When they reached the road, he started down it, and Breen crossed over to the farm. Bollocks gave her a look, got a nod, then ran toward the cart, barking his greeting.
The bark had a trio of birds shooting up and away like blue arrows.
Morena spotted her, waved. Breen saw Harken give Morena a kiss, a nudge. Then she was off the cart, giving the happy Bollocks a rub before hurrying to meet Breen.
“Harken said you were back. I’d hoped to see you.”
And when Morena wrapped her arms around her, Breen felt the joy, the relief, and the sorrow.
“I’m so glad to be back. The Capital, well, is the Capital, but the valley—”
“Is the valley,” Morena finished. “And your timing’s saved me from stacking peat. Do you want to come in, have some tea?”
“I’ve spent most of the day sitting, working. I’d love to walk if you’re up for it.”
“I wouldn’t mind a stroll.” She bent to rub Bollocks again. “And I bet this one would like a jump in the bay.”
“It’s warmer than I expected,” Breen began as they started to walk.
“Good strong sun today, but Harken says the wind’ll blow cold tomorrow.” She tossed her sunshine braid behind her shoulder. “Now then, he might’ve said it to get me out there hauling peat.”
“Where’s Amish?”
“Oh, gone off hunting.” After tipping back her cap, Morena looked to the sky, where her hawk so often circled overhead. “So, you were working on your stories today.”
“The next one about Bollocks, and when I finished, Marco informed me we’re getting our Christmas tree and decorations this weekend. My first Christmas in Ireland, and here. It’ll be busy,” Breen said easily. “Since Aisling’s said the baby’s coming around Yule rather than in February, she may have the baby by then, and there’s your and Harken’s wedding.”
“I’m thinking we may wait on the wedding until spring, or summer maybe.”
“Oh?”
“As you said, there’s Yule, and a baby coming, and all so busy a time. I wanted spring at the first of it, so I’m thinking it feels… I can’t ask my family to celebrate at such a time, Breen. How can I reach for that at such a time? Harken’s fine with the waiting.”
“He’s good at it,” Breen agreed. “And only wants you happy. That’s love. He’d never push. But I’m going to.”
“Ah, I wish you wouldn’t.”
“Only push for you to listen, and whatever you do, I’m with you. You’re my oldest friend, and whatever you need, I’m with you. I’d forgotten you, for so long,” Breen continued. “Then it all came back. I’d forgotten Phelin, forgotten your family. Then it all came back. When I saw them again, it all rushed back. Your family, and they were my family, too. They are my family.”
Bollocks raced ahead toward the water as they stepped off the road and onto the beach.
“It meant the world you stayed after. That you spent time, every day, my mother said, with them. I wanted you here, I’ll admit it, and still I was glad you stayed.”
“We were all where we needed to be.”
Morena closed her eyes, let the air wash over her face. “He was the best of us, was Phelin. I love my family, every one, but when I think on it, he was the best of us. Kind and funny and loyal. A trickster, aye, but never with harm. He loved his wife so, and could barely wait to be a father. Now he’s gone. And I know he gave his life for Talamh, for us, for all. I honor that, I swear to you.”
“I know you do. That doesn’t make it hurt less.”
“Will it ever, do you think? Hurt less?”
Taking her hand, Breen walked toward the water. “I thought my father had left me, that he didn’t love me enough to stay. And that hurt, it cut so deep. Then, when I came here and learned he’d died, and how and why, it was another deep, deep hurt. Even as I came to understand the why, it hurt.
“Now, with some time, it hurts still, but in a different way. And when I remember him, and times with him, I can feel some joy with it. So will you, with Phelin. And I think with time, the joy eases most of the hurt.”
“I’ve stood for friends and for neighbors at Leavings, but never before for one so close. Starting my life with Harken, asking my family to come and dance and share in that, it’s selfish.”
“Here’s where I tell you you’re wrong about that. Before I do, I’ll say again, I’m with you whatever you want and need. But I did spend time with your family, so I know what it means to them, you and Harken starting that life. Your mother talked to me about it, and how she held on to that.”