Wild Irish Christmas (Wild Irish, Book Eight) Read Online Free PDF

you?”
    She hadn’t said it. Not once.
    “I want to go to America and I want a home of my own. I want to continue playing my songs, not to earn money but for the sheer enjoyment of it. I want to marry a good man and have a big family. I want love and laughter and a husband who looks at me with love in his eyes, not because he thinks I’m beautiful or would make a nice trophy for his wall, but because he thinks I’m special—and I thought that man was you.”
    Her voice broke slightly and Patrick realized the depth of this stupidity. He’d made a terrible mistake. “Sunday, please—”
    She rose from the stool. “No, I’ve listened to everything you had to say, Pat. Walked home with you hand in hand for months as you shared your beautiful dreams with me. You let me see what was in your soul and I thought you saw what was in mine. Apparently I wasn’t speaking clearly enough or maybe you didn’t believe what I was saying. Either way, it doesn’t matter now.”
    A tear slid down her cheek. Patrick felt that drop like the slice of a knife against his skin.
    She walked away, gathering her guitar and leaving the bar before he could force himself to move.
    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
     
    “You let her walk out?” Tris asked incredulously.
    Patrick nodded. “I’m ashamed to say I did.” He glanced over and saw Teagan surreptitiously wiping her eyes.
    Apparently Ewan noticed as well. “You okay, sis?” He wrapped his arm around Teagan’s shoulders as she grinned in embarrassment.
    “I know I’m being a sap, but this is such a sad story.”
    “Ah lass. I was a foolish young man. Before your mother, I’d never been in love. It was hard for me to imagine being worthy of such an incredible woman. I made far too many mistakes.”
    “Oh Pop.” Keira leaned forward, taking his hand in hers. “I love this story. Love hearing that you’re human, that you made mistakes along the way. Makes me feel a bit better about the stupid things I’ve done in my relationship with Will.”
    “God knows I’ve done my fair share of asinine things with Lauren and Chad.” Sean grabbed the bag of chips from the coffee table. He glanced at Riley, who smirked.
    “Don’t look at me,” Riley said. “I’ve never screwed up with Aaron.”
    Everyone laughed, Riley included. Then she conceded. “Fair enough. I’ve messed up plenty. But this story isn’t about me. It’s about Pop and Mom and Conall. I swear to God, Pop, if you don’t punch this guy in the face at some point, I’m returning your Christmas gift.”
    “Very well,” Patrick said, rubbing his hands together. “It’s time for the good part of the story.”

Chapter Three
     
    “Go ask her to dance, Patty.”
    Patrick looked at Kathleen, confused. “What?”
    “You haven’t taken your eyes off Sunday MacKenna all night. Go ask the lass for a dance.”
    He flushed, guilt suffusing him. He’d invited Kathleen to the dance then proceeded to sit by the wall, glowering at Conall. “I’m sorry, Kathleen. I’ve been a poor companion tonight.”
    Kathleen laughed easily and Patrick wondered why he’d never felt the same spark for her that he experienced whenever Sunday was around. Kathleen was pretty and kind. She had a good heart and she was quick to laugh. She was also devoted to Killarney and Ireland. Patrick knew she’d never be happy anywhere else.
    “I’ve been an ass.”
    “I wouldn’t say that. Actually, the word I was thinking of was fool . You’re clearly in love with the woman. It doesn’t take a genius to see she feels the same way for you. So tell me, then, why she’s here with Conall Brannagh?”
    “I handled things badly with her, Kathleen.”
    “You’ve a silver tongue in that head of yours, Patty. Something tells me you can make this right. Go talk to her.”
    Patrick appreciated Kathleen’s encouragement, but he didn’t share her optimism. As he watched her slow dance with Conall, desolation coursed through his body.
    Kathleen shook her head. “I