“I didn’t either until I found some at an estate sale in St. Louis. Now it’s my pride and joy.” She turned to him. “What’s Ireland like?”
***
As Emmy waited for Kieran to answer her question, she tried not to stare at him... and failed. When he’d knocked on her window, her brain had short-circuited, and not because he’d startled her. Kieran O’Neill as a teenager had been a cute guy, and she hadn’t been the only girl smitten with him.
But adult Kieran? He was allman. He’d taken off his black coat and left it in the café area, but he was still wearing his charcoal-gray scarf and a heather-colored pullover. The combination looked very,verynice. She noticed the strands of silver highlighting his black hair and whiskers, and the charming crinkles in the corners of his eyes when he smiled. He didn’t look old. He looked distinguished. Ruggedly distinguished, if that was a thing.
He’d also surprised her by offering to help her decorate, and when she said no, she thought that would be the end of it and he’d beon his way. And then the strangest thing happened. He seemed... disappointed. Or she thought he was. Either way it didn’t seem right to send him off into the cold without a warm drink. At least that’s what she told herself.
As he continued to gaze at the glassware, she wondered if he had heard her question. Finally, he said, “Ireland is green, lass,” he said with a chuckle. “Very green. And beautiful. The history is so rich, and at times, filled with woe. The Irish people are strong. And stubborn, to be quite honest. They’re also friendly and know how to enjoy themselves.”
Emmy listened as he continued to talk about the country he clearly loved and where he obviously wanted to stay. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be buying an investment property in Dublin. That drove home the point that even if he had returned her feelings in high school, a romantic relationship never would have worked out. She should be thankful they never went down that path.
But as she listened to his deep voice, with his light Irish accent, she couldn’t help but wonder one thing.What would it have been like to kiss Kieran O’Neill?
Emmy blinked, brushing off the thought.
He walked over to the Christmas bins and picked up one of the Santa hats lying at the top. He put it on his head at a jaunty angle and turned to her. “Aye? Or nay?”
She tried to keep her composure. He managed to make even a cheap felt hat look good. “You’re missing the beard and belly.”
“Give me a few years, and I’ll have both.” He grinned as he took off the hat and set it on the counter.
Emmy was sure that even with a pot belly and a long beard, he would still be good-looking.
“I’ll have to come back when you’re open and do some more exploring,” he said as they walked back to the front counter. He sethis empty cup next to hers and glanced at the bins again. “Are you certain you don’t need a hand, lass? Or is your husband comin’ by later?”
His question caught her off guard. “I’m not married.” She grabbed one of the bins off the stack and put it on the floor, the silver garland around her neck rustling as she moved.
“I see. Then perhaps Carina—”
“She’s on a date.”
Kieran rubbed his stubbly chin. “Looks like a big job for one person.”
She took off the lid. “I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than stringing up lights.”
He walked over to her. “Mum’s at bingo, so as it turns out, I’m free for the evenin’.”
She glanced at the clock. Wow, she’d spent the last hour talking to Kieran, but it seemed like only a few minutes. Now she was more behind than before. “Well... I guess I could use the help.”
He slipped off his scarf and set it on the counter next to the cups. “I’m at your beck and call, boss.”
She chuckled. “You can start by putting lights in the window. There are clips inside the bin.”
For the next hour they worked as Christmas music continued to play quietly over the speakers. Emmy set out vintage mini Christmas trees all over the antique shop while Kieran strung more lights along the shelves. Once that was done, she looked at the largest bin, filled with knickknacks she’d collected over the years. “Just one more left,” she said as she lifted the lid.
Kieran glanced over at her. “It’s been a long time since I’ve set out Christmas decorations.” He paused. “Actually, I don’t think I ever have. Not for myself, anyway. I’ve helped friends do theirs, but never my own.”
“Not even in your castle?” she asked.
“There was no need. I rented a cottage for a long time before I was able to move in. I kept telling myself I would buy a tree and some ornaments. I just never got around to it. I suppose if I’d had a wife, she would have seen to it.”
“You never married either?”
He shook his head, pulling out a box of vintage glass ornaments. “Came close a time or two, but it was never the right time. Or the right person.”
Emmy nodded. “Same here.” She pushed Josh from her thoughts. She didn’t want the bad memories intruding now, or ever.
