the newly remodeled dining area and kitchen to a couple of recent graduates from the Ballymaloe Cookery School and Organic Farm. They’ll be able to grow vegetables and herbs here on the farm, and we already raise chickens and sheep. We’ll also add a few more dairy cows. Their plan is to locally source everything they can. They’re amazing chefs, Mere.”
“I agree. Liam and Randal are also the sweetest couple,” Regan added, moving closer to Grayce. “They plan to get married at the inn next spring. It’ll be the inn’s first wedding.”
Meredith grinned. “That’s exciting.”
“It is. Brían and his dad are building a gazebo on a spot that has a fantastic ocean view,” Grayce told her. “My mother-in-law and I are putting in a flower garden there. We hope this first event will draw more couples looking for wedding venues.”
“Wonderful,” Meredith said. “I can’t wait to see everything and to sample the food at the new restaurant.”
Grayce glanced at Regan, and then at her. “I have news of a personal nature to share, but you both have to swear not to tell Mom, Dad, or anyone else.”
Meredith didn’t have to have psychic abilities to know what was coming, and this too caused a surge of bittersweet envy. “When are you due, and are you hoping for a boy or a girl?”
“Meredith!” Her twin laughed. “You didn’t even let me tell you.”
Regan squealed and hugged Grayce.
“Sorry,” Meredith said. “So when are you due?”
“We just saw our doctor for the first time on Thursday. I’m due at the end of December. You have to come visit during your winter break. I’ll never forgive you if you don’t.”
“I will, and I promise to keep the news to myself,” she said.
“My lips are sealed, but I’ll bet your in-laws already suspect,” Regan added.
“Maybe. I’ve tried really hard to hide the morning sickness, the afternoon naps, and the frequent trips to the bathroom. Also, Brianna and Sloan are living in the newly renovated farm manager’s cottage now. Brían and I don’t want to say anything until we’ve made it through the first trimester.”
Regan nudged Grayce with her shoulder. “Back to Meredith’s question, are you hoping for a boy or a girl?”
“Honestly, I don’t have a preference, but since the Tuatha dé Danann magic has been lifted from his clan, Brían is hoping to be the first to have a daughter. He’s all about bragging rights.”
The three of them chatted for another fifteen minutes about babies, Meredith’s current mission, her cabinmates, and family. Finally, they said their goodbyes and ended the call, and Meredith was left with an aching loneliness. She drew up her knees, and placed her chin upon them. She continued to sit on top of the hill in an unfamiliar place, far, far away from the people she knew and loved. Meredith swallowed in an effort to dislodge the lump that had formed in her throat.
She’d always believed she and her sisters would go through life’s major events together, as in living within a few miles of each other. Their children were supposed to grow up together. In her fantasy, the entire family always gathered for holidays. She, her sisters and their families would get together for summer barbeques, and they’d even go on vacations together.
Her twin’s pregnancy hit her with a cold splash of reality—none of her hopes would come to fruition. Regan and Grayce lived in a different country across a vast ocean. Grayce and Regan’s children would be close, while Meredith’s—if she ever had any children—would hardly know their Irish cousins.
“Don’t be sad, Meredith.” Daniel appeared once again. He even sat down beside her. “Good news is cause for celebration, aye?”
Nodding, she peered at the ghost. “You’re right, and I am thrilled that I’m going to have another niece or nephew to love. I’ve always been close with my sisters. I just wish we at least lived on the same side of the Atlantic.”
“There, there, lassie.” He raised his hand as if he meant to pat her on the back, but then he dropped it again. “Count your blessings, not your sorrows. You’re all in good health, are you not? All of you have plenty to eat and a roof over your heads. I heard you say you’d travel to see your sisters soon enough. You’ve much to be thankful for, and that’s a fact.”
“I do.” She slid him a sideways glance. “For one thing, I’m still among the living.” The sound of his chuckle resonated through her, sending a