~*~o~*~
Patrick and Blair arrived at Innish Craig, Ireland. They were staying at the Wild Swan which was located next to the Irish Sea. "This is where you grew up?" Blair asked as they carried their luggage into the inn.
"Actually I grew up in the nearby village with my mother, father, sister, and brother," Patrick explained.
"I didn't know you had siblings," Blair said with surprise.
"I had a sister. Her name was Granya, but she passed away. My twin brother's name is Ian."
"Ohhh I am really sorry about your sister," Blair said as they walked up to the bar where Kineally was serving some drinks to his patrons.
"Patrick Thornhart!" Kineally exclaimed. "It's great to see you again!"
"It's good to see you, too, old friend," Patrick stated with smile. "I'd like you to meet someone. This is Blair."
"Welcome to Innish Craig, Blair," Kineally said pleasantly as Blair shook his hand. "I take it the two of you will be wanting a room."
"Yes, we are staying for a full week of relaxation. Thanks so much for the accomidations," Patrick responded.
"I'll have your suitcases taken on up to your room. Just make yourselves at home. If you'll be needing anything, just let me know," said Mr. Kineally.
"Thanks again," Patrick said as he took Blair's hand and lead her over toward the fireplace.
He held her in his arms as they sat at a table near the fire. "So what do you think of Ireland so far?" he asked her.
"I like it," she told him as she slipped her arms around his waist. "But I miss Starr. Do you suppose she's alright with Todd?"
"I'm sure she's doing just fine. We'll call and check on her later. I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself here. You and I both have a great deal of healing to do," Patrick reminded.
"Thank you for bringing me here. It's like a breath of fresh air," Blair told him with a smile.
"I love you, Blair," Patrick said as he tenderly brushed the tendils of golden hair back from her face and gazed into her eyes. "You mean the world to me... and I want to show you just how much." He gently lowered his lips to hers as he held her in his warm embrace.
~*~o~*~
Back in Llanview, Marty and Todd had just gotten Starr settled down in her crib for the night. Todd covered her with a soft blanket and caressed her little cheek. "Good night, Shorty," he whispered to his sweet baby girl.
They left Starr's bedroom together and walked into the living room. "I hope Blair and Patrick made it to Ireland without any trouble," Todd said with a frown. "We didn't hear from them."
"I'm sure everything's alright," Marty said as she seated herself upon the couch.
"How did Patrick take the news that you and I have decided to become a couple?" Todd asked as he took a seat next to Marty.
"I don't think he was too pleased," Marty answered honestly.
"Well, who gives a damn what HE thinks," Todd said as he rolled his eyes. "He's just lucky I haven't rearranged all his body parts."
"I do think it's wonderful he's taken Blair on a trip to Ireland. They're hurting so much after losing Brendan... and Patrick said she didn't take the news well at all about my pregnancy. I truly do feel for her, Todd. She's been through far too much. She deserves some happiness."
"She hates your guts, Marty. Every time you see her, she has one hateful comment after another she throws at you... but still, you try to be nice to her."
Marty let out a little sigh. "I don't hate Blair. I really feel bad for her. She's been through a lot... and if being with Patrick makes her happy, I think that's wonderful."
"You're not jealous?" Todd prompted.
"No, I am not jealous," Marty responded. "I want to be with you, Todd."
Todd stared into her eyes as his heart did a flip-flop. He still couldn't believe that it was true. Marty wanted to be with him. He hadn't acted on his feelings for her yet, but in that moment, he truly wanted to take her into his arms and show her just how deeply he felt for her.
"Marty, we need to talk..."
Marty just shook her head. "I don't want to talk..." she said as she gazed at him. "I just want to FEEL."
She raised her lips to his in a passionate kiss. Todd groaned as her tongue slid between his lips. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and lowered her back against the couch as they were kissing.
~*~o~*~
"I love our room," Blair said as Patrick took her hand and lead her over to the fireplace.
"It's beautiful... and it has an excellent view of the cliffs and the Irish Sea," Patrick agreed.
"This place is absolutely amazing."
"I think we should come back here for our honeymoon... after we get married."
"We are getting married?" Blair asked with excitement.
"Yes, as soon as your divorce goes through from Todd, I'd like to get married."
"And then we'll try for another baby?" Blair asked hopefully.
"Blair, I want another baby someday...but you've been through so much, physically and emotionally. I think we should wait until the time is right," Patrick stated.
"But Marty's having your baby..."
"She is... but that wasn't in my plans."
"It wasn't in our plans to lose Brendan either, was it?" Blair reminded sadly.
"I know," he said as he wrapped his arms around her and held her in his embrace in front of the blazing fire. "I can still feel his presense here with us... even though he's gone."
"So can I," Blair responded. "He even followed us to Ireland."
"He'll always be wherever we are... in our hearts," Patrick promised. "He's our son."
Blair lay her head on Patrick's chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. "I love you, Partrick," she whispered.
"And I love you, too, darlin'... and that's forever."