"Feel like taking a walk?" Kimber turned and asked Sheamus as they finished up breakfast the next morning.
"I wanna go, too." Dylan announced.
"Maybe later, okay, buddy?" Kimber tried to implore him, "After we get back we'll take you for a walk."
Dylan pouted, taking a bite of his eggs.
"Sure." Sheamus nodded, "Ah'm ready whenever you are."
He could tell that something was up. There was something in the tone of her voice. Hesitance mixed with uneasiness. Whatever it was, he knew it wasn't going to be good.
"Let's go." Kimber rose from her chair and led him over to the back door. They collected their jackets, the Celtic Warrior reaching out to help her with hers. She gave him an appreciative smile and led the way out onto the back deck.
He followed as they reached the yard and started walking towards the main road.
"There's a river not too far from here." Kimber told him, "With a walking bridge. Derek and I used to go there a lot as kids."
He wanted to tell her he'd follow her anywhere but remained silent.
They walked in silence for about fifteen minutes. Both of them kept their heads down, eyes on their feet. Each alone with their own thoughts.
Though he was tense over what was going on, he couldn't help but admit that he loved being out there. Everything was fresh and crisp. He loved being able to take a deep breath and breathe in fresh air. It reminded him of Ireland and he had one of his twinges of homesickness.
"Colorado is beautiful." he told her.
Kimber began to smile warmly at that, "It is."
They once again fell silent and kept going.
Inside she was shaking. Though she had resolved last night to tell him what had happened to her, she only now realized that this was actually happening.
No more holding back. No more trying to pretend that her past didn't haunt her.
It was time for the truth to come out.
They eventually made their way to the bridge, coming to stand at the rail. They looked out over the riving, watching as it lazily swept along. Ironic, considering the storm of emotions going on inside both of them at that moment.
"I met Andrew five years ago. I was twenty-two and in my senior year of college." Kimber began, her eyes clouding over as she stared past the memories.
Sheamus looked down at her but said nothing. He was afraid to speak out of fear that she would change her mind and not tell him.
"He was a Business Major." she went on, a sad smile crossing her lips, "Handsome in this preppy sort of way. Charming. Very driven.
"I don't really remember how we started going on. We were just sort of this couple one day." she glanced over at him for a second before going on, "And in the beginning he was so attentive. Always checking in on me and making sure I was doing okay. Also concerned my car had enough gas and the breaks were okay. Reminding me to bring a sweater or an umbrella if it was going to be cold or rainy the next day. Wanting me to call him the second I got home so he'd know I made it home okay."
Her smile turned cold, "I should have known then that he wasn't just being nice. He was trying to keep tabs on me. Subtly control me."
She turned away from the river and leaned back against the railing with a sigh, "And then one night-we had been dating about five months then-one night we had this stupid little argument."
She shook her head, running a hand through her hair, "God, I can't even remember what it had been about. It was that insignificant. Anyway, we had this argument and the next thing I knew he hit me."
Everything in Sheamus went still. He could feel his body tensing and his knuckled turned even whiter, if that were possible, from where they were gripping the railing.
"What did ya do?" he found himself asking softly.
"I left." Kimber told him, "I just. . .I just couldn't believe he could hit me. So I left."
She cleared her throat and looked down, ashamed of the next part, "He started calling me every day for a week. He came by after ten days, crying and begging me to forgive him. He told me he would never touch me again. And I. . .I believed him."
She shook her head in disgust, "I was so stupid! I actually believed him and took him back."
"You were in love wit' him" Sheamus surmised quietly, "Because of that you didn' want to think anythin' bad about him."
Kimber nodded, "You're right. I actually thought he had changed."
"But he hadn'." the words were low and filled with unleashed fury.
Kimber glanced over at him briefly, noting the rage that laid just below the surface. She could see it so clearly in his eyes.
There was a part of her that thought she should stop, that that was enough. But the other part of her said to go on. She had revealed so much, she might as well tell the rest.
And besides, it actually felt better to finally talk about it to someone who wasn't Cass or Josh or even Lindy. Someone who meant so much to her in a way she hadn't felt, hadn't allowed herself to feel, in such a long time.
She just prayed he could listen to the rest.
"And so we got back together." her voice grew heavy with emotion, "And things were actually great for the next four months. Andrew. . .he was so kind. Sweet, even."
"What happened?" Sheamus had to know.
"We had gone out for the evening. Dinner and dancing." Kimber murmured, adding with a weak laugh, "Our way of celebrating our new beginning."
She stepped away from the railing, away from him. She needed space to continue this next part. A way to guard herself, because she was so afraid of how he'd react when he heard the rest of the story.
"I noticed he was really quiet on the way home." her voice wavered and she fought to keep her emotions at bay, "I tried to talk to him, joke with him, but he didn't say a word. I should have tried to get out of the car. Jump out of it, I don't know. But I stayed.
"We pulled into the driveway and he climbed out and opened the door for me." she offered a weak smile, "Anybody else would have been thankful but I knew. Deep down I knew.
"We went inside and the second he closed and locked the door he just. . .exploded." she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to protect herself from the memories and emotions they invoked, "He stared accusing me of flirting with the waiter. And then he said I was making eyes at the guy sitting next to us at the restaurant."
She turned to Sheamus, blinking back tears and shaking her head, "But I didn't. I didn't do any of that. And I tried to tell him that but he wouldn't hear of it. The next thing I knew his fist was coming at me."
He watched her silently, waiting for her to go on. It was killing him to hear the words but he knew he had to go on. He owed that much to her.
"When I woke up," Kimber cleared her throat, "I was in the hospital. I had a couple of broken ribs, a sprained wrist. Two black eyes. Bruises. Cass was there. I. . .I hadn't even seen myself yet. I didn't need to. I just had to look into her eyes and I knew it was bad.
"The police were there and they asked if I wanted to press charges." she told him.
"And did ya?" he questioned her softly.
Kimber nodded, offering a hint of a smile, "I was never one of those people who had to be told something over and over again to finally get it. I knew he hadn't changed. Probably would never change. And even if he did, I was done. I wanted nothing more to do with him. So I told them 'yes'.
"He was arrested but. . ." she sighed regretfully, "His parents were very wealthy. He didn't even stay in jail overnight."
She glanced down at the ground, her body beginning to tremble. This was what everything had led to. She closed her eyes and willed herself to stay strong, To finish the story.
"You don' have to do this, angel." Sheamus' gentle voice reached her ears, "If it's too much for ya-"
Kimber opened her eyes, that stubborn determination back in place.
"No," she told him with a defiant shake of the head, "No, I have to do this."
Sheamus said nothing, allowing her to go on.
It took a few minutes before she could.
"It was about a week before the hearing." she murmured, her voice going detached, as though she were recounting a scene from a movie or in a book, "I was staying with Cass at the time. She had to work a late shift at the hospital and she, uh, she asked me if I wanted to be dropped off somewhere. She was worried I would be scared to be there alone."
Tears began to collect at her eyes as she whispered, "But I told her I would be fine."
"Kember-" Sheamus didn't want her to go back there, didn't want her to relive any more of that pain.
"No." she turned to him, strong even in her tears, "No, I have to do this."
Sheamus scrubbed a hand over his face and eventually nodded, his eyes on the ground.
"I went to take a shower." she explained, "When I got out I put on a robe and went to my room to get some clothes. The. . .the door had been locked. I know it had. But when I got to my room there he was.
"I tried to run." Kimber went on, tears quietly spilling down her cheeks, "B-But he grabbed me and threw me on the bed. He held me down. I-I tried to fight him. I did. But he was so strong-"
Sheamus was suddenly at her side, wrapping his strong arms around her. He couldn't do it. He couldn't take it anymore. Hearing just a taste of what she had gone through broke his heart.
Kimber sniffed and leaned into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest as more tears fell. She could feel shaking, but was unsure if it was coming from her or him.
"Ah'm sorry." he murmured to her, his voice cracking with emotion, "Ah'm sorry for what that bastard did to ya."
She pulled back eventually and looked up at him, "He ended up serving two years in prison. It was originally supposed to be five but he got time off for good behavior."
The Celtic Warrior actually growled at the news. He closed his eyes for a moment and forced himself to calm down.
"And what of you?" he asked her as he gently wiped away her tears with his thumb.
"It was rough." Kimber admitted, "I went into a deep depression for about six months."
"How did you pull through?"
"I told myself I couldn't be a victim anymore. I couldn't let him win," there was a fire burning in her green eyes and her chin went up a notch, "Cass did some research and she found the number of a very good rape councilor in Portland. Her name's Lindy McCrery. I went and stayed with her-she runs a sort of halfway house for rape victims. Anyway, she was wonderful."
She began to smile then, "If it wasn't for her and Cass, and my parents and Derek, I don't know what I would have done."
"Ah wish Ah would've known ya then." Sheamus murmured as he tenderly stroked her cheek, "Ah would'a taught that bastard a thing or two on how to treat a woman."
"I wish I would have known you then, too." Kimber replied with a gentle smile, "I never would have looked twice at Andrew."
Something came over him and he studied her for a moment, silently asking her permission. Kimber's eyes slipped shut and she tilted her face up towards him. His arms slid around her waist and he carefully lifted her up into his arms. His lips met hers a second later in a kiss so tender, so pure, that it actually brought tears to her eyes.
No man had ever made her feel so treasured before.
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They walked back up towards the cabin a short time later. As they did so Kimber felt that something was different. She felt freer, her steps felt lighter.
Her heart felt lighter.
"Careful." Sheamus suddenly took hold of her arm, maneuvering her around a pothole.
"My hero." Kimber smiled up at him.
He released her and came to stand before her, his back to her. He then knelt down.
"Wanna lift?" he asked with a smirk, "It's not a chariot, but it'll do."
Giggling, Kimber climbed onto his back. He stood up with ease, his hands tucked under her knees and began walking again.
Kimber wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her chin going on one. She loved the feeling of his strong body pressed up against her. It made her feel safe and secure.
Not just his body. He made her feel safe and secure.
"Ya doin' okay up there." he threw a grin over his shoulder.
"I'm doing wonderfully." Kimber laid her cheek against his shoulder and sighed happily.
Sheamus felt his heart clench in his chest. He could feel the change in her and it actually gave him hope.
They continued on, eventually reaching the cabin. As they drew near Kimber could see a white Sedan parked in the drive. As soon as she saw it she climbed off his back and hurried towards the cabin. Sheamus had to jog to keep up with her, a curious smile on his lips.
They entered the cabin and found a pretty young woman with curly blonde hair sitting in the living room with Brian and Elise.
"Cass!" Kimber cried out happily, rushing to give her best friend a hug.
"Hey, girl, hey!" Cass squealed, holding her best friend tightly.
Sheamus leaned against the doorframe and grinned, taking in the scene.
Kimber eventually pulled back and turned her friend, introducing, "Cassidy, this is Sheamus. Sheamus, this is my best friend, Cassidy."
"Hello, Sheamus." Cassidy sauntered over to him, extending her hand.
Sheamus chuckled and reached out, shaking her hand, "Hello, Cassidy. Ah heard a lot about you from Kember."
"Same here, handsome." Cassidy looked at him unabashedly.
Kimber whacked her arm, fighting not to laugh, "You must excuse my friend. She's an acquired taste."
"It's all right." Sheamus replied, "Why don' Ah leave you two alone. You probably have a lot to talk about."
"Shay-moose!" Dylan's voice called from the kitchen, "Come play with me!"
"That's my cue." the Irishman quickly ducked out of the room, thankful for the distraction.
"We'll be in the kitchen." Elise replied as she and Brian exited the room.
Kimber and Cassidy took to the couch, giggling like a couple of school girls.
"So that's Sheamus." Cassidy nodded with approval, "He's even more gorgeous in person."
She got a wicked light in her eyes as she added, "Of course, to fully judge him, I need to see him in his wrestling tights. He didn't happen to bring those, did he?"
"Stop." Kimber rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "Don't make me get the hose."
"Ooh, yes please." Cassidy leaned in and murmured, "Let's hose that big, handsome Irishman down."
They bust out laughing, Kimber wiping tears from her eyes.
"You are terrible." she announced as her giggling died down.
"And you, my dear," Cassidy stated, "Are in love."
Kimber's laughter died in her throat. She looked at her friend in surprise.
"How did you know?" she whispered in disbelief, "I didn't even figure it out until last night."
"Oh, sweetie," Cassidy sighed, "I knew that a long time ago. But good to see you've finally figured it out."
Kimber, fingers knotting in her lap, admitted quietly, "I told him what happened. We just got back, actually."
Cassidy's own features grew serious as she leaned forward, placing a hand on her best friend's arm, "And how did that go?"
Kimber began to smile and she nodded, tears in her eyes, "He. . .Cass, he was so great about it."
Her best friend gave her a warm hug, murmuring in her ear, "I knew he would be."
She pulled back and asked gently, "How do you feel?"
"Free." Kimber laughed though her tears, wiping her eyes.
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Cassidy ended up staying for dinner. As the night began to wind down Sheamus found himself standing out on the porch with her while Kimber made coffee for them.
They leaned against the railing and looked out over the night sky.
He noticed the blonde was watching him from out of the corner of his eye and he turned to her.
"Yes?" he asked with a hint of a smirk.
Cassidy returned the expression, "Nothing. I was just thinking."
"About?" Sheamus quirked an eyebrow at her.
"What are your intentions towards my best friend?" the blonde grew uncharacteristically serious.
That caused the Celtic Warrior to straighten, fixing her with his own solemn gaze, "Ah know what she's been through. Ah can promise ya, Ah would never do anything to hurt her. You have me word on it."
"Good." Cassidy nodded, her mood lightening, "Good to know."
They were silent for a few more minutes, watching the stars.
Sheamus looked down at the railing beneath his hands, his thumb nervously tapping against it. He was actually glad he had her there. There were some things he wanted to ask her. He just didn't know how to breach the subject.
"Ah care about her." he began, "Very much."
"I can see that." Cassidy assured him, "You wouldn't have come here and met the family or stuck around after hearing what she had been through, if you hadn't."
"Ah don't know if, um, if Kember has told you anythin' about us." Sheamus cleared his throat, "About our relationship."
"She said you two were growing closer." Cassidy informed him, "She said she was started to feel. . .how do I put this? She said she had feelings for you. Physical feelings."
Sheamus closed his eyes. He was starting to get very uncomfortable about this. Jaysus, he was beginning to feel like a teenager.
Cassidy noticed his expression and reached out, placing a hand on his arm.
"You know you can talk to me about this." she replied, "I'm not going to judge you or anything."
Kimber started to make her way out onto the porch with the coffee when she paused, hearing their conversation. She leaned in a little closer, brows knit.
Sheamus opened his eyes and sighed. The only reasons why he felt he could go to Cassidy was not only because she was Kimber's friend, but because she had helped her through her rape.
"Ah don' want you to think Ah'm. . ." he scrubbed a hand over his face, trying to find the right words.
How did he ask her this without sounding like an arse?
He opened his eyes and turned back to her, "Ah want to make her feel comfortable wit' me."
Cassidy gave him a gentle smile, "Believe me when I tell you that she already does."
Sheamus felt some of the weight lift off his shoulders, "Ah want her to feel safe."
Kimber looked towards the doorway, moved beyond words. Beyond thought. She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes.
Cassidy rubbed a hand up and down the wrestler's arm, "She feels that, too. Surely you know that."
He did, to some extent. But still it was good to have it clarified.
He looked way, unable to meet her gaze as he said this next part, "Ah want to know what Ah can do to, uh, to make her feel comfortable about us. . .makin' love."
Kimber's eyes widened. She felt her pulse begin to race at the thought. It was really no surprise that he was thinking of taking her to his bed. But the fact that he had admitted it. . .
He gave the nurse his back, rubbing his hands over his eyes. He sounded like an eejit! There was no telling what she must have thought about him. Probably was going to go marching right in there and tell Kimber he was only after one thing from her.
He dared a look at her and discovered that she was staring up at him with a soft smile.
Not wanting to embarrass him anymore than he must have been feeling, Cassidy cleared her throat and instantly slipped into professional mode, "Is this something that you've both been thinking about?"
"Yeah." Sheamus replied.
"Okay." the nurse thought a few minutes before going on, "Well this isn't something you guys can just jump into. Unless she's already feeling comfortable enough with you to want to do it."
"We've been. . ." Sheamus lifted his hands up at his sides, "We've been buildin' up to it."
"Oh." Cassidy couldn't help the smile that came to her. She quickly smoothed it away, though, instead opting to say, "Well the most important thing is that Kimber needs to feel like she has control. You can't push her if she's not ready."
"Ah've always tried to give her complete control." Sheamus expressed.
Kimber began to smile softly. He had, it was true. And she knew how much it had cost him to do so. And how much it was costing him to voice his concerns now, with her best friend. It made her love him all the more, if that were possible.
"Good." Cassidy nodded, "Well, I don't really know what other advice I can give. Just be patient with her. Go slow and let her set the pace."
"Here ya go, guys." Kimber announced as she stepped out onto the porch, a tray of steaming mugs of coffee in her hands.
"Here, let me get that for ya." Sheamus came forward and took the tray from her, setting it on the railing.
"Thank you." she murmured, meaning for just more than the tray.
He passed the drinks around and they began to sip coffee and watch the night.
It wasn't until later in the evening that Cassidy finally left. She had given both Kimber and Sheamus a big hug, promising to call Kimber later.
The pair went back into the house, Kimber locking the door behind her. She followed Sheamus as he went into the kitchen and put the mugs in the sink.
As he turned around he found her watching him with a tender expression.
"What?" he asked with a grin.
Without a word Kimber reached out her hand to him. He took it and allowed her to lead him into the living room and over to the couch. They settled onto it, Kimber curled up against his side, and they watched the fireplace.
"Thank you for coming with me this week." she murmured, head on his shoulder.
"Thank you for invitin' me." Sheamus planted a kiss against her forehead.
The reporter pulled back and studied him, her fingers brushing across his temple and into his hair. He gazed back at her with tenderness.
"What are ya staring at?" he couldn't help but ask, voice low and that boyish grin dancing on his lips.
"You." one word had never been said with such devotion before.
The smile instantly left him as he reached over and cupped her chin, drawling her closer to him. His lips met hers a second later. . .
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Brian and Elise came downstairs early the next morning.
"What time did the kids go to bed?" Brian questioned his wife.
"I don't know." Elise shrugged, "Of course I went to bed early."
They started to head into the living room, to get to the kitchen, when they drew to a stop. Elise's eyes widened in surprise while Brian began to smile.
Sheamus and Kimber were sleeping on the couch, Kimber laying on top of the large Irishman. Her head was pillowed on his chest, one of her hands clutching at his shirt. His arms were wrapped tightly around her, as though he were protecting her even in sleep.
"Brian?" Elise looked up at her husband hesitantly.
He took her arm and quietly lead her from the room. They stepped out into the hallway, each leaning against an opposite wall.
"Now there's nothing wrong with that, Elise." Brian tried to tell her.
Elise shook her head, wringing her hands, "I'm sure he's probably a nice man but, Brian, he's a wrestler. He hurts people for a living. What's to say he won't do the same to Kimber?"
"There's no need to worry about that." Brain stated.
"Why not?" Elise didn't look convinced.
"Because, sweetheart, that young man is in love with our daughter." Brain told her with a warm smile.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because," Brian replied quietly, "You just have to see the man to know it."
Elise frowned and peeked her head back into the room. Her gaze traveled to the couple and she stood, watching them.
Kimber murmured something in her sleep and Sheamus' arms instantly tightened around her. The young woman immediately quieted down, her features smoothing over as she once again settled down. He brushed his lips against the top of her head, kissing her while he slept.
Elise began to soften, actually seeing the couple for the first time. Really seeing them.
She slipped out of the room and headed back towards the stairs.
"Sweetheart?" Brian called after his wife in concern.
"I'm just going to take the back stairs," she called down to him and, if he wasn't mistaken, he thought he heard her sniffle.
Kimber made a sleepy noise and slowly blinked, waking up. She lifted her head, confused about where she was.
It was then she realized it wasn't where she was but who she was sleeping on.
Sheamus, she thought with a warm smile, laying her head back down.
She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat in her ear. It felt comforting. Of course, the feeling of his warm, strong arms made her even more comforted.
She snuggled closer to him and sighed.
"Good morning." the words were spoken in a rough murmur and caused Kimber to grin.
She looked up at him lovingly, noting that he was watching her with a thoughtful expression.
"I should get up." she stated as she started to rise, "I'm too heavy."
His arms tightened around her, drawing her back to his body, "Yer a lightweight."
"And you're great for a girl's ego." Kimber quipped, earning a chuckle from the Irishman.
She leaned up and gave him a warm, good morning kiss. Before it could deepen, though, she remembered where they were. Her parents would be down to start breakfast at any time. She sighed and pulled back, reluctantly climbing off of him. She rose to her feet and stretched, arms high above her head.
Suddenly his hands were under her armpits, tickling her. Kimber giggled and ducked away from him, arms now pressed to her chest.
He grinned at her boyishly, "Ah, so you are ticklish. Good to know."
"Meanie." she stuck her tongue out at him.
He leaned over and murmured in an impossibly sexy voice, "Don' be showin' me yer tongue if yer not prepared to use it."
Kimber felt her cheeks redden and she replied, "I, um, I better go upstairs and change."
"You do that." Sheamus grinned over at her.
Kimber gave him a parting smile before heading upstairs.
The Irishman was about to join her when he heard the sounds of someone starting breakfast in the kitchen. Curious, he walked to the doorway and peered in.
Elise was at the fridge, gathering the ingredients she would need. When she turned back around she blinked, startled to see him there.
"Oh." she quickly gave him her back as she set the food on the island, "Good morning, Sheamus."
His eyes narrowed in concern. She had been crying. He could see it.
"Are you all right, Elise?" he asked as he came forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Just fine." she tried to tell him, but she wouldn't face him.
Sheamus carefully turned her around and looked down at her. She gave him a watery smile, but he could see that her eyes were red. She had been crying.
He walked over and grabbed a napkin, handing it to her. She took it with a grateful smile and turned away, dabbing at her eyes. She laughed, embarrassed by her tears.
"Is everything all right?" he asked gently.
She turned back to him, wringing the napkin in her hands. It was at that moment that he saw Kimber in her.
"I owe you an apology." she told him, heartfelt.
"You don' have to-"
"Yes, I do." Elise was adamant, "I misjudged you. And for that I'm very sorry."
She turned away, trailing her hands over the island, "Kimber hasn't had the most easy life."
"I know." Sheamus murmured as he joined her, "She told me."
"She did?" Elise was surprised at first but then she slowly started to smile, "She must really trust you to have done that."
"Ah know what the bastard did to her." he stated, meeting her gaze, "But Ah can promise you, Ah would never hurt her. And especially not like that."
His eyes went to the island, "Ah care about yer daughter. Very much."
She reached out and placed a hand on his arm, offering a small smile, "I know. It may have taken me awhile to see it, but I do see it now, Sheamus. In fact, I think you're just what she needs right now."
He turned and leaned down, pressing a kiss to her cheek. As he pulled back she looked up at him in surprise.
"Thank you." he sincerely told her.
"Thank you." Elise beamed up at him.
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Kimber and Sheamus spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with her family, the group taking a hike and even playing a few card and board games. Soon early evening came and it was time for them to get on the road.
As Sheamus and Brian put the bags in the SUV Kimber walked back up onto the porch to say goodbye.
She hugged Mary, the other woman whispering in her ear, "You've got a good one there. Be happy."
Kimber pulled back and nodded, smiling, "I am."
"Good." Mary gave her arms a pat before stepped back.
Kimber turned to Dylan. The little boy was looking up at her with a pout.
"Why do you have to go, Aunt Ember?" he asked sadly.
Kimber knelt down and drew him closer, running her hand through his soft hair, "Aw, buddy, I wish I could stay here and play with you every day. But I have a job and I unfortunately have to go back to it. But I promise I will come back and visit you as soon as I can. Okay?"
"Will you bring Shay-moose?" he asked hopefully.
"I'll try." Kimber told him with a laugh as she picked him up and hugged him, "Oh, you're getting so big!"
He giggled at that.
She eventually set him down and turned to her brother.
He grabbed her and picked her up for a big hug, murmuring in her ear, "I love you, mud pie."
"Love you, big brother." she whispered.
"Don't take anyone's crap." he stated as he set her back down.
"Daddy!"
"Daddy's sorry." Derek laughed.
Kimber kissed his cheek before turning to her mother.
Elise took hold of her daughter and pulled her in for a tight hug.
"I was wrong." her mother quietly told her, "About him. About you both. And I'm sorry."
Kimber pulled back, both surprised and pleased by her admission.
"Thank you." she replied, blinking back tears.
Sheamus joined her on the porch and said his own goodbyes. As he got top Dylan he picked the little boy up, giving him a big hug. The child wrapped his arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly.
"I'm going to miss you." he told the Irishman.
Sheamus pulled back, touched. He offered a weak laugh, quickly blinking the tears that had unexpectedly come to his eyes.
"I'm gonna miss you, too, fella." he stated as he set the boy down and gave him a high five.
He shook Derek's hand and gave Mary and hug and kiss on the cheek.
When he got to Elise she reached out and gave him a big hug.
"Take care of yourself." she told him, meaning it.
"Ah will." he assured her as he pulled back, "And Ah'll take care of her, too."
"I know." Elise began to smile.
Sheamus turned to find Kimber smiling, waiting for him. He took her hand and the pair headed to the SUV.
They climbed into the back, Brian at the wheel, and headed off.
Their hands stayed locked and Kimber leaned her head against his strong shoulder. She closed her eyes and sighed.
She was ready for whatever life had to come.
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TLC tonight! So excited and nervous! I hope Sheamus kicks the Big Show's arse and takes back his championship! Lets go, Celtic Warrior!