Realization struck him hard.

Both Robert and Antonia were correct. Yes, he needed closure. He had to see his father again. God knows what they would talk about, but he’d regret not meeting with the man and saying his piece. The bitterness would follow him for the rest of his days if he didn’t nip this in the bud. Despite the way their conversation turned out, Aiden had heard Antonia’s words from yesterday’s ride home. Even if the best case scenario magically unfolded and his father apologized, it still wouldn’t change the past. He was still walking around with something missing. He had to give himself the love he’d missed all those years ago. Aiden felt her words ring in his mind as clearly as he felt her warm hand pressed to his chest, over his heart.

Aiden glanced at the time. If he took off now, he could be back to meet with Antonia in the evening. After this whole messy business was finished, he would plan the next leg of the journey with her. The idea of taking her to Galway filled him with energy as he quickly washed up and changed his clothes. When he looked a bit more presentable, he grabbed his keys and left the cottage. He was on his way to Clifden.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

For once, his father was actually true to his word.

He was still in Clifden at the small B&B near the bay. When Aiden asked the front desk to call him down, Liam appeared in the lobby about thirty minutes later looking about as haggard as Aiden remembered. His father had obviously hit the bottle hard with his seafaring earnings, and it showed in his glassy eyes and red face. A handsome man used to be under that battered face, possibly one his mother fell in love with.

Aiden stuffed his hands in his pockets as he gazed at his father. “I wanted to talk if you had time.”

Liam ran a hand over his mouth. “Sure, I got time.” His eyes darted toward the exit. “Lowry’s is just down the street if you want a drink.”

Aiden took a deep breath. “It’s still morning, Liam. How about we stay here for some tea?” He gestured to the quiet dining room behind them. The breakfast crowd had already dispersed, leaving them with some privacy.

Liam gave a noncommittal shrug and followed him to the empty dining room. Aiden went straight to where the coffee and tea station was and set about preparing two cups of tea. Behind him, a chair scraped against the floor as his father took a seat. Either this was the dumbest thing he’d ever attempted or this would finally release him. Aiden stirred hot water in both cups and tried not to think about the consequences of his decision to return to Clifden. When he carried the tea to the table, Liam was lounging in his seat, tapping his calloused fingers against the table surface. His expression was the same as yesterday’s: Anywhere else was a better place to be than here.