of no more than four individuals every several years. If you used the portal often, it would not only put your brother-in-law’s clan at risk, but also myself and Boann.”
Her heart dropped. Was he implying they only had a once in a lifetime visit to assure her family she was truly happy? “I understand.”
“There are tales … tales that have been told throughout our history,” Daniel began. “Stories about folks who disappear, only to return decades later, looking like they haven’t aged a day. We’ve always known the fae had something to do with the disappearances, and now I understand. Occasionally people stumble into an open portal, and that accounts for how they vanished. If so, the fae council has to be aware that such accidents occur.”
“Indeed.” Alpin shifted in his chair. “If, on the rare occasion, a couple should stumble into our particular portal, the council wouldn’t take much notice. Nor would they be likely to care.”
Meredith straightened. “Where might we find this doorway through time?”
“Here’s the interesting bit, and I swear Boann and I had nothing to do with what I’m about to tell you.” Alpin straightened and reached into the pocket of his suitcoat. He pulled out a folded piece of paper.
“It so happens an old woman has recently lost her good husband. She is now the sole owner of a farm with an impressive view of the ocean. The land lies at the northern border of County Wicklow.” He cast a pointed look at her and then at Daniel. “She’s eager to sell, so she can join her daughter’s household and dandle her grandchildren on her knees.” He handed the paper to Daniel. “This is her name and the location of the farm.”
“No, it’s not possible!” A burst of adrenaline hit her bloodstream, sending her heart racing. “You don’t mean—”
“Oh, but I do. It’s the very farm where your sister and her husband have their inn—the inn you and Daniel shall build as your home. The portal will be in your own backyard.”
“Who the bloody hell is behind all of these impossible coincidences?” Daniel blurted. “First the lost letters, and now this?” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I don’t believe … it’s too damned impossible … far too disconcerting.”
He shot up from his chair, jammed the paper into a pocket and stomped out of the room. “I’m going for a walk, Meredith,” he called from the hall closet. “I need to clear my head.”
His striding steps and the slam of the front door filled the study. “He’s right, and I don’t blame him for feeling a little spooked,” she said.
Meredith explained about Daniel’s vow to his mother and the lost letters that would’ve altered everything. “Is it possible someone is orchestrating all of this? One of the Tuatha dé Danann perhaps? Daniel believes he might have a trace of fae blood. His granny had the sight, and so does he to a lesser degree. We know my family carries fae DNA. Might one of our fae relatives be pulling strings?”
Alpin grunted. “Not likely. It has been more than one of your millennia since any of us have bothered to involve ourselves in such involved machinations. Besides, it’s against our laws. A complicated web like the one you speak of would lead the council straight to the spinner.”
He rose from his chair. “Sometimes things like this are no more than a quirk of fate.” He started toward the door. “I suggest you not wait overlong to see about purchasing your farm. It’s a prime piece of property. I shall return to you once the land is yours to show you where the portal is located.”
“Thank you, Alpin.”
“For what?” He stopped at the door to glance back at her. “Truly, I’ve done nothing. Don’t you agree?”
She opened her mouth to argue, but he was right. All he’d done was provide information and guide their thoughts to the correct conclusion. “Say hello to my family for me, and tell them we’ll visit as soon as we can.”
“I will. Shall I tell them about your daughter?”
A girl! They were going to have a daughter. She swallowed hard and nodded, resting her hand over the barely discernible baby bump. “Yes, thank you.” She started to rise.
“Don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.” He winked. “And I’ll not be using the front door.”
“I need to go wake our cook and our maid. Daniel will be hungry when he returns.”
Alpin nodded, and walked away. She gave him a minute or two