Paddy does, slinging my bag over his shoulder as Connor carefully lifts me out of the SUV, knocking the door shut with his elbow and turning his back on them, carrying me into the house.
I’m excited as Paddy unlocks the door, ducking inside and emerging without my bag. He claps Connor on the shoulder, disappearing into his SUV as they leave.
Connor carries me over the threshold, a smirk tugging at his lips. I look around eagerly. Oh my. I have good taste.
“Can we go through every room?” I ask hesitantly. Chuckling, Connor nods, carrying me slowly so I don’t miss anything.
I admire the new furniture I picked from the online catalog at Paddy and Lauren’s house. It looks wicked good.
I think I will need a moment alone in the kitchen later because he bought every item from the kitchen website I had pointed out, and a few I sighed over but insisted we didn’t need. I’m so glad Connor didn’t listen to me. I’m going to be living in my dream house.
After the tour, Connor settles me in the living room downstairs. Now it’s not a showpiece room full of antiques, I’ve made it useable. There are overstuffed, comfy sofas, a coffee table, a small TV, and bookshelves I fully intend to load with interesting books. Mainly cookbooks.
“I got ye something,achuislemochroí,” Connor murmurs, leaving the room.
Propping my foot up on the coffee table, I wait patiently for him to fetch whatever he wants from upstairs. My fingers stroke over my wedding ring, and I giggle to myself. Oh mygod. I’m married. ToConnor. Talk about a dream come true.
He returns empty-handed, with his hands in his pockets. I smirk at him.
“What does it mean?” I ask as he drops onto the new comfy sofa beside me. Connor raises his eyebrows.
“What does what mean?”
He picks up my injured foot, twisting me so my ankle rests in his lap and I’m facing him.
“Ah kwish….” I start butchering the words, and he chuckles.
“Achuislemochroí?” he clarifies, the sounds falling easily from his tongue. I nod. Connor taps my toes with his fingers for a moment, tipping his head to the side. “Pulse of my heart.”
My breath catches, and he shrugs. “It’s nicer in Irish.”
I laugh, but my own heart is clenching. What a lovely saying. What a beautiful thing for Connor to call me.
“So, what did you get me?” I prompt him, grinning eagerly.
He returns my grin and draws a jewelry box out of his jacket pocket. Flipping the box open, he hands it to me. Taking it, I gape at the gorgeous engagement ring.
It’s a huge emerald cut diamond, set in gold with small round diamonds in a halo, on a shiny yellow gold band that matches our wedding rings.
“Ye didn’t get a fancy wedding with a nice dress, so I got ye a fancy ring instead.”
I tentatively stroke the diamond. It’s the nicest thing I’ve ever owned.
“It’s stunning,” I breathe, and Connor shrugs.
“It’s a nice ring, but it’s not as stunning as ye are.”
I blink at him, giggling, but he looks completely sincere.
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Fitzpatrick.” I bat my lashes at him. He growls at me as he plucks the ring box from my fingers, taking out the ring and sliding it on next to my wedding band.
“As long as ye are everywhere with me, Mrs. Fitzpatrick,” he replies easily, tugging me into his lap and kissing me deeply. Mrs. Fitzpatrick. I like the sound of that.
Epilogue
CONNOR
Andie has compulsively cleaned the house all day, ignoring my pleas for her to sit down and rest. The lass is four months pregnant. She should not be dusting every inch of a three-story house. At least she’s out of her ankle plaster cast.