“Max? Are you still there?”
“I’m here, Sammy.”
The man grunted and tugged at my body.
I wriggled again. “Max, I think I’m stuck.”
“Hold on, I’ll get you out.” He gripped my hips along with the man and started to tug, but as he did he laughed.
I stared at him with horror as he laughed even louder. “Max! Get me out of here!”
“I’m trying, just give me a second.” He tried to hold back his laughter but his whole body trembled.
I rolled my eyes. I could tell from the noise that quite a crowd had gathered to see my predicament.
Max finally gave me a good hard pull, but my body didn’t budge.
It occurred to me that I might have to be hoisted out by a crane of some kind.
“I’m stuck, Max. I don’t think you can get me out. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Don’t worry, Sammy, I’m going to get you out.”
“Here, lad, let me help you with that.” I heard a strange voice as someone stepped up beside Max. Soon a stranger’s hands were on my hips. I was horrified but hopeful that he would be able to get me out. He tugged hard and I slid up about an inch. “We’re going to need some more help.”
As the commotion increased I gathered from snippets of conversation that the entire crowd planned to work together to get me free. I couldn’t believe that I’d let myself get into such a ridiculous situation.
Minutes later I was free and wrapped in Max’s arms. The crowd around us cheered, but I buried my face in Max’s shoulder. I couldn’t look anyone in the eye.
“Sammy, don’t be embarrassed. Look how many people were here to help you.” Max whispered in my ear.
I peeked up above his shoulder and saw a crowd of about thirty people. All of them looked at me expectantly.
I pulled away from Max and smiled. “Thank you, everyone!”
The crowd applauded again and then the line reformed and people continued to kiss the Blarney Stone.
“Max, this is awful.”
“It’s not as bad as you think.”
“No, you’re right. It’s worse!” I sighed.
“It’s really not. It was an experience, right?” He smiled.
I wanted to have that positive outlook, but there was a woman staring at me so hard that I was sure she wanted to point and laugh. But maybe that was the positive side of it. Maybe the idea that the story could bring amusement to others was enough reason to be grateful for it.
“Yes, quite an experience. I think I have to have a record of this for my blog. Will you take a picture of me, Max?”
“Of course I will. Anyone want to join in?” Max glanced over at the people in line. “Just a memory for her blog.”
The woman who’d been staring at me walked over to us along with a few other people who had helped to pull me out. They collected around me and squeezed in tight.
After Max took a few pictures everyone began to break apart. However, the one woman lingered right beside me.
“Can I ask what the blog is that he was referring to?”
I told her about my book and the Single Wide Female blog. The instant I mentioned who I was, her eyes lit up.
“Oh, I’m such a big fan. In fact, my book club has read your book. Oh, I don’t suppose you would have any free time to meet them, would you? We’re meeting tonight, actually.”
“I’m not sure. We are on a bit of a schedule.” I glanced over at Max. “I’m not sure that we have anything planned for this evening, though.”
“If you could come, it would be amazing. Several of the people in the book group are fans, and I’m sure they would so enjoy meeting you. I know that it’s asking a lot, but I hope that you’ll consider it.”
“Let me just check with my husband and see if we’re free, then I’ll let you know.”
When I walked over to Max he was just finishing a conversation with one of the men that had helped to pull me out.
“Max, what do you think about doing a little meet-and-greet at a local book club tonight?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s not on the schedule.”
“No, it isn’t, but it wouldn’t take long, and it would make one of my readers very happy.”
“What about Fiona? Do you think she would mind?”
“I doubt it. I don’t think anyone would even know about it. But I could send her an e-mail to check.”
He met my eyes. “You know we can’t go to every fan’s book club.”
“Yes, I know that, but we can go to just this one, can’t we?”
“I suppose we could, if it’s what you want to do.”
“It is. I’m really excited about it.”
“Okay, then let’s do it.” He shrugged and looked over at the woman I’d met. “I’m sure it’ll be a great experience for all of us.”
“Great! I’ll let her know.”
Chapter 24
As I walked back over to the woman, my heart swelled with happiness. This was the kind of thing that I liked—directly connecting with my readers, instead of having a podium or a computer screen between us. I just hoped that I would be able to live up to her expectations.
“We can certainly attend tonight. If you want to give me the address and the time, we’ll be there.”
“Wow, I can’t believe this. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to tell everyone. You’re going to have a great time. I promise. My name is Shauna, by the way, and I can’t wait to introduce you to everyone.”
“I’m looking forward to it, Shauna. I’m glad you asked.” I jotted down the time and address on my phone, then waved to her as I walked away.
Max grinned at me as I joined him near the car. “So, do I get to say it now?”
I stared at him. “Say what?”
“Something about I told you so.” His grin spread so far that his dimples sunk deep into his cheeks.
“Okay, but only once, and then you have to drop it for the rest of the trip.”
“I think I can promise you that.” He opened the door for me. “I am definitely driving.”
“Yes, I think that might be a good idea.” I rubbed my lower back. “That bend was a bit more strenuous than the ones I’d been practicing.”
“But the important question is, how was the kiss?” He leaned into the car to kiss my cheek. “Not better than mine, I hope?”
“Not even close.” I kissed him just before he closed the door.
After a leisurely dinner we headed to Shauna’s house.
“I’m excited to have the chance to dine with a real Irish family.”
“It will be nice to see how the locals actually live and eat.” Max steered the car down a long road toward the address. “Let’s not stay too long, though. I want to be sure we have some time together tonight.”
“Okay.” I glanced over at him. “Any particular reason?”
“Now that I know where the hotel is, I’d like to get there early enough for us to enjoy some time in the hot tub.”
“You are full of great ideas, Max.”
“I know.” He grinned.
When we parked in front of the modest house I was a little nervous. I had become accustomed to the more formal book signings with a start and finish. What would this be? Would they want to ask me lots of questions? Would they want me to read from one of their books? I was going in blind and that was new to me.
Max took my hand as we walked up to the door. “If anything seems off, just tap your cheek and I’ll get you right out of here.”
“Thanks, Max. I’m sure everything will be fine.” I knocked on the door.
Almost immediately the door swung open and I was greeted by Shauna’s eager smile.
“You see! I told you that she would come!” She stepped back to reveal about ten people clustered behind her. There were both men and women, and they ranged in age from teens to one woman who appeared to be in her sixties or seventies.
“Hi, everyone. Thank you for inviting me.”<
br />
“It’s really you.” One of the men shook his head. “Shauna said she met you, but she tells stories sometimes.”
“Douglas, I do not. You just don’t believe me. That doesn’t mean I’m lying.”
“Okay, Shauna, tell us about the woman with the wagon full of leprechauns again?”
“I saw her!” She stamped her foot and laughed.
“Sure you did.” The rest of the group laughed right along with Douglas.
I opened my mouth to point out that the story might be true but before I could speak the older woman stepped forward.
“Douglas, don’t tease Shauna. There is nothing wrong with an imaginative mind. Isn’t that right, Samantha?” She smiled at me.
“Yes, I think so. Where would I be without a little imagination?” I smiled in return. I felt an instant closeness to this woman. Maybe it was because I’d never really known my grandmother, or maybe we had some unknown things in common, but I was certain that although I’d never met her, I already knew her.
“I’m Aislin. Welcome to our group.” She offered me her hand.
The warmth captured in her long thin fingers was something I’d never experienced before. It rippled through me, as comforting as a warm hug.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aislin.”
“We have a little area set up for you in here. I know it’s a bit cramped, but—well, there’s tea!” Shauna smiled and led me toward a small living room. As many chairs as possible were crammed into the small space.
Chapter 25
As we settled in chairs, I noticed a sound coming from another room in the house.
Shauna seemed to notice my gaze as she walked over to me. “I’m sorry. A few of our kids are in the other room. They won’t be any trouble though.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me. I don’t mind kids at all. They’re welcome to join us if you want them to.”
“I’m sure they’ll be out here soon enough.” Shauna laughed. “They can’t stay out of things for too long.” She settled into a chair.
After drinks and snacks were passed around, all the focus turned to me.
“Shauna mentioned that you’ve all read my book. So if you have any questions please feel free to ask.”
“Honestly, I don’t have any questions about the book, but I do have a ton about you.” Aislin sat forward in her chair. “Can we ask you anything we want?”
“Uh, sure.” I glanced at Max who shook his head slightly. “Within reason, of course.”
“Wonderful. When did you first know that you would be a writer?”
“I can’t honestly say that there was a moment that I made that decision. It’s more like writing chose me. There was never a time that I didn’t have a story running through my mind. One day I just started to write it down on paper.”
“What are your plans after the book tour?” Shauna waved her hand in the air.
“We’re not sure just yet. That’s still up in the air.”
As the women asked a few more questions I glanced over at Max. He seemed engrossed in the question and answer portion. I fielded a few more questions about my next book, then picked up my drink. In that moment, three children barreled right through the living room and knocked the drink out of my hand. I braced myself for an explosion, but as I stared into their inquisitive, apologetic eyes, I didn’t feel any anger at all.
Their mother soon arrived with a moist rag in hand. The mess was cleaned up and not a single tear was shed. I patted my knee and the littlest boy crawled up into my lap.
“I bet you have a very imaginative mind, don’t you?”
“Aye.” His eyes sparkled as they looked into mine.
“Isn’t he adorable, Max?” I looked over at him in time to see him lunge away from the directed swing of a toddler’s foot.
He shook his head as he looked over at me. While I basked in the glow of a curious child’s attention, he looked as if he’d rather be anywhere else on earth.
As the evening wound down I drew my attention away from the children and focused it back on Shauna. She was the mother to two of the boys as well as an older girl. When they piled on top of her I saw the gleam in her eye. She teased them and poked at their bellies. She smothered them in kisses one moment and commanded their attention the next. She did it all with such ease.
I wondered what it was that transformed a woman into a mother. I knew that it wasn’t just pregnancy and childbirth—that wasn’t what created the confidence and natural instinct that I could see in Shauna. I’d met a few mothers that didn’t have either of those things. So what secret did she discover that made her cuddle her child close, even when there was an entire world of worry to focus on?
Max sat down beside me and I slipped my hand into his. I savored the experience.
“Are you about ready? It’s a little chaotic in here.” He spoke his words soft enough that he wouldn’t offend anyone, but those words cut into me. While I sat there marveling over the beauty of the parent-child relationship, Max seemed to be barely tolerating it at best.
“Sure, I guess.” I nodded and started to stand up.
“Wait!” Shauna grinned. “I know you’re busy—if you can’t stay, that’s fine—but there is a bit more to our book club.”
“Oh?” I looked between the members of the group. “What is it?”
“Dancing!” Aislin pushed a button on a radio and in moments Irish music flooded the house.
The children dropped whatever they were doing and began to dance. I couldn’t resist following suit. That sense of freedom, the lack of care about what others thought, the purity of the way they moved their bodies to the music was enough to make me long for that twilight stage. It was a time I couldn’t remember and one day they wouldn’t, either—a time when everything was magical and nothing was impossible.
As everyone began to dance, I reached for Max’s hand.
He hesitated. “Sammy, there’s not much room in here. Some of these people have been drinking.”
“Max, it’s just a little fun. Won’t you dance with me?”
“I suppose.” He sighed as I pulled him to the center of the room.
Within a few minutes of dancing he began to enjoy himself. The children laughed, their parents sang, and Max held me so close that I forgot all about his demeanor toward the children.
As the children began to grow sleepy, the music was turned down and our hostess brought out the Guinness. Max declined the drink but helped to carry the children off to bed.
As we gathered our things and headed for the door Aislin caught my arm.
“Might I ask for just one more moment?”
“Sure.” I smiled.
“Over here—where’s it’s quiet.” She gestured to a small hallway.
Chapter 26
I followed Aislin into the hallway, curious about what she might want to say.
“I noticed your way with the children. You don’t have any of your own yet?”
“No, not yet.”
“I never had children myself. I could, but I didn’t think I wanted any, and then when I might have changed my mind, it was too late. My husband gave me this ring.” She opened her hand to reveal a Claddagh ring. “Tradition says it should be handed down to our daughter, but of course we didn’t have any. I know this may seem strange to you, but I would like to hand it down to you.”
“I couldn’t possibly accept.”
“I wish you would. No, you’re not my daughter, but you’ve inspired women all around the world. One day you’ll have a daughter of your own to hand it down to. Or if you have a son, you can give it to his wife. It would mean so much to me if you would accept it. It’s really just a trinket, but I have no one to give it to.” She pressed the ring into my hand and closed my fingers over it. “I would like you to have it.”
“Thank you.” The words came out as a whisper. I was so touched that she’d given me the ring that it didn’t seem right to protest. “I will take very good care of it.”
After I hugged Aislin goodbye I met Max out by the car. Once we were in the car I opened my hand to reveal the ring with tears in my eyes.
“Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it is. Where did you get it?”
“Aislin gave it to me. She handed it down to me. She asked me to give it to my daughter one day.”
“Your daughter?” He laughed.
His laughter stung. I sat back and stared through the windshield.
Max seemed to notice my silence and looked over at me as he drove. “Sammy, did I say something wrong?”
“Why would you laugh about that?”
“About what? You having a daughter?”
“Yes.”
He returned his gaze to the road. “Oh, I just thought you were joking.”
“Max, you don’t want to have kids, do you?”
He slowed the car and looked over at me again. “I didn’t think either of us did, really. I mean, maybe one day…” He wiped a hand across his mouth and then sped up the car a little more. “But we have been pretty busy with your work schedule. It’s hard to imagine doing that all with kids around.” He glanced over at me.
“Right.”
“Sammy, can we talk about this back at the hotel?”
“I guess there’s no need to. You don’t want to have children.”
“Now wait, that’s not true. I just don’t think that this is the time to think about that. I mean things are pretty up in the air.”
“You wouldn’t want to lose any of your freedom.”
He pulled into the parking lot of the hotel and turned the car off. Then he shifted so that he could look directly at me.
“Don’t put words in my mouth, Sammy. You just sort of sprung this on me. I’m still sorting through it. It’s not like you’ve been talking about kids, either.”
“No, I haven’t really talked about it, but I think a part of me just assumed it came with the package.”
“Marriage and kids?”
“I mean, if we both wanted them, of course. Max,” I sighed. “I would never want you to do anything that you didn’t want to do.”
Sammy in Ireland (Single Wide Female Travels #5) Page 8