Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
She spoke little, bowing at the praise. It was during her last song that the tears came for me, unbidden and hot. It was the one she’d sung to her brother as he lay dying in her arms. The poignancy of that moment hit me fully, and I had to grasp Niall’s hand. He tightened his arm around me. Finn leaned forward, anxious and emotional as she drew to a close, tears running down her cheeks. She seemed to falter a little, and he was out of his seat in an instant, springing up on stage and wrapping an arm around her waist, guiding her off amid the applause.
The lights brightened, and I looked around the table, seeing the same emotion reflected on everyone’s faces. You could feel her pain as she sang, and the sensation brought out hidden hurts deep from your soul.
Effie wiped her eyes. “She was simply brilliant.”
Roman tucked her close, pressing a kiss to her head but not saying a word.
Vi sniffled. “That was intense.”
Aldo only nodded.
“She sang that to her brother as he passed,” I whispered, my voice feeling thick in my throat.
“Oh God,” Effie replied. “What a brave soul she is.”
“She’s braver than anyone knows,” I said.
Effie smiled at me. “Except you.”
Niall’s grip on me tightened, and he pulled me so close I had to pat his hand to relax him enough to breathe. He hated thinking about what Una and I went through.
“We were brave together.”
Roman lifted a glass. “To the brave women in our life.”
The room emptied out except our group. Una was only singing one set tonight, and Finn had arranged for dinner to be served to us here in private after he’d had some alone time with Una.
A short while later, Una and Finn appeared. Una was smiling and calm. Finn beamed in happiness. She accepted all the hugs and accolades with grace, then sat next to me.
Our eyes met, and a silent conversation happened. Everyone around the table was quiet, and I knew I had to help break the ice.
“I dunno, Una. If I were your backup singer, we’d be a hit, I think.”
Her lips quirked.
“I mean, I could liven up the numbers.” I waggled my fingers. “Jazz hands included.”
She began to smile.
“I gave her a private performance this morning,” I informed the table.
Una bit her lip. “I thought there was a cat in heat, but it was Anna, um, singing.” She pulled a face. “Sort of.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “We call it caterwauling, I’ll have you know.”
Una threw her arms around my neck, laughing. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Everyone else smiled, and Finn met my eyes with a droll wink.
Then he clapped his hands. “Boys, it’s time for me to show you the best of Irish food. You’ll never go back to pasta.”
That earned him some groans and eye rolls.
Niall looked at me and pulled me close, his voice low and gravelly in my ear. “If you’re in heat, Anna, I can put out that fire later.”
I cupped his face and kissed him.
“I look forward to it, you mother hen.”
He had an amused glint in his eye. “I told you—”
I grinned as I covered his mouth. “Sorry. You big rooster.”
Then he was laughing too.
I was curled up by the waterfall the next morning, enjoying the quiet. It was still early, and guests weren’t up yet, the lobby fairly empty. Niall was upstairs with Finn, doing whatever they did. Hotel business, casino problems, his other…interests. I didn’t want to ask or delve too deeply.
Una appeared, looking radiant. She hugged me, then sat down, reaching for the teapot. I gasped as the light caught the ring on her finger.
“Una!” I exclaimed, taking her hand. “That is gorgeous!”
She smiled, staring down at the large stone on her hand. “Finn said the emerald reminds him of my eyes. He gave it to me last night.”
“It is exquisite.”
She handed me my tea. “I know.” Then she winked. “I noticed something on your wrist last night.” She lifted one eyebrow. “Something you want to share?”
I told her about Niall’s confession. His quiet admission and asking for time. “This is a gift, but it has a tracker in it as well.”
She nodded, tapping the infinity necklace she wore. “Finn added one to this after…” She trailed off. “Just in case.” She grinned. “Our men take our safety seriously.”
“Una,” I asked, leaning forward. “Is it possible to love someone that quickly? Niall worries it is hero worship. I think it’s more. He is beginning to think so as well…” I shrugged. “But I have never experienced anything like it.”
She took a sip of tea, frowning as if in thought. “I met Finn when I had just turned eighteen. He shook my hand, and I felt something. Once during the evening, he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, and it was as if he’d branded me as his. One touch. I loved him from that moment. So, do I believe love can happen fast? Yes. Do I believe Niall loves you and you him? Yes. How you met was under extraordinary circumstances, but you did meet. And you had the same connection as Finn and me. Instant. It’s rare, but it happens.”