The week flew by. Grace was quickly becoming familiar with all of Aine's recipes and was adding a few of her own when guests asked to have diner provided. She constantly needed to make sure she had enough of all the ingredients on hand and had become such a regular at a local market that they made sure to have some special things that only Grace would need. They also helped out by delivering when Grace was too busy and unable to leave the cottage to pick up supplies. The farmer who delivered the eggs was another life saver when the cottage was busy and Grace was making breakfast for a full compliment of guests daily. She was going to have to think about getting a second fridge, or a larger one, to handle all the perishables.
Before Grace had much time to think about it, Friday arrived and she could not wait for Quinn to get there. They had talked each day for a few minutes, but with his job, and as busy as Grace was with the cottage, it was just not long enough. Grace wanted to make a special dinner for the two of them, but Quinn had told her he wanted to go out and treat her this night.
Swatragh was a small town and there was not much other than Rafter's, and maybe a small Chinese restaurant to eat. They would have to go further. Grace wondered what Quinn had in mind. Quinn also told Grace that she needed to dress to fit the occasion since this would be no pub visit.
Grace chose a rose colored skirt with a matching print blouse. Pretty enough for cocktails, but not too formal. Her dark hair stood out with the outfit and she wore it down and loose rather than tied back as usual when she was at the cottage. A little touch of blush and some shadow, and she glowed. Grace was not sure if Quinn had ever really seen her dressed up.
All the guests were out for the evening and none expect dinner tonight, so Grace had the evening free. At 5:30 she heard a car pull into the drive. As she opened the front door of the cottage, she smiled as she saw Quinn exiting his car still in his suit from the work day. She decided right then that he could have pursued a career as a male model and would look exceptional in anything that he wore.
As Quinn started to walk to the front door, he looked up and saw Grace. He stopped in his tracks as he was in awe of her natural beauty. She glowed from inside out and this is the first time he had really seen this. After this momentary stop he charged up the steps and grabbed Grace in a huge twirling hug followed by a long passionate kiss. No words were needed between the two.
“You look absolutely ravishing,” Quinn smiled as he pulled himself away form Grace to look her over once more.
Grace blushed, “Not so bad yourself, mister.”
“Are you ready to go? We have some reservations and I don't want to be late for this special evening,” Quinn turned to head back to the car.
“Special evening? Where are we going? What's this all about?” Grace was full of questions.
“Just come along and you'll see. I'm not saying any more,” Quinn took Grace's hand and lead her to the car.
They headed down the road to Maghera, or at least Grace thought so, until they turned left onto a road that lead to an area called Upperlands. There was only one place out here that Grace knew about and her heart pounded as they turned in the drive to Ardtara Country House. This place was known all around the county as a throw back to the time of Queen Victoria but updated with all the current amenities. The food was definitely gourmet, and the country house had been recognized by many awards like Fodor's and Michelin, along with being recognized as one of the most romantic places in Ireland.
Grace was speechless. It took forever to get reservations here. She had heard this from guests who were looking for a romantic getaway and ended up at Aine's cottage instead. This was only about 15 minutes from the cottage. What did Quinn have in mind?
As they pulled up to the front of the country house, Quinn exited the car and came around to assist Grace.
“Just be patient, Grace. I know you have lots of questions,” was Quinn's only response.
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