This was the moment where Antonia would have to test her resolve. If she could do this, perhaps the rest of the trip wouldn’t be a complete shit-show. “Alright, I can do this.”

“Of course you can,” Breda said with full support. “I do hope that you have a lovely time in Tully Cross.”

The kindness that this young woman exuded startled Antonia. She wasn’t used to people in the service industry caring about mix-ups like this. In Chicago, people could be as cold and distant as the wind their city was known for. She smiled back at Breda. Tully Cross may not have been what she had in mind, but she was lucky it was an option. A “thirty-minutes-away” option, but something nonetheless. “Thank you so much for your help, Breda.”

“Of course, Ms. Harper. Enjoy your stay in Ireland.”

Antonia grabbed her two suitcases and wheeled them out the door, casting another regretful glance at the lobby as she went. She would follow Breda’s advice and stop at the SuperValu she’d spotted on her way into town. If she wanted to eat tonight, she had better stock up now. When she found her car on the street, Antonia drew her jacket closer to her. Even in June, western Ireland was still a little chilly from the Atlantic air. Derek would certainly hate this. As she loaded her bags in the trunk, Antonia smiled to herself. The weather was as moody and dramatic as she imagined. To her, the clouds forming overhead were a beautiful sign that things might not be so terrible.

Chapter Eight

The goddamn Renvyle Oyster Festival.

Aiden pushed his shopping cart past two rowdy children, who rolled around the floor of the dairy aisle, grabbing butter as he went. He had forgotten all about the festival that made Clifden and the surrounding area fill up with visitors. The masses gathered here every June to partake in fresh seafood offerings. The SuperValu was a madhouse just as people were getting off from work. He glanced at his watch again to see it was close to 5 p.m. If he wanted to pick up his cottage keys from the front office, he’d have to hurry this shopping excursion along. With his head still down, he rounded the corner and was met with resistance as he crashed carts with another shopper.

“Jaysus, I’m sorry,” he said, looking up. His breath caught in his throat. Staring back at him was the most beautiful woman he’d seen in a long time.

“No, I’m sorry,” she said quickly. Her large dark eyes widened in embarrassment. A lovely deep blush crept up her neck and settled into her cinnamon brown cheeks. She was tall and slender, but possessed a generous hourglass shape. The black ankle-boots she wore added another inch making her statuesque. She dressed in simple black leggings and a cropped brown leather jacket. It hung open revealing a clingy gray sweater.

Aiden’s gaze snapped back to her face. It was rude to stare, and the way he stared was probably downright lascivious. “It’s my fault,” he admitted. “I wasn’t minding my cart. Are you alright?”