Chapter 11

“Kaitlin? You came.” she says, her voice a mixture of astonishment and happiness. “Hi, Mom.” I say and manage to put a small smile on my face.

“Come on in, my dear. I had them make your favourite meal, should be done any minute.” She invites me inside.

Dinner was a tense affair initially. The awkward silences hung heavy in the air as we picked at our food. My father barely spoke, his gaze fixed on his plate, while my mother tried to fill the void with small talk. It was during dessert that the conversation turned to the topic I had been dreading — Cillian.

“So, Kaitlin,” my father began, his tone measured, “have you heard from your… friend lately? Is he doing well at the front?”

I look up, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes, Dad. He’s my fiancé actually, and he’s doing well. Got stationed with his brothers in France.” I speak and he sighs. “Is that so? Well, at least he is doing something for his country. How’s his Business?” “Good.” I answer.

My father’s gaze remains fixed on me, his expression unreadable. “And what’s your role in it?” he asks.

“I have none. He doesn’t even let me help with the finances.” I reply, my voice steady. “Would probably kill me if he knew I was working at the Chequers.”

There was a moment of silence, tension thick in the air. And then, unexpectedly, my father’s lips curve into a small smile.

“Well then. You know, Kaitlin, I always taught you to be strong and follow your heart,” he says, his voice softening. “Maybe it’s time for me to practice what I preach.” My mother reaches out to place her hand on his, a silent gesture of unity.

“We may have had and have our reservations about Cillian, dear, but seeing how you’ve grown, how much we missed out on and how happy you seem… it’s hard to stand in the way of your happiness any longer.” Tears well up in my eyes as I look at my parents, realising that this was the moment I had longed for. My heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and relief.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. My father nods, his smile warm.

“You deserve happiness, Kaitlin. And even if Cillian is the one who brings that to you, then we’re behind you. But if I see you with a gun once, he’ll meet me friends from Scotland Yard.” he jokes, but I knew he meant what he said.

As the evening wore on, the tension gave way to laughter, stories, and a renewed connection. The wounds of the past began to heal, and in their place, a newfound understanding and acceptance emerged. As I left my childhood home that night, I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

It took six years, but now we finally have the blessing we’ve been craving so long.