The O’Callaghan family’s inn is lovely and sits not far from the cliffs of the ocean. I’ve just walked down to what I’ve come to think of as my rock and set my pencil in motion over the paper when my phone rings. I glance at the screen and pick up immediately.
“Archer! I haven’t talked to you in a while. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” he says. In truth, I haven’t talked to my brother since my wedding day. I miss my jovial, happy sibling. He’s not been himself in months. I wish he’d tell me what’s going on in that head of his. “I thought I’d touch base with you, check in, see how you are. Make sure married life is still agreeing with you.”
“I’m wonderful. I love it here in Ireland, and all of Kane’s family is super nice. You have to come sometime and spend a good chunk of time at the inn. You’d love it. But, enough about me, how are you? I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. And your cake.”
“You only love me for my cake.”
“I mean, it’s not a horrible reason to love you.” He laughs, and it sounds so much like his normal self that it makes tears spring to my eyes. “I have news.”
“Well, don’t leave me in suspense. Gimme.”
“I found her.”
Elena.
I stare at the ocean, surprised. Is this why he’s been so out of sorts? Over a woman he hasn’t seen in almost two decades?
“Stasia?”
“I’m here. Does she know you’ve found her?”
“No. But she will, very soon.”The End