Chapter 7

Oliver tightened the belt of the fluffy white hotel robe and leaned against the doorway leading into their bedroom. His eyes held a tender gaze as he allowed himself the luxury of watching the love of his life as she slept. His lips curved into a gentle smile as her arm stretched out, her hand resting in the space where he had slept. For the first time during their vacation, he'd woken first. Quite honestly, he was thankful she was sleeping in for a change. A warmth spread through him at the memory of the previous evening. Having slept alone for so many years, he'd quickly adjusted to sharing a bed with Shane. Her soft breaths and the remnants of her perfume calmed him at the end of a busy day, lulling him until he drifted off to sleep.

Her porcelain skin fairly glowed in slumber, giving her an ethereal quality. She lay on her side, her hair splashed across the pillow, shimmering with the aura of an angel's halo. If her eyes were open, they would be set off by the pale blue silk of the pajamas she wore. But they were closed, their corners slightly lifted, making them expressive even in sleep. The sheet draped over the curve of her hip, making the temptation to crawl back into bed almost too great to resist. But he knew Shane needed her rest, and he doubted that, should he join her, he could let her continue sleeping.

He returned to the desk in their sitting area and thumbed through the pamphlets he'd picked up in the hotel lobby when he'd gone down earlier to get some coffee. The Avoca Mill and its surrounding area were on today's agenda. From what the concierge had told him, it was a short but beautiful drive from the hotel.

"Oliver." Her raspy voice called from the other room.

"Coming, my love." He hurried in and sat on the edge of the bed next to her as she brushed off the cobwebs of sleep. "How are you this morning?"

"Oh, my goodness, I slept so well." She sat up, propping herself against her pillows, and hugged her knees. "I was just so relaxed after that bath last night."

Oliver's cheeks flushed when he saw the twinkle in his wife's eyes, and he nodded in agreement. He'd actually had his best night's sleep since they'd arrived in Ireland. "Yes, for me, too." He gently swept Shane's hair off her shoulder, revealing the graceful slope of her bare shoulder, where her pajamas had slipped down. "Hmmm," he felt the warmth of her skin on his lips as they brushed over her delicate collarbone. "Are you hungry, Shane?"

"Oh, yes." Her eyes held his as she gently nibbled her lower lip, the intensity of the moment hanging between them.

Oliver began the drive feeling much more relaxed. The route to their destination took them through the picturesque Irish countryside. The trees had started their vibrant transformation into autumn, donning hues of red, orange, and gold fluttering leaves.

The narrow roads, flanked by charming stone walls, started to curve more sharply, and Oliver's knuckles once again turned white as he grasped the leather steering wheel.

"How are you doing, Oliver?" Shane's voice was filled with genuine concern as she massaged his shoulder with her thumb.

Her caressing touch immediately soothed his nerves. "I'm fine. The road is similar to yesterday, but thankfully, it's straightening out."

He stole a glance at Shane, who was engrossed in the pamphlet he'd brought that highlighted the tourist sites in the small town nestled along the Avoca River. "What are you doing, my love?"

"I'm just reading about what we're going to see today."

"I thought you used that Wiki thing on your phone to do your research."

Shane's eye roll quickly quieted him. "Cell coverage is spotty, so I can't pull it up. Besides, I do know how to use both, Mr. O'Toole."

"Hmph," he snorted. "It seems you are picking up on my good habits."

She poked his arm, her lips twisting as her eyes narrowed and glared at him. "Oliver, you are not the only person in the world who still reads the printed word. Besides, you said an argument can be made for both. I'm just proving you right."

"I feel like I am the only person sometimes. Everywhere I look, I see people with their heads buried in their electronic devices." He reached over, using his thumb to quickly smooth her lips. He longed to kiss away her scowl but had to settle for his thumb tracing the curve of her lips until she graced him with a smile.

Her gaze remained fixed on him as she wrapped her hand around his. She softly stroked the back of it before leaving a sweet kiss and placing it back on the steering wheel. "Oliver, keep your eyes on the road."

Oliver returned his hand to the steering wheel. "I'm sorry. Am I making you nervous?"

"No, you're doing much better today. It must have been that good night's sleep," she winked and gave him a lighthearted smirk. "But let's not tempt fate."

He shook his head. "I do not subscribe to the notion of fate."

Shane giggled. "Yes. I know, Oliver. I'm just keeping you on your toes."

As they crested a slight rise in the road, a breathtaking view unfolded before them. The scenic vale of Avoca stretched out ahead of them with its rolling hills and lush green landscapes. The roads curved more gently and wove in and out of view of the scenic Avoca River.

Oliver pulled the car into a parking area close to the historic Avoca Mill, cafe, and store. They purchased tickets for the upcoming tour of the centuries-old landmark mill. Glancing at his watch, he noted they had time to stroll over to the cafe for lunch. He turned to where Shane had been standing behind him and realized she was gone. Scanning the store, Oliver found her on the far side of the room, one hand rubbing slow circles on her stomach while the other traced the patterns on a small, intricately crafted doll-sized sweater.

"Shane." He called her name gently as he approached, trying to break through her reverie. "Shane, we have time to get lunch before the tour. Shall we go to the cafe?"

She answered as though she didn't even hear him. "Look at these Oliver. They're so tiny and delicate."

He stepped toward her, his hand covering hers, which still rested on her burgeoning bump. "Yes, they are beautiful. Did you hear me?"

"Hmmm?"

Oliver had noticed Shane having increasingly more episodes where she was lost in thought, and it usually centered around the baby. He'd learned to relish the moments as it was a side of Shane he'd not expected to witness, especially given their uncertainty about ever having a child. Yet, as she warmed to the idea, his excitement grew at the thought of watching her become a mother. "I asked if we should go get lunch before the tour."

Shane turned to him. "Oh, sure. Can we come back here afterward? I want to get some things for everyone back home."

Oliver chuckled. "I'm sure you do. And maybe for yourself, too?"

"We'll see. Maybe something for you, too. I think you would look very handsome in one of these sweaters." Shane pointed to a table filled with men's cable-stitched wool sweaters. "Look, Oliver," she pointed to the children's section of the store. We could find matching father and son sweaters for you and the baby, well, maybe for when he's a little older."

Oliver put his arm around Shane's waist. "Father and son, that has a nice ring to it."

"Yes, it does, doesn't it?" Her cheeks glowed as she cupped his cheek with her hand and placed a tender kiss on his lips.

They found a small table in the nearby cafe and set down their tray of sandwiches and soup.

Bowls of steaming butternut squash soup were filled almost to the brim. The soup's rich, vibrant color was comparable to the hue of the horizon as the sun gracefully dips behind the evening skyline. Shane swiped an indulgent layer of Irish butter on her bread.

"Mmmm, Oliver, taste the soup." She dunked a chunk of bread into her bowl, leaving it submerged in the golden liquid, allowing it to soak up the soup. As she carefully lifted the bread from the bowl, its delicate texture struggled to support the weight of the thick soup. With a gentle plop, a piece landed in the bowl, creating a Jackson Pollock-style splatter on the table.

Oliver lifted his eyes, a bemused expression on his face. "Do you need help, Shane?"

"Haha, very funny." Her eyebrow lifted in feigned annoyance as she used a napkin to clean up the mess. "You know, Oliver, a year from now, we'll see a lot more messes like this at the dinner table." She covered his hand with hers and spoke gingerly. "I know you like things a certain way, so I am curious to see how you will tolerate the inevitable chaos that comes with having a baby in the house."

Oliver put down his spoon and carefully wiped his mouth with his napkin, all the while contemplating Shane's statement. Of course, he knew that about himself. They'd gone through chaos before, in the early days and months of their marriage. Only then, Shane's shoes were the reason for the frequent rises in his blood pressure. Oliver hadn't paid much attention to Shane's shoes prior to their marriage, so he had no idea how many pairs she actually owned until they made the move to the new house and they were packing. All he knew was that he was thankful they now had a much larger closet to keep them organized. Now, instead of shoes, he pictured toys scattered about from front door to back, not to mention all the other baby paraphernalia Shane kept telling him they would need.

"Well," he started. "I survived the clutter of your shoes, so I don't imagine it could be worse than that." He did his very best not to break into a laugh, but he couldn't stop the grin that slowly appeared. He noticed the irritation that quickly flashed across her face and took her hand, bringing it to his lips in an attempt to mollify her. When she said nothing, he continued. "I would hope we can create some types of systems to minimize the mayhem brought on by the baby."

Now, it was Shane's turn to laugh. "It's a baby, Oliver. He won't understand, nor will he follow your systems to 'minimize the mayhem.'" She turned his words back on him.

"I'm not talking about the baby." His eyebrow lifted in amusement.

Shane huffed and clapped back. "Wow, you are in rare form today, Mr. O'Toole. You've been working on your sense of humor again, haven't you?"

Oliver smirked as he glanced at his watch. "We better get going if we're going to join the tour. Are you okay with skipping dessert?"

"Yes, Oliver. I think I'll survive." She accepted the hand he offered, and they took the short walk over to the mill.

As they entered, the alternating clacking and thumping of looms assaulted their senses. Every loom was meticulously strung with a vibrant array of threads, producing a stunning rainbow effect that filled the space with a burst of colors.

"Rita's dad would love this," Shane whispered in Oliver's ear.

He shivered as her breath warmed his cheek. "Yes, I believe he would. I wasn't expecting such bright colors. It really is beautiful." He tucked Shane's arm into his elbow and followed along with the crowd.

They had to listen closely to hear the tour guide above the noise. In 1723, the mill began its storied history with an emphasis on creating high-quality woolen cloth. Over time, it evolved into a cornerstone of the local economy and played an essential role in the community's prosperity. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the mill continued to operate and eventually underwent modernization to keep up with demands. While it still embraces its historical roots, it also continues to adapt to the most modern trends in the textile industry.

Shane tightened her hold on Oliver and gave him a playful smirk. "Did you hear that, Oliver? They embrace their historical roots yet still underwent modernization to keep up with the times."

Oliver furrowed his brows and put a finger to his lips to silence his wife. She leaned into him and gave him a playful nudge. He turned to her, and seeing the grin that lit up her face, he couldn't help but return it with one of his own. Her radiance took his breath as it so often did, and there were still moments when he had to remind himself that she was his forever.

At the conclusion of the tour, the guide encouraged everyone to visit the store and buy some of the products made on-site. This time, Oliver poked Shane with his elbow. "I don't think he'll need to ask you twice," Oliver teased.

But before shopping, they needed time to quiet their senses, and they found a path that took them down to the river. The crystal-clear water flowed smoothly in some spots, meandering lazily as it curved around bends. Streams of sunlight broke through the canopy of trees and shimmered off the water's surface.

As they continued along the winding path, they discovered a weathered wooden bench nestled in an idyllic spot next to an outcropping of rocks. The water rushed with a lively energy as it cascaded over the rocks, creating a small waterfall. They sat, and Shane rested her head gently on Oliver's shoulder, the silky strands of her hair brushing against his cheek. He gently lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss at the center of her palm before wrapping it in his and bringing it close to his heart. "This is a lovely and peaceful spot."

"Darling, any time I have the opportunity to spend a quiet moment with you, resting my head on your shoulder as we hold hands, is lovely and peaceful."

Oliver closed his eyes as a wave of gratitude for this life he'd been given enveloped him. "Ahem, Shane, I've been thinking." He felt the weight of Shane's head lift from his shoulder.

Her eyes narrowed as they targeted his. "That sounds rather ominous, Oliver. What have you been thinking about?"

Oliver placed a delicate kiss on Shane's forehead. "Nothing alarming. At lunch, you wondered how I would manage through the chaos that comes along with a baby."

"And?" She looked at him, waiting for an answer.

"It reminded me of the challenges we had as we adapted to living together. Calliope was able to provide us with great insight and put us on the right path, moving in the same direction, so to speak."

"Go on."

"I wonder if it wouldn't be wise to meet with her again to prepare us for the changes ahead. It's not just about the things that come along with a baby. It's about how you and I work together as partners and support each other on this journey of parenthood. I want to make sure that we are 'in concert' as we enter this new phase of our relationship."

Oliver noticed the tears glimmering in Shane's eyes before she returned her head to his shoulder. "You are a wise man, Oliver. I think that's an excellent idea."

"Thank you, my love." He brought her hand to his lips again, this time lingering. He brought it to his lap and laced his fingers through hers. "The sound of the rushing water reminds me of floating down Boulder Creek when I was a kid."

"Tell me about that, Oliver. I must admit, I'm having a hard time picturing it."

"My father used to take me. The first time was the summer when I was eight. My mother had just left for the first time, and I think he was trying to occupy my mind and my time with new adventures so I wouldn't dwell on her leaving so much." The familiar, gnawing ache caused by his mother's absence gripped Oliver's heart.

"I'm sorry, Oliver. Did it work?"

"Yes and no. I shall always carry the pain of her leaving, but it doesn't sting like it used to, thanks to you."

"Me?" Surprise laced Shane's voice.

A peaceful smile spread across Oliver's face. "You made me realize that her leaving wasn't about anything I did. It was about her, and I had no control over her actions, but I do have control over how much I let it affect me now."

"I'm glad, Oliver. And you have your father. You couldn't have asked for a better one.

"He really is selfless, isn't he? I will be looking to him to guide me as I begin this path through fatherhood."

"Speaking of your dad, we should call him when we get back to the hotel and see how things are going at the house. I'm trying not to think about it, but it makes me anxious not to be there."

"Don't be anxious. I'm sure Dad has it all under control." Oliver stood and offered his hand to Shane. "Well, now that we've had our rest, shall we head to the store?"

An hour later, they were on the road back to Powerscourt, their wallets a little lighter and their back seat filled with gifts for themselves, their friends, and their baby. Shane finally convinced Oliver to buy the blue sweater for himself and the matching one for their future son. As for the rest, they had the coziest pink blankets to wrap Eleanor and Rita and Norman's new baby in warm cocoons, scarves to beat the Colorado cold for Charley and Rita, and hats for Norman and Joe. There was also a blanket for their baby woven in red and blue, postal colors, to complement their chosen nursery décor.

Shane pulled the yellowed papers Joe had given them from her bag and began sifting through them, bringing them close to her eyes. "Oliver, did you bring your small magnifying glass with you?"

"I never go anywhere without it. You never know when you will need to examine something more closely." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a Swiss army version of a postal worker's tool. On the ring were a magnifying glass, small measuring tape, compass, level, and miniature flashlight.

"You are nothing if not prepared, Oliver."

Oliver gave her a smirky smile. "I'm going to take that as a compliment, Ms. McInerney."

Her light and airy laugh filled the car as she took the tool from him and held it up to the front of an envelope she held. "I can hardly make anything out. It looks like a G at the beginning of the town's name. The second letter is as tall as the first."

"Is it Glendalough?" Oliver asked.

"It could be. How do you know that?"

"I don't know for certain, but based on the clues you've given me and knowing that County Wicklow is the home of my ancestors, that is my deduction. We are going there tomorrow. Apparently, it is home to some fascinating ruins."

"As long as we don't see any more of your ancestors' hearts."

Oliver warmed as he felt Shane's light touch, and he glanced down to see her hand on his thigh. "I don't believe that is likely."

"Tomorrow is our last day in County Wicklow, Oliver, before we drive to County Clare."

"Yes, it is."

"I wonder. I have sort of a surprise for you, but it would mean veering off your itinerary a bit."

Oliver's head twisted, and one eyebrow arched in question. "Uh, a surprise? What is it?"

Shane tightened her grip on Oliver's leg. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. It would require a tiny—well, not tiny—detour on our way to County Clare. I could drive, you know, to give you a break and let you enjoy the views a bit."

"You. Drive?" He sounded hesitant.

"Oliver, I am perfectly capable of driving, and I think I've found something you will enjoy immensely."

"Immensely?" He repeated with intensity and a playful lilt in his voice. "Well, I don't think I can pass up on something I might enjoy immensely."

"Don't make fun of me, Oliver O'Toole, or I'll make you pay for it." Shane teased.

Oliver gave her a mischievous smile and covered her hand with his. "Oh, I'm counting on it, my love."