Cailin, her mother, and gran were busy in the kitchen making food displays for the tray that would be put out and preparing the last of the food. Darren was with Cailin's dad as they were bringing in chairs and setting up the bar area. Cailin had no doubt that her dad and Darren would throw back at least one shot of Jameson as they were getting things set up. In fact, she was sure she heard a quiet “slainte” coming from the other room and smiled to herself.
Party time was about an hour away and Cailin and Darren headed upstairs to get ready. Darren was assigned the room next to Cailin and she showed him the shower.
“What, no jet shower?” Darren teased as he knew some things would be different.
“Just don't you go using all the hot water Darren Ryan. I'm not about to take a cold shower for tonight!” Cailin reminded Darren that it was not as readily plentiful as in Ireland using a water heater.
“I'll be quick, lassie,” Darren smiled and said as he headed to the shower.
Darren was true to his words and was finished in a few minutes even leaving Cailin plenty of hot water for her turn. The rest of the family were already done for the day, so it was just the two of them upstairs. Cailin hurried through her shower also so she would have plenty of time to dry her long curly hair. She walked out of the bathroom with a bath towel wrapped around herself only to see Darren standing in his doorway with a bath towel wrapped around his waist with that devilish smile on his face.
“I thought you'd be dressed by......” Cailin started to say as Darren pulled her into his room and closed the door. Cailin was now up against the door and Darren had his two arms on the door above her shoulders.
“And what are you expecting to do here Mr. Ryan?” Cailin knew very well what Darren had in mind as he leaned in to Cailin with a passionate deep kiss that seemed to last forever. Cailin's heart was pounding. She could feel his warm chest and smell his freshly washed skin. She wanted this every bit as much as Darren. She also knew she was in big trouble here if she didn't get a hold of herself soon.
Cailin pried her arms between them up against Darren's chest. There was a momentary pause of weakness as she touched his strong chest, but she gathered all her nerve together and pushed Darren apart from her.
Darren started to laugh, almost uncontrollably.
“What is going on?” Cailin couldn't understand the reason for the laughing.
“I just wanted to make sure you remembered who is waiting for you in bed at night. I'm not silly enough to toss you in bed in your parents house when we are not even married yet. But the thought did cross my mind,” Darren teased Cailin.
“Better lock your door Mr. Ryan, I may come after you!” Cailin teased back, turned quickly and headed to her room.
As soon as Cailin dressed and dried her hair she knocked on Darren's door. There was no answer. She started down the stairs and saw her handsome finance standing by the bar with a drink in hand chatting up her father. They obviously had hit it off quiet well. She knew her parents would like Darren. How could they not? Handsome, talented, and very out-going.
Cailin had her engagement ring on and also the Connemara marble heart that Darren had given her just after they first met. She reached up to touch it and realized it had a warm feeling to it, even though marble is a cool stone.
Brinnnnggg!! The first of the guests were starting to arrive.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Travels in Eire #62
The weekend for the trip to New York City arrived in no time and Cailn and Darren headed to the Dublin Airport early on a Friday morning. They would arrive at JFK International for a late lunch and be partying that evening. It was a seven hour flight, so there was plenty of time to rest, read, and chat about what to expect. This was Darren's first trip abroad and he was like a kid in a candy store and wanted to know everything.
Cailin promised that if they could squeeze in a bit of sightseeing that she would take him to the State of Liberty and to the top of the Empire State Building. Most other sightseeing would have to wait for another time. Cailin was going to meet Ruth for an afternoon of dress shopping after which she hoped to have her wedding dress. Darren would be on his own during this time and she was going to send him to Times Square to check things out.
There was no need for anyone to meet them at the airport as Cailin knew how hectic the traffic could be and it was only a matter of taking a taxi to her parents. Cailin realized that Darren had gotten very quiet after they had been through immigration with their passports and picked up their luggage.
“It's so big and crowded,” he whispered in her ear.
“That's life in the big city here, my love,” she tried to play it off, but New York City and a first time in the United States could be very intimidating. Cailin tried to reassure Darren that all would be fine.
While Cailin was supporting Darren, she had other things on her mind. It had been months, but there was this little feeling in the back of her mind that she might have to deal with Nick again. She was hoping that he did know that she was coming back into town, but somehow he always seemed to find out. She had never talked to Darren about Nick, and was a little concerned that she should not have left that detail out of this trip. She had emailed everyone at work to let them know she would be stopping by if time allowed, but that this was a trip for her parents and for finding a wedding dress.
Rob, her boss, and Bonnie, her assistant, would be at the engagement party so she knew she could fill them in there. Cailin had given her mother a list of friends who she would like to have attend the party, and Nick was definitely not on that list.
As the taxi stopped in front of her parent's house, Cailin felt a little strange after being gone all summer. She was excited to share her excitement with her mother and introduce Darren all around.
“Darren, the only names you really need to worry about are my mom and dad, Kate and Sean. My gran will probably tell you to call her granny, or gran, like I do, even though her name is Mary. After that you are on you own for remembering names. Just smile and use that great Irish accent to your advantage,” Cailin was trying to make it easy for Darren.
They didn't even make it up the stoop when the door opened and Kate came running out to greet them followed by Sean. Grabbing both Cailin and Darren in her arms she doled out a huge hug of welcome. As she finished Cailin did the honors of introductions and Darren and Sean shared a sturdy handshake.
“Well, let's stop this show for the neighborhood and get inside. Granny is waiting for you two.” Sean was very self conscious about the neighborhood watching all the goings on. But they already knew as Kate and Mary had been talking about this visit at the local shops.
“Cailin, I see you have chosen a nice strapping Irishman for yourself.” Mary shouted as they approached her sitting in her chair. She was always the ultimate flirt.
“Nice to meet you m-mam,” Darren stuttered as he realized that Mary was about the same age as his grandfather.
“Oh, call me granny, son. You'll be part of the family soon enough. The only thing that would get me back to Ireland is this wedding.” Cailin could hear the excitement in her gran's voice.
Kate stood in the doorway for the kitchen and shouted, “Okay, all hands on deck. If we're going to get this engagement party going this evening, we need load of help and lots of cooking. So even Darren will be helping Sean with chairs and tables, and of course, the liquor. Let's get busy.”
Kate was on a mission. No party in her house would ever be a shabby affair. While all the food was home made and much of it prepared earlier in the week, there was still much prep to do. Next stop on this visit was Darren and Cailin's engagement party.
Cailin promised that if they could squeeze in a bit of sightseeing that she would take him to the State of Liberty and to the top of the Empire State Building. Most other sightseeing would have to wait for another time. Cailin was going to meet Ruth for an afternoon of dress shopping after which she hoped to have her wedding dress. Darren would be on his own during this time and she was going to send him to Times Square to check things out.
There was no need for anyone to meet them at the airport as Cailin knew how hectic the traffic could be and it was only a matter of taking a taxi to her parents. Cailin realized that Darren had gotten very quiet after they had been through immigration with their passports and picked up their luggage.
“It's so big and crowded,” he whispered in her ear.
“That's life in the big city here, my love,” she tried to play it off, but New York City and a first time in the United States could be very intimidating. Cailin tried to reassure Darren that all would be fine.
While Cailin was supporting Darren, she had other things on her mind. It had been months, but there was this little feeling in the back of her mind that she might have to deal with Nick again. She was hoping that he did know that she was coming back into town, but somehow he always seemed to find out. She had never talked to Darren about Nick, and was a little concerned that she should not have left that detail out of this trip. She had emailed everyone at work to let them know she would be stopping by if time allowed, but that this was a trip for her parents and for finding a wedding dress.
Rob, her boss, and Bonnie, her assistant, would be at the engagement party so she knew she could fill them in there. Cailin had given her mother a list of friends who she would like to have attend the party, and Nick was definitely not on that list.
As the taxi stopped in front of her parent's house, Cailin felt a little strange after being gone all summer. She was excited to share her excitement with her mother and introduce Darren all around.
“Darren, the only names you really need to worry about are my mom and dad, Kate and Sean. My gran will probably tell you to call her granny, or gran, like I do, even though her name is Mary. After that you are on you own for remembering names. Just smile and use that great Irish accent to your advantage,” Cailin was trying to make it easy for Darren.
They didn't even make it up the stoop when the door opened and Kate came running out to greet them followed by Sean. Grabbing both Cailin and Darren in her arms she doled out a huge hug of welcome. As she finished Cailin did the honors of introductions and Darren and Sean shared a sturdy handshake.
“Well, let's stop this show for the neighborhood and get inside. Granny is waiting for you two.” Sean was very self conscious about the neighborhood watching all the goings on. But they already knew as Kate and Mary had been talking about this visit at the local shops.
“Cailin, I see you have chosen a nice strapping Irishman for yourself.” Mary shouted as they approached her sitting in her chair. She was always the ultimate flirt.
“Nice to meet you m-mam,” Darren stuttered as he realized that Mary was about the same age as his grandfather.
“Oh, call me granny, son. You'll be part of the family soon enough. The only thing that would get me back to Ireland is this wedding.” Cailin could hear the excitement in her gran's voice.
Kate stood in the doorway for the kitchen and shouted, “Okay, all hands on deck. If we're going to get this engagement party going this evening, we need load of help and lots of cooking. So even Darren will be helping Sean with chairs and tables, and of course, the liquor. Let's get busy.”
Kate was on a mission. No party in her house would ever be a shabby affair. While all the food was home made and much of it prepared earlier in the week, there was still much prep to do. Next stop on this visit was Darren and Cailin's engagement party.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Travels in Eire #61
The next few weeks seemed to pass very quickly. Cailin and Darren had been attending several parties in their honor and began making their wedding plans. During this time Darren was also in the midst of working on a new fund raiser for the hospital and spending late nights at work. Cailin was trying to work out many of the details on her own in Derry without much knowledge of where to look. She did decide that a trip back to New York was a must to find her wedding dress. What she really wanted was for Darren to go with her to meet her family and friends.
Cailin contacted her new friend Ruth to help with some ideas about planning for the wedding. Ruth was a wealth of information and Cailin leaned on her for the few days that Ruth had available before she headed to the United States herself. Cailin was so happy the she would be able to return the hospitality to Ruth when she headed home to look for a dress.
Darren and Cailin had decided on an Irish wedding shortly after her citizenship papers came through, so there was not much time for planning. Availability for reservations were few and far between in Ireland. Cailin's parents and a few close family and friends would fly over to Ireland for the wedding. But Cailin and Darren would make a trip to New York City as soon as Darren's next fund raiser was over for an engagement party so that her New York friends and family could meet Darren.
While they wanted the wedding to be at Darren's family church in Spiddal, the small local church would not be large enough. Cailin's parents would probably stay at Maura and Philip's home, and most of those flying over would be at the Connemara Coast Hotel. The reception after the wedding would also be located there. So the decision was made to have the wedding there also.
Considerations also had to be made for invitations to all of Darren's friends from Derry and the musician friends he had worked with. It was going to be a large wedding. The day before would be a wedding mass at Darren's family church, and the civil ceremony would be with the large group at the Connemara Coast Hotel.
The most difficult thing to do was to set a date. It was not unusual in Ireland for a wedding to be during the week, which made the flying arrangements a little difficult for those coming from the United States. Darren and Cailin were trying to juggle arrangements for some of the attendees. So while it was close to Christmas, they decided for mid-December.
On of the reasons that they felt they wanted to wait was because they had asked Ryan Kelly to sing at the ceremony, and wanted Keith Harkin to help out with the entertainment for the reception and both of them would be out of town until mid-December.
Plans were all coming together and Darren and Cailin had made arrangements to fly to New York City for a long weekend. So much to do and so little time in New York City.
Cailin contacted her new friend Ruth to help with some ideas about planning for the wedding. Ruth was a wealth of information and Cailin leaned on her for the few days that Ruth had available before she headed to the United States herself. Cailin was so happy the she would be able to return the hospitality to Ruth when she headed home to look for a dress.
Darren and Cailin had decided on an Irish wedding shortly after her citizenship papers came through, so there was not much time for planning. Availability for reservations were few and far between in Ireland. Cailin's parents and a few close family and friends would fly over to Ireland for the wedding. But Cailin and Darren would make a trip to New York City as soon as Darren's next fund raiser was over for an engagement party so that her New York friends and family could meet Darren.
While they wanted the wedding to be at Darren's family church in Spiddal, the small local church would not be large enough. Cailin's parents would probably stay at Maura and Philip's home, and most of those flying over would be at the Connemara Coast Hotel. The reception after the wedding would also be located there. So the decision was made to have the wedding there also.
Considerations also had to be made for invitations to all of Darren's friends from Derry and the musician friends he had worked with. It was going to be a large wedding. The day before would be a wedding mass at Darren's family church, and the civil ceremony would be with the large group at the Connemara Coast Hotel.
The most difficult thing to do was to set a date. It was not unusual in Ireland for a wedding to be during the week, which made the flying arrangements a little difficult for those coming from the United States. Darren and Cailin were trying to juggle arrangements for some of the attendees. So while it was close to Christmas, they decided for mid-December.
On of the reasons that they felt they wanted to wait was because they had asked Ryan Kelly to sing at the ceremony, and wanted Keith Harkin to help out with the entertainment for the reception and both of them would be out of town until mid-December.
Plans were all coming together and Darren and Cailin had made arrangements to fly to New York City for a long weekend. So much to do and so little time in New York City.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Travels in Eire #60
In respect to Darren's parents, Darren stayed in his room upstairs and Cailin stayed in the same room downstairs as she had stayed before. Darren gave Cailin a sad puppy dog look as he headed upstairs after saying a long goodnight.
Cailin was up early and refreshed the next morning. She quietly showered and headed outside to take a quick walk in the cool morning air. It was so different being near Galway Bay compared to living in Derry. As she arrived back at the B&B she caught the aroma of an Irish fry and smiled. Maura would not let her son get by on tea and scones.
As they all sat down to breakfast Cailin slipped back into her room to pick up something to share. She slipped back to the kitchen without much notice and joined the others for her Irish fry.
“Darren, I've been waiting to share something with you and your parents and thought this would be the perfect time.” Cailin started as everyone suddenly stared at her. “You know that my lineage is Irish and as long as I'm living here and working I thought it only appropriate to made a decision for dual citizenship.”
Cailin looked around the table and could see the surprise on Darren's face. Philip and Maura were smiling as big as their face would let them.
“So I've been working on getting my Irish citizenship since a few days after I arrived and it's almost complete. At the end of next month Cailin O'Neill Doherty will have her Irish citizenship!” Cailin finished and was hoping for approval. She showed off the paperwork she had showing the process.
Darren jumped up as Cailin finished and grabbed her wrapping his arms around her. Philip and Maura clapped their hands in approval. This was more than Maura could hope for. Her son would be marrying an Irish girl. And from the looks of it they would be living in Ireland.
After many questions and chatter about how Cailin had been going about this without Darren's knowledge, Cailin reminded everyone that she needed to call her parents with the news of the engagement. She dialed the number from Philip and Maura's phone and clicked onto speaker phone.
“Hello, Mom? It's Cailin. I'm in Galway at Darren's parent's home,” Cailin wanted to make sure her parents knew where she was calling from and that they knew she was on speaker phone. “Is Dad there too?”
“Cailin, it's so good to hear from you. We weren't expecting to hear from you until tomorrow. Is everything okay?” Her mom seemed a little anxious as they had a regular Sunday call and this was Saturday. “Yes, Dad is right here with me, let me put the speaker phone on.”
“Cailin, it's Dad. What are you doing in Galway? Did you take some vacation time again.” Cailin could see the smile on her Dad's face as he teased her.
“Mom, Dad, I'm calling with some great news..... Darren and I are engaged!” and Cailin heard a cheer at the other end of the phone. She could also see how happy this made Maura and Philip. “I can see you two approve of this and I”m so glad you do. I also have some other news for you. With the help of granny, I've applied for my Irish citizenship and it's in the process of being approved!”
“Cailin we knew that was something that you would probably do, so we are so glad for you. And granny kept it all a secret at this end. That alone is a miracle!" her mother responded.
After a short conversation Cailin said her goodbyes to her parents. Now that all surprises were out, the rest of the day was free time for Darren and Cailin to relax as Maura was going to be on the phone telling all her friends about her son's engagement to his Irish girlfriend!
Cailin was up early and refreshed the next morning. She quietly showered and headed outside to take a quick walk in the cool morning air. It was so different being near Galway Bay compared to living in Derry. As she arrived back at the B&B she caught the aroma of an Irish fry and smiled. Maura would not let her son get by on tea and scones.
As they all sat down to breakfast Cailin slipped back into her room to pick up something to share. She slipped back to the kitchen without much notice and joined the others for her Irish fry.
“Darren, I've been waiting to share something with you and your parents and thought this would be the perfect time.” Cailin started as everyone suddenly stared at her. “You know that my lineage is Irish and as long as I'm living here and working I thought it only appropriate to made a decision for dual citizenship.”
Cailin looked around the table and could see the surprise on Darren's face. Philip and Maura were smiling as big as their face would let them.
“So I've been working on getting my Irish citizenship since a few days after I arrived and it's almost complete. At the end of next month Cailin O'Neill Doherty will have her Irish citizenship!” Cailin finished and was hoping for approval. She showed off the paperwork she had showing the process.
Darren jumped up as Cailin finished and grabbed her wrapping his arms around her. Philip and Maura clapped their hands in approval. This was more than Maura could hope for. Her son would be marrying an Irish girl. And from the looks of it they would be living in Ireland.
After many questions and chatter about how Cailin had been going about this without Darren's knowledge, Cailin reminded everyone that she needed to call her parents with the news of the engagement. She dialed the number from Philip and Maura's phone and clicked onto speaker phone.
“Hello, Mom? It's Cailin. I'm in Galway at Darren's parent's home,” Cailin wanted to make sure her parents knew where she was calling from and that they knew she was on speaker phone. “Is Dad there too?”
“Cailin, it's so good to hear from you. We weren't expecting to hear from you until tomorrow. Is everything okay?” Her mom seemed a little anxious as they had a regular Sunday call and this was Saturday. “Yes, Dad is right here with me, let me put the speaker phone on.”
“Cailin, it's Dad. What are you doing in Galway? Did you take some vacation time again.” Cailin could see the smile on her Dad's face as he teased her.
“Mom, Dad, I'm calling with some great news..... Darren and I are engaged!” and Cailin heard a cheer at the other end of the phone. She could also see how happy this made Maura and Philip. “I can see you two approve of this and I”m so glad you do. I also have some other news for you. With the help of granny, I've applied for my Irish citizenship and it's in the process of being approved!”
“Cailin we knew that was something that you would probably do, so we are so glad for you. And granny kept it all a secret at this end. That alone is a miracle!" her mother responded.
After a short conversation Cailin said her goodbyes to her parents. Now that all surprises were out, the rest of the day was free time for Darren and Cailin to relax as Maura was going to be on the phone telling all her friends about her son's engagement to his Irish girlfriend!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Travels in Eire #59
The next week was a flurry of activity. With Darren and Cailin both working, they kept their news secret from everyone until they could sit down and make a plan to tell their families and friends. Darren brought over enough clothes to Cailin's flat so that when he did spend the night, which was more often than not, he was able to leave for work the next morning and not go back to his place first. They loved this private time together with just the two of them to celebrate their feelings. Cailin loved waking up in the morning knowing that Darren was next to her.
Since Cailin had the most flexible schedule, Darren worked out a time when they could take a long weekend and travel to Spiddal to visit his parents. This was not something he wanted to share with them over the phone. They planned to call Cailin's parents while they were there.
During this time Cailin had also been working on a surprise for Darren. She thought when they were in Spiddal that would be the perfect time to share it with both him and his parents. It was now just under 3 months from when she had first visited Ireland on vacation. She was sure this was not something that Darren would expect.
For this trip, Darren and Cailn would be renting a car for the drive. A bus would take them over 4 hours to get to Galway and they didn't want that long of a drive for just a short weekend. Darren's parents were thrilled that they were coming for a visit. Darren had told Maura that they just needed a weekend out of the city and they both loved being on the Connemara Coast.
Friday morning came quickly, and after Darren gathered what he needed at his flat, he picked up the rental car and headed for Cailin. Cailin was packed and ready when Darren arrived. Both were excited to be getting away for the weekend and anxious to share their wonderful news. The weather was beautiful and the drive uneventful.
This was the first visit to Darre's parents where Cailin was not feeling overwhelmed or nervous. She and Maura had moved passed any worries that Maura had about Cailin taking Darren away from Ireland, especially after their trip to the psychic in Derry.
On the way passed Galway heading toward Spiddal, Darren pulled the car over again by the Connemara Coast Hotel. The had stopped here the last trip, but for very different reasons. Darren knew how much Cailin loved this area as he did with the rocky coastline along the bay. They found their favorite spot where they could sit upon some large rocks and look across the bay to the Burren. And the day was clear enough that they could just make out the Aran Islands.
They sat quietly in each other's arms just taking in the beauty of it all. A group of young children ran by laughing and screaming at each other to break their quiet thoughts.
“Time to move on, Cailin,” Darren said as he helped her up from the rock.
Cailin smiled knowing this was going to be a very special weekend, full of many surprises.
“As they pulled up to the B&B that Philip and Maura owned and lived in, Darren honked the horn to let everyone know that they had arrived. The first outside was Philip with open arms and a welcoming smile.
“Mum's in the kitchen cooking up a storm, boy. She's been at it since this mornin'” Philip chirped as he reached for a hug with Cailin and then one with Darren.
“Gramps,” Darren yelled to his granddad who came out of the door next. There seemed to be some secretive exchange between the two of them, but Cailin knew better than ask.
They all piled into the house to the smell of amazing aromas wafting out of the kitchen. Philip was chattering with Cailin as they walked down the hall asking about her job and living in Derry. It had only been a few weeks since Philip and Maura were in Derry for a visit, but you'd think it was longer. Darren and his granddad lingered behind whispering about something.
“Cailin, so glad to see you again!” Maura walked away from stirring the pot on the stove to give Cailin a big hug which Cailin returned in kind. “I'm so glad the two of you decided to spend a weekend here on the coast.
The conversation turned to the beautiful weather and all things that were going on with Cailin and Darren and their work. Maura even asked about Cailin's parents. This was the first time she showed any interest in them and knowing about their life in New York. Conversation continued all through dinner and was light and engaging. Cailin was thoroughly enjoying herself this visit.
Cailin and Darren talked before they left Derry and decided that Cailin would not wear her engagement ring until after they told Maura and Philip. They were trying for a big surprise and hoped they could pull it off.
Dessert time came and Maura had made a lemon and orange carrageen pudding. Darren opened a bottle of wine.
“Before we all partake of our dessert, I'd like to make a toast.” Darren announced as Cailin carefully removed her engagement ring from her pocket and placed in on her finger under the table. “I would like to toast my wonderful parents and my beautiful fiancée!” Darren finished with a huge smile on his face.
Maura was dumbfounded, but for a moment only, and tears began to streak down her cheeks. She was speechless. Philip bounded up from the table toward Darren and grabbed him in a huge hug then turned to Cailin and did the same. Cailin was worried that Maura was very upset about the engagement.
“Don't worry lass, they are happy tears. I know the difference since we've been married so long.” Phillip interjected as he could see the worry on Cailin's face.
Maura rose from the table, and came face to face with Cailin. And before she could even say anything the two of them were both in tears. Happy tears, but tears no less.
“So are we going to get on with the toast for these two kids?” Granddad chirped in still holding his glass of wine.
“Yes, definitely yes,” said Maura as she pulled away from Cailn wiping her eyes in her apron. “This is a joyous occasion and we need to celebrate!” Maura had finally pulled herself together and was now ready to celebrate.
“Darren, does Cailin know about her engagement ring?” Granddad asked Darren as they all clinked glasses and took their first taste of wine.
“I haven't even had time to tell her yet how you helped me with all this,” Darren replied. “Cailin this was my grandmother's ring. A few weeks ago I contacted my granddad and asked him about it. He was more than happy to allow me to have it so I could give it to you, so he sent it to me in the mail.”
“Darren, it's a beautiful ring. I love that it has so much in the way of family memories.” Cailin got up from her seat and give Darren's granddad a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so very much.”
The evening ended with more wine and cheerful conversation. Cailin was so happy that Maura didn't broach the subject of a wedding yet, she still had her secret to share with Darren and his family.
Because of the five hour difference they all decided it would be best to wait until morning to call Cailin's parents. Breakfast time would be perfect for that and more surprises.
Since Cailin had the most flexible schedule, Darren worked out a time when they could take a long weekend and travel to Spiddal to visit his parents. This was not something he wanted to share with them over the phone. They planned to call Cailin's parents while they were there.
During this time Cailin had also been working on a surprise for Darren. She thought when they were in Spiddal that would be the perfect time to share it with both him and his parents. It was now just under 3 months from when she had first visited Ireland on vacation. She was sure this was not something that Darren would expect.
For this trip, Darren and Cailn would be renting a car for the drive. A bus would take them over 4 hours to get to Galway and they didn't want that long of a drive for just a short weekend. Darren's parents were thrilled that they were coming for a visit. Darren had told Maura that they just needed a weekend out of the city and they both loved being on the Connemara Coast.
Friday morning came quickly, and after Darren gathered what he needed at his flat, he picked up the rental car and headed for Cailin. Cailin was packed and ready when Darren arrived. Both were excited to be getting away for the weekend and anxious to share their wonderful news. The weather was beautiful and the drive uneventful.
This was the first visit to Darre's parents where Cailin was not feeling overwhelmed or nervous. She and Maura had moved passed any worries that Maura had about Cailin taking Darren away from Ireland, especially after their trip to the psychic in Derry.
On the way passed Galway heading toward Spiddal, Darren pulled the car over again by the Connemara Coast Hotel. The had stopped here the last trip, but for very different reasons. Darren knew how much Cailin loved this area as he did with the rocky coastline along the bay. They found their favorite spot where they could sit upon some large rocks and look across the bay to the Burren. And the day was clear enough that they could just make out the Aran Islands.
They sat quietly in each other's arms just taking in the beauty of it all. A group of young children ran by laughing and screaming at each other to break their quiet thoughts.
“Time to move on, Cailin,” Darren said as he helped her up from the rock.
Cailin smiled knowing this was going to be a very special weekend, full of many surprises.
“As they pulled up to the B&B that Philip and Maura owned and lived in, Darren honked the horn to let everyone know that they had arrived. The first outside was Philip with open arms and a welcoming smile.
“Mum's in the kitchen cooking up a storm, boy. She's been at it since this mornin'” Philip chirped as he reached for a hug with Cailin and then one with Darren.
“Gramps,” Darren yelled to his granddad who came out of the door next. There seemed to be some secretive exchange between the two of them, but Cailin knew better than ask.
They all piled into the house to the smell of amazing aromas wafting out of the kitchen. Philip was chattering with Cailin as they walked down the hall asking about her job and living in Derry. It had only been a few weeks since Philip and Maura were in Derry for a visit, but you'd think it was longer. Darren and his granddad lingered behind whispering about something.
“Cailin, so glad to see you again!” Maura walked away from stirring the pot on the stove to give Cailin a big hug which Cailin returned in kind. “I'm so glad the two of you decided to spend a weekend here on the coast.
The conversation turned to the beautiful weather and all things that were going on with Cailin and Darren and their work. Maura even asked about Cailin's parents. This was the first time she showed any interest in them and knowing about their life in New York. Conversation continued all through dinner and was light and engaging. Cailin was thoroughly enjoying herself this visit.
Cailin and Darren talked before they left Derry and decided that Cailin would not wear her engagement ring until after they told Maura and Philip. They were trying for a big surprise and hoped they could pull it off.
Dessert time came and Maura had made a lemon and orange carrageen pudding. Darren opened a bottle of wine.
“Before we all partake of our dessert, I'd like to make a toast.” Darren announced as Cailin carefully removed her engagement ring from her pocket and placed in on her finger under the table. “I would like to toast my wonderful parents and my beautiful fiancée!” Darren finished with a huge smile on his face.
Maura was dumbfounded, but for a moment only, and tears began to streak down her cheeks. She was speechless. Philip bounded up from the table toward Darren and grabbed him in a huge hug then turned to Cailin and did the same. Cailin was worried that Maura was very upset about the engagement.
“Don't worry lass, they are happy tears. I know the difference since we've been married so long.” Phillip interjected as he could see the worry on Cailin's face.
Maura rose from the table, and came face to face with Cailin. And before she could even say anything the two of them were both in tears. Happy tears, but tears no less.
“So are we going to get on with the toast for these two kids?” Granddad chirped in still holding his glass of wine.
“Yes, definitely yes,” said Maura as she pulled away from Cailn wiping her eyes in her apron. “This is a joyous occasion and we need to celebrate!” Maura had finally pulled herself together and was now ready to celebrate.
“Darren, does Cailin know about her engagement ring?” Granddad asked Darren as they all clinked glasses and took their first taste of wine.
“I haven't even had time to tell her yet how you helped me with all this,” Darren replied. “Cailin this was my grandmother's ring. A few weeks ago I contacted my granddad and asked him about it. He was more than happy to allow me to have it so I could give it to you, so he sent it to me in the mail.”
“Darren, it's a beautiful ring. I love that it has so much in the way of family memories.” Cailin got up from her seat and give Darren's granddad a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so very much.”
The evening ended with more wine and cheerful conversation. Cailin was so happy that Maura didn't broach the subject of a wedding yet, she still had her secret to share with Darren and his family.
Because of the five hour difference they all decided it would be best to wait until morning to call Cailin's parents. Breakfast time would be perfect for that and more surprises.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Travels in Eire #58
“Time for a little wall walking,” Darren directed as they left the diner. “We need to work off that great meal. Are you full now?”
“I'm stuffed and a walk on the walls would be great!” Cailin followed Darren up a set of stairs that led to the start of a walk on the old walls of Derry City.
The day was beautiful. Sunny and just cool enough that they could walk at a quick pace. Every time you turned a corner there was a different view of the outskirts of Derry. One view of the Guildhall and gathering area around it. Another of the rolling landscape just outside of Derry. They would stop periodically to look at the view and talk about what could be seen.
As they approached the view that overlooked the boglands Cailin stopped in her tracks.
“Darren, do you know where this is?”
“Cailin, of course I know where this is,” Darren was quick to answer. “A couple of months ago I was passing out fliers for a concert I had arranged, and I saw this beautiful girl looking out over the edge of this wall. Right here on this spot and I asked her to come to the concert.”
Cailin blushed. This was the place on the Derry wall where they had first met.
“It's still a beautiful view, Darren,” Cailin sighed as she turned to look over the landscape in front of her. She realized that Darren had gotten very quiet.
As Cailin turned back she had to look down. Darren was on one knee. She was so taken aback that her hand went up to her chest in surprise.
“Cailin, I love you very much. I think I've known that since the beginning. I also know that I can't live without you. My life has changed so much for the better since you came into my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, and me by yours.” There was as big pause as Darren seemed to run out of breath. “Cailin, will you marry me?”
All this time Cailin was astounded by what was happening. She knew how much she loved Darren, but she was afraid at the same time. All she could do was look down at Darren who looked like he would hyperventilate if she didn't answer.
“Darren, I never thought it would happen this way. You are the most caring, gentle man I have ever met. You always put others before yourself. It's this kind of man I want to spend my life with and wake up next to every day for the rest of my life.” Cailin took a big breath... "Yes, I would love to marry you!”
And all of a sudden there was a cheer! Cailin and Darren had been involved so much with each other, they had not noticed that they had drawn a crowd.
Darren reached over to Cailin and took her hand in his placing a beautiful antique diamond ring on her finger. He had to hold her hand still as Cailin was shaking with excitement. Darren then took her by the shoulders and pulled her close for a long loving kiss. Cailin melted in his arms. The bystanders cheered again and Cailin and Darren turned to them all smiling.
Darren turned to Cailin and smiled, “Time to call home, yours, and mine.”
The final leg of the walk on the walls was more a stroll with Darren's arm around Cailin's shoulders, stopping often to share a kiss and smile at each other.
“I'm stuffed and a walk on the walls would be great!” Cailin followed Darren up a set of stairs that led to the start of a walk on the old walls of Derry City.
The day was beautiful. Sunny and just cool enough that they could walk at a quick pace. Every time you turned a corner there was a different view of the outskirts of Derry. One view of the Guildhall and gathering area around it. Another of the rolling landscape just outside of Derry. They would stop periodically to look at the view and talk about what could be seen.
As they approached the view that overlooked the boglands Cailin stopped in her tracks.
“Darren, do you know where this is?”
“Cailin, of course I know where this is,” Darren was quick to answer. “A couple of months ago I was passing out fliers for a concert I had arranged, and I saw this beautiful girl looking out over the edge of this wall. Right here on this spot and I asked her to come to the concert.”
Cailin blushed. This was the place on the Derry wall where they had first met.
“It's still a beautiful view, Darren,” Cailin sighed as she turned to look over the landscape in front of her. She realized that Darren had gotten very quiet.
As Cailin turned back she had to look down. Darren was on one knee. She was so taken aback that her hand went up to her chest in surprise.
“Cailin, I love you very much. I think I've known that since the beginning. I also know that I can't live without you. My life has changed so much for the better since you came into my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, and me by yours.” There was as big pause as Darren seemed to run out of breath. “Cailin, will you marry me?”
All this time Cailin was astounded by what was happening. She knew how much she loved Darren, but she was afraid at the same time. All she could do was look down at Darren who looked like he would hyperventilate if she didn't answer.
“Darren, I never thought it would happen this way. You are the most caring, gentle man I have ever met. You always put others before yourself. It's this kind of man I want to spend my life with and wake up next to every day for the rest of my life.” Cailin took a big breath... "Yes, I would love to marry you!”
And all of a sudden there was a cheer! Cailin and Darren had been involved so much with each other, they had not noticed that they had drawn a crowd.
Darren reached over to Cailin and took her hand in his placing a beautiful antique diamond ring on her finger. He had to hold her hand still as Cailin was shaking with excitement. Darren then took her by the shoulders and pulled her close for a long loving kiss. Cailin melted in his arms. The bystanders cheered again and Cailin and Darren turned to them all smiling.
Darren turned to Cailin and smiled, “Time to call home, yours, and mine.”
The final leg of the walk on the walls was more a stroll with Darren's arm around Cailin's shoulders, stopping often to share a kiss and smile at each other.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Travels in Eire #57
“Let's go get some breakfast,” Darren said, “But first we're stopping by my place so I can change clothes.”
“Sounds good to me. That cup of tea is not going to hold me for very long.” Cailin could hear her stomach rumbling and smiled at Darren.
“You are such a hungry lass. I don't know that I'll be able to continue to afford to feed you,” Darren teased and laughed as he walked up to Cailin and give her a hug.
It was only a fifteen minute walk to Darren's small flat from Cailin's. They arrived and Cailin stood looking out his window as Darren changed clothes. She wondered what was to come between them. She had never lived with a man before. Is that what Darren was talking about? Or was he going past that to something more serious? Before she had time to think about it any more, he was changed and ready to go.
“I know this great place in town if you can wait till we take a short bus ride,” he told Cailin.
“I'll wait, but they better have plenty to eat. I'm famished!” she kidded back.
Darren and Cailin walked hand in hand down the street to the bus stop. Cailin couldn't stop smiling. Darren would stand behind her with his arms around her whispering into her ear. The bus ride was short and the diner was only half a block from the stop. A waitress saw them enter and waived to Darren as they headed to some free seats at the back of the diner.
“They obviously know you around here,” Cailin stated.
“This place is close to work, so I often stop by here for lunch, and an occasional dinner when I'm not at your place. How about over there?”
As they were about to sit down, Darren heard his name called.
“Darren! Hey Boss, how ya' doin?” A deep voice came from behind them.
Darren turned around to see a young tall lanky lad stand to shake hands with him. “It's been way too long Damian. Ya still beltin out those tunes?”
“Cailin,” Darren called Cailin back. “This young man is an amazing singer. He's going to go a long way. Damian this is my lass, Cailin.”
Cailin blushed at hearing Darren refer to her as his lass. “Damian it's so nice to meet you. I've been having a great time getting to meet all of Darren's musical friends.”
“Good on ya'. What's the craic, Cailin?” Damian replied back. His Derry accent was thick and almost difficult to understand. But his blue eyes twinkled when she smiled. “So have ya met Keith yet? I've done some singing with the blond one.”
“As a matter of fact, I have met Keith. I ended up flying over from the States sitting next to him not even knowing who he was.”
Darren and Damian exchanged a few words about concerts and music and then parted. Cailin and Darren headed toward their seats and put in their orders.
As they had another cup of tea, Darren paused in their conversation.
“Cailin I don't want last night to end up being a one night stand. I want to spend every night with you. I don't think I can do this with you living in one place and me in another, running home to get fresh clothes in the morning”
“So what are you saying Darren. You seem to have some kind of plan here.” Cailin was both curious and apprehensive. Was Darren asking to move in?
“Cailin I think we need to have some permanency to our relationship. I want to make a commitment to you. I hope you feel the same way?” Darren ended with a question to confirm mutual feelings.
“Yes, of course, Darren. I want to be with you too. But what about your parents?”
On this question their conversation was interrupted by the waitress delivering their meal. It must have been fate, as neither one of them wanted to have to discuss Darren's parents at this point.
“Sounds good to me. That cup of tea is not going to hold me for very long.” Cailin could hear her stomach rumbling and smiled at Darren.
“You are such a hungry lass. I don't know that I'll be able to continue to afford to feed you,” Darren teased and laughed as he walked up to Cailin and give her a hug.
It was only a fifteen minute walk to Darren's small flat from Cailin's. They arrived and Cailin stood looking out his window as Darren changed clothes. She wondered what was to come between them. She had never lived with a man before. Is that what Darren was talking about? Or was he going past that to something more serious? Before she had time to think about it any more, he was changed and ready to go.
“I know this great place in town if you can wait till we take a short bus ride,” he told Cailin.
“I'll wait, but they better have plenty to eat. I'm famished!” she kidded back.
Darren and Cailin walked hand in hand down the street to the bus stop. Cailin couldn't stop smiling. Darren would stand behind her with his arms around her whispering into her ear. The bus ride was short and the diner was only half a block from the stop. A waitress saw them enter and waived to Darren as they headed to some free seats at the back of the diner.
“They obviously know you around here,” Cailin stated.
“This place is close to work, so I often stop by here for lunch, and an occasional dinner when I'm not at your place. How about over there?”
As they were about to sit down, Darren heard his name called.
“Darren! Hey Boss, how ya' doin?” A deep voice came from behind them.
Darren turned around to see a young tall lanky lad stand to shake hands with him. “It's been way too long Damian. Ya still beltin out those tunes?”
“Cailin,” Darren called Cailin back. “This young man is an amazing singer. He's going to go a long way. Damian this is my lass, Cailin.”
Cailin blushed at hearing Darren refer to her as his lass. “Damian it's so nice to meet you. I've been having a great time getting to meet all of Darren's musical friends.”
“Good on ya'. What's the craic, Cailin?” Damian replied back. His Derry accent was thick and almost difficult to understand. But his blue eyes twinkled when she smiled. “So have ya met Keith yet? I've done some singing with the blond one.”
“As a matter of fact, I have met Keith. I ended up flying over from the States sitting next to him not even knowing who he was.”
Darren and Damian exchanged a few words about concerts and music and then parted. Cailin and Darren headed toward their seats and put in their orders.
As they had another cup of tea, Darren paused in their conversation.
“Cailin I don't want last night to end up being a one night stand. I want to spend every night with you. I don't think I can do this with you living in one place and me in another, running home to get fresh clothes in the morning”
“So what are you saying Darren. You seem to have some kind of plan here.” Cailin was both curious and apprehensive. Was Darren asking to move in?
“Cailin I think we need to have some permanency to our relationship. I want to make a commitment to you. I hope you feel the same way?” Darren ended with a question to confirm mutual feelings.
“Yes, of course, Darren. I want to be with you too. But what about your parents?”
On this question their conversation was interrupted by the waitress delivering their meal. It must have been fate, as neither one of them wanted to have to discuss Darren's parents at this point.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
