Next morning once breakfast had finished and everything cleared away .
Paige approached Louise . " Louise would it be alright if i used the kitchen this morning ? "
" My dear daughter , you need never ask to use the kitchen , but i am curious what you want to cook . "
Paige smiled as she began to explain . " I want to make Garnash for this evening's meal's desert . "
Louise looked at Paige an amount of confusion in her face . " What exactly is that ? "
Paige's smile had not left her face since she had first spoken to Louise . " It is a Bulgarian chocolate cake . it was shown to me by Aneli , when she wanted to show her appreciation for how she had been received in America . In fact she made one for the owner of our local diner . She liked it so much , she asked Aneli for the receipe , so she could put the desert on her diner desert menu . Since putting it on the menu she as called it Aneli's Chocolate Surprise . "
Louise's face broke into a smile . " I am really looking forward to tasting it , but would you mind if i stayed in the kitchen with you and maybe you could teach me how to make it . "
" That would be a real pleasure for me , after you showed me some Irish cooking the last time i was over . "
While the two ladies were in the kitchen , Walter and Ralph decided to breakdown the telescope , Ralph had discovered in Walter's old bedroom , to give it a good clean . They intended after the evening meal , they were going to check out the evening sky from Walter's lair .
When Louise and Paige came out of the kitchen , they had made two Garnash's . Paige had made the first one and with a little help from Paige , Louise had made the second .
As they came back into the living area , the house phone rang , Louise went over and picked it up .
" Hello , ...yes...just a minute . Paige it is Father O'Connor for you . "
Paige walked over and took the phone from Louise .
" Good morning Father . " Paige answered .
After five minutes Paige said goodbye to Father O'Connor .
She called Walter over . " Father O'Connor has arranged with David for a rehearsal tomorrow at 10.30am. in the church , will that be alright with you ? "
" Of course Milsean , what ever suits you is ideal for me . " Walter told her a big smile on his face .
Paige looked a little confused . " What did you just call me ? "
Ralph was quick to tell his mom . " He just called you sweetheart in Gaelic . "
Paige looked at Ralph in amazment . " When did you learn to speak Gaelic ? "
" After the first time i spoke to grandma and grandpa on the video call . But i know you do not understand it so i do not speak it around you , as i remember how upset you were when i began to speak Bulgarian to Aneli . " Ralph explained .
Paige pulled him into a hug . " Baby that is so considerate of you . " A tear running down her cheek .
Walter pulled them both into a hug . " He had not even told me he had learned Gaelic . " Walter told her .
Louise watched the little family a smile on her face .
Later Walter and Ralph took the now cleaned telescope , to test the lens by looking at one or two distant objects in the daylight so all would be ready for tonight .
Paige settled down on the sofa and began to read the second Mills and Boon novel , she had chosen . Louise was back in the kitchen preparing some food for lunch . Sean was out with the stock and would not be back until lunch .
After the evening meal , Ralph was very happy that the desert was Garnash . Louise and Sean were just as excited to try it , both decided it was the best chocolate cake they had ever tasted . By the time they had all finished eating there was only a few crumbs left , much to Ralph's dismay , as he was unaware of the other Garnash in the kitchen for the next day .
Walter and Ralph were ready to go to the lair and use the telescope , before they left Paige went over to them . " Enjoy yourselves , want you back by 10.00pm. that should give you at least 90 minutes to do what you want to do ."
Ralph began to explain , but Walter immediatly shut him down . " We will do as your mom says , it is you she is thinking of , there is always tomorrow night . "
" Ok Dad . " Ralph replied in a non to convincing voice .
At that they both left the house , Sean and Louise joined Paige on the sofa and all three spent the next hour chatting .
Just before 10.00pm. Ralph came rushing in through the door , followed at a slower pace by Walter .
" Mom, mom , it was great , we could actually track the same stars that dad had been tracking all those years ago . We also proved some of them have altered their course by a few degrees ." Ralph , with great enthusiamsm told his mom .
" That seems very interesting , but do you know what that means or why it might have happened ? " Paige asked trying to sound excited about what they had found .
Ralph looked back at Walter , hopeing for some support .
Walter smiled at him . " It was what you discovered , so maybe you should be the one to explain to her , what you intend to do next . "
Ralph took a deep breath before he began speaking again . " To be honest i cannot at this precise moment answer either of your two questions , but with some more study i should be able to find the answer . "
Both Louise and Sean just sat there , shocked by the way Ralph was capable of answering his mom . Memories came back to both of them of the way Walter would talk to them when he was he was young , but they would just ignore him , making them realize just how much of his life they had lost out on , due to pure ignorance on their part .
Paige smiled at Ralph . " I am sure you will find all the answers . But no study tonight it is time for bed . Young man . "
" Ok mom . " Ralph said as he walked to her and gave her a hug . He then went back to Walter and hugged him . " Thank you for tonight dad . "
Finally he went to Louise and Sean and hugged them both .
He made his way to the stairs and over his shoulder called back . " Goodnight everyone . "
Paige got up off the sofa and walked over to Walter , kissed his cheek before whispering in his ear . " Thank you . "
Walter returned the hug and kiss , before whispering back . " You are welcome . "
The next morning at 10.20am. , Walter pulled into the church carpark , Walter , Paige and Ralph all made their way to the church .
David was already in the church waiting for them , this time however he had an attractive young lady with him . The three of them walked up the aisle to meet him .
" Good morning David , thank you for agreeing to help me again . " Said Paige with a big smile on her face .
" Good morning to you three . Paige , Walter and Ralph . i would like to introduce you to my sister Kathleen . Over Christmas she was on a short tour with her Ceicdh band , she is a proficent Irish harp player , in fact she is brilliant . " David said as Kathleen gave him a playful punch on the shoulder .
" We are very pleased to meet you , i hope you will play us a tune on the harp before we leave . " Paige told her as Walter and Ralph nodded in agrement .
David looked at Kathleen and then back at Paige . " Actually , yesterday while i was working on the arrangements for your two songs , Kathleen came in and asked what i was doing . After explaining what you did at Christmas midnight mass, Father O'Connor had asked you to sing at Evensong , New years day . She fetched her harp and began playing along to the organ i was using , the sound created , fascinated me and i thought with the pureness and clarity of your voice the total effect would be stunning . "
Paige said nothing for almost a minute , before speaking . " Could you let me hear what your arrangment sounds like . "
David sat at the electric organ , Kathleen at the side on a chair , she reached behind the seat and produced a small harp . Paige , Walter and Ralph sat on the front pew .
Once David and Kathleen began to play , Paige leaned forward full of concentration . As they finished Paige began to clap, joined by Walter and Ralph .
" What a beautiful sound , i would be honoured to sing to that accomaniment , it as such a relaxing effect . "
" Lets get started then . " Said David .
Almost two hours later all three of them were more than satisfied with the result they were acheiving .
" It was a pleasure to be here and listen to your voice it is beautiful . My brother was correct when he told me he thought your voice was angelic . " Kathleen told Paige .
" Thank you so much , but could i ask you a favour before we go . " Paige asked Kathleen a big smile on her face .
" If i am able to , of course . " Kathleen replied .
" Could you please play a tune on the harp . "
Kathleen smiled and nodded , then began to strum and pluck the harp , making an almost magical sound . Everyone there just sat in total silence .
" Thank you so much for that it was beautiful . I look forward to singing with you both on New years Day . " Said Paige as she went to Kathleen and gave her a hug .
They all said their goodbyes and the family of three made their way back to the farm .
Once back at the farm Ralph immediatly went to Walter's old notebooks and began to work on the problem of the differences in the path of the stars they had seen the previous night .
Walter and Paige sat on the sofa and drank the coffee , Louise had given them .
" I am really looking forward to singing on New Years day . Especially after hearing the arrangment David as come up with for me to sing the two hmyns . " Paige said with a big smile on her face .
" You were stunning standing there singing even wearing jeans and a tee shirt . " A very proud Walter told her .
Paige snuggled up to Walter and kissed him on the cheek . " You always know the right things to say . "
Paige spent time with the hymn book , going over all the words of the hymns she would be singing New Years Day . Walter spent some time with Ralph , going over all the details of the stars Ralph had collated . After a short time Walter had spotted a fault in the calculations , but had decided to keep quiet for a time to see if Ralph could find the mistake for himself .
Shortly after Walter had found the problem , Louise called them all to the dining table for lunch . Once lunch was completed , Ralph went back to the notebooks , he still had not seen the problem .
Paige walked up to Walter and whispered in his ear . " Do you fancy a little walk ? "
Walter smiled and just nodded . They got their coats and walked out the door . " Were would you like to go ? " Asked Walter .
" Your's and now mine favourite place . " Paige told him a big smile on his face .
" I need not really have asked , did i . " A smiling Walter said .
They soon arrived at their spot by the lake . Sitting on the tree trunk . Paiged moved close to Walter who put his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder . They just sat there looking over the lake neither speaking , just content to be close to one another . After about ten minutes Walter began to hear a soft purring noise , that he immediatly recognised as the noise Paige always made when she fell into a contented sleep . Walter was happy to just sit there holding the woman who was the most importent thing in his life .
As the sun began to drop below the hills , he gently shook Paige . After a couple of minutes she was awake .
" Walter , did i fall asleep .i am so sorry . " She said has she picked her head off his shoulder .
" Why would you say sorry , you looked so peaceful i did not want to disturb you . But it is tme to go back to the farm . "
With some reluctance Paige agreed and slowly got up off the tree trunk . Once back at the farmhouse , Walter went to check on how Ralph was doing . He was still working on the problem , Walter took pity on him and showed him the mistake .
Ralph checked it and ammended it which altered the course of the star last night to read the same as Walter's original calculations .
Ralph went over to his mom . " I have to apologize i had made an error in one calculation which made my overall calculations incorrect . Since altering it the stars are still on the same trajectory as Walter's original calculations . "
" Sweetheart you do not have to be sorry for making a mistake , the most importent thing is knowing how to put your mistake right . Which you have done , first by putting the error correct and second telling me about the mistake . " Said Paige as she pulled him into a hug and kissed the top of his head .
After breakfast the next day Louise pulled Paige to one side . " My dear could you possibly find some more ingrediants to make two more Garnash . Uncle Tobin, Connor and Thomas will be coming over to celebrate the New year coming in . I would love for them to taste it . . "
" Of course i will ask Walter to take me to Callan , that is if dad does not need the car . " Paige replied with a big smile on her face .
" Sean will not be using the car , but i am not sure if you will get everything in Callan . It does not have the amount of shops as Kilkenny . " Louise explained .
" We can try Callan first , if not we can move onto Kilkenny . I will go and ask Walter now if he his ok with that . " As Paige spoke she moved away to find Walter .
She found Walter working with Ralph in the other room . She walked up to him and stood behind his chair , put her arms around his neck , gently kissed him on the cheek .
" Walter, my love , mom wants to make two more Garnash for tomorrow night . Dad is not using the car , so could you drive me to Callan to see if we can get the ingrediants there . If not we could go back to Kilkenny were we know were we can get the items .
Walter smiled . " Do you fancy a ride out Ralph , as no doubt you will get your fair share of the end product . "
Ralph's face broke out in a big smile . " You bet ! "
" It would appear you have got your answer . I was going to ask if you wanted to go to Callan today anyway , as i have something i would like to do . " Walter told her .
Paige a little curious asked . " Just what do you want to do ? "
" You will just have to wait and see . " Walter told her , his face giving nothing away . "
Twenty minutes later they were on their way to Callan . After parking the car they walked around Callen , in two of the shops they tried they managed to get half the ingrediants they needed , none of the shops they tried had any of the other ingrediants .
" Well it look's as if we will have to go to Kilkenny to get the rest of the items we need . " Paige said with slight annoyance in her voice .
" That will be ok , but before we go to Kilkenny i want to vist the Shamrock Hotel , it is only a couple of hundred yards away from here ." Walter told her a smile on his face .
Paige looked at him with a surprised look on her face . " Why would you want to go to the hotel ? "
Walter still with a smile on his face answered . " Well if you come with me you will find out . " As he said it he began walking away , quickly followed by Paige and Ralph .
They were outside the hotel in a matter of minutes , Walter walked straight in and approached the reception desk . " Could i see the manager please ? "
" May i ask your business and name please ? " the receptionist asked .
Walter O'Brian and it is personel . "
The receptionst picked up the phone . " Mr O'Toole there is a Mr. Walter O'Brian at recption , he would like to see you . Ok yes sir . "
" He will be out in a moment sir . " The receptionist told Walter .
A few minutes later a man around Walter's age , dressed in a dark suit , white shirt and a navy tie came to reception . " It is good to see you again Walter , the last time i heard of you , you had been pulling people out of the school after the explosion . " He told Walter .
" I was not on my own that day , my fiancee Paige plus other people were there as well . " Walter explained .
" By the ring on your finger , you must be Paige , my name is Michael , i am very pleased to meet you . "
" It is my pleasure to meet you Michael , this our son Ralph . "
" Pleased to meet you sir . " Ralph said as he extended his hand out for Michael to shake .
" Wait a minute , Paige , are you the Paige everyone was talking about Christmas Day after the performance at the Midnight Mass ? "
" Well i did sing at the mass . " Paige told him a slight blush appearing on her face .
" Then it is more than a pleasure to meet you . Now what can i do for you Walter ? "
" Would you have a table for eight for New Years Day at around 8.00pm . " Walter told him .
Michael went to the reception desk and spoke to the young lady , who then passed him a book from under the counter . He flicked through it and then came back to Walter .
" We can certainly do that for you , shall i book it for you ? "
" That will be fine , one thing though one of the guest's is in a wheelchair , not a problem i hope . "
" Not at all , now i know we can seat you at a table nearer the resturant door . Now can i persuade the three of you to stay for lunch , my treat . " Michael asked .
Walter looked at Paige , who's face broke out in a big smile . " That is most kind of you , it would be a pleasure to stay for lunch , but you must let us pay the bill . " Paige explained .
" Paige what Walter did for us not long after he came back to Ireland as saved this hotel thousands of pounds a year , so i am sure three lunches will not break the bank . So please accept my offer . " Michael explained .
Paige smiled again . " Put that way , how could we refuse the offer . "
Michael led them into the resturant and seated them at the table , he called someone over and whispered some instructions in his ear . " This is Carlos , he will look after you today . So decide what you want and enjoy . Before you leave ask for me again . " At that Michael left them in Carlos's safe hands .
While looknig through the menu , Paige asked . " Why have you booked the table ? "
Walter looked at her and smiled . " To celebrate another succesful performance from my favourite singer . "
Paige blushed . " That is so cute , thank you . "
After about a hour they had finished an enjoyable meal , Paige had indulged in one glass of red wine , which she enjoyed , as it was not a regular house wine .
They left the resturant and went back to the reception desk were Walter again asked to see Michael . This time the young lady picked up the phone immediatly . A couple of minutes later Michael was back in recption .
" It as been good to see you again Walter , are you staying in Ireland or goimg back to the States ? "
" No we return to the States on the 4th January , but we will be back the end of April as we are getting married on the 1st May at Callan church . " Walter answered .
" Congratulations on your upcoming wedding . I look forward to seeing you on New Year's Day . "
The three all made their way to the car . Once on their way to Kilkenny , Paige had to ask the question she had wanted to ask all through lunch , but was enjoying the food to much .
" How did you save the hotel so much money . ? "
Walter without taking his eyes off the road began to tell her . " They had a problem with a computer , i had left a card at reception as part of my attempt at advertising . I came down to vist them ,on checking the computer all it took was a simple repair . I began to talk to Michael , who told me the whole computer system was old and outdated . So i explained i was a decent coder and could look at the system if he liked . To save me travelling to and from Kilkenny , he put me up and the hotel fed me .
After three days i had changed the whole system , improved the speed and made the whole thing easier to use . The system they were using for stocktaking was not working correctly . So i put a new system that tied all the tills into the main computer and by pressing one button , they could tell what needed ordering . Plus a few other things i changed . "
" Wow , i would have loved to be involved in something like that . So many different things to tackle and make corrections . " Ralph said from the back seat .
" It was interesting job to do . You know there must be hundred's of businesses that could do with help improving their computer systems , especially the smaller ones , that do not really think about the computers , unless something goes wrong . It could be something to look into when you join us full time at Waige and Son . " Walter suggested .
Paige looked at Walter a smile on her face . " How about you offer a consultation to them at a charge of $200 , which if they decided to have you work for them , would become the deposit for the job . "
" That could work especially if it was you who approached them first . " Walter agreed as a big smile spread across his face .
" Maybe if the work included electrical or fabrication work you could get Happy involved , i am sure she would be very keen . " Paige replied .
" Well we can file that in the to do file until we are a complete Company . " Walter replied . To which Paige and Ralph agreed to .
By the time they had finished this conversation . Walter was parking the car in Kilkenny .
Paige had located everything she needed in less than thirty minutes as she knew exactly were to go .
They were soon on their way back to the farm . Louise greeted them as they walked through the door and took the carriers off Paige and took them in the kitchen , Paige followed and helped put everything away . Sean appeared from outside not long after they arrived back .
Louise made coffee and they all sat down . So Walter explained what he had arranged for New Year's Day after Evensong . Ralph was quick to fill them in about the free lunch and the reason why .
Both Louise and Sean smiled and together said " Typical . "
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LouBe . You will have to wait for the wedding chapter . You must remember that ring only appeared in Paige's dream , so there was not really a ring . But wait for the next story .
Grykon If it keeps on we will have to find you a Weight Watchers in your area . Glad you like the song choices .
Margret Gautier Glad you are still enjoying the story . With regard to JerBr 23 , if you are reading Grykons new story , you will know the story , if not check his notes at the end of chapter 8 JerBr23 contacted him and explained everything .