Authors Note: Terms that will be found in this chapter that may be helpful to know are French and Gaelic.

French

Pepere, Papi: informal names for ones grandfather - Grand-pere

Memere, Meme: Informal names for ones Grandmother - Grand-mere

Pere: Father or Papa: Daddy

Mere: Mother or Maman: for Mom or Mommy

Petits Amours: Little Loves

Gaelic

Seanathair: Grandad

Mamo: Grandma

Athair: Father

Mathair: Mother

Chapter 30

Vatulele Island - Fiji

Wednesday Feb. 18, 1920

Finn POV

He sat on the beach burying his feet in the sand and letting the grains run through his fingers. The water lapped at the shore peacefully in front of him, but that wasn't the view he was watching. His eyes stared upward toward the sky. He'd never seen so many airships in one spot at the same time. They were all unique, made out of different materials, in different shapes and sizes.

They were all coming here to Vatulele Island. He would be attending a Deveroux Family gathering, a huge celebration that was held here every year. He'd get to meet Aoife's extended family. He was nervous but excited at the same time.

He'd met her cousin Cam who sailed on The Frigg, they'd arrived before them and had been the only other ones here till today. He'd learned The Frigg was owned by Jacques Deveroux, Aoife's uncle. Her uncle only had two sons and they were both aboard, Cam as the ship's surgeon and Peter who was second in command under their father. Cam was much more sociable than his brother but Peter seemed nice, he just kept to himself more. He reminded him a bit of Tommy.

Cam and Peter had spent almost all of the previous day setting up some strange rigging off the hull of their ship. Eirnin and Reilly had even joined in to help them when they'd finished setting up something similar from the bow of the Adelisa. He'd thought it would have been easier and quicker if they'd had the crew to help. They'd dropped them off on a neighboring island on their way there though.

He felt the sand shift beside him and turned to see Aoife sitting herself down. She stared up at the sky and watched the incoming airships with him. She began to name each one as they got closer, telling him who sailed on her. She explained to him that every ship would set up additional rigging and they'd dock in a circular pattern. There would be a type of competition with different games and such that they would play.

He heard laughter and turned to look down the beach for its source. Ada, the girls, Michael and the boys were all out playing in the sand and splashing in the water. It looked like they were working on a sandcastle. Turning back toward Aoife he took note of her smile as she watched the rest of his family. Her eyes lowered to meet his and she nodded at him.

"Go play Finn. Make memories with your family."

"Aoife... you're family now too... at least ta me."

Aoife POV

Finn was looking up at her and his eyes were hopeful and sweet a bit of bashfulness mixed in.

"Thank you Finn. I feel that way about you too."

Her eyes drifted back to the other Shelby's down the beach.

"About all of you."

Finn didn't move but continued to sit next to her, his voice soft when it sounded again.

"Are ya goin' ta be real family soon Aoife?"

Aoife smiled slightly down at Finn and gave a delicate shrug of her shoulders, "I hope so Finn, I'd like that but..."

"I know. It's up ta Tommy, right?"

"Well it's not only up to Tommy, I get a say too."

"Ya just said you'd like ta be family. I don't think I need ta worry about whether you'd say yes if Tommy asked ya."

"Finn!?"

"What? Ya know I'm right..."

A sly smile spread across his face and he started laughing lightly as she gently knocked his shoulder to the side.

"I think I'll like being able ta call ya my sister."

"What makes you so sure this is where Tommy and I are heading?"

"... I knew he liked ya after the first time he met ya. He's never liked anyone, not that I can remember anyways."

"... And how did you know he liked me when you hadn't even met me yet?"

"He came home and I was drawing an airship. He told me he'd met a real airman. That's how I heard about ya. It was the look in his eyes when he talked about ya. It usually changes when he talks about people that aren't family. It didn't change when he talked about ya. But it did dim a bit when he said he didn't think he'd impressed ya... I knew he liked ya."

"Hmm."

"Did he impress ya?"

Aoife laughed, "Oh there are so many ways to answer that..."

"Yeah, so tell them ta me."

"Why do you want to know?"

"I want ta know if he was right."

"Hm. All right but this stays between us, yeah?"

"Mums the word."

"I heard his voice before I saw him, I liked his voice. I was sure that simply because of the fact that I found his voice appealing, he'd end up missing half his teeth and have a crooked hooked nose."

Finn laughed at the picture she created for him.

"And when ya saw him?"

"I have to admit, he was handsome, I thought, mmm, he can certainly wear a three piece suit. But then we started talking business and it all went downhill from there."

"How come?"

"Well, business can be complicated. He was trying to hire us to take on his cargo. We needed to know what was in his cargo before we'd make a decision and he needed to have our agreement to take his cargo before he'd tell us what it contained."

"So how did you end up workin' ta gether?"

"He was willing to describe it, I was clever enough to figure it out. He wasn't very pleased with me when I mentioned it to him and he thought he could intimidate me, he couldn't."

"Ah...so that's why he thought he hadn't impressed ya."

"...Yes."

That was one of the reasons anyway. Finn didn't need to know about Grace especially if he didn't even remember her from before the war.

"Now are you going to go and help your nieces and nephews build that sand castle or not?"

"Are ya coming too?"

"No, Finn. I've got duties to attend to... have to help the incoming airships. I'll catch up with you later though all right. The afternoon meal, yeah, we'll have it together."

She watched as Finn nodded and bounded off towards the other Shelby's who were still enjoying the sand and surf.

Standing up from her spot she headed in the opposite direction towards the next ship getting ready to dock, The Fenris.

***************0***************

After helping the Fenris dock and speaking with her cousin Andre, she'd found that they hadn't received any letter or package transfers from anyone, let alone the Orient Express. Tommy either hadn't managed to get it posted in time or it had been transferred to the East India Trading Company. She'd have to speak with him about it tomorrow when she called in. Hopefully they could find a way to get it sorted.

Andre had needed to help with setting up the rigging and had told her that they'd catch up later, which was understandable and fine. Andre's side of the family was large enough on their own that they wouldn't require her help so she decided to head back to her hut and freshen up before the other airships made their final approaches.

Sacha POV

Sacha watched the airships of his family, gathering and docking one by one. He always enjoyed their yearly festivities. It was nice to reconnect in person, it could be difficult as everyone was constantly moving from one place to the next. He saw the Frigg and the Fenris his brothers vessels and of course his own pride and joy the Adelisa Aiglentine, manned now by his other prides, the apples of his eyes, his children.

He watched as his sisters vessel the Sif prepared to make their descent. He knew his own parents would be aboard her this year. Eliza's were due to come in on her younger brothers vessel the Medb. He wasn't sure how many more gatherings they'd be able to make it to and he thanked God that they were blessed with their presence for another year.

He wondered how long the Adelisa had been docked, if the ship was in the condition which he had always required to be standard. Wondered if his kids were all healthy and working happily alongside one another. They were all strong headed and he'd witnessed the battles that could create numerous times as they grew.

He knew he'd have to sit down and have a discussion with both Aine and Aoife. Aine would be the easier of the two, as she already knew what she wanted for her future. She'd chosen a tall educated Jewish man as her own, she would take the plunge to earth. Aoife would be more difficult. Eliza was worried about her. While Aine had put her heart out there before Solomons came along, Aoife never had. Eliza worried that Aoife would either deny her feelings if she had them or Shelby might break her if she did.

He himself wasn't worried about Shelby breaking his girl, she was stronger than even Eliza knew. Aoife was almost exactly like his own mother, lord knows his girls took after her in their appearance. But Aoife, she was strong, resilient and wise beyond her years, braver than anyone person had the right to be. He'd heard people say that she was fearless. It wasn't that she was fearless it was that she realized fear held you back and she refused to be held back by anything, especially if she could control it, just like his mother.

He was looking forward to docking and holding all of them in his arms again. He was also both excited and hesitant to see their reactions to the surprises he'd brought along with him.

Carrick POV

Carrick watched as the Bebinn made its approach. He knew that his parents were onboard and he felt both happy to see them again and apprehensive because he knew his father would board the Adelisa just to examine every single inch of her and make sure she was being taken care of. Sometimes he felt like they didn't trust him with her even after they left her in his hands when they retired.

He knew his parents were proud of all of them and that they were loved and yet he always seemed to feel doubt, he understood it was his own, not theirs and he needed to stop projecting it onto them. He'd found in recent months that he felt inadequate in everything not just captaining the ship. There were times when he could swear Aoife saw it, but she never called him on it. For that he was grateful. He'd been thinking long and hard about whether this was the life he wanted or simply the life he'd inherited. He still hadn't found his answer.

He hoped that he could speak with his Pepere, he'd always had a way of helping him to see that which was hidden from his view. Perhaps with his help he could find the answers he'd been seeking.

As the Bebinn came closer he left the deck of the Adelisa to return to his cabin and lock away all the sensitive materials that needed to be protected, even from his extended family.

He'd decided that he'd stay aboard this year so Eirnin could enjoy the island. He knew his little brother had moon eyes for the Shelby girl and figured if Eirnin was ever going to do anything about it, he'd need all the help he could get. Making sure to put him in the position of being near her would help, at least a little.

About an hour after all ships have docked

Aoife POV

Aoife was standing on the beach below the cargo lift for the Bebinn waiting for her parents to disembark from the ship. Her Aunt Adele and cousins Addie, Helena, Germaine and Leo were being lowered from the Sif now and she really wanted her parents to be present when pleasantries were exchanged. She loved her Aunt and her cousins, it was just that Addie could be a pill sometimes and she was usually on her best behavior when the other 'adults' were around.

Though she did spy her Memere and Papi on the lift with her Aunt and cousins. She supposed Aunt Adele must have picked them up this year. Having them there was a tossup really. For some reason Addie acted as though their Grandparents couldn't hear her or something.

The beach surrounding her started to get crowded with other members of her extended family as they made their way down from their respective homes. Her parents lift was finally moving and she felt the rest of her siblings aside from Carrick join her in awaiting them. She knew the Shelby's were off to the side trying to keep out of the way as best as possible.

She felt a solid presence stop behind her and then felt an arm of steel wrap around her midsection before she and Aine were picked up and hugged from behind by their Uncle Fergus. His Irish lilt heavy and jovial as he said his hellos to all of them. Setting them down he twirled them both around to face him.

"There's me little storms what's been brewing lately?"

"Nothing much Uncle Fergus. Where's everyone else?"

"Eh, your Mamo and Seanathair are toddling along at their own pace and your Aunt and cousins are working on getting situated into the huts. Ah, and there's me beautiful wee little sister coming down now."

Aoife and Aine both turned around in time to see the lift begin to settle on the sand. Her parents, her uncle Seamus and all of her cousins from his side of the family seemed to rush off the platform and swarm their little group. It usually wasn't such a hectic affair and she wondered why the sudden rush to say hello. After all the hugging and hellos were said she heard her Memere's voice coming from the side somewhere.

"Yes, yes, we're still alive and kicking, stop fawning all over us and let us through. Move, move. No we don't need any assistance just clear a path."

Aoife smiled fondly as her Memere's voice floated across the sand she could see them now that a path had been made clear for them. Papi was just stepping along, smiling and shaking his head at his wife.

Adele and the others were behind them greeting and hugging those they passed. After the Grandparents were greeted some would break off to finish taking care of the business of lodgings and others would clump together to catch up.

Aoife felt her father's arm around her shoulder as her Memere and Papi came to a stop in front of them opening their arms and waiting for their son and grandchildren to welcome them.

***************0***************

Things had been a nonstop whirlwind since everyone hit the ground. Her parents had excused themselves to take a peek at the Adelisa. She worried about Carrick, he always became overly stressed when their father came aboard. Plus he'd seemed to be off lately and she was certain it was something more than that stupid letter from Grace.

Unfortunately or fortunately depending how you were to look at it, she didn't have time to worry about Carrick because she felt as though she'd been swallowed up by her mother's family. She was tugged and pulled along to one after the next. Thankfully she wasn't alone, Aine was included in this madness and she knew that Aine was wondering what the hell was going on as well.

After what must have been an hour of saying hello and catching up with every single one of her Irish Aunts, Uncles and cousins they were released from their strange captivity.

"Aine, is it just me or was that fucking weird? And where were Mamo and Seanathair? We saw every bloody one else didn't we?"

"No Aoife you're right, something is going on. I have the very bad feeling that they were purposefully keeping us busy."

"Oh just fucking perfect."

They'd been jostled and led all the way across to the far side of the beach so they started to make their way back toward their huts. Aoife was hoping to find the Shelby's. They at least could surround her with a bit of what had become her normalcy.

They walked in silence trying to figure out what on earth was going on. They were about halfway back when the voice of their cousin Addie came toward them.

"There you girls are, where did you disappear to? We never even got to say hello, I thought you were trying to avoid me."

"Why would you think that we'd be avoiding you Addie?"

"Well, I thought that maybe... I just wasn't sure if there were hard feelings between us now."

Aoife studied her cousin and tried to figure out what she was talking about.

"Why would we have hard feelings?"

"Well, maybe not Aine but I just, I thought maybe you might be mad at me."

Aoife took a slow deep breath she had a feeling she might need it.

"Why would I be mad at you Addie?"

"That Jasper and I got married."

"Jasper...as in Jasper Anderson?"

Aoife watched as Addie nodded her head slowly. She caught the look in her cousins eyes that told her she was being examined. Addie didn't care if she was mad at her, she was beside herself waiting to see her break down over the fact that she had married Jasper. Unbelievable.

"I'm sorry. I hadn't realized you'd married or I would have sent a gift and my congratulations at the time of your wedding. Well nevertheless, congratulations Addie, I'm happy for you and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together."

It was almost comical watching Addie's eyes round and her mouth open like a fishes before her screech of "what" came flying out of it.

"...I'm happy for you...congratulations on your nuptials... I'm sorry Addie am I missing something? Is that not what you were hoping to hear?"

Aoife waited patiently for Addie's answer. When they were younger she could at least understand that her behavior and unfounded feelings of misguided jealousy were related to childhood ignorance and pettiness. They were bloody fucking adults now and they were far passed the stage that this should still be an issue between them.

"I just wasn't expecting you to be so... accepting."

"Well I am and I truly wish you a happy marriage Addie."

"I'm sorry that I assumed you'd be bitter over past events Aoife... It must be hard not having someone of your own. I've seen you struggle to find and well keep a man. Yet you're so accepting of your fate."

"Mm."

Aoife closed her eyes and took another deep breath. She realized it would typically be about this time that she would go off on Addie and put her in her place. Oh the desire was there coursing through her blood but had she not just been thinking they were too old to be doing this anymore. She opened her eyes and turned her head to meet Aine's. She could see apprehension in them but she gave a soft smile and a shake of her head.

"Addie... you're my blood and I don't know what happened between us to make us the way we are. But I'm done. Believe what you want, whatever makes you feel better about yourself. I do want you to be happy. It's nice to see you again."

Aoife continued to walk down the beach, hoping she'd be able to escape to her hut for a short while before her presence was requested by anyone else. She heard the sound of Aine's footsteps catching up with her and then slowing to walk in tandem. Her sister's voice was quiet, low enough that only the two of them could hear.

"What was that?"

"What do you mean Aine?"

"That... back there with Addie... she was purposefully trying to goad you into a confrontation and you just... you were polite to her and then walked away."

"I was wasn't I."

"Yeah, what I want to know is why you didn't put her in her place like you normally do?"

"If one of us doesn't walk away this will go on forever. An endless cycle of pettiness, I'm tired of it Aine. I'm a grown ass women I refuse to be pulled into anymore unnecessary dramatics. Don't we see enough fighting out there in the world? Is this place here with our family really where we need to have it."

"I'm proud of you Aoife."

"Yeah, what for? Growing up?"

Aine laughed softly, "No, and I hope you never truly do grow up all the way. I'm proud of you for not being afraid to fall in love. Only a woman who truly knows love can walk away from an insulting wench with nothing but hope for them in her heart... I'm sorry about testing Tommy... he did pass with flying colors. I don't know how he figured it out, but he knew I wasn't you with a single look."

Aoife nodded her head before replying.

"He said when he looked at you he didn't feel anything."

"He didn't feel anything? Didn't feel what?"

"...His heart didn't race when he saw you, none of the feelings he feels for me were present with you."

"Well, I guess that is one way to tell the difference between... Oh my God!"

Aoife looked up in alarm and toward what Aine was looking at. There sitting amongst their parents and grandparents was Alfie. A few months ago she would have laughed but now all she could picture was herself in Aine's place. Aoife reached out and took her sisters hand. Aine looked over at her, surprised by the unexpected gesture.

Aoife shrugged and squeezed her hand, "It's too late to do anything about it now. They found him and brought him here...You agreed to marry him anyway Aine."

"How did you find out, how did they?"

"I cornered Alfie on Christmas and basically beat it out of him... as for Mathair and Papa... I don't know. Come on though, we probably shouldn't leave him alone with them any longer. Look on the bright side everyone is still alive."

Aoife was happy to hear Aine's soft laughter at her comment before she nodded and they continued on towards their elders.

Alfie POV

Alfie had been answering questions left and right. He wasn't right fuckin sure how the hell he'd ended up in this position.

Aine's parents had insisted that he join them and come ta their annual family gathering, yeah. It hadn't mattered that he had a business ta run. Eliza Deveroux was a damn scary woman when she wanted ta be and she wouldn't take no for an answer. He'd found himself packing a bag and leaving Ollie in charge of the fuckin bakery till he got back. A list of everything that needed getting done left on his fuckin desk, right.

The trip here had been an experience, that was for fuckin sure. He'd have preferred being back in the fuckin trenches in France to being subjected to Mrs. Deveroux's continual interrogation. He wasn't fuckin used ta being the one questioned right, he was the one that asked the fuckin questions, yeah.

When they'd disembarked he'd been hopin ta see Aine and fuckin decompress or some shite for a bit, but fuck it, no. She'd been fuckin surrounded by her damn relatives and he'd been skirted away like some fuckin secret, yeah. Both she and Aoife had disappeared and he'd been sat down at a table wit her Grandparents and had ta fuckin answer even more fuckin questions.

He did have ta admit he enjoyed her Grandmother though. The one that she'd gotten her eyes from, she was a right saucy thing and didn't take no shite. Reminded him of his Bubbe always callin 'im out when he cussed and tellin' 'im ta watch is damn language.

She'd up and told the rest a 'em ta go visit wit the others so's she could have a moment wit him.

"Now. I only have one question for you Mr. Solomons."

"Mm."

"I understand that Mm is your habit but you will use actual words while we converse. I am to understand that you are an intelligent learned man, prove it."

"Right. What is your question, eh?"

"Better. Now, I expect a straight honest answer from you. I don't care what your religion is. I don't care what your business is. I could give a flying fuck the balance of your accounts. What I want to know is why you think you love my Granddaughter?"

Alfie studied the old woman in front of 'im. Unlike Aine's parents which had been hard ta peg as her parents the woman in front of 'im was clearly her relation. The eyes. bones structure of cheeks, chin, nose. Almost an exact fuckin copy aside from the hair color, size and body shape.

"I don't think I love Aine, eh. I know I do. The reasons are many, many things, right. Bottom line, wit her in my life I ain't fuckin broken. She makes my heart beat, where once it was just a fuckin lump a stone. Is that a good enough answer for ya? Mm."

Alfie watched as the woman studied 'im. Her eyes started ta get that same fuckin sparkle the girls did and her lips twitched into that damn fuckin smirkin' smile.

"Mm...Good enough Mr. Solomons. You can address me as Memere. Welcome to the family. Word of warning though lad, choose how you jump wisely. Empyreans hold a lot of stock in the way you jump."

"Jump, what ya mean jump? Ain't ya one of 'em?"

"Jump means just that lad, jump. And I am now, but I also was once like you, born and raised on the dirt of earth."

"Where?"

"Israel, lad. In a moment the rest will be returning, my petits amours approach and the next round will begin."

"Next round, what the fuck are we in a boxing match."

Her laugh was hearty and she shook her head as her voice whispered her answer, "You might as well be... and watch your language."

Aoife POV

Before they could even get within shouting distance of Alfie, Aine and her were intercepted by their parents. Their mother demanded that they return to the Adelisa with them right that instant.

All Aoife could think about was what they could have possibly found that wasn't up to their standards onboard. And why they were making a concentrated effort to keep Aine away from Alfie, because that is what they were doing.

As they made their way topside Aoife listened as her mother rambled on and on about why Aine hadn't mentioned that things with Alfie had progressed as far as they had. Aine, who was usually the apple of their mothers eye, looked a bit put out by all of it. Typically they'd learned it was better to let their mothers tirades fizzle out before even attempting to answer any questions that had been asked of them. It would seem Aine had finally had it with the way she was being spoken to though.

Aine POV

"Mathair! Enough! Did you ever think that maybe I didn't tell anyone that I was engaged was because I wasn't ready to?"

"Why? What are you hiding your fiancé for? Are you ashamed of him?"

"No, I'm not ashamed of Alfie and I'm not bloody fucking hiding him either! I knew that once the family found out we were engaged we would be pushed forward at your pace and not our own. I love Alfie and I do want to marry him. In my own time!"

"That is not how it works for us and you know it. He must meet the requirements to see if he is worthy before any ceremony can be approved."

"UGH! I don't a give bloody fucking rats ass in hell if he's found to be unfit by Empyrean standards, I AM going to marry him regardless! I don't need anyone's approval to marry the man I love!"

The lift had finally made it topside and she stormed on deck before turning to face her mother who by the look on her face couldn't believe what she'd just heard. Her father hadn't said a single word and was just listening and watching everything and she felt so... so trapped for some reason.

Hearing Aoife's voice fill the tense moment brought her little relief from her current feelings.

Aoife POV

"Someone told you he'd asked her, so you went and found him and no doubt brow beat him to come here. So that you could see if he meets the requirements of Empyrean rule? Why? It's not like you care if he actually does or not. You'll support their marriage either way. I know that we believe there is no time like the present and that if you wait for the right time it will never come. But what is so wrong with wanting a little time to enjoy just being engaged?"

"In the eyes of the Empyrean they cannot even be engaged if he has not passed requirements, Aoife, you know this."

"I know, I know, this is law, it is tradition... but this is not how Aine wanted things to progress. Her wishes should mean something and springing this 'surprise' on her wasn't fair to her or Alfie at all."

"Believe me, I understand why you would both feel this way. Your Papa and I just wanted to get this out of the way so you can both move forward whenever you wish to. We would prefer knowing that your men have been accepted by Empyrean Rule."

"Both? What do I have to do with any of this?"

"Thomas Shelby is courting you Aoife. Might as well get this out of the way now."

"Courting me... where did you hear that?"

"From Mr. Shelby."

"And when pray tell did you happen to run into Mr. Shelby Mathair?"

"He happened to stop by Mr. Solomons when we were there to see him. I found his arrival fortuitous and we all had tea. Now my loves, unfortunately you must remain aboard until it's done."

"Papa... where is Tommy?"

Her father looked up to meet her eyes before glancing out toward the Medb.

"Speaking with your Mamo and Seanathair."

Talk about being fucking blindsided. Everything around her sounded like it was being funneled through water. Without thought and certainly without permission Aoife turned and walked away from everything that was going on in front of her. She managed to make it to the solitude of her cabin without being stopped by anyone. She closed her door and locked it before turning around. All she could do was stare at everything and nothing.

She finally managed to make it to her desk chair, sitting down heavily. She knew she had so many questions and concerns over what was taking place right now but her mind had seemed to turn off because everything was just blank.

A short little rerun of the last conversation she'd had in person with Tommy running through her mind.
I don't like being in the dark, like being surprised even less... Surprise! She hadn't fucking told Tommy anything about being Empyrean, she still had the one letter she brought it up in, cause she couldn't send the post till they disembarked from Fiji.

He didn't know anything about their traditions about having to meet requirements. She had no doubt that her mathair had questioned him in a way that forced him to say they were courting. Bloody fucking hell they had basically just started seeing each other, what would he think of all of this. And right in the middle of all the business he needed to take care of. Fuck!

Two hours ago

Tommy POV

He and Alfie had been separated as soon as the Bebinn and Medb had airdocked with one another. He and his things had been collected and transferred to the other ship, where he'd met Aoife's uncle and her Irish set of Grandparents.

He had found himself somewhat relieved to be able to remove himself from the Deveroux's company. Aoife's Grandparents at least seemed to be friendlier than Aoife's mother. It wasn't like she was un-approving more like she was uncertain of whether he was good enough for her daughter. Aoife's grandfather William had taken him aside, poured a glass of whiskey for each of them and explained briefly Empyrean Society and tradition. After William had explained what was expected to happen when an Empyrean started seeing a non-Empyrean he'd been left alone for a bit to think.

Aoife's grandmother Bridget had come in and asked for his company a short time later. She'd asked him to escort her around the deck so she could get some fresh air and exercise. Aoife had quite obviously gotten her red hair from Bridget. She was a friendly woman with a large smile. He'd found himself speaking with her easily. She had asked him questions but she'd done so in a way that hadn't felt as invasive as when Eliza had asked hers.

"So you're seeing one of my Granddaughters. Which one, laddie?"

"...Aoife."

"Ah...Aoife...you've got your work cut out for you with that one don't you. Would you mind humoring an old biddy like me with the story of how you met?"

"... I was looking ta hire a shipper and she came ta do business..."

"Eh, I don't care about the small details laddie, I want to know what you saw, felt the first time you met."

"...She was laughing when she came in ta the pub... I couldn't see her, I could just hear her laugh. It was... light and airy, musical in a way...beautiful. Then her voice when she spoke was soft and strong at the same time, smooth and soothing..."

"And when you finally saw her?"

"...This small little thing with shining copper hair and mesmerizing green eyes... moving with effortless grace. It was hard ta breathe. Her face was serious, she never smiled and I kept wondering if she'd have dimples when she did."

"...And when you found your answer?"

"She was smiling at Alfie, she had fuckin dimples. There was this sparkle in her eyes that hadn't been there the last time we'd met either. It was like she lit up the room around her, lit up everyone around her."

"And has she ever aimed that look at you?"

"...Breathtaking..."

"You don't have to answer but may I ask why it is you believe you have feelings for her?"

"...She makes the shovels stop. Makes me feel like...I'm not completely broken. That even if I am it's all right somehow. When she's near me I don't feel so cold, it's like she's the sun. I see her and my heart races like I've been running. I feel whole, when I'm with her."

"What are some of the things you enjoy about her?"

"She's strong, sure of herself, capable of dealing with things on her own. Clever and intelligent. She's good with kids, kind and caring...thoughtful. Loyal and honest and fuckin more understanding and accepting than anyone I've met before..."

"What do you think she sees in you?"

"...I don't fuckin know. I don't know what she sees in me."

They'd stopped at the railing and he turned to look at the older woman beside him.

"Not to worry laddie. You wouldn't be here if she didn't see something in you. Let me give you a small bit of advice. When it comes time to jump, don't listen to your head. In that moment, listen to your heart and do what you feel. You'll be fine... I can see that something has been bothering you laddie. Mayhap I can help ease your mind?"

"...I made a mistake, a stupid mistake, it should 'ave never happened. I'm not sure how Aoife will take it. If any of this will even matter."

He watched as the old woman nodded her head slowly.

"Mistakes happen, they teach us things. Think about what you learned from making this mistake. When you confess your mistake to her, tell her what you learned. Do not make her any promises you cannot keep. You may not get the outcome you hope for but this is the only way you might achieve the one you desire."

Tommy nodded his head slowly before he leaned on the railing and stared out at the endless expanse of blue below him. What had he fuckin learned other than that he was a fuckin idiot?

The fuckup as he'd taken to calling it had been on an infinite loop inside his fuckin head. All he'd had to do was pull back, stop Grace from moving forward. He shouldn't have even fuckin let her touch him. Why the bloody fuckin hell had he fuckin kissed Grace back, even for that one damn second. Yes he'd pulled away just about fuckin immediately but he seriously fuckin doubted that was going to make one bit a difference to Aoife.

He looked to his side and noted that Aoife's grandmother had disappeared, leaving him to his thoughts.

He was aware that he'd be going through whatever fucking requirements Empyreans put Grounders through but he wasn't worried about that. He was fuckin worried about facing Aoife. He recognized the feeling in him for what it was. He'd felt it every night for the last five years up until he woke beside her. Fear. He felt fucking fear. He imagined when the time came to tell her what happened he'd get the one minute. The soldiers minute, in a battle that's all you get. One minute of everything at once and anything before is nothing, everything after, nothing. Nothing in comparison in that one minute.

I know some of you are disappointed about the kiss between Grace and Tommy but bear with me. I promise all will make since in the next chapter...

Comments please!