At 6.00am Walter's eyes opened , he saw Paige still sleeping her head still on his shoulder .It took him about thirty seconds for him to realize he was still at the farm and not in his small flat over his computer shop . His bladder was telling him he needed the bathroom , but his mind was telling him he did not want to wake Paige , it was always better to let her wake up by herself .

After another ten minutes he knew a bathroom vist was essential . He tried to remove his arm from around Paige and ease her head off his shoulder . He thought he had succeeded until Paige's eyes flew open .

" Walter were are we , were are you going ? "

" It is alright , we fell asleep on mom's sofa and i am desperate to use the bathroom . "

" I don't think i will be far behind you , please hurry . " Said Paige as she reached forward to give Walter a kiss .

Walter rushed upstairs and was back within five minutes . Paige got up from the sofa , gave Walter a kiss and ran up the stairs . Paige was back in ten minutes , having taken a little time to freshen up .

" I think i will go and put some coffee on and start breakfast for Louise , i presume you would like some breakfast . " Walter just nodded and smiled at Paige and said .

" You know me so well . "

Paige had just put the coffee on when she heard Louise coming down the stairs .

" Good morning Mom . " Said Paige

" Good morning Paige dear . " Replied Louise .

" Coffee is on and i was just about to start breakfast . " Paige explained to Louise .

Louise looked at Paige for a few seconds then replied .

" That is really good of you , but you are a guest , and no guest cooks or washes up in my home . So you two take your coffee into the living room and relax . I will call you when it's ready . "

Paige went to protest , but Walter leaned over and whispered in her ear .

" It is no use trying to argue with mom , she is as stubborn as you . "

" Me stubborn . No . "

Walter smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek , and simply said .

" Yes . "

Paige said . " Ok ." picked up her coffee and headed towards the living area , she looked over her shoulder , looking at Walter with a big smile on her face . " Are you coming ?"

Sean appeared twenty minutes later and popped his head into the living room .

" Morning kids . "

Both Walter and Paige replied .

" Morning dad . "

Once breakfast was over , Walter and Paige said their goodbyes to Louise and Sean . After Paige recovered her engagement ring and firmly put back on her ring finger .

Walter had already discussed with Paige that he intended to close up the shop , but before he could he needed to check just how much work he needed to complete , and chase up a few outstanding debts .

They got back to Walter's flat around thirty minutes later , both decided to shower and put on clean clothes . An hour later they both were refreshed and in clean clothes . They both went down to the shop , Paige was going to go over Walter's paperwork and chase up the outstanding debts . Walter was hoping to finish off the few jobs he had left unfinished when he went to the States .

After four hours , Walter had finished up the outstanding work , Paige had completed all the paperwork and had phoned people with outstanding accounts . Walter looked around the shop and workshop and realized he still had a lot of stock . He had over a dozen laptops he had made up from parts he had reclaimed from computers that he had been given to get rid off.

" Do you think the computer class at the school could make use of them . " Walter asked Paige . Paige smiled before answering .

" I am sure they would be thrilled , from what i saw of the damage i doubt many of their computers survived . "

" Ok we take them to the farm next time we go . Lets deliver the ones i have finished today and then go and get something to eat from the café in town . "

" Sounds good to me , i am starting to feel a little hungry now . " Replied Paige .

it took them about a hour to deliver the items Walter had repaired , every one paying them before they left . Once that was completed they made their way back to Kilkenny and managed to park outside the café , the name of which was a little unusual , The Mad leprechaun . A bell rang as they entered and a lady in her mid-sixties , looked up from behind the counter , she appeared to give them both a strange look , she then began to walk around the counter and move towards them .

"Are you Walter and Paige ? " She queried .

" Yes . " Said a hesitant Paige .

" Oh i am so glad to meet you . Steve is my son and he described his rescuers as a handsome young man , with a gorgeous young lady as his partner . "

" How is he ? " Asked Paige .

" Well the leg he broke needed to be put in traction , so he needs to spend a few weeks in St. Luke's General Hospital . "

" That is a shame , do you think we could visit him . " Again it was Paige doing all the talking . Walter was content to listen and let Paige do all the talking .

" I am sure he would love to see you both again , the hospital is only about two and a half miles from here . Visiting hours are . to . " Explained the lady .

" Do you think it would be alright to pay a visit tonight , Walter wants to ask him something . " Explained Paige .

" I think that would be ideal , before you go please choose anything from the menu . What ever it is , it is on the house as my way of thanking you . "

Paige and Walter checked the menu . Paige decided on the cheese and onion quiche with a side salad . Walter went with the fish platter , which seemed to consist of various shell fish and prawns and was served in a fish broth . Both meals when delivered were of a high quality . Both Walter and Paige had coffee with their meal . Once they had finished Steve's mom , now known to Walter and Paige as Kate O'Toole , insisted they try the banoffee pie , the secret weapon of the café . Walter and Paige agreed it was the best they had ever tried .

Despite protests by both Walter and Paige , Kate insisted there was no charge . By the time they had finished their meal it was . so they decided to make their way to St Luke's Hospital , they were parked up by . and decided to go into the hospital .

Having checked with the reception desk , they were told Steve was in B6 ward which was on the second floor . They took the stairs and found ward B6 , but it was locked , they took a seat outside the ward . At exactly 7.30pm . the ward doors opened and they were let in . They asked the nurse at the nurse's station , which bed Steve O'Toole was in and they were directed to the far end of the ward .

Steve had seen them approaching , a big smile broke out on his face . Paige leaned over and gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek , Walter shook his hand .

" It is good to see you both , i did not get a chance to thank you at the school , but i would like to say a big thank you now . "

" You are more than welcome . " Said a smiling Paige .

" Everything you both did seemed so natural to you , no fear , no panic and so professional . How do you do it ? " Asked a somewhat surprised Steve .

" We used to do a lot more difficult and dangerous things in America . " Commented Paige

Steve looked confused .

" What could be more dangerous than exploding chemicals . "

" We were both members of an American Homeland emergency response team , who not only worked in the States , but anywhere we were needed. " This time Walter had stepped in and explained to Steve .

" You must tell me some of your adventures . " A slightly bemused Steve asked .

Paige leaned forward , her left hand resting on the side of the bed . Steve's eyes went wide again as he saw the ring on Paige's finger .

" Whoa ! That is some ring , when did Walter propose ? "

" Actually about two hours before the first explosion . " Explained Paige .

" You were prepared to put your own lives at risk , so soon after your engagement ."

Paige just smiled before looking at Walter with all the love in the world in her eyes .

" I guess it must be in our D.N.A. , we did it for four years so i suppose it just comes naturally ." She replied .

Steve was in a daze , Walter spoke up but Steve seemed not to hear him at first .

" Steve , i have been running a computer repair shop for the past two years in Kilkenny . But Paige and i are together again , so i am shutting the shop and moving back to the States . I was given a lot of computers that were outdated or damaged so i could safely get rid of them . Out of them , i have managed to make sixteen functional laptops . My original idea was to sell them off cheap , to people who wanted their first computer . But i am leaving soon , Paige and myself were wondering if you could use them for your Computer classes as i doubt if many of your computers have survived after the two explosions . "

Tears began to form in Steve's eyes .

" That is most generous , you are two of the most important and brilliant people i have ever met . You save my live plus nineteen other people from my class and now this . How can i ever thank you . " Paige looked at him and gave him a little smile .

" Your mom as already thanked us for you , she gave us a beautiful meal at the café and refused any payment . That was enough for us . Your job now is to get well and carry on teaching people computer skills . "

Steve went to speak , but the lump in his throat stopped any sound coming out . Paige gently laid her hand on top of Steve's hand and said .

" We have had enough thanks , we are just pleased no one was really badly hurt . That is what is most important . "

Steve smiled and just said .

" Thank you both from the bottom of my heart . Now are one of you going to tell me about any of your adventures ? "

Paige looked her watch and it was just after 8pm .

" Ok , i will tell you you a couple . " She looked at Walter who had a big grin on his face .

" The same two again ? " He asked .

" Well i know i am safe with them as neither were directly connected with Homeland . " Said Paige with a big smile on her face .

Walter smiled back at her and said .

" Why not change one for the boy and the sinkhole , the first Christmas we celebrated . "

" That is a good idea . " Paige began telling her stories starting with the boy and the sinkhole and finishing with the Mexican nuclear power station . All the time she was speaking Walter's eyes never deviated from her face . Steve's face went through a multitude of emotions by the time Paige had finished speaking . Steve was now in total disbelief .

" You did all those by yourself ? "

" Well we did have the rest of the team with us , but it was always Walter's ideas and bravery that got us out of awkward situations . Most of the action i cannot tell you about as they are covered by the American secrets act , which we have both signed . " Explained Paige .

Steve was still in shock , but managed .

" How could things be more dangerous than that . "

Walter gave him a look .

" We look at a problem and work out a solution , trying to at least to be in as little danger as possible . Paige was a waitress in a diner , when i first met her and her wonderful son . Homeland took over the diner for a case , but she trusted me enough to stand up in a car i was driving down a runway at over 200 miles per hour , with a large aircraft only a few feet above her head . So to say it is my bravery that usually saves the day , i always say Paige is braver and she always without question does what is needed ."

Steve looked at Paige and just said .

" You did that ?"

Paige nodded her head and smiled . " I trust Walter with my son's life and mine at all times . "

As she finished speaking a bell sounded to indicate visiting time was over .

" We will put the computers in one of dad's barns on the farm , just collect them when you are ready , i will also have some boxes of spare bits you may be able to use . " Walter told him as he shook his hand . Paige leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek .

" If we have time we will call in again to see you and maybe tell another one of our adventures . "

At that Walter and Paige left the ward and made their way back to the car .

They pulled up outside of Walter's flat , he switched the engine off and turned to Paige .

" Would you like to go for a drink at the Irish Harp to finish the day off . "

Paige stretched across to Walter and gave him a peck on the cheek .

" I would love that Walter . " .

Walter got out of the car and walked round to Paige's side of the car and helped her out .

" Why thank you kind sir . "

Arm in arm , they walked towards the Irish Harp . As they entered the landlord was behind the bar and saw them enter .

" Walter , Paige i am so glad to see you , please come up to the bar . "

Paige and Walter reached the bar , before Walter had a chance to ask Paige what she wanted to drink, the landlord cut in .

" What ever you want is on the house , i heard what you did yesterday from my mom , she was one of the people you rescued . "

Paige looked at him and asked .

" His she alright ? Was she injured at all ? "

" No just a few cuts and bruises , but it could have a lot worse without you two . "

" Walter's mom and dad , were a big help as well as other people who helped us with the rescue . " Replied Paige .

" I am aware of that but it was you two who organized and led the rescue . Now what can i get you to drink ? " Asked the landlord .

" Thank you , i would like a glass of red wine , Walter a bottle of water . But first could you tell us your name , calling you landlord just does not seem right . " Said Paige .

" My name is Lee Michaels ."

" Good to meet you Lee ." Replied Paige , at that Lee went to fetch their drinks . He bought Paige her red wine and Walter his water .

" I would like to invite you both and Walter's parents to an Irish Ceilidh night on Saturday , here are four tickets ,they also include an Irish Harp ploughman's lunch . "

Paige looked at Walter who nodded .

" Well Walter and I would be honored , but we will need to ask his parents tomorrow ."

" That's fine , i hope they can attend . " Said Lee .

At that Walter led Paige over to a table so they could sit down to enjoy their drinks .

" Walter i did not want to appear stupid to Lee , but what is a Ceilidh Evening . "

Walter took a drink of his water before speaking .

" It is a gathering of people , some may sing , play a tune on an instrument , read poetry or even do some Irish dancing . "

" That sounds a bit like an open mic . night back in the States . " Suggested Paige .

" You would not be far away with that idea . " Replied Walter . They enjoyed their drinks and then took a steady walk back to the flat .

Next morning after a little bit of adult bedroom entertainment , Walter after a quick breakfast prepared lovingly by Paige , decided to phone his mom and ask her about the Ceilidh evening . Once off the phone he went over to Paige to explain what Louise had said .

" Mom and dad would be happy to go , but mom did say they would not be able to stop to late as they are going to a Church service at 10.30am. on Sunday . " Explained Walter . Paige looked a little pensive for a couple of minutes .

" Do you think they would mind if i went with them . I was bought up as Catholic , but once mom left , dad stopped going to church ,so i just followed him . But these past few weeks have been magical and it as given me some of my belief back . "

" I am sure they would love to show off their beautiful soon to be daughter in law . But would you mind if i stayed at the farm ? " Paige pouted before speaking .

" I had hoped i could enter the church on your arm , so please come with me . " Paige reached for him and hugged him tight . She moved her mouth close to his ear and whispered seductively.

" I would certainly make it worth your while . "

That did it , Walter's knees began to buckle as she blew gently in his ear once she had finished speaking .

" Oh Kay . " Walter managed , before Paige planted a kiss on his lips , which he responded to .

The rest of the day they both spent in the shop , packing all the spare parts into boxes ready to take to the farm . They did take a hour out at lunch time and walked to to the Mad Leprechaun to pick up a couple of sandwiches , which they took back to the shop were Paige made coffee .

Once everything was packed up , they loaded up Walter's car with the boxes and computers . As it was only 3.30pm. they decided to take them over to the farm .

They were greeted by Louise at the door , who hugged and kissed Paige on the cheek and then hugged Walter .

" Is dad around ?" Asked Walter .

" He is in the old barn tidying up the hay . "

" O. K . i just need to ask him a favor , i will see you in a few minutes . " With that he began to walk towards the barn .

" You there dad ? " Shouted Walter

" Up here son . " Replied Sean .

Walter walked further into the barn and saw his dad working on the mezzanine floor that had been added to the barn .

" Hang on and i will come down . " As he spoke he began to climb down the ladder . Once back on the ground he walked over to Walter and pulled him into a hug .

" It is good to see you again son . "

" It is good to see you too dad , but i do have a favor to ask . "

" Go ahead if i can i will help . "

" Remember Steve the guy with the broken leg , well he is the tutor of the computer class . Most of the computers were damaged in the explosion , i have sixteen laptops i have managed to make out of bits and pieces . Which Paige and myself want to donate them to the computer class , together with some boxes of spares . Last night we visited Steve in hospital and told him , he was very pleased . I told him i would leave them in one of your barns to collect once he is fit again . I hope that is alright with you . "

" Of course it is son , do you want some help to bring the items into the barn . " Offered Sean . " Yes please i will bring the car closer to the barn , so we do not have to carry the boxes to far ." Walter left the barn and within minutes he pulled the car up to the barn door . It took them about ten minutes to unpack and move all the boxes and computers safely into the barn . By the time they got back to the house Louise had made coffee .

While they drank their coffee , Louise insisted that they stay for an evening meal . Which they both agreed to .

Paige sat next to Walter and squeezed his hand before she began to speak to Louise .

" Mom would you mind if Walter and i come to church with you on Sunday ? "

Louise almost chocked on her coffee at the question . " Walter wants to go to church on Sunday ? What miracle have you performed now . " Asked Louise in shock . " To be honest it is me who wants to go and i have sort of persuaded Walter to go with me . " Paige replied as she turned to Walter and gave him a smile that once again turned Walter's knees to jelly . " We would be honored to walk into church with the two of you . " Paige smiled and said " Thank you . " After a good evening meal , Walter and Paige left and drove back to Walter's flat .

Next day being Saturday , Paige suggested they could maybe spend a couple of hours looking around Walter's home town of Callen . A pleasant visit to his home town soon began to turn into a bit of a nightmare for Walter , it seemed everyone they passed had been involved or knew someone who had been in the school explosion . They all wanted to thank and shake the hands of both Walter and Paige . Paige took everything in her stride , but after about ten meetings Walter was becoming uncomfortable . Paige noticed the change in him and immediately began leading him back to the car . They did see not many people on the way to the car so they got to it in five minutes . Paige put Walter in the passenger seat and got into the drivers side . " I am sorry Walter i should have thought it through a lot more , people are just so relieved and happy about the outcome of the school explosion . How about we go to your refuge were you found peace as a child . " Paige suggested , all Walter could manage was to nod his head . Paige drove slowly , it was the first time she had driven on the left hand side of the road . They arrived at the farm , but parked out of sight of the house . By now Walter had calmed down a lot . He led Paige down the path to the lake , as he did his whole demeanor changed and he started to relax . They both sat on the tree were Walter had proposed to Paige . " Thank you Paige this is just what i needed . " He said as he looked into Paige's eyes . " You are more than welcome Walter . We can just sit here as long as you like . Do you think you can cope with the Ceilidh evening tonight .? " Walter looked at her for more than a minute , before answering . " I can do anything with you by my side , this morning it was all the physical contact that got me to be so worked up . " " I understand and i promise i will always be by your side . " They spent a couple of hours just watching the lake , and the occasional kiss , and very little talk . Eventually Paige suggested they should go and get something to eat . Walter suggested a pub about two miles south of Callen , called The Muddy Farmer that used to serve decent food . " Are you alright to drive ? " Paige asked . " I am fine now , thanks to you . " Said Walter as he planted a kiss on her lips . Walter found the pub and they had a good meal . They made their way back to the flat and spent a little time relaxing in bed . They were expecting Louise and Sean around 8.00pm. . So at 6.00pm. they got up , showered and got ready for their Ceilidh Evening .

At 7.45pm. the door bell to the flat rang . " I 'll go . " Shouted Walter . Opening the door he was met by smiles on Louise 's and Sean's faces . " Come on up , Paige is just putting the finishing touches to her make up . " Walter led the way closely followed by Louise and Sean . " Good evening mom , dad . " Said Paige as they walked into the flat . " Good evening Paige . " Louise and Sean said together . Paige picked up her coat . " Every one ready , shall we go ? " They left the flat and arm in arm the four of them walked towards the Irish Harp . As they entered , Lee Immediately greeted them . " Please follow me . " They all began to follow him , as he cleared spaces in the crowd between them and the table that had been reserved for them . The table was close to the stage and a young lady in traditional Irish dress was standing by it . " This is Rose , she will be your personnel waitress for the evening . If you require anything just press that button on the table , and a light glows on Rose's sash . As Lee spoke he pressed the button and a red light came on Rose's sash . " She will be working on other tables , when not seeing to your needs , but as soon as she sees that red light she will make her way to you immediately . Now make yourselves comfortable and give Rose your drinks order , all of which are on the house . " With that Lee said his goodbyes but promised to return later . Paige ordered a glass of red wine , Walter pushed the boat out and ordered an orange juice , Louise ordered a red wine the same as Paige and Sean ordered an Irish whisky . Rose left them and returned a few minutes later with their drinks . Once she had served them their drinks she said . " Please enjoy your drinks and call me if you need anything , the show is due to start in a few minutes , after about a hour we will start bringing the food round . I hope you have a good evening . " As Rose left Paige began looking around the room and was surprised to see how many people seemed to be staring at the group of four . She leaned close to Walter and whispered in his ear . " I think we are the center of attention , if you begin to feel a little uneasy grab hold of my hand . " " Thank you . " Replied Walter . She leaned over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek . Sean and Louise looked over at them , Louise leaned over to Paige and in a low voice asked . " Are you two alright ? " Paige smiled and sweetly said . " We are fine . "

A few minutes later the show began , a small band consisting of a penny whistle , an Irish set of pipes , a fiddle and a small drum . A woman in her mid forties was in front of the band and began singing some Irish folk songs . Paige listened intently and applauded with great vigor when they had finished . Walter had not really been listening to the singer or band but had taken great pleasure in watching the enjoyment on Paige's face . Next up was a poet , unfortunately for Paige he recited all his poems in Gaelic , but she was still enjoying it just by listening to the lilt in his voice . Next the band came back on stage followed by six girls , the band began to play and the girls gave an exhibition of Irish Dancing . Paige again was fascinated by the movement of the dancers . Again all Walter did was to watch Paige . Once the dance was over the band leader announced food would be served now . Louise looked at Paige . " You seemed to be enjoying the show . " " I love live music , at one time i wanted to be a singer , but Ralph came along and i just gave up on lt . But i do not regret one minute of it , i have Ralph and would never have met Walter . " As she finished speaking , Rose appeared carrying four large plates . " Your Irish Harp ploughman's lunches . I will be back in a moment to bring you what makes the Irish Harp ploughman's special . " Paige looked at her plate and turned to Walter . " I do not recognize some of the items on the plate. Walter looked and pointed out some of the items . " Well you know the crusty bread , a selection of cheeses , a slice of pork pie , a slice of black pudding and a pickled onion . " " Black pudding , what is that ? " Queried Paige . " I would suggest you try it first , then i will tell you . " Paige cut a small amount off the slice of black pudding and tentatively put it in her mouth and chewed . " It does not taste like anything i have tried before , so spill buster . " She said with a big smile on her face . " Boiled pigs blood is the main ingredient of it . " Paige looked a little shocked but picked it up and took a bigger bite . " Well i must admit it is a little different , but i must admit i like it . " Paige put the rest of the black pudding back on her plate . At that moment Rose came back to the table with the special bit of the meal , four pint glasses of a very dark liquid topped by a white froth . She set one down set one down in front of each of them . Sean immediately took a long drink of his , Louise just took a sip . Paige turned to Walter with the same confused look on her face , Walter began to explain . " That is almost the National drink of the Irish , it is called Guinness ." Paige picked up her glass and took a small sip . Her face showed no change as she put her glass down . She looked back at Walter who had a large smile on her face . " What ! " Paige asked . Walter picked up his paper napkin and reached over across to Paige and wiped the white foam moustache from her top lip . Paige smiled and gave Walter a kiss on the cheek as a thank you . As they all finished their food , with both Sean and Paige drinking all their Guinness , while Walter had not touched his and except the initial sip ,Louise had not touched hers . Sean looked across the table at Paige with a big smile on his face . " I am sure we are going to make you into a good Irish lass . " Before Paige could reply , Lee announced that the second half of the show was about to begin and it was now up to members of the audience to perform . Louise was quick to pick up on this and looked straight at Paige . " You said you wanted to be a singer , now is your chance , i am sure you have a beautiful voice . " Walter immediately cut in . " She as the voice of an Angel ." " But i do not know any Irish songs . " Paige protested . " None at all dear ?" Queried Louise . " Well there was one , mom used to sing to me when i was little , i think i remember it , hang on and i will see if the words are on my phone . " Paige found what she was looking for and after a bit more encouragement from Walter , she agreed . Walter pressed the button on the table , once Rose appeared they explained Paige wanted to sing . Rose fetched Lee over , who took Paige to the stage and announced that she would be singing Danny Boy . The band knew the tune and once Paige told them the key she wanted . They began to play , as soon as Paige began to sing the whole pub went silent , so they could hear every word she sang . As she finished a big smile broke out on her face and the applause , led by Walter and his parents filled the pub . Paige quickly made her way back to Walter and greeted him with a hug . After Paige a few more people attempted to entertain the people , but no one had much success ." Lee came over to see Paige . " Paige could you please sing another song , everyone wants to hear you sing again . " " But i do not know any more Irish songs . " " You could sing the Irish phone book and they would listen . " " Well !. " A devilish smile came on her face . " If Walter will duet with me , then i will . " She turned to Walter who was vigorously shaking his head . She pouted her lips at him and his head shaking slowed , the more she pouted his head eventually came to a stop . " Remember the duet in Africa , you were brilliant then . " Paige told Walter as the smile returned to her face . Walter knew he was fighting a loosing battle . " Ok , i hope you have got the words on your phone . " Paige reached over for his hand and gently pulled him from his seat . Lee was back on stage announcing Paige was going to sing another song but this time it was a duet with her partner . The whole pub began clapping and whistling . Paige checked with the band , who were happy to provide the backing music for them . Paige started the song Don't go breaking my heart , Walter joined in at first very nervous , but gained confidence as Paige held his hand . When they had finished , once again the pub exploded with applause . Both sat down , both Louise and Sean had smiles on their faces like a Cheshire cat . " How did you get Walter to do that ? " Asked Louise . " It's a power i have over him , the first time we sang that it was to help us escape from a rather nasty Dictator in Africa . Please don't ask me to explain . " Said a smiling Paige .

After about another thirty minutes , Sean and Louise thought it was time to leave , Walter and Paige agreed . Walter signaled Rose to tell her they were leaving . Rose asked if they would wait while she fetched Lee over . They agreed and Lee was over in five minutes . " I just want to thank you again for what you did at the school and Paige you are not only brave and beautiful , but have a magnificent voice . It as been a real pleasure to meet all of you . The Irish Harp will always give you a welcome if you are ever in the area . "

The four of them left and all linked arms as they walked towards Walter's flat .