan had fallen through and how quickly they’d gotten naked afterward.
“Too much information,” Jess protested, then studied her. “But if not then, when?”
“This morning,” Laila said, then grinned at the memory. “In bed. I said yes right after telling my father once and for all that I didn’t want his stupid bank job. I was pretty darn proud of myself.”
“My, my, you
have
had yourself quite a Christmas morning, and it’s barely daylight over here,” Jess said. “When are you going to tell everyone, and what about the wedding? Is it going to be here?”
“Matthew’s convinced we can pull it off,” Laila admitted. “I’ve agreed to let Nell try to work her magic.”
“This is absolutely the best family ever,” Connie said with enthusiasm. “I’m so glad I’m a part of it.”
“Speaking of big news, have you shared yours with Thomas?” Laila asked Connie.
A smile split her friend’s face. “I have, and you should have seen him. He went white with shock for a minute, then spun me around the room till I was dizzy. I think he’s having trouble keeping it to himself. He’s barely spoken to a soul all morning for fear he’ll slip.”
“I can imagine what torture it must be for him to keep quiet about this. It’s definitely not his nature to keep such wonderful news to himself,” Jess said.
“Well, he promised,” Connie said. “I don’t want Jenny spoiling things with some sort of tantrum.”
“And why would I be throwing a tantrum?” Jenny inquired, approaching from behind just in time to overhear.
Connie went pale.
“Tell her,” Jess advised, giving Connie’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “We’re here if you need us.”
She and Laila walked away.
“Let’s not go far in case Connie needs us,” Laila said, her gaze on the mother and daughter who were deep in an obviously tense conversation.
Jenny’s shocked gaze sought out Thomas, who was rapidly making his way toward them. Apparently his radar had alerted him to Connie’s distress.
“Oh, boy,” Jess whispered.
Thomas put one arm around Connie’s shoulders. He started to put the other around Jenny, but she shrugged it away, an expression of betrayal on her face.
“What’s that about?” Matthew asked, joining Laila and Jess.
Laila looked to Jess. “Any reason not to tell him now?”
“Not that I can think of,” Jess said, then threw her arms around Matthew. “Congratulations, by the way! Let me know what I can do to help with the wedding.”
“Believe me, we’ll be in touch,” Matthew responded. “We have something like forty-eight hours to pull it off.”
“Two days?” Laila said when they were alone. Even though she’d agreed, she was a little daunted by the reality of such a timetable.
“It’s going to be fine,” Matthew assured her. “Now, tell me what’s up with Uncle Thomas and Connie that has Jenny looking like she’s ready to explode.”
“Connie’s pregnant,” Laila said excitedly. “Isn’t that incredible?”
Matthew’s eyes lit up. “It
is
incredible. Good for them. I suppose now would be a bad time to offer my congratulations.”
“I think we need to give Jenny some time to get used to the idea,” Laila said. “At least she hasn’t bolted out of here and caused a scene.”
“Think maybe we should seize the moment with our own announcement?” he asked. “That ought to stir things up and give Thomas and Connie a breather from their drama.”
“Now?” she asked, suddenly hesitant.
“Sweetheart, if we’re going to be married in two days and you keep flashing that ring around, we don’t have a lot of time to keep this to ourselves. We need everyone in this room on board. I suspect someone already has a clipboard with a list of everything that needs to happen and assignments to be sure it all gets done.”
Laila glanced around in search of her brother. “Maybe I should tell Trace first.”
“I’ve spoken to him. He knows and he’s already on the case with your parents.”
“Thank you for opening the door to them being here,” she said. “I know I invited them, but I think it will actually mean a lot if Trace can tell them that you want them here, too.”
Matthew regarded her worriedly. “Don’t get your hopes up, okay?”
“I know. It would be weird to get married without having them here, but it’s their decision. If they stay away, it’s their loss.”
He squeezed her hand. “It really is, you know. You’re going to be the most beautiful bride in the entire world.”
There was a gasp behind them.
“Did I hear someone mention a bride?” Jo O’Brien asked, her eyes alight with excitement. “Laila, have you finally said yes to my son?”
Laila nodded, only to find herself engulfed in Jo’s strong embrace.
“Thank goodness,” Jo said. “I was so afraid Matthew’s powers of persuasion were going to fail him this time.”
“Oh, I think he has that particular skill nailed,” Laila said wryly.
Matthew shook his head. “Since the news seems to be leaking out bit by bit, I’m going to make it official before everyone else steals my thunder.”
Because the level of noise in the room was out of control, he actually climbed onto a chair, then coaxed Laila up there with him, his arms tight around her waist as she leaned back against his chest.
“Hey, everyone! Merry Christmas,” he shouted. “Could I have your attention for a minute?”
Murmurs spread through the room.
Matthew laughed. “Oh, stop your speculating, everyone! A couple of hours ago, this amazing woman consented to be my wife.”
Shouts rose up, along with a few teasing jeers about Laila’s apparent lack of good sense. The latter came mostly from Luke. A scowl from Matthew and an admonishment from Moira silenced him.
“Before you ask, the wedding date is day after tomorrow, if we can pull it off,” he announced, then glanced around at the room until his gaze settled on Nell. “Think that’s possible, Gram?”
“I guarantee it,” Nell said, grinning.
“A toast,” Jeff O’Brien called out. “To my son for showing the good sense to fight for the woman he loves, and to Laila for being brave enough to join this family!”
“To Matthew and Laila!” echoed around the room.
Laila looked into Matthew’s eyes and saw all the love she could possibly ever want there.
“You are brave, you know,” he said softly before helping her down to face the crowd of well-wishers.
Laila smiled. There it was again, another trait she’d never realized she possessed: bravery.
“Only because you’ve made me that way,” she told him.
“We’re going to be good together,” he promised.
“Better than good,” she corrected. “We’re going to be amazing.”
Epilogue
T
he O’Brien elves, given a deadline, worked harder than any in Santa’s workshop. Laila was in awe of them. Though the day after Christmas in Dublin was another holiday, calls were made, doors opened, dresses were showcased, flowers ordered and a special license delivered, thanks to Gram’s persistence and Connor’s legal expertise.
Even the priest, after initial reservations, agreed the circumstances were such that a few rules could be bent. Apparently his predecessor had had very fond memories of Nell’s family and spoken highly of their many kindnesses before he’d passed on. It didn’t hurt that Dillon’s tobacco shop seemed to be a favorite of his, as well.
Kiera and even Moira got into the spirit of things and proved themselves indispensable, running errands, making calls, even stitching the necessary alterations to the dress that Laila had loved.
“Are you sure there’s time?” Laila had asked worriedly.
“For a few nips and tucks? Of course,” Kiera said readily. “The dress will fit like a dream by tomorrow. No worries.”
And it did, Laila conceded, gazing into a mirror in the dressing room at the church. Though Kiera continued to fuss over a few final details, the slim column of satin was perfect, leaving her shoulders bare and caressing her slender body like a glove. It had only the barest puddle of shimmering white as a train at her feet.
Bree had huddled with the neighborhood florist, another friend of Dillon’s, to create a simple bouquet of white orchids and trailing dark green ribbons that matched exactly the cocktail-length green dresses they’d found for Jess and Connie, who were dual matrons of honor. Luke and Mack would be standing up with Matthew, tiny white orchids on the lapels of their hastily tailored tuxedos.
It was to be an evening service, with the old church lit with candles as it had been on Christmas Eve. Bree had freshened the flowers from the holiday services, adding the perfect touches to make them special without the necessity for a lot of tedious work that there was no time for and that Laila had declared wasteful in light of the beauty of the existing arrangements.
Carrie and Caitlyn, who’d once declared themselves the family’s designated flower girls and more recently insisted on bridesmaid status, had chosen their own dresses in a green tartan plaid taffeta, with dark green sashes that matched the ribbons in the flowers and the matron of honor dresses. Though she’d imagined a much simpler event, given the time constraints, Laila had been unable to ignore her stepnieces’ entreaties to be a part of her big day.
Now the twins were bubbling with excitement, and Connie and Jess were fussing over the tiara and short veil Laila had chosen. Every time they rearranged it, the finicky hairdresser insisted on giving her hair another touch-up. Even Abby had come back to check on their progress, so the dressing room was delightfully chaotic, allowing little time to think of the person who wasn’t there—her own mother.
When Jo arrived and caught sight of Laila, her eyes lit up, then immediately filled with tears. “Oh, Laila, you look absolutely stunning. I really do wish…”
Though her voice trailed off, Laila knew what she’d wanted to say. She, too, wished that her mother was here, fretting over every detail. She squeezed Jo’s hand. “It’s okay,” she said. “I’m marrying Matthew and gaining you for a mother-in-law. How could I possibly be any happier?”