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words centered Aileen. Nodding slowly to her friend, she kept her gaze steady. Gwen might have thought she was overwhelmed by so many people’s emotions, but it was something else entirely. She would have to talk to her friend about it later.
    Sally, Cara, and Teresa were as giddy as they had been before they left. It was a wonder Aileen did not have a headache from their constant chatter. Nonetheless, their chatter helped to soothe her nerves.
    “Do you know where you’re going, Lily?” asked Gwen.
    “Yes, he said he would meet us at the end of the baggage—”
    “He’s here,” interrupted Aileen, coming to a halt. She did not see him, but rather felt the wave of his emotions prick her outer conscience.
    No one questioned Aileen, they just all froze as one, until Aunt Lily saw him emerge from the crowd some distance away.
    If anyone had remarked that Aidan Kerrigan was tall, it would have been a huge understatement. The man loomed over others at six foot, seven inches, and when he would pass by others noticed. At fifty-five, her dad could easily pass for someone of forty. However, she did notice a slight graying at the temples, but it only added character to his rugged features.
    Aileen thought back to a conversation she’d witnessed between her mom and aunt. Aunt Lily teased her mom, saying Aidan must have been chiseled from a dark Irish God with his looks, and large indigo eyes. Her mom had winked. “If you only knew.”
    Her dad strode past her aunt and the others, giving her a quick nod before he stood in front of Aileen. He reached out and gently touched her hair. “So like your mother’s,” he murmured softly.
    “Oh Dad,” Aileen choked out, stepping into his loving embrace. He held her, stroking her head and soothing her in words of Gaelic, which made her sob even more.
    Aileen was the first to break contact. Looking up into his eyes, she saw his pain mirrored hers. It was then she realized they both needed each other so they could heal. If it meant she had to be the stronger one, so be it.
    “I’ve missed you so much, Dad,” she muttered into his chest.
    “Aye, as have I missed you. I’m glad you are here.” He pulled back and cupped her face with his hands. “This is the home of your mother and yours, too.”
    She nodded slowly, sensing he wanted to say more, but kept silent.
    They both could hear everyone sniffling behind them, and her dad turned toward Aunt Lily, reaching for her hand. He gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you brought her to me.”
    “It was long overdue, Aidan,” replied her aunt.
    He scanned the rest of the group, and they all made a lunge for him ending in one big group hug.
    “Ladies, please...” He chuckled. “It’s been eons since I’ve had so much attention.”
    Aileen stepped back to give the others some room, marveling at how much she’d truly missed her father. He was a giant in the mass of her friends, but she saw the shadows that haunted him, and worried.
    He angled his head at her, giving her a wink.
    Yes, it was good to be here... back home .

Chapter Six
    “Dogwood leaves, flowers, and wood can be used as a protective charm. The four petals symbolize the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.”
    “This is where you live?” A shocked Aileen stood on the path in front of her father’s home, and scanned the massive architecture he called home.
    “Do you like it?”
    “It’s a castle! What’s not to like ?”
    “Aye, that it is, named Balleycove.” He gave her a wide grin.
    “How long have you had this?” Aileen asked, still stunned by the vision in front of her.
    Her dad remained quiet, as if deciding what to say. “Let’s just say it’s been in my family for a while.”
    She shot him a look filled with confusion. “Excuse me? And why did I not know about this?”
    He stepped away from her, keeping his hands tucked behind his back. Taking a deep breath, he cast a look over his shoulders as if sizing up some great decision. “Your