“This is crazy, Trish.”

“No, babe, it’s not.”

I glance at my friend as we walk side by side up the path to St. Machan’s Church.

“Please tell me why?”

She laughs as she tucks some wayward strands of my hair back into the classic chignon that seems to be fitting for these kinds of occasions.

“Because Kristian adores you, and you’re madly in love with him. That’s why.”

I swallow the thickness in my throat and clutch my bouquet a bit tighter.

“True.” I nod slowly. “But…”

“No buts,” Trish starts and puts her index finger over my lips. “You love him, yes?”

“Of course I do,” I whisper.

“Then what’s the problem?”

Her small frown and confused look make me realise that I’m probably not making much sense. I take a deep breath and voice my fears as quickly as I can, before I lose my courage.

“I promised myself I’d never marry again.”

Her eyes shoot up to her hairline and she gapes at me.

“That’s a crazy-arse promise to make, babe!” she splutters. “Just look at the life you have now.”

I shush her and look over my shoulder.

“Don’t curse,” I grumble. “Not here. It’s not fitting”

She huffs and shakes her head in wonder.

“Look, I understand you’re nervous, and if you really don’t want to go through with it, then at least tell Kristian why. Don’t do a mad Runaway Bride thing—it’s over the top and not fair to him at all.”

I flinch as I imagine doing a bad imitation of Julia Roberts, escaping my own wedding, and with a hurt and bewildered Kristian following close behind, begging me to stop.

I take a deep breath and wet my lips.

“I do love him, Trish, and I want to spend forever with him.” I look down at my cream-coloured wedding dress. The 1920’s design is simple, elegant, and not flashy at all—just like me—and yet I’d feel more comfortable in my usual riding gear than I do right now. “I just don’t think this whole malarkey is necessary, that’s all. I…” I sigh, frustrated with myself. “I don’t know what’s going on with me, Trish,” I finish.

She places her hands on my shoulders and stares deeply into my eyes.

“He’s a wonderful man,” she whispers, instantly causing my eyes to fill with tears. “He worships you and Ailith. You know he’ll always do everything he can to protect you, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then I think you’re merely experiencing a case of cold feet, babe,” she smiles gently at me. “It’s normal.” She grins at me as she shakes my shoulders firmly. “In fact, I think you’d be completely bonkers if you didn’t freak out a little. So, there you have it—it’s far from crazy. This is what people do when they want to show the whole world how lucky they feel to have found each other. It’s a celebration of life, really.”

I smile softly when I look down and take in her rounded, heavily pregnant belly. Soon, we’ll have another celebration of life to rejoice in.

A gust of wind blows against my back, and I shiver at the way it almost seems like it’s nudging me closer to the church. The ball of tension that’s been like a heavy stone in my tummy all day suddenly vanishes, and a strange calm settles in my heart.

“There she is,” Trish murmurs softly, and I frown at the wobbly smile gracing her lips.

“What?”

“My old friend is back. See? I told you she wasn’t dead, and I was right.”

A laugh bubbles up my throat and I shake my head at her.

“Nutter.”

“Maybe so, but that’s not important right now.”

Trish removes her hands from my shoulders, linking her arm back through mine. I smile at her, grateful to have her by my side, especially today, and she winks at me.

“Off we go,” she tuts at me, pulling me along, but a shadow out of the corner of my eye makes me hesitate and I turn my head towards the trees far away. But the shadow’s not there anymore, and I shake my head at my own silliness.

“Yes,” I beam back at Trish, “off we go.”

“That’s my girl.”

On a low laugh, I walk closer to the open doors. There’s a lightness in my steps that wasn’t there mere moments ago, and all of a sudden, I feel the strong urge to run. The adrenaline races through my blood, urging me to move, to go faster, but at the same time, I want to savour these last few minutes I have with my best friend, before I lay eyes on my future husband.

“Trish?” I whisper as we come closer to the doors.

“Yes?”

“I never believed I’d find such happiness. How did I get so lucky?”

“Oh, babe, don’t make me cry,” she sniffles.

I stare straight ahead, afraid she’ll set me off and I’ll cry all over the place if I look at her.

I feel her gentle nudge as she bumps shoulders with me.

“Honestly, I don’t think that luck has anything to do with it,” she answers on a shaky breath. “I think that taking a chance on love is an act of courage, Laura. Setting aside all your past hurts, and allowing another man to grab hold of your heart, means that you’re a brave woman.” I feel her light shrug as I listen closely to her words. “Maybe the fates did push Kristian into your path, but they didn’t choose him—you did.”

I stop abruptly, my heart hammering against my ribcage and I stare intently at her.

“Yes,” she nods. “You could’ve walked away from him, Laura, but you didn’t. And even though I know you don’t believe me when I tell you that you’re the strongest person I know, please—please—try to do it this time. Try to see yourself through my eyes.”

I blink as the enormity of her words sinks into my heart.

“Crap, now I’m crying.” I dab at the tears on my cheek.

“Well, you asked,” she answers breezily, “and you’ll always get the truth from me.”

I sigh and chance a quick glance at her. The love and happiness in her eyes shining back at me make the tears dry on my cheeks, and I nod.

“Right. I promise I’ll try to believe you,” I whisper and lean over to give her a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Good. Now can we go inside and put the poor bloke out of his misery?”

I grin as I nod and take the first step inside the church.

When my eyes adjust to the dim light, I smile at the guests, but when Kristian comes into my line of sight, Ailith by his side, everyone but them disappear.

The need to run returns, and I pick up the pace. The dove-grey suit he’s wearing makes him look so formal—beyond handsome—but it’s his eyes and the proud smile he shoots my way that hold me captive.

His eyes heat up, leaving a burning trail all over my body as the distance closes between us, and when they spring up to mine, it feels like I can hear his voice inside my head, imploring me to run headfirst into his waiting arms.

I’m no longer trying to run away.

I have nothing to fear, least of all Kristian and the future.

When I stop in front of him, our eyes locked in place, he takes my hand at once.

“There you are,” he murmurs. “For a minute there, I thought I’d lost you.”

Slowly, I shake my head and squeeze his hand before linking our fingers together.

“You’ll never lose me, Kristian.”

His smile softens, sending my heart into the most delightful tailspin, but I turn to look at Ailith when her low giggle reaches my ears.

“I knew you’d turn up, Mummy. I told Kristian, but he was still very nervous.”

My smile widens but then freezes at her next words.

“Papa said you just needed some time to find your courage.”

“P-papa?” I squeak. “Who’s that?”

She tilts her head a little and smiles softly at me.

“Grandaddy, of course. He was only just here but then said he couldn’t stay.” She shrugs and points to the doorway from where we came. “But he told me he’ll never be far away from us.”

I turn my head and look back at the door, my heart lodged in my throat as I wish with everything that I am that, somehow, the silhouette of my dad’s small frame will be there, and that his gentle, brown eyes will stare back at me.

But he’s not there. The door is wide open, letting in a long ray of sunlight, but that’s all there is.

Not my dad.

Besides, it’s impossible.

“Sweetheart?” Kristian runs his thumb in soft circles across my knuckles, and I take a deep breath when I remember where we are.

“I’m okay,” I whisper when I gaze back at him.

“You sure?”

I nod and take another step towards him.

“Positive. Let’s get married.”

He grins down at me and tucks me closer to his side as we turn towards the minister at the same time. The older man smiles happily at us, and when he starts to speak, I close my eyes briefly, basking in the happiness that courses through my veins.

My heart and soul are whole.

I’m marrying the best man I’ve ever met today.

Ailith will have a real father, forever.

And maybe—just maybe—souls long gone from this earth still walk amongst their loved ones, nudging them on their right path from time to time.

The thought has barely settled in my head when I feel a soft touch against my cheek, and a shiver runs down my back.

I open my eyes and smile at Kristian standing next to me.

Time may be fickle—moving too fast as well as too slowly at times—but I now know that I was given the exact time that I needed in order to heal before he entered my life.

Maybe fate—or Dad—played their part in it, but Trish is right.

It is my choice to trust my heart again.

I know it will not betray me this time.

How can it, when it brought me a man like the one standing next to me right now?

* * *

“Ailith, I’m not sure about this,” I grumble as she drags me behind her and towards the stables.

“Oh, don’t be daft, Daddy,” she grins. “It’s been five years, and you still refuse to get up on Thunder and go for a ride. That’s so silly.”

I shake my head, letting her take the lead.

When it comes to my girls, I can’t say no. I never have been able to, and I doubt that’ll ever change.

“Fine, fine,” I sigh as we stop in front of his stall. His ears perk up at the sight of us and when Ailith comes closer to wrap her arms around his neck, cooing and cuddling the beast like she’s always done, I can’t stop the wry smile from stretching my lips at the sight of them.

“But why today?” I run a hand through my hair, feeling a sliver of panic trail down my spine.

She turns around and puts her small fists on her hips, looking so much like her mother that I can’t help but grin at her.

“Because,” she starts, leaning slightly towards me, “it’s about time you learnt how to ride, Daddy. You can’t live on a horse farm and not know that.”

Sighing, I crinkle my nose at her and nod.

She does have a point. But that doesn’t mean I should admit defeat without a fight. I’ll never hear the end of it if I do.

“Okay, but why this grouchy guy?”

Ailith giggles when Thunder stretches out his long neck and tries to take a chunk out of my shirt. I yelp and jump back, scowling at him.

“Careful what you say,” Ailith tuts. “You know he understands everything you say, don’t you?”

I raise my hands and nod, trying to placate her.

“Yeah, I do.”

The truth is that I don’t, but I’ve never had the heart to contradict her adamant convictions. Animals don’t speak—though I have to admit that Thunder does seem rather intelligent.

“Right,” I sigh. “I can tell I’m not going to get out of this, so lead the way, girlie.”

“Yay!” She claps her hands. “Okay, wait here. I’ll just fetch his things, and then we’ll get started.”

I shake my head at her eagerness and watch her retreating back as she runs to the tack room, all the while I try not to think about what I’m about to do.

When Thunder pushes hard at my shoulder, though, my scowl returns and I point a warning at him.

“Now, listen, boy,” I mutter, “you better not make me look bad in front of my girls. You hear me?”

He snorts, and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear laughter is dancing in his brown eyes.

“Why the fuck am I even talking to you?”

I let my hand fall down as he stomps his hooves.

“This is going to be a long afternoon, isn’t it?” I grumble before I take a step away from him and slump back on the stall. Careful to keep a safe distance between myself and the beast, I cross my ankles while I take a moment to get the churning in my gut under control.

Trying to ride a horse isn’t something I’d ever see myself doing, but Ailith was right.

It’s time I learn, especially now that Laura’s dream is coming true.

* * *

Half an hour later, I’m rethinking the whole idea. I have no idea what I’m doing, except making every attempt to hang on and not make a complete arse of myself.

“Daddy, you’re not listening to me,” Ailith yells from the centre of the ring.

I grit my teeth and try to remember what she told me to do, but my mind’s blank.

“Come on, Thunder,” I whisper and run my knuckles against the stock-still horse. “You’re meant to help me out here, damn it.”

He snorts but miraculously seems to listen for once and starts to walk. I blow out a soft breath and sit up straighter in the saddle. My fists ache from the tight grip on the reins, but I’m not about to relax any time soon.

I only listen to Ailith’s instructions with half an ear, because when Laura steps into the paddock, my concentration is shut down and all my senses zero in on her.

Damn it, she’s just as beautiful now as she was when I first saw her almost six years ago. Maybe even more.

But as she walks towards me, I tense at how pale she looks, and I pull harder on the reins than I should because Thunder starts to toss his head, snorting.

“Whoa, settle down,” I murmur at him before I jump down from his back and pull off my riding helmet. I dry the sweat off my forehead and wrap my arms around Laura when she stumbles into my chest, burrowing deep into me.

“Sweetheart?” I lower my head, trying to catch her eyes, and a hint of panic grabs hold of my heart, squeezing it as if a string is pulled around it.

“What’s wrong?”

The tremble that courses through her small frame enhances my anxiety.

“Nothing’s wrong.” Her words are so muffled against my shirt that I can hardly hear her.

“You’re lying.”

“No, Kristian.” At last, I feel her take a shaky breath before she leans her head back to gaze lovingly into my eyes. “According to the doctor, I’ve never been better, actually.”

I frown as my heart skips a beat, hoping against hope that what her eyes are telling me is the truth and not my own wishful thinking. After everything we’ve been through over the years, I’ve stopped hoping for the miracle we seemed to need in order to have a baby. But now…now hope beats again, fluttering madly in my heart.

I frame her face in my hands and wipe away the tears on her cheeks.

“Tell me,” I huff. “Put me out of my misery.”

“I’m pregnant.”

Fuck. Me.

“Come again?” I wet my lips and bend further, staring intently into her eyes.

“It’s true,” she grins as she steps up on her toes, her lips barely meeting mine before she smiles against them and does as I ask. “I’m pregnant, baby.”

The air in my lungs contracts, but the noose around my heart loosens at the same time.

“I love you,” I murmur softly.

“I love you more.”

I shake my head and rest my forehead against hers.

“Not possible, sweetheart. You’re my soul mate. The best parts of me exist because you love me, and I’m the luckiest man in the world because of you.”

I kiss her tenderly, pouring all that I feel into our kiss, until Ailith shouts at us.

“Eew, Dad! Yuck!”

Laura laughs against my lips, and I shake my head when I open my eyes.

“Later, I’ll show you exactly how tight a hold you have on me.”

Laura shivers in my arms, and when I take in the way her eyes darken with need, I smirk.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Good.”

* * *

“Ailith, I don’t feel good about this.”

I roll my eyes as I walk downstairs. Dad follows closely behind me, his feet stomping.

“Dad, I’ll be fine,” I huff. “It’s my eighteenth birthday, and I want to celebrate it with my friends.”

“I understand that, girlie, but –”

I turn around and grin at him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t get lost in the big, bad city.”

He scowls at me, and I shake my head at his grouchiness.

“When did you grow up on me?” he mutters, and I shrug, a little embarrassed at his display of emotions. You wouldn’t believe it if you met him on the street, but the man I’ve called my father for the past decade is a bit of a softie.

But he’s not a pushover.

“Fine,” he finally grunts, and I beam at him, relieved I won’t have to argue with him about this anymore.

Soft voices reach my ears as I pick up my jacket from the peg next to the door. A warm smile stretches my lips when Mum enters the hall, my younger brother, William, in her arms. He’s almost fast asleep already, head lolling on her shoulder, even though it’s barely nine in the evening. I chuckle at the sight.

“Just wanted to see you off, Ailith,” Mum whispers.

Dad aims a scowl her way, making me giggle.

“Aren’t you the least bit worried?” Dad mutters.

“Don’t be silly, Kristian,” she laughs softly as she pulls me into a warm embrace. “Our daughter is a smart girl. She’ll be fine.”

I grin down at her and bend to give William a quick kiss on the cheek. I’m excited to be going dancing tonight, but a bit nervous as well.

“Thank you.”

Mum hefts William in her arms and nods at me.

“Text me when you get there, though. Is Gavin still picking you up tonight?”

I nod and can’t help but tremble when I hear a low knock on the door.

“Wait, who’s Gavin?” Dad butts in.

“I’ve got to go.” I give them both a small wave and watch Mum grab ahold of Dad’s wrist, preventing him from coming outside with me. The way his eyes soften when he looks down at her doesn’t make me want to roll my eyes anymore. Instead, it makes me long for the day a man will look at me that way.

As if I’m his whole world.

When I push down on the doorknob, Mum jerks her chin at me, laughter dancing in her eyes.

“Best get going before your dad here decides to tag along with you. Have fun, sweetie.”

A cacophony of butterflies sets off in my tummy when I open the door and find my crush waiting for me on the other side. I tuck my wild hair behind my ears when Gavin smiles at me, his blue eyes lighting up when they meet mine.

I give him a shy smile, fidgeting on the spot.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” he answers and takes a step back to let me out.

The butterflies break out in full force when he pulls away his hands from behind him and hands me a big bouquet of pink tulips, and I feel a flush spread on my cheeks.

“Happy birthday, Ailith.”

With trembling fingers, I take the flowers from his outstretched hand and beam at him. I’ve never had a boy bring me flowers before.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

He grins at me and takes my other hand in his, intertwining our fingers. I look down as we walk to his old car. A part of me is wondering what us holding hands means now, but another part of me wants to stop thinking too much about it and just enjoy myself for the night.

“Is this okay?”

My head jerks up, and my brain feels like it’s short-circuiting a fuse when I stare back at him. The fluttering in my tummy eases up, though, when I notice the shy smile on his lips, and I realise that he’s probably as nervous as I am.

“It’s like you read my mind,” I reply softly. “I think it’s okay, but don’t expect me to kiss you at the end of the night just yet.”

When his eyes twinkle with mirth, I relax even more.

“Okay, I won’t if you don’t want me to. I can be a gentleman, Ailith. I promise.”

We stop next to his car and Gavin takes a deep breath as he turns his head and looks at the horses grazing in the paddock next to where he’s parked.

“I’ve heard a lot about this place.”

His eyes turn thoughtful as he rests the hand not holding mine on the top of his car.

“Only good things, I hope?”

He nods and jerks his head at the horses.

“Yup.” He shrugs lightly. “Your mum has a great reputation. I don’t know anything about horses, but it feels very peaceful here. A good place…quiet, but not lonely.”

His words fill me with happiness, and I squeeze his hand, grateful that he feels like that even though it’s his first visit.

“Thank you. I’ve always felt that way, too.”

Movement out of the corner of my eye catches my attention, and I watch fondly as Thunder stops grazing and meanders closer towards us. He’s old, and long since retired, but he’s still got that proud air about him like when he was young. His brown, intelligent eyes meet mine, and I feel soothed by his presence like I always have.

“That one’s special, isn’t he?”

Gavin’s low voice makes me blink in wonder at how perceptive he is, and I raise my eyes at him.

“All horses are special,” I reply, just as quietly, “but you’re right. Thunder is kind of extraordinary.”

For a moment, I wonder if Gavin will start laughing at me, but he surprises me when he seems to be taking my words seriously.

“Yeah.” He breaks the moment between us when he shakes his head lightly and releases my hand to open the door for me. “We best get going, or Cat will wonder where we are.”

I wet my lips and look back at Thunder, eager but anxious to find out what the night will bring. When I notice the old man standing next to him, smiling kindly at me, warmth fills my insides when I recognise Papa.

He doesn’t show himself as often as when I was younger, but even now, I remember the words he whispered in my ear the day Kristian married my mum. The day he became my dad.

True love will never lead you astray, mó craidhe.

For a brief moment, the old memories—the old pain—lances through my heart, blinding me, but as soon as I feel a warm hand on my cheek, I blink, and I’m back in the present.

The boy I’ve been crushing hard on for almost a year is standing in front of me, holding me.

It’s my eighteenth birthday.

My future is filled with possibilities.

And life…

Life is beautiful.

“Ailith? Is everything okay?” Gavin asks. The small line of worry is back between his eyes, and I try my best to reassure him.

“I’m sorry. Tumbled into a wee spell there, I think,” I lie.

The frown on his forehead recedes a little.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” Relief bursts through me when he takes a step away at last. His hands fall from my face, and I smile in thanks when he opens the door for me.

Quickly, I get inside, and when I sit back in my seat, I turn my face to Thunder again. This time, he’s alone, and I smile lovingly at the spot where Papa was standing mere minutes ago.

Then I tuck away my secrets deep in my heart.

Until the next time.

For tonight, though, I’m simply Ailith—a young woman who’s about to celebrate her birthday with her friends.

A girl who, despite her young age, understands how lucky she is to have grown up in a house filled with love and laughter—exactly as it should be.

And next to me is a young man who I can’t help but feel is going to be a big part of my future.

I’ve never questioned the whispers the wind has uttered in my ears from time to time, or how I’ve been able to see Papa when, rationally speaking, it shouldn’t be possible. The bond I have with my horses is one I cherish, and I’m not about to start doubting my own sanity.

I know there’s more to the land in which I was born than anywhere else in the world. I take after my Gan-Gan in that regard, and that’s not such a bad thing in my book.