Page 80 of The Apple Cider Orchard

‘To Aoife,’ Eddie boomed, raising his glass of cider. The amber liquid caught the light as the others lifted their glasses to join the toast.

‘She would have been pleased, I think,’ Patrick said after a moment, his wizened fingers tracing the rim of his glass. ‘The oak looking its best in that light, the breeze carrying her across the golden vale.’

Eddie nodded. ‘That woman always had a sense for just the right moment, the right place.’ His gaze moved to Molly with evident pride. ‘Kinda like our girl here, making sure her wishes were honored, no matter how many stubborn obstacles stood in her way.’ He looked pointedly at Jack, whose chuckle broke the solemnity, his shoulder bumping gently against Molly’s.

‘I’ve already apologized for that, haven’t I?’

‘Three times today alone,’ she confirmed, warmth spreading through Molly’s chest at the easy affection they’d already established.

‘Make it four so,’ he said, turning slightly to face her. ‘I’m sorry for being the most suspicious, stubborn eejit in the country.’

‘That fella apologizing? News to me,’ Patrick quipped, his eyes twinkling.

‘Speaking of news …’ Jack’s expression shone bright as he addressed the table. ‘The bank has officially approved our loan.’

Molly’s eyebrows rose in delight. ‘That’s amazing! When did you hear?’

‘I got a text Saturday morning,’ Jack admitted, his hand finding hers beneath the table. ‘Right before I …’ He hesitated, a flush coloring his neck. ‘Right before I jumped to all the wrong conclusions. I was about to tell you the good news, but then I just wouldn’t please you.’

Molly smiled at the phrase, a classic she’d heard Eva utter a few times, summing up the almost comical obstinateness that was inherent among Tipp people.

‘The full amount and everything?’ Patrick pressed, his eyes filled with cautious hope.

Jack nodded, smile widening. ‘Every penny. They were delighted with the projections. We can repair the north barn, upgrade the pressing equipment, and still have enough for those new heritage saplings we talked about.’ He inclined his head toward Molly and winked. ‘Though after this one’s viral video, we might need to consider a visitors’ center next.’

‘It’s really made that much of an impact?’ Eddie asked, glancing between them.

‘Let’s just say the village committee, led by Brid, Eva from the café, and the boys from Hearthland of course, are already planning a bronze statue in the square to honor Molly’s heartfelt tribute to Golden Valley,’ Jack joked, though his eyes conveyed sincere gratitude. ‘You really did put us all on the map.’

Molly felt her cheeks warm at the praise. ‘I just showed what was already there,’ she demurred. ‘Everything that makes this place special.’

Patrick patted her hand and looked proudly at his great-nephew. ‘Like I always told Jack, sometimes it takes an outsider’s eyes to help see the value in what we’ve always taken for granted.’

The hotel staff appeared with their main courses; venison for Patrick and Jack, salmon for Molly, and traditional Irish stew for Eddie, who had insisted on experiencing ‘the real thing, not that watered-down crap they serve in the Irish pubs back home.’

The rich aromas mingled with the scent of fresh bread and Kerrygold, creating a sensory celebration just as satisfying as the gathering.

‘Oh man,’ Eddie groaned as he tasted his first bite of stew. ‘Mols, how can we ever go back to New York food after this?’

‘Actually …’ Grasping at the opening, Molly gathered her courage to raise something she’d been considering for the past few days, but had decided for certain earlier at the oak tree, when everything had suddenly aligned with crystalline clarity. ‘I’ve made a decision,’ she said, setting down her fork and straightening slightly in her chair. ‘I’m going to take some extended leave from my job.’

Three pairs of eyes fixed on her with varying degrees of surprise. Eddie recovered first, his expression shifting to understanding as he nodded encouragingly.

‘I’ve accumulated months of vacation time anyway,’ she continued, her gaze moving between them. ‘And can easily sublet my apartment for income. It’s just … after today … well, there are important connections here I’m not quite ready to walk away from.’ Her eyes lingered on Patrick, whose lined face had softened with evident emotion. ‘I’ve just found a grandfather I never knew existed. There’s history here I’ve barely even begun to uncover.’

‘You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, pet,’ Patrick said, his voice gruff with feeling. ‘The old holiday cottage on the western edge of the orchard has stood empty too long.’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t dream of …’ Molly began, but Patrick waved away her response.

‘It’s yours by right,’ he insisted. ‘Would have been your mother’s someday anyway. Now it can be yours whenever you want it. A home away from home as it were. I’m sure Jack won’t mind helping clean it up for you.’

The offer – so casually made but so profound in its implications – momentarily robbed Molly of words.

A home … here in Golden Valley.

Jack’s hand tightened around hers beneath the table, a silent affirmation.

‘And there’s this guy, of course,’ Eddie piped up with the direct pragmatism that had always characterized his approach to life. His blue eyes twinkled as they shifted between his granddaughter and the orchard keeper. ‘Don’t think any of us have missed those looks you two have been exchanging all day.’