“The kitchen can be demanding,” he admits. “We have a good-sized menu, and when it’s busy, it’s busy. I’ve never had another bartender because I’m usually there. If Da’s in town, he’ll cover if need be. Shawn or Maeve can help in a pinch. If I’m gone for more than a day or two, I shut the bar down.”

I frown at him. “That’s a lot of pressure on you, Keegan.”

“I own the pub.”

“Yes, you do. Which is why you need to hire employees you trust to help you. Bartend every day if you want to, but you shouldn’t have to close down just because you’re taking a holiday.”

He sighs as he finishes his plate. “I’ve given some thought to bringing in more help. I’ll think on it more.”

“I suspect you think about things until you drive yourself crazy.”

“Sometimes.” He stands and carries his plate to the sink, then leans over and kisses my cheek. “Thank you for this delicious breakfast.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Would you like to join me on a hike?”

“Hell, yes.

“This is incredible.” I prop my hands on my hips as I try to catch my breath. We just made it to the top of a trail that led us to the top of a hill that offers the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen. “I can even see the house from here.”

He nods and rests his foot on a boulder and leans on his knee. “When Kane and I came up here to check out the property, we found this trail and followed it up here. As soon as we stood here and saw the view, we knew we had to buy it.”

“You and Kane are close.”

“We’re only a year apart in age,” Keegan says. “He was my first friend and still is my best friend. He’s always been the more serious one, the artistic one. When we were small and still in Ireland, before our parents came to the US, he loved to spend hours upon hours in our uncle’s barn, firing glass.”

“It’s fascinating to me. I’ve never seen how glass is made.”

“I’m pretty sure we could show you how it’s done, if you’re interested.”

“I would have to be an idiot to turn down the chance to watch Kane O’Callaghan at work.”

“You’ve heard of him, then?”

“Of course. I’ve seen his work before. It’s all over the world.”

“We’re all damn proud of him.”

“I think you’re all worth being proud of.”

He laces his fingers with mine and raises my hand to his lips. “Let’s get back to the house so I can get you naked and pick up where we left off in the shower this morning.”

“Not a bad idea at all. Let’s go.”