“Almost there.”
Jumping in her seat, Harmony clapped her hands together. “I don’t get one hint?”
Laughing, I said, “No. Be patient, baby.”
Letting out a frustrated groan, she flopped back against the seat. Once the taxi stopped, she sprang forward. “Are we here?”
Handing the taxi driver money, I thanked him while I opened the door and took Harmony’s hand. We slid across the seat and I helped her out of the taxi. Standing outside the pub was my entire family, along with Jake and Sandy.
Looking up at the sign, I’d never felt so happy in my life. Fighting back the tears, I smiled as I silently read the new name of the pub: FLANAGAN’S IRISH PUB.
Placing my lips against Harmony’s ear, I whispered, “Ready?”
Nodding, she said, “Yes!”
I took the blindfold off, and Harmony laughed when she saw everyone standing outside the pub wearing New York Yankees T-shirts. Placing her hands over her mouth, she laughed until she shed tears.
“W-what are you guys doing here?” Harmony asked as she walked up to my parents and hugged them first. Making her way down the line, she kept asking why everyone was wearing Yankees T-shirts.
Uncle John shrugged and said, “The new owner is making us wear them.”
Harmony’s smile faded some as she shook her head. “New owner?” I saw fear move across her face as she looked between Uncle John and me. “Oh, John, you didn’t sell the pub, did you?”
He pulled Aunt Sue into his arms and smiled. “I did. Sue and I want to travel some, and I’m too old to run this pub. It’s on the shoulders of the young pup now.”
Harmony turned and walked toward me before stopping. Turning, she glanced up at the sign and let out a gasp as she read it. Snapping her head back to me, the most glorious smile spread across her face. “Preston?”
I let out a chuckle. “I am indeed the proud new owner of Flanagan’s Irish Pub.”
Dropping her mouth open, Harmony ran into my arms and frantically kissed me as everyone erupted in cheers. Wrapping her legs around me, she held onto me tightly as she said, “You told me you were going to be managing a new store opening in Boston!”
Smiling, I said, “I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.”
Harmony’s eyes lit up as she said, “I’m so proud of you, Preston James Ward. I’m so very proud of you!”
“I would never have done this if it hadn’t been for you, Harmony.”
She pulled her head back and with a stunned expression, she asked, “Me? What in the world did I have to do with this?”
Brushing a piece of her blond hair back, I said, “You showed me how to live in the moment. To never take anything for granted.” Sliding down my body, Harmony kissed me gently while I still held her.
“Let’s celebrate!” Harmony said with a chortle.
Looking back at everyone, I yelled out, “Drinks are on the house!”
Uncle John yelled out, “No! Drinks are never on the house!”
—
Four hours later, Harmony and I were putting everyone in cabs. My parents were staying with Uncle John and Aunt Sue so they didn’t have to drive home so late. “Good night, Mom. Thanks for coming and celebrating with us.”
Kissing me gently on the cheek, she stared at me with a loving look. “I’m so happy for you, Preston. It means so much to your father and me that you followed your heart. Flanagan’s is going to be even better than before.”
Kissing her softly on the cheek, I whispered, “I hope so, Mom.”
She slipped into the taxi, lifted her hand, and waved goodbye as the taxi pulled away.
Harmony looked exhausted. “My goodness! You Irish sure can drink. I’m pretty sure I’m toasted.”
Laughing, I dropped my arm around her shoulders and guided her back into the pub. As I took a look around, my heart pounded with excitement as I said barely above a whisper, “I can’t believe this place is mine. I have so many ideas, I don’t even know where to start.”
Glancing up at me with a smile that made my knees weak, Harmony bit her lower lip. “I do believe we need to break the pub in.”
My dick jumped as I watched a very tipsy Harmony attempt to walk backward while pulling her shirt over her head—or, trying to pull it over her head, anyway. It got stuck halfway and she spun around while screaming out in panic, “Oh my gosh! I’m stuck. I’m stuck in my shirt!”
Walking up to her, I took her in my arms and pulled the shirt over her head. Next came her bra. Reaching around her back, it took only two fast movements until it was off and on the floor.
Lifting her eyebrow, Harmony pursed her lips and shook her head. “Why, Mr. Ward, aren’t you the talented one?”
Smiling, I dropped and pulled her skirt down. Moaning when I saw her lace thong, I slipped my fingers inside her panties and gave them a quick pull, eliciting an excited squeal from Harmony as they fell away from her body.
“Wow, that was freaking hot!” Harmony said with a giggle.
Standing before me was the most amazing, kindhearted, beautiful, innocent woman who I was madly in love with. I couldn’t wait to show her my next surprise.
“You’re looking at me like you want to eat me!” Harmony said as she attempted to hold her laughter in but failed miserably.
Wiggling my eyebrows, I quickly stripped out of my clothes. “Eating you sounds pretty damn good.”
Harmony pressed her lips together and swallowed hard. “That…does sound…pretty good.”
Harmony backed up to a table and stopped. Lifting herself up, she laid across it as she kept her eyes locked on mine.
“Your eyes remind me of the ocean, Harmony. I find myself lost every time I look into them.”
“Preston. You say the most romantic things to me.”
Giving her a smirk, I said, “Spread your legs open, Harmony. I’m taking what’s mine.”
Letting out a whimper, Harmony did as I asked. Pulling her to the end of the table, I licked and sucked her pussy until she was screaming out my name. Pulling her up, I took her off the table and turned her around so she was bent over the table. Her breasts were pressed against the wood as she grabbed the sides and looked over her shoulder.
“I’m taking you hard, baby. Hold on.”
As I pushed my dick into her, Harmony hissed “yes” through her teeth as she dropped her head. It didn’t take long for us both to call out each other’s names as I poured my cum into her. Leaning over her, I kissed her back gently.
Pulling out of her, I spun her around and picked her up in my arms. My uncle had had a full bathroom added next to his office. Shit—my office now. I made a mental note to take Harmony in there next. Resting her head on my chest, she let out a contented sigh and said, “We have a lot more tables to go.”
Smiling, I kissed her forehead as I took her back to the shower. After we cleaned up, I locked up the pub and called a taxi. Harmony and I were soon wrapped in each other’s arms as we lay in bed.
Silently saying a prayer of thanks, I couldn’t believe how one dream after another was coming true. I only had two more things on my wish list that I needed to check off:
Marrying Harmony and starting a family.
Smiling, I drifted off to sleep and dreamed of the little blond-haired girl running around.
Chapter 27
Prince Charming
Harmony
Glancing at the clock, I saw that it was almost two. Preston was going to meet me in the break room of the hospital for lunch. I was exhausted and pretty sure I was getting the flu. Sitting down at the nurses’ desk, I placed my head in my hands and took in a deep breath. I didn’t want to complain to Joel about having to work double shifts this week. After all, I was the one who had walked out on the hospital for two months.
Feeling someone start rubbing my back, I lifted my head to see Chuck standing there. Sitting up, I glared at him. “Chuck? What are you doing in L and D?”
Shrugging his shoulders, he gave me a wink and walked off. I got a
chill as I watched him walk away. I made a mental note to talk to Preston today about work. Ever since I had gone to Nantucket, nursing didn’t seem to be a priority in my life anymore. Helping Preston follow his dreams with Flanagan’s was at the top of my list now.
Standing up, I held on to the counter and whispered, “Whoa.”
Becky, a nurse who had been working there for five years, walked up to me and grabbed my face gently as she looked into my eyes. “Harmony, something is not right.”
Nodding, I replied, “I agree. It’s called double shifts, a hot boyfriend who likes to wake me up in the middle of the night to make slow, passionate love to me, and not eating for six hours. That and I think I’m getting the flu.” Glancing over, I saw another nurse, Rachel, walking up to us.
Rachel laughed as she walked behind the desk. Shaking her head, she made a tsking sound. “You are not getting the flu. I already know what is wrong.”
Sitting back down, I glanced between both nurses. Becky looked at Rachel and said, “No!”
Rachel nodded. “Yes.”
“Holy shit, do you think?”
My head snapped over to Rachel as she threw her head back and evil-laughed. “What in the hell are the two of you going on about?” I asked with a confused look on my face.
Becky turned to me and tilted her head and sighed. “Aw, look, Rach, she doesn’t even have a clue yet. How cute is that?”
Rachel smiled. “It is cute. I remember those days.”
Rolling my eyes, I turned away from them and dropped my head onto the desk. “I don’t have time for this. My brother is getting married and Jenn wants to go dress shopping. I’ve never heard of a three-month engagement. Why they are getting married in May is beyond me. No one can plan a wedding that fast!” Stopping myself from talking, I thought back to my marriage to Trey. “Okay. Well, it can be done, but still. What’s the hurry?”
Rachel leaned against the counter and said, “Unless she’s pregnant.”
Laughing, I lifted my head and looked at Rachel. “Please, Sandy is the most put-together person I’ve ever met. She would never forget to take her birth control pi—”
Lifting an eyebrow and tilting her head, Rachel smiled. “You were saying, Harmony?”
Dropping my mouth open, I slowly stood up. “Oh fuck.”
“Oh, I’m pretty sure you’ve done plenty of that since you got back with your hot ex-fireman-now-turned-even-hotter-Irish-pub owner.”
Covering my mouth, I let out an internal scream. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Turning, I placed my hands on the counter and dragged in a deep breath. I let it out and said, “How could I be so stupid?”
“When did you run out of them?”
Closing my eyes, I said, “The end of December. It was near TJ’s birthday. I was so upset I stayed in bed the whole day.”
“Last period?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I said, “They have been so off since the accident. Even being on birth control, it wasn’t uncommon for me to skip a month or two.”
Becky walked up and held up a pregnancy test, smiling the biggest smile I think I’d ever seen on her face.
“Shit,” I mumbled.
Becky raised her eyebrow and said, “No, baby, you piss on it.”
Grabbing it out of her hand, I pushed past her as Rachel and Becky laughed. My phone buzzed and I pulled it out of my pocket.
Preston: Hey, princess! I’ll be there in twenty.
Walking into the ladies’ room, I hit REPLY as my hands trembled.
Me: Okay! Love ya!
Stay calm, Harmony. Take a deep breath in and blow it out. You’re not pregnant. Nope.
I pushed the stall door open, pulled my scrubs and panties down, and peed on the stick. Holding my breath, I sat it down on a piece of tissue paper as I flushed, pulled up my panties and scrubs, and grabbed the test. At the sink, I set it down next to me, then turned on the cold water and splashed my face.
Wow. Is it hot in there? I’m burning up. See, that just proves I’m getting sick. I’ll call in my prescription tomorrow and start taking the pill again.
Smiling, I nodded as I stood tall and confident. “I’ve got this!”
Grabbing the test, I held it up and read the results. A wide grin spread across my face as my pulse picked up and I felt a lightness in my chest.
Looking in the mirror, I let out a nervous giggle and shook my head. Spinning around on my heels, I made my way out of the restroom and headed to the break room. I was careful to avoid Becky and Rachel at all costs.
Pushing the door to the break room open, I came to an abrupt halt when I saw Chuck. Glancing over at me, Chuck smiled. “Hey, Harmony.”
Giving him a forced smile, I walked over to the water cooler and got a drink. I heard his chair sliding across the floor as I held my breath.
The moment he touched me, I jumped and took a few steps back.
“Harmony, how long are we going to play this game of you pretending you’re not interested in me?”
Glaring at him, I said, “It’s not a game, Chuck. I’m really not interested in you. Now, please back up and give me my space.”
“Oh, Harmony. You’re so pretty. Let me show you what it’s like to be with a real man.”
My heart was pounding so loudly in my ears that I barely heard the words he was speaking. “Please stop this and leave me alone.”
Reaching up, he stroked my face as I attempted to push him away. He leaned closer as if he was going to try and kiss me, but he was quickly jerked back.
Preston.
“What in the fuck do you think you’re doing, asshole?”
Chuck jumped up and straightened his scrubs. “Who the hell are you? This room is for staff only.”
Preston took a few steps toward Chuck as Chuck backed up into a table. “I’m her boyfriend, fucker. If I ever so much as see you look her way, I’ll pound your face so far into the ground your mother won’t know who you are.”
Letting out a nervous laugh, Chuck looked at me and then back at Preston. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Chuck started for the door as I rushed over to Preston. “Thank God you came when you did. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
Preston held me close as he spoke in a calming voice. “Baby, he wouldn’t have done anything. Anyone could have walked in at any moment.”
Burying my face in his chest, I held back my tears. I had promised Preston my tears would only be happy ones. I would not cry over this. “Take me home, Preston.”
“Baby, you still have six hours.”
Shaking my head, I looked into his eyes as I smiled softly. “What would you think if I said I wanted to find a new gig?”
Pulling his head back, Preston smiled from ear to ear. “I would say I have the perfect place for you.”
“I want to be with you at the pub. Not here. I don’t feel like this is the journey I’m supposed to be on. My place is by your side.”
I’d never seen Preston smile as big as he did when he heard those words from my lips. “Seriously, Harmony? You’d do that? I mean, would you be happy, baby?”
Nodding, I kissed him quickly. “I can always go back to nursing school. Right now, my focus is on us.”
Preston lifted me up and spun me around as he laughed. “You just made me the happiest man in the world, Harmony.”
“What are you waiting for, Mr. Ward?”
Giving me a knock-me-over grin, Preston took my hand and led me out of the break room. “What about work? Don’t you have to tell anyone?” Nodding, I headed over to the nurses’ station, with Preston walking behind me.
I cleared my throat, and Becky and Rachel both looked up and smiled, especially when they saw Preston.
“I’m not feeling well, ladies, so I’m gonna head on home. I’ll call Joel in the morning.” Lifting my hand, I wiggled my fingers as I waved goodbye.
“Call me!” Rachel said as Preston and I made our way to the elevator.
Stepping into the elevator, I smiled as I loo
ked at Preston. “Everything from this point on is going to change, Preston. Are you ready for that?”
Wrapping his arms around my waist, he looked down at my lips and then back into my eyes. “I’ve always thought it was kind of nice to shake things up a bit every now and then.”
Laughing, I wrapped my arms around his neck and winked. “Good. Oh, by the way, thank you for being my Prince Charming.”
Laughing, too, Preston kissed my forehead and said, “Always.”
—
Two weeks had passed since I told Preston I wanted to leave my job. Yesterday was my last day and there was something very freeing about it. After my shift was over, I went to Frog Pond and spent an hour lost in my thoughts. Memories of TJ filled most of those thoughts as I put another part of my past behind me.
Now, sitting in Preston’s car, I rubbed my hands across my jeans. “Okay, Preston, this is twice you’ve put a blindfold on me and taken me somewhere. The last time was pretty big.”
Reaching for my hand, Preston pulled it to his lips and kissed the back of it. “It’s a surprise I’ve been working on since last December.”
Feeling my stomach drop, I took in a deep breath and slowly blew it out.
“We’ve been driving a long time. Are we going to your parents’?” I asked with excitement lacing my voice. “Oh, it’s a beautiful April day. Please tell me we’re going to your parents’ place.” It was the first week of April and we were having unseasonably warm weather for April fourth.
Squeezing my hand, he said, “Nope.”
“Ugh, just tell me already.”
The car came to a stop. “Don’t peek, Harmony. We’re here.”
Bouncing in the seat, I clapped my hands as I heard Preston open his car door. Less than five seconds later, my door was opened and Preston was helping me out of the car. My senses were heightened since I couldn’t see. Taking in a deep breath through my nose, I smelled flowers. The sounds of birds singing caused me to let out a giggle. There was something magical about where we were. I could feel it rushing over my skin.
Taking my arm, we began walking. The ground was soft and the air smelled clean. Fresh. Biting my lower lip, I said, “We’re in the country.”