"Hey come and look at the stars; you can see them from New York too." Harry joined Dempsey outside as he smoked a cigar and reflected on his Irish roots. He put his arm around her shoulder and pointed up "You know – the North Pole, the Great Bear, Cassiopeia."

Her heart beating fast Makepeace nestled herself as close into him as possible.

"It's been a really good day"

"Yeh"

"It must be good to find some family roots"

"It's been good to share it with you Harry"

"Look at the Milky Way, you just never get to see that many stars in London; I don't think even from Winfield Hall." Harry briefly wondered when the dream would stop, when she would be forced to wake up to reality but then Dempsey lowered his arm and his fingers combed through Harry's hair. He softly repeated his gentle brushing of her hair away from her face. His hand caressed the nape of neck.

She glowed within, and put her arm around Dempsey's waist. Dempsey thought he may finally have reached the heavens, or at least they were stretched to down here in Ireland tonight. They stood together, both relishing the intimacy which they usually broke before it ever got started. Now neither wanted to break it, and both held their breath as the other kept the silence. With their eyes on the stars they could watch and enjoy the moment, the violins and laughter and dancing all seemed far in the background.

Suddenly Harry broke the silence between them "Hey was that a shooting star?"

Dempsey looked over and saw something fade "You'd better make a wish then my princess"

"Your princess?" Harry asked really hoping he meant it how she wanted him to, but expecting that, as usual, he would say something to blow the hope and the moment away.

Dempsey was agitated "please don't go telling me that I just offended your 'independent women' principle Sergeant"

Not the usual denial Harry noted but Dempsey continued with his own rhetorical question "Well why wouldn't you? - you keep pushing me back Harry and I don't know why cos other times you send me these signals…"

The poitín was performing its relaxing effects well and Harry placed her finger on his lips to halt the drunken tirade "Actually I rather like it" she smiled up at him a little too much like a soppy school girl

Dempsey couldn't believe it "Harry" he growled turning her to face him and looking straight into her eyes. Harry's body couldn't contain her exploding heart, she felt as if her chest would burst open. The heat from his eyes made the inferno rage inside and he looked to her lips, then back to her eyes to check she was still there accepting his attention. His pulse raced, his body throbbed, the copious alcohol provided both Dutch courage and burning desire and his gaze tried again to find confirmation on her face for his next move.

"My princess" he murmured softly. Her heart beat so fast she thought the whole world would hear it pound "When will you be mine, do I have to wait forever" he quoted the words of a song.

"No" she whispered and stepped forward.

James cupped her face in his hands and bent towards her lips. He stopped, and moved back again to confirm her acceptance, Harry's smile was as wide as the moon shining down and her eyes had a look of desperation that made him smile. His disbelief addressed he kissed her; a gentle sweet kiss, tentative and brief. She put her arms around his neck then held the back of his head and kissed him back. This was the heaven she had waited for.

Edward Devlin put his head outside and watched the kissing couple for a mere 10 seconds before he interrupted "Yous can be doing sum more of dat later" he said a broad accent "you'll be wanting to join the final drinking competition – we line the shots up on the swords – first one to drink everything from the tip to the hilt wins and the rest have to dance the swords"

Obediently and with some reluctance they both turned inside.