I gave him a hug and whispered, “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, son.”
I stood up at the microphone, feeling a little stunned in a happy way. I shook my head slightly to get my thoughts back in order.
“I just have one more announcement if I may. Well two. One is that we’re serving a round of Guinness for free tonight. One per patron if you’re of age. Sláinte.” I held up my glass in the Irish cheers.
“Sláinte,” echoed through the restaurant.
“St. Patrick’s Day is special. Yes, it is a religious holiday or a drinking one, depending on who you talk to, but it’s also a day where the Irish, those of true Irish descent and those who are Irish in spirit, can celebrate our traditions. For me, it’s more special than that. Five years ago today, I met an Irish woman who stole my heart.”
I looked over at Serena. She blew me a kiss.
“And she’s given me the most precious gift of a son.”
“That’s me!” Andrew patted his chest.
“This St. Patrick’s Day, I want to up the ante a bit.” I held Serena’s gaze, noting her hesitant expression. “Serena Moore. I love you. I love our son. Will you marry me?”
There was a gasp from my mother that didn’t sound happy, but the rest of the room did.
I pulled the emerald ring surrounded by diamonds nestled between Irish love knots from my pocket and held it toward her.
“Say yes, lass,” someone called from the room.
“Yes. Of course, yes.” She hurried toward me and I was so happy she didn’t seem to make a single glance at my mother. I didn’t either. What she said or did didn't matter.
She launched herself into my arms to the cheers of everyone in the room. I slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her, never feeling as happy as I felt at that moment.
“I’m so happy, make it two rounds of Guinness,” I announced.
Another big cheer rumbled through the room.
I pulled Serena away, letting the band play again and people go back to their meals.
“Congratulations,” my father shook my hand. He turned to Serena. “You have a wonderful man in Devin, and terrific son in Andrew, which to my mind must mean you’re something special too.”
Serena teared up. “Thank you.”
“Yay, I finally get a sister too,” Bri said, hugging Serena.
My mother maintained her dour expression, but knowing that people could be watching, she nodded toward Serena. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Mommy, what’s happening?” Andrew asked.
I leaned down to pick him up. “Mommy has agreed to be with me forever. We’re getting married.”
“Can I get married to you too? I want to be with you forever.”
“Yes. We’re going to be a real family.” I was so fucking lucky.
Epilogue
Serena—Five Months Later
Life really could be a roller coaster. One moment, my world had ended because of a careless and selfish mistake. And then I was so happy to have a second chance. But it just kept getting better. On St. Patrick’s Day, Devin asked me to marry him, and I was the happiest, luckiest woman in the world. I didn’t even care that my mother-in-law hated me. I’d endure anything to be Devin’s wife and Andrew’s mother.