All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 52

After the taxi took off, Grace headed back in to the cottage. Just as she entered the door, she heard a crash coming from the bedroom where Quinn was staying. She ran down the hall and barged into the room only to find Quinn in a heap on the floor.

“What ever are you doing.” she shouted at Quinn.

“I thought I was strong enough to get up, but obviously I'm not. My legs are like mush. I barely have any strength in them,” Quinn moaned.

Grace rushed over the Quinn and tried to figure out the best way to help him back up into the bed. Or at least so he could sit on the edge of the bed. With his legs weak he was not much help, but Grace scooted a stool over by him and gradually lifted him to the stool, and then used the stool as leverage to help lift him to the edge of the bed. At first Quinn was hanging on to Grace, but as she moved him he was able to use his arms to assist her in getting him up to the bed.

Grace was facing Quinn as she did this and holding him around his chest tightly. As she made her last move to try and move Quinn further onto the bed, with his help she realized how much she was leaning against him and this time her cheek was against his. She noticed the fact that he had shaved earlier, and the scent of his aftershave was light and woody.

All of this did not go unnoticed by Quinn. Once he had pulled himself back enough to sit at the edge of the bed he realized that Grace was practically in his lap and he could smell her freshly washed hair from the morning next to his face. His arms left his sides and reached to Grace's shoulders to hold her just for a moment against him as she started to right herself.

There was a pause between them. A hesitancy, where both of them knew there was something more going on. Grace slowly pulled away to straighten herself up next to the bed. Quinn seemed to be just as surprised by all this, and while he was not sure he was doing the right thing, he reached up to Grace and pulled her back close to him. Grace did not resist and put her arms around Quinn's shoulders and she leaned into him for a kiss that had her heart pounding, and butterflies going through her body. Quinn responded in kind and realized that there was no going back from this moment on.

As their lips parted Grace pulled just enough away to look at Quinn and smiled. This was so very right for her. At this point she also knew that this was something special that she had not planned on. Quinn smiled back at her.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 51

Grace made sure that Quinn was comfortable for the night and headed upstairs to one of the empty rooms. It seemed strange sleeping in a guest room as the host of the B&B, but she had no choice and she was exhausted from the day before getting very little sleep. Tommy had a key and could let himself in when he returned from the pub. It wasn't long when she heard a commotion at the bottom of the stairs. She was worried it might be Quinn trying to move around, so she jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs.

It was Tommy, and he was drunk. He had tripped over a small stool near the bottom of the stairs. As Grace came into his view, he looked up to see her in her tank top and shortie pajamas. Grace had not even thought about what she was wearing when she headed out of the room and was now a little self conscious. Tommy was blubbering something about music and drinks, but was barely coherent. She was surprised he was able to drive back to the cottage.

It took all the strength that Grace could muster to get Tommy on his feet and help him up the stairs to the small single room. His hands kept wandering down her back further than they should and she was becoming more annoyed by the minute. Tommy thought he was being funny. By the time she got him into the room and near the edge of the bed, he twisted her around to where they both fell onto the bed with Tommy on top of Grace.

“Guess we were just meant to be here,” Tommy stammered.

“Not a chance bucko,” Grace retorted back and gave Tommy a shove to the side and scooted out from under him. In the process Tommy fell off the other side of the bed. “You're on your own now, mister.”

Grace hurried back to her room. She was flushed from the whole incident and angry. Just another Braden she thought to herself. She could hear Tommy moving around in his room, and made sure to lock her door. She would put up with no more of this behavior from him in her cottage. Then she thought of Quinn downstairs. Did he hear this? What would he think? Should she go check on him?

Grace was so worried about leaving her room, that she decided to wait until morning. A simple explanation of “Tommy came in drunk” should suffice. At least she hoped it would. Why was she so worried what Quinn would think? Her mind was racing and she thought she might not sleep but the exhaustion from the night before hit her hard, and she was out until the morning light crept in through the window. It took her a minute to regain her bearings, and then she realized how late she had slept. She was in the shower and out so fast she barely had time to think what she needed to do.

As she crept out of her room, she noticed that Tommy's door was still closed. She quietly climbed down the stairs and headed to the kitchen to put on some tea. It had been a few days since she made scones, so she thought it might be a nice treat for Quinn along with his regular breakfast. She doubled the amounts figuring that Tommy would like the same. Sausage, rashers, brown bread, orange juice, and orange marmalade on the side for the scones.

Grace nearly jumped as she turned around and saw Tommy standing in the doorway.

“You know you and your brother have a way of sneaking up on people. When were you going to say something?” Grace was feeling very uncomfortable.

“I was just watching you go about making breakfast. Nice view,” Tommy snickered. “Do you have some tomato juice and hot sauce?”

“What's the matter, need something to clear your head from last night?” Grace was getting annoyed again. “There's some tomato juice over on the counter. I don't keep hot sauce around, but you could put some pepper flakes in to spice it up.”

“You know you look really cute in those shortie pajamas. You should wear them around the cottage,” Tommy was being insolent and Grace had had enough.

“Excuse me,” she said as she brushed past him to get out of the kitchen with her tray for Quinn. “There's enough left over for you if your stomach can handle it.” she called back over her shoulder as she walked down the hall.

Grace gently knocked on the bedroom door and turned the knob to enter. Quinn was already sitting up in bed and looking so much better than the day before.

“I hope you are hungry,” she smiled as she put the tray next to the bed. I didn't know if you'd have a full appetite or not.”

“Grace, is something wrong?” Quinn asked. “You look a little flushed and out of sorts.”

At that moment Tommy opened the door wide and stood there. Grace wheeled around and glared at him. Quinn caught every second of this, and didn't have to ask Grace any more. Tommy was being his obnoxious self, and had made an unwelcome move on Grace. He had heard Tommy coming in drunk the night before. It was difficult to miss. Loud and stumbling, like he had heard so many times before on nights when Tommy didn't dare go home to his wife and he crashed at Quinn's.

“Grace, I apologize for my brother and anything he may have done, or said. Would you excuse my brother and I, we need to have a small discussion. Thank you so much for the breakfast,” Quinn explained forcefully and Grace didn't' stay around to find out what was going to happen.

Grace took refuge outside in the rose garden. But even from there she could hear the shouting in the room. She could not make out what was being said, but knew Quinn was beyond angry, and Tommy didn't have a bloody chance in this argument. A few minutes later, she heard doors slamming downstairs and upstairs and then Tommy coming out the front door.

“He's all yours darlin'. You were only going to be a distraction for me anyway. I met a luscious redhead at the pub last night and I'll be lookin' her up next time I come this way. When the taxi comes, tell them to find me walking the road to town.” And with that Tommy exited the front drive and headed down the road toward town. Only a few minutes later and Grace was directing the taxi in his direction.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 50

Sunday evening ended uneventful for the most part. Grace made a casserole for herself, Tommy, and Quinn with some mash and carrots on the side. The lads ate heartily, and Grace could tell they appreciated the meal. Tommy could not compliment Grace enough, and Quinn seemed to be getting a little annoyed at all the attention that Tommy was paying Grace. After dinner Tommy asked about pubs in the area and Grace suggested Rafters in town. Tommy headed off even thought Quinn tried to protest.

Grace spent a bit of the evening chatting with Quinn to keep him company. She was hoping to get to know him a bit better, and keep an eye on him at the same time.

“Grace, I hate to bring this up, but I don't know how to say this other than to be straightforward blunt. My brother is a great lad, but when it comes to women he is easily distracted from one to another. I don't want you to get hurt,” Quinn explained.

“Quinn, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm a big girl and I can handle myself around the lads,” Grace smiled, but inside she could see how Tommy was just like Braden, charming and insincere. She had been very flattered by his attention. “So that behavior doesn't run in the family?”

Quinn was surprised by Grace's question, “Me? No way. I'm not looking for a long term relationship. At least I don't think so. Haven't found anyone who would have me yet.”

“Why Quinn, you would be a great catch for any woman. As long as you were not quite so demanding,” Grace was the one being blunt here.

“Demanding? Look who's talking here,” Quinn responded back.

They both looked at each other and laughed. There was a connection made between them that each of them suddenly realized. They had broken that outer shell they held for emotional protection and could see each other as a man and woman now. Grace blushed.

“I need to take these cups back to the kitchen. I'll be right back. Is there something you would like?” Grace quickly rose to excuse herself.

“Actually, I'm feeling a little bristly and would like to shave, but I'm not sure I can handle it here in bed. Can you help me?” Quinn felt very awkward asking for help. “My shaving kit is in the room upstairs.”

“I'll get it on the way back,” Grace replied as she was standing at the door. She needed to get her composure back. What was going on here? Tommy was flattering as he could be, and she knew he was trouble with him, and Quinn, just as nice as you could want, but still a mystery to her.

Grace was surprised to see that Quinn didn't have an electric shaver, but a razor. She gathered his shaving cream, razor, and aftershave, stopped in the kitchen to get a hot bowl of water and a clean wet towel. At least these were the things she thought he would need.

“If I were seated in a barber chair, I'd feel just at home,” Quinn smiled as she entered carrying everything with the towel over her arm.

“Well, I'm not a barber and not about to be shaving you,” Grace quipped back. “Let's get you situated so I can at least hold the mirror and you can shave.”

Grace grabbed a mirror from her bathroom, and Quinn soaked his face with the hot water and towel to soften his beard. Grace was balancing the hot water and mirror while Quinn was attempting to shave.

“Grace, I need to see my whole face, not just my chin,” Quinn teased.

“Quinn, I've only got so many hands here. You're lucky to even have the help,” Grace replied teasing.

The banter went on back and forth as Quinn finished up his shave. Grace handed him the moist towel to wipe the last of the shaving cream off his face. He handed it back to Grace as she was putting everything down.

“You missed a spot,” Grace told Quinn as she reached over to wipe the last of the shaving cream from Quinn's neck.

There, in that moment, when Grace went to wipe the shaving cream, Quinn reached for the towel at the same time and ended up holding Grace's hand guiding it to the spot. Grace was leaning over to reach the spot and was almost nose to nose with Quinn. Suddenly Grace felt her heart pounding and the need to pull away. Quinn was trying to push away this impulse he had, but was fighting it in that second.

Grace pulled away first, and Quinn released her hand. Neither of them knew what to say. Neither wanted to discuss this, or deal with it. Grace busied herself with cleaning up the shaving equipment, and Quinn busied himself with trying to move to a more comfortable position in the bed. It was silent for a few minutes.

They both started to speak at the same moment, “Quinn”, “Grace,” and stopped and began to laugh. They knew that something was started that they would have to deal with, but now was not the time.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 49

Grace convinced Peter to hang around while she used the small upstairs room to shower and change. It was not as comfortable as her own bathroom, but it worked and she was able to get things done around the cottage while Peter kept an eye on Quinn. As she peeked into the quiet room, she had to chuckle to herself. Quinn was sleeping propped up with a few pillows, and Peter had fallen asleep in the chair next to the bed. Fine nursemaid Peter would make! She quietly closed the door and headed to the front room to take care of some business.

Grace had no sooner settled down to check the computer when there was a knock at the door. She hadn't even heard a car pull up. It was the Police wanting to question Quinn about what happened. Grace explained to them what Quinn had told her, and they were not surprised. They did find his bike but it was in pretty bad shape. There was no other evidence to indicate who had done this. Their assumption was that some young drunk motorists had hit Quinn from behind knocking him off his bike. When they checked him out he was unconscious, and they might have thought he was dead considering their drunken state. They took any money and identification he had on him, but missed the B&B business card as it was by itself in a pocket rather than in his wallet. Once daylight came and the Police went back to the scene, they found the bike tossed off the road into a ditch below the area where Quinn was found.

As Grace listened to this tale, Peter came out of the room indicating that Quinn was awake. The Police went to question Quinn and explain what they had found. When the Police left Grace went back to the bedroom to check on Quinn. She could see his dejection and frustration over all of this.

“I should have known better than to be riding the back roads so late at night,” he explained. “Especially out here where the roads are narrow and not lit.”

“Quinn, it's just an unfortunate experience. Is there anything I can do?” Grace was feeling sorry for Quinn. This was not the man who left her cottage so angry the day before.

“I hate to ask, but I'm feeling a little hungry. Could I get something to eat? Not much. I know it's near lunch, but I'd love one of your breakfasts. I did miss it yesterday, you know,” Quinn was trying to make up for yesterday's behavior between the two of them.

“I'm going to get Peter to check some of the deeper cuts you have and change the bandages. I only had one size of Plasters (Bandaids) and you look like a child who went wild with an entire box of them. Maybe he can handle that. I'll make some breakfast for you in the meantime. It's good to see you are gaining your strength back,” Grace was mellowing toward Quinn now that yesterday's anger had been replaced with her concern for his well being.

While Peter took care of Quinn, Grace set out to prepare his normal breakfast. She knew that he was probably hungrier than he realized since he had not eaten for a whole day. Not much....she mused. If Quinn was eating a double breakfast when he was riding, he would easily eat a full one now. If not, there was no harm in making it. Grace took extra care to make this just right. As she did, she wondered why she really cared about impressing this man.

Peter came into the kitchen just as Grace was finishing. “That smells just amazing, Grace. Is there any left over, that plate for Quinn looks pretty full?”

“There's some sausage and eggs left on the stove, Peter. Help yourself. I'm taking this tray to Quinn. And while your at it, how about putting some more water on for tea. You can bring it along when it's ready,” Grace directed Peter.

Quinn had been dozing in the bed as Grace walked in with the breakfast tray. “That is such a welcome aroma. Thank you so much.”

“Just the ole cottage breakfast,” Grace responded, but was filled with pride hearing Quinn's comment.

Grace could tell that Quinn was feeling better as he did end up eating every bit on the plate along with a couple cups of tea that Peter brought in. As he ate he asked about Grace's plans for the day and told her he was probably going to need to stay a couple more days to fully recover before he could drive back to Dublin. He did tell Grace that he had called his brother, Tommy, to let him know what happened, and a manager at the office to check on things.

It was just after Quinn finished breakfast that Grace heard a car in the drive. She excused herself from Quinn, and went to check out who was arriving as she was not expecting anyone this Sunday afternoon. As she opened the door, she saw a taxi pulling away and a handsome lad approaching the door. He had a familiar look, and it took her a second to realized how much he looked like Quinn.

“Afternoon, lass, me name's Tommy Nolan. I'd be Quinn's brother. I rushed up here right after Quinn called this morning and told me what happened,” Tommy smiled as he introduced himself and while Grace did the same she was aware he was checking her out. He had a natural charm about himself that instantly attracted Grace. What was it with these Nolan lads?

Grace showed Tommy to the bedroom where Quinn was and she could see how happy Quinn was to see his younger brother. They were only two years apart and while there was definitely a family resemblance, they had two very different personalities. Both very handsome, but Quinn was much more reserved while Tommy was more the ladies man. After having read the article about Tommy, she could see how women would be attracted to him. This was not lost on Grace, and she kept trying to shake it off.

Grace was working in the room with the office when a knock on the door interrupted her.

It was Tommy, “Grace, I know this is short notice, but it there some way I can stay the night. I took a bus up to Swatragh, then a taxi over here because I knew Quinn had his car. No sense in having two cars here. I was thinking I'd be taking Quinn home right away, but he's in no shape to be moving right now. Best he stay put for another day or two. You'd be really helping a lad out, if I could stay.”

“As a matter of fact, I don't have any bookings for the next two days, so you could take Quinn's room upstairs. It's good that you are here to help your brother out, since I do have a lot of errands and didn't want to leave him here alone.” Grace blushed as she explained this as Tommy seemed to be staring into her eyes.

“Well, whose room is Quinn using? I thought that was his room. A little girlie for me, but a nice room. You know you've got some beautiful eyes, Grace,” Tommy was starting to work his way on Grace.

“Oh, no, Quinn had a small single upstairs. The room he's in is my room,” Grace was blushing and had to turn away from Tommy's gaze.

“Your room? What a lucky lad!” Tommy backed off a bit jumping to conclusions that there might be something between Grace and Quinn.

“No, it's not that,” Grace felt the need to clarify herself and was not quite sure why. “It was easier for the Police to put Quinn downstairs, when they brought him in. He's just not able to get upstairs and this is easier for me.”

“Then where are you sleeping?” Tommy was probing a bit now.

“Well, last night I slept in the chair next to Quinn. I was worried about him and they said to watch him closely,” Grace felt she was having to justify her actions and was not liking this one bit.

“I see...no worries,” Tommy caught that Grace was getting a bit annoyed and he didn't want to get on the wrong side with this lass. She was attractive and just his type. At least he decided she was. He had not been attracted to anyone for at least a couple of months. Tommy was out at the pubs a lot charming all the skirts he could. It was his style. Maybe that's why his marriage went bad. He had such a difficult time staying true to just one lass.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 48

Grace was worried about leaving Quinn alone, so hurried her breakfast items more than usual. There were no fresh breakfast scones, or large platters with sausage and puddings. She made a pot of porridge, put some brown bread from the day before on the table with juice, butter and cream. As soon as the guests were seated she served the porridge. They were delighted with it and she was happy it seemed to take so little to please them. She had become quite the accomplished cook over the last few months and was enjoying the praise. Once everyone was taken care of she took a small bowl of the porridge to her room where Quinn was struggling to adjust his position in the bed and groaning all the while.

“Quinn, you have got to stop that. My guests will be wondering what is going on in this room,” Grace commanded as she set the porridge down and tried to help Quinn get comfortable.

“I just ache all over and some places more than others. What happened to me?” Quinn questioned.

“You mean you don't remember?” Grace questioned.

“It all seems so fuzzy. I was riding back toward here and I think I crashed. Or someone hit me. That's about all I remember,” Quinn was puzzled.

Grace didn't want to have Quinn get too concerned, but explained, “Quinn, either you crashed, or you were run down, we don't know for sure, but when a passerby on the road saw you they called the Police. When the Police picked you up, you were face down and had no identification on you except for one of my business cards. And your bike was also gone.”

Quinn just looked at Grace speechless. He had been unconscious for quite a while and was still feeling the effects of his injuries.

“I need a phone,” demanded Quinn.

“And what good will that do you right now? Who would you call?” Grace asked firmly.

“What day is today? I'm so confused. How long was I out? I want to talk to the Police, of course. Get them over here,” Quinn had become very demanding.

“Quinn, they will be stopping by later today anyway. They told me they want to ask you some questions,” Grace was trying to stay calm.

“Calm? How am I supposed to do that? I was run down and everything I own was taken. I want some action on this,” Quinn was getting very agitated.

Quinn looked like he would jump out of bed, if he could muster the energy, and Grace was afraid he would injure himself further.

“Quinn, you need to regain your strength. Just take a breath and have some porridge. I made it fresh this morning. While you have this I'll ring the Police and see how soon they can be here. Will that help?” Grace was still trying to keep things calm.

“I guess,” Quinn responded dejectedly. “Is there a chance I can get some clothes here? I'm feeling quite exposed.”

“I was going to try for something, but all you have in your room are trousers and shirts. Not exactly for someone who's bedridden,” Grace retorted.

“There's more clothes in a bag in my car. I always have workout sweats and t-shirts in there for when I am at the gym,” Quinn explained. “I didn't take the car keys with me since I was on my bike, so they are on the dresser in the room upstairs.”

Grace headed up the stairs to get the car keys and as she returned Peter was just coming in the front door. At last, some relief from answering all Quinn's questions.

“Peter, so glad you are here. Just in time, too. Quinn has sweats and t-shirts in a gym bag in his car, could you get them and help him get them on. That's not something I'm wanting to do,” Grace pushed the keys into Peter's hand.

“Gee, Grace, and I thought you'd jump at that chance, especially after removing all the guy's clothes last night,” Peter chuckled but knew he should not have gone there.

Grace gave Peter a stare that would kill a cow, put her hands on her hips and said nothing. Peter quickly turned and headed outside to Quinn's car.

When Peter came back in the cottage he headed directly to the downstairs bedroom to find Quinn trying to sit up on the edge of the bed.

“Easy there bud, you are in no shape to be getting around so much. I've brought some clothes for you, but only if you settle back down in bed once they are on,” Peter was taking an upper hand here. At least he hoped so.

“Fair play, Peter. I just want to feel I have some control and having some clothes on will help,” Quinn moaned as he bent his leg to put on his sweats.

Peter got Quinn dressed and situated back in bed. During this time, Quinn realized that his injuries were more than he had thought, and knew he was going no where for a few days. His head was starting to pound the more he moved around. He also knew he had to contact someone in Dublin. If he didn't show up on Monday at work, he expected a few people would be concerned. At least he hoped they would.

Peter called Grace when he had Quinn all situated again and she came in to tell Quinn that the Police would be calling in within the hour. She also brought her cell phone to Quinn could make his phone call.

As Grace looked around her room, she kept thinking how much she would have liked a shower and clean clothes herself. The afternoon at the cottage was going to be quiet as it was Sunday and everyone was pretty much checked out. She still had to clean the rooms that were used and plan for the week, but having Quinn in her room was really an inconvenience.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 47

It was not more than 15 minutes when Peter arrived, disheveled and barely awake, but he had come.

“What's going on Grace?” he asked sleepily.

“It's Quinn...follow me,” she explained.

“What happened to him? And how did he get all undressed?” Peter looked at Grace confused.

“Peter, he was all beat up and I needed to get him cleaned up. I hope I did okay. He's not really coherent. What should I do?” Grace blurted out everything at once.

“Grace, I'm hardly a paramedic, but it does look like you got him cleaned off. Did you put some ointment on his cuts?” Peter was trying to remember anything he would do if he fell while running and was bruised and cut.

“Yes, I used the first aid ointment. But he's still not responding. Do I need to call an ambulance?” Peter could see Grace's worry.

“I'd call the doc in the morning. I'll give you his number. Quinn might have a concussion. Why is he here and not in the clinic?” Peter was still full of questions.

“The police brought him here. They said he didn't want to go to the clinic or a hospital. I have no idea how they even got a response from him. He had a cottage business card on him, so they delivered him here,” Grace was getting tired of all the questions and lack of help. Even though she had no idea how Peter could help.

Both Peter and Grace jumped when Quinn groaned. He seemed to be regaining consciousness, albeit slowly. When they looked at each other, they chucked at how they had both jumped, but moved away from the bed to finish talking.

Peter gave Grace the phone number for the local doctor to call in the morning and headed back home. He said he would stop by again after getting some sleep. It was now well after midnight and Grace was exhausted, but she could not leave Quinn alone. She pulled a chair near the bed and sat down. It was not long before she was asleep.

“Grace..., Grace...” someone was whispering to her. Jerking awake, Grace realized it was Quinn. His head was turned toward her in the chair and his eyes barely opened.

“Quinn, shhhhh.. Are you okay?” Grace whispered back to him.

“What happened? Where am I?” Quinn was gradually regaining his focus.

“Quinn, just calm down. You've here at the cottage, in my room. Lie still and try not to move too much. You've been hurt.” Grace didn't want to have to explain everything at once.

Quinn moaned as he tried to move. Grace tried to gently help, but was not sure it was good for Quinn to be rolling over on his side. She was worried he'd cause more pain for himself if he tried to move. Another moan left Quinn's body as he tried to move again.

“Stop, Quinn, you're only going to feel worse,” Grace pleaded. “Do you feel like a cup of tea? Or is there something I can get you?”

“Tea, that sound perfect. How about a little whiskey? That would be even better.” Grace could see that Quinn was gaining back some humor with his energy.

“No whiskey until I know it's okay for you. Now behave yourself while I get a cuppa made,” Grace demanded as she left the room.

Grace realized that she had slept most of the night in the chair as she stretched her stiff back while waiting for the water to boil. It was barely light outside. She carefully put the tea cup on a tray and added a small biscuit just in case Quinn had a bit of an appetite.

“Hey, who took my clothes?” was Quinn's first question as Grace entered the room.

Grace put down the tea before she explained that she had cut Quinn's torn biking clothes off. She had pulled up a light weight coverlet over Quinn as he was barely conscious, but he seemed to be feeling a little exposed knowing she had taken off his clothes.

Grace helped Quinn lift his head enough to sip some of the tea. She slipped an extra pillow behind his head so he could be more comfortable. Every once in a while he would grunt or moan as he moved, but she could see he was regaining his strength gradually.

“Quinn, will you be okay for a while? I have some guests to make breakfast for and need to get changed and freshened up myself,” Grace gazed around the room wondering how that freshening up and changing was going to happen with Quinn in her room. She just decided to give up on that notion for the moment and headed to the kitchen to get the breakfast ready for her guests.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 46

When Grace got to the door she was surprised to see a Police Service vehicle.
Two uniformed officers exited the front of the car and headed to the back door on the cottage side. They helped a limp and bruised Quinn out of the car and headed to the door.

“Miss, the only identification we could find on this lad was your B&B business card. He didn't want to go to the hospital, so we brought him here,” explained one of the officers.

“What....what happened to him?” Grace was concerned about Quinn's injuries.

“Miss, could we put him down somewhere first, and then we'll explain. This lad is kinda heavy,” the officer pleaded.

“Sure follow me,” Grace replied and without even thinking about it lead them to her downstairs bedroom. She pulled the coverlet off the bed so they could put Quinn on the sheets. He was barely conscious.

Once they had Quinn settled, the officers explained that a driver on the road called in that he found a man lying on the side of the road. Originally thinking this might be a drunk, the officers headed out to help him home. When they found him, he was face down on the side of the road, no identification, no wallet, nothing but his biking clothes and the business card for the cottage in his back pocket.

“Where is his bike?” Grace asked confused.

“Miss, there was no bike. We're thinking some hoodlums stopped him on the deserted road and beat him up for his money. We didn't know he had a bike. Guess we should have because of the way he's dressed. We'll keep and eye out for a bike that might get dumped somewhere. And when he's better, we will want to talk to him about what happened. We'll stop by in a day or two.”

“In a day or two? He'll be gone back to Dublin by then,” Grace explained expecting Quinn to be back at work on Monday.

“I don't think he'll be going anywhere for a few days, miss. In fact he needs some tending too with all those scrapes and bruises. And you'll need to keep an eye out for a concussion. Maybe even contact your local doc to check him out,” the officer seemed to be washing his hands of any care of Quinn.

“But, but....,” Grace was speechless. She had no idea what to say to all this. Resigned to deal with it, she dismissed the police officers and headed back to the bedroom. It was not until she entered the room that she realized she had just given up her bed to this partially conscious man.

Grace stood looking over Quinn for a moment trying to decide what she was going to do. It was too late to call a doctor. That would have to wait until morning. She was hoping that there were no internal injuries that would be a problem until then. He was filthy from lying in the dirt and his biking clothes were torn and bloody. Grace decided the first thing she needed to do was get Quinn cleaned up and that meant removing his clothes.

Grace figured that Quinn might have some clean clothes up in his room, so she took her master key and headed up to the room. Clean shirts, trousers, socks, and underwear, but nothing for pajamas. He must sleep in his briefs. Oh, joy, were the thoughts going through Grace's mind.

From the kitchen Grace gathered the first aid kit, some cloth towels, a bowl of warm water and her kitchen scissors. She was hardly the nursing type, but how difficult could this be? Grace had not thought about the fact that Quinn was almost twice her weight and a limp body. Moving him in any direction without his help would be nearly impossible. But it had to be done.

Standing over Quinn trying to figure out what to do, Grace was startled by a moan.

“Quinn? Quinn, can you hear me?” Grace asked hoping that Quinn was just waking up from all this and could handle it all himself.

Just another moan, nothing more. Quinn was really out of it. Grace told herself that all would be fine, she just needed to tend to Quinn. So she began by using the kitchen scissors to cut off his biking shirt and shorts. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Quinn did have briefs under his bike shorts. Just one thing she did not want to deal with. The bike shorts were Lycra so they fit tightly to Quinn's body. Grace was careful not to stab Quinn with the scissors when she was cutting the shorts away. Once she had cut down each side seam, she was able to pull them off by sliding them away from Quinn's body.

His Lycra biking shirt was different. She could cut up the arms and to the neck, and then down the front, but pulling the shirt out from under Quinn was much more difficult. Through his moaning and her soft spoken encouragement, she was able to roll Quinn partly on his side to get part of the shirt out of the way, and then able to do the same on the other side pulling it out from under him.

So there lie Quinn in his briefs, that Grace had no intention of removing, bruised and cut. Grace spent the next hour cleaning and bandaging up Quinn the best she could. Once she did the initial cleaning she used a fresh towel on his forehead to keep him cool and comfortable. She wondered how long it had been since he had eaten and how did this happen to him.

It suddenly hit Grace that there might have been someone who Grace should contact about Quinn's situation, but she didn't have a clue. It was late, but it suddenly dawned on Grace who she should call....Peter. Why had she not thought of this before?

“Hello...,” a sleepy voice answered his cell phone.

“Peter, I have an emergency, can you come over right away?” Grace pleaded into the phone.

“Grace, what time is it? What's going on?” Peter was still waking up.

“Peter, just can you come over right away? I need your help,” Grace sounded worried.

“I'm coming Grace, don't blow a gasket,” Peter seemed a little annoyed, but Grace didn't care. She breathed a sigh of relief thinking that help was on the way. At least she hoped Peter could help.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 45

Grace finished up serving breakfast to Frances and her group and headed into her sitting and office area. She had work to do if she was going to be making any bookings for the week. When she sat down at the computer, instead of logging into the B&B website, she found herself typing in Quinn's name. From the paperwork he filled out for registration she used his last name to search about him. “Quinn Nolan, Dublin”

Grace tried to convince herself several times this was not right, but she continued the search. There were several small articles about a Quinn Nolan from the Dublin Institute of Technology and some awards won for Internet programs and Internet safety. Other than that, things were pretty scarce. She did find a Tommy Nolan, brother of Quinn Nolan who seemed to make the news for his marital problems. Things seem to have stemmed from a brawl in a pub because his wife left him. Other than that, there was nothing on this man. Grace shook her head, what was she doing searching one of her guests? At least there were no indications that Quinn was a womanizer. Why did she even care?

Grace was startled by a voice at the doorway. “Excuse me, Grace,” Frances said quietly. “Do ye mind if we sit out front and warm up some today? It's such a beautiful day out.”

“Frances, that would be fine. I'll open the windows here so you can fill the cottage with your wonderful music again,” this finally brought a smile back to Grace. She could work all day while listening to Frances sing and play.

By the time Frances and her friends had finished their warm up session, Grace had been able to book rooms for all but two days during the week, Monday and Tuesday. Frances getting out the word had filled the cottage up with musicians from Wednesday up to the weekend. Grace was going to be busy and was happy to have Monday and Tuesday off to plan meals and purchase supplies for the remainder of the week.

Peter stopped by to chat with Grace and talk about his engagement to Chloe. He thanked Grace for coming up to the cottage in the first place, since if she had not done that he would never had met the girl of his dreams. Grace was so happy to see Peter come out of his shell. Obviously Chloe had a very good influence on him, and he on her. Peter apologized for leaving Grace without someone to handle the B&B and said he would continue to keep up the grounds and whatever Grace needed. Knowing that he would stay on to help was something Grace appreciated.

Grace said goodbye to Peter after their chat and headed to the kitchen to start prepping for dinner. Once again she'd be making an early dinner for Frances and crew. She expected that Quinn might want something after his ride and made sure there was enough for him also.

Tonight's menu was grilled salmon with a lemon caper sauce, roasted potatoes, and a green salad with some fresh mango vinaigrette topping. The salad was something she adapted from a restaurant she had gone to in Dublin, and finding a mango at Fallon and Byrne before she headed up for the weekend was a real treat. Now she could try one of her own recipes to add to Aine's.

Frances and her crew raved about the dinner and were sad this would be the last night they stayed at the cottage for a while. Tomorrow the weekend would end for them and they would head back home. They did promise to pass on the word about the cottage and would be back themselves the next time they were booked to play at Rafters.

It was getting late, and Grace had already checked in the couple that had arrived for the night. Even though it stayed light until after ten, she was a little concerned that Quinn had not returned. She was not sure why she was worried, as he was a big boy and could take care of himself. She did feel bad about what had happened earlier in the morning and wanted to make it up to him. She had opened the bottle of wine he brought and set out two glasses for a “peace” toast when he arrived back.

By eleven, something was wrong, and Grace could feel it. Just something told her that something had happened to Quinn. Why was she worried? He was no concern of hers.

Then she heard the sound of a vehicle in her drive, but it was not a bike, it was a car....

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 44

It had been a restless night for Grace, but while she wished she could just pull the covers over her head and stay there forever, she had a B&B to run. Today another couple would be coming just to stay Saturday night, and she needed to check the possibility of more bookings during the week. She dragged herself out of bed, and let the hot water of the shower help to relax the tightness in her muscles. When she left her room she felt she looked refreshed, even though she was emotionally and physically exhausted.

No time to worry about her problems as Grace started the preparations for breakfast. She remembered that Frances and her group would be eating later as they got back from the pub during the wee hours of the morning. Quinn was heading out for a bike ride and she expected that he would want a more substantial breakfast like he had previously. She added some whiskey and honey to the porridge as it cooked and got the eggs and sausage started along with the tea. In the background she could hear the shower running upstairs and figured it would be Quinn getting ready for the day.

Grace was trying to avoid Quinn as much as possible, so she set the teapot on the table before he arrived along with the cream for the porridge. All she would have to do was bring in the eggs and porridge and she would be done. At least that's what her plan was. As always, not all plans go where we want them to and Grace once again found herself face to face with Quinn.

“Grace, is it something I've done? I get the feeling that I'm not welcome or wanted here. You could have turned me down last weekend when I asked about the room. What's going on here? I'm getting this strange vibe from you,” Quinn must have been thinking about approaching Grace about this before.

“I apologize, Quinn, if I've been any less than polite and courteous,” Grace was trying to avoid this at all cost.

“Oh, you are courteous, and polite, there's just something about how you act toward me as if I've done something wrong. I notice how tense you get when we converse, or when you have to have an exchange with me.” Quinn kept probing.

“What are you a psychologist?” Grace retorted before she could calm herself down.

“No, I manage an Internet company in Dublin. I just seem to be able to read people well,” Quinn was obviously confused by Grace. “Or I thought I could...”

“Look, Quinn, some people just don't hit it off. I'm not angry or upset with you. Just your type is not the kind of person I relish dealing with,” Grace was trying to make excuses for her attitude toward Quinn.

“My TYPE! What's that? You don't even know me, or my TYPE!” Quinn was obviously starting to get a little irritated with this conversation. “I don't even know why I'm standing here having this discussion with you. Forget breakfast, I'll stop somewhere on the road. I'm heading up for a ride toward the Downhill Demense and back. I'll be back later tonight,” Quinn turned and headed out the door not even looking back at Grace who was standing there with the tray of porridge and eggs.

Grace dropped her head in frustration. She was angry at herself for how she behaved. She knew better, and Quinn was not Braden. She didn't even know Quinn or what he was like. He was right. Why should she be making such emotional transfers based just on how she perceived Quinn? There was very little time to get herself back together as she could hear the showers running upstairs. Frances and her crew were up a little earlier than she expected. Time to start preparations for their breakfast.

...............................

Outside Quinn unlocked his bike, grabbed a couple of water bottles from the back of the car, hopped on and took off. He was fuming. What did he do to this woman? This was why he steered clear of any long term relationships. A few social dates for business was his plan. Even though his friends were just about all married, he was hesitant of the complications of a long term relationship. He had watched his older brother go through a very nasty separation, and seem the same with several friends who rushed into marriage. This was not for him. He had been told he was a handsome lad and women would be flocking to him. This made him even more uncomfortable. He put his head down and sped up his ride. In no time he was in Coleraine wishing he had the chance to eat Grace's breakfast. Now he had to stop and get something here.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 43

Five years earlier......

Grace had just started at a marketing firm. She was selected out of a pool of about 50 candidates, but had been the top of her class at the university and showed she was the best candidates for this job. She got along with her co-workers and her work was appreciated by her bosses. Each morning when she arrived at work she noticed another young man entering the building about the same time. They started out smiling and nodding to each other and then started to talk on the way up the elevator.

His name was Braden and he also was a recent university graduate and worked at a law office as an intern a few floors above Grace. He was very professional looking, sharp and a very stylish dresser. Braden knew he was good looking and took advantage of that with women as often as he could. Unfortunately, Grace never saw this until it was too late.

He was slick. First it was coffee, then lunch. He developed their relationship very slowly so Grace never knew what hit her. By the time they were dating on a regular basis, he had been coming over to Grace's for dinner a couple times a week. He convinced her that it was so much nicer and more comfortable eating at her place than always eating out. But he never contributed toward the food, or supplies. Every once in a while he would bring a bottle of wine, but that was it. Grace thought this was how it worked. She was getting in too deep and put all her feelings out there for Braden to see. She really didn't share this relationship information with her friends at work.

If she had they would have let her in on this operator. Grace and Braden were constantly together after work. After a while, he needed to spend some late nights at work, first once a week, then twice and by the time he was spending three nights a week late at the office and not able to see Grace at all, she got suspicious. It was at this point she talked to one of the girls in the office and found out that Braden was slowly moving on. He would hook up with one girl, then slowly move to another when he felt the relationship was getting too serious. The problem was at this point Grace had fallen in love with Braden.

She thought she could convince Braden that it would work out. But she was in over her head and he wanted nothing to do with her anymore. He had moved on. He was having his dinners with a girl from a building across the street. One night he was so exasperated with the pleading from Grace that he unloaded on her, calling her needy and pathetic. A poor excuse for a girlfriend and someone who could not even cook. Grace had vested all her energy into this relationship and now he crushed her emotionally.

Grace moped around for weeks after that. Up to that point she had never had a serious relationship with a man. Her focus was school and getting her degree in marketing. There was no time for men in her life. Even her friends could not get her to leave the flat for a movie. She was like a robot at work. There was no joy in her job. It was then that she left the firm she started at and moved to the firm where she worked currently. Hoping a fresh start would make all the difference.
...........................

And over the past five years she had forgotten all about the hurt and emotional drain that Braden caused. It was not until tonight when she really thought about what it was about Quinn that bothered her so much that it all came back to her.

Grace had buried all those feelings and went on with her life and was happy. Why was she falling apart now? The tears continued while she cleaned up all the dishes from dinner and crawled into bed. She hated Braden for what he had done to her.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 42

Just after Grace finished serving dinner to Frances and her group she heard the sound of another car in the front courtyard. There was another couple arriving on Saturday, but she only expected one more person tonight, and this had to be him.

As she walked to open the door she saw Quinn getting out of the car. He certainly looked different than he had in his biking clothes. He was in business attire looking like he just left work. His tie was loosened, and the top 2 buttons on his shirt opened. But his angular looks and tussled black hair gave him the look of a GQ model. Grace's eyes were transfixed on Quinn when he turned from grabbing his bag from the back seat and saw her. He smiled as he turned to walk to the door. Grace could feel her heart in her throat.

“Is it okay if I leave my bike out here tonight. It's locked to the rack on the back,” Quinn asked as he climbed up the stairs to the door.

“It should be just fine, unless it rains,” responded Grace as she slid to the side to let Quinn through.

“Hey, that smells wonderful. I didn't know you served dinner here. I was going to drop my things off and head to town,” Quinn seemed to be asking as he entered.

“I provide dinner by prior arrangement for those guests who ask,” Grace didn't want to make it easy for Quinn.

“Grace, we have plenty of food left here,” called Frances from the dining room as she must have heard the conversation.

“That would be just great,” Quinn replied before Grace could say any more, and he dropped his bag by the door and headed to the dining room, introducing himself as he entered.

Grace was already annoyed with this and was gritting her teeth in annoyance. She headed to the kitchen to get Quinn a dish and some silverware and almost ran into him as she came through the door to the dining room.

“What is it with you and my kitchen?” Grace practically yelled at Quinn.

“I'm sorry,” he said apologetically. “I was just going to ask if I could help. I did bring something for you.” Quinn turned and went to recover a bottle of wine he had in his bag. “I thought I'd bring this as a peace offering from crashing in on your place last weekend.”

Grace managed a terse “thank you”, and set Quinn's table setting at the far end of the table as if ostracizing him.

Frances and her musicians immediately started a conversation with Quinn and asked him to move closer. Grace left the room and settled herself in the kitchen working on the dessert. Inside she felt confused. Why did being around Quinn make her so unsettled? Yes, he was quite handsome, and in a strange way pretty personable. Was he too slick? He reminded her so much of.......THAT WAS IT! And her heart sunk.

Grace was a different person when she carried the dessert tray out to the dining room. Quiet and sullen. As she set the plates down even Frances noticed and asked if she was okay. Her stock answer was “just fine” and a forced smile.

It was just a bit later when Frances and her group left for Rafter's and Quinn quietly headed up to the single room to change. When he came down Grace was in the big sitting room reading, or trying to read. She had cleared the table, but left all the dishes to do later. This was very unusual for her.

“Grace, are you sure you are okay?” Quinn asked.

“I'm just fine. Aren't you going out?” Grace replied curtly. “Your key is on the table.”

Quinn looked a little disappointed, or sad. Grace could not tell. He did not press the situation, and quietly left the cottage.

Grace was just staring at the pages of the book. And then she began to cry.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 41

It was as if Donovan knew what time the girls would arrive on Fridays. He was sitting on his front stoop as Grace pulled up. As she exited the car and turned toward him, he waved. Now this was something new. What was Donovan up to? Grace always had the slight suspicious bent toward her relationships. Never quite trusting others, especially men. Always wondering about ulterior motives in people. She had not always been like this, but that was another story altogether. Some subjects are best left well enough alone.

“Donovan, how are you doing? You seem to be in great spirits today,” Grace greeted Donovan as she walked across the road.

“Grace, by now you must know the good news about Peter and Chloe,” Donovan touted as if he had a secret that Grace didn't know.

“Of course, Donovan, it's grand news, isn't it? Now Chloe will be up here all the time in a few weeks,” Grace thought this might deflate Donovan a bit.

Donovan was not one to be put down. His response was as sharp as a tack. “So I hear Chloe is going to take a job. What will ye be doin' now that she won't be keepin up the B&B?” He was plying Grace for answers.

Grace had her own tactics, and was not going to crumble to Donovan's pushing the issue. “For now, Donovan, I have guests to get ready for tonight and this weekend. Things will work themselves out, I'm sure.” Grace was not going to let Donovan know that she was staying at the cottage for the entire next week. He'd have to find that out as the days passed. And for now she had avoided his question as to what was going to happen.

Grace smiled and returned to her car to get the groceries she had purchased secure in the fact that for the time being she had shut Donovan down. But he did ask the question that was in the back of her mind the entire trip up to Swatragh. And a slight frown crept across her brow as she entered the B&B.

And full weekend lie ahead of her. This was the weekend when the band would be coming to stay. They would arrive early and had asked after the possibility of dinner before they headed out to their gig at Rafter's that night. Grade unloaded the supplies and got started on a bean and sausage casserole that she could keep piping hot and have ready at a moments notice. A nice fresh salad with some green grapes for some sweetness would be perfect with some brown bread on the side. These were simple meals, but most of the guests appreciated the country style cooking. They were not looking for fancy. Just good home cooked meals. Grace also made a quick berry and apple cobbler to have on hand for dessert.

As she checked on the casserole, there was a knock at the door. It was Frances and her band mates.

“I hope we are not too early?” she queried.

“Not at all, I'm Grace, your hostess. Please come on in,” Grace smiled and welcomed her guests. She got them all checked in and set up in their rooms telling them dinner would be ready when they were wanting it.

Frances asked if there was a place where they could do a little musical warm up before eating and Grace directed them to the large sitting room. As Grace continued working in the kitchen music filled the cottage. Every nook and cranny took in every note that was played. Francis voice moved throughout the rooms as it they had been craving this attention for too long. Grace found herself smiling and swaying to the music as she worked.

No sooner had Grace set the table and started to put out the food than the group finished their warm up. But the feel of the music remained to surround the cottage.

“That was absolutely lovely,” Grace told Frances. It's been too long since this place has been filled with music.

“Well, Grace, we'd be more than happy to recommend this place to our musician friends, but they need a place during the week also. Many of the pubs up this way have music on Thursday nights too, some even on Wednesday.” Frances explained to Grace.

“I've been trying to work out keeping the place open all week, but so far it's been difficult. I will be up here all this next week and would welcome another group during the week. I definitely have vacancies.” Grace's mind was busy creating ideas as they flew through her head.

“Consider it done, lassie,” Frances responded, and with that, Grace knew what she was going to have to do.

All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 40

Grace knew that at some point Chloe would not want to stay at the cottage every weekend, but had not suspected it to be this soon. And hardly expected it to be this way. She was happy for Chloe, but now had to make more decisions.

They did agree that for the next three weeks, until Grace's next planned weekend stay at the cottage, Chloe would still take care of things. During this time she would give her two weeks notice at the firm. gradually move out of her flat a little each weekend, and move those things that she wanted to get to Swatragh to Peter's house for storage. Other things she could take to the cottage to keep there. That at least gave Grace at least 3 weeks to try and work something out.

All this time Grace had also been busy booking the cottage for every weekend. Many of the guests were repeat guests, and new ones were coming all the time. She had received a lot of requests for bookings during the week, and had to turn them down. It was time to crunch numbers again and see if having the cottage open all week would make enough money to support herself. She had already taken some money from her savings for updates to the cottage and supplies, so she hoped to not have to dip more into her savings.

As the weeks passed, and the end of the month arrived, she knew she was now in a bind again. With only one week of vacation left on the books, she put in a request to take the following week off. She would go up to the cottage on Friday morning, stay the entire week and the next weekend, to sort things out. As long as she was there, she also booked guests for the weekdays when it was requested, and was surprised that there was at least one room booked out every night. She hoped being up in Swatragh would help clear her head so she could figure this all out.

Chloe had decided to stay in Dublin to get packing done, so the downstairs bedroom would be Grace's alone for the weekend. The cottage was booked full, and that strange Quinn would be there, too. Whenever Grace thought of him she had this strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't quite explain it, he just made her feel uneasy.

After work on Thursday Grace did a little shopping for some specialty items at Fallon and Byrne in Dublin. They carried some delicious variations to what a person normally would cook with, and Grace was now adding some of her own touches to Aine's recipes. So far all had received rave review by the guests.

Most other shopping would be done as she passed through Cookstown on Friday morning. The farmer's market would have fresh produce in abundance. She had also found a favorite butcher shop on the way to pick up any other items she needed. Grace had found that she really enjoyed strolling down the main street choosing items that were just in from the farms. As she did this, she imagined Aine doing the same thing over the years, purchasing local produce and meats from local farmers. Grace had found the number for a local chicken farmer in Aine's notebook who delivered fresh eggs on Friday afternoons knowing about when she or Chloe would arrive.

It was obvious that being out in the countryside changed Grace's disposition from the hectic workweek. She felt so very comfortable when she was in Swatragh. After all these months of fighting the feeling, Grace now realized what Aine had known for years. Grace belonged at the cottage. This is where she was truly happy.