Chapter Four
Then, Saturday Morning

DETERMINED THAT THE party wouldn't descend into an episode of a trashy soap, Connie channelled her energies into something productive: cleaning her already spotless house.

Nick has every right to be here.

There weren't many silver linings about her father's dementia, but at least he wouldn't be aware of Nick's presence here today. Otherwise, to quote the Sophie Ellis-Bextor song blaring from the radio, there'd be murder on the dancefloor. Even though she had begged him not to, her father visited Nick's family several times in those early months. Not hoping to achieve some shotgun wedding-he knew that Nick was a bad egg and had little interest in having him as a son-in-law-but to demand that the family paid its fair share.

'I want to do this on my own, Dad!'

'Fine words butter no parsnips,' he had replied-it was one of his favourite expressions. 'Besides, they've enough money with that big house of theirs. And all those cars.'

Nick's parents, disgusted by Connie's 'condition' and used to getting everything their way, reluctantly contributed financially, but when Liam was born and didn't receive their surname, relations between the families soured. As the years progressed, there had been a truce, and Liam spent time in his grandparents' house, learning the ropes of their profitable family business, school uniform manufacturing. Then, the seven-year-old returned distressed one evening after overhearing Nick's parents discuss Connie in a less-than-flattering light, and the afternoons spent in their clothing factory petered out. The many scholarships Liam subsequently received allowed him to pursue his passion for rugby without their financial support. Since then, the two families had remained cordial, but Connie always bristled when they bumped into each other in the village.

Yes, her father's illness was devastating, cruel and unfair, but at least it would allow Nick to remain injury-free. She spritzed cleaner across the window. After wiping the glass, she jumped, startled by a figure in the garden.

'Teddy! You frightened me!'

'I'm sorry, Concepta, that wasn't my intention. I should have called ahead.'

'Don't mind me. I'm a little on edge today. You know what it's like ahead of a party.'

'As it happens, I've never thrown one, but I can imagine.'

With a dull complexion and personality to match, Teddy was one of the area's four gardaí, a position that perfectly suited his earnest, forthright nature. He was so ordinary, it almost made him extraordinary. There were three loves in his life: rules, rugby and, since primary school, Concepta, as he continued to call her. Despite repeated efforts at igniting a romance, the police sergeant had reluctantly settled for friendship with his former classmate. First dibs on tickets to Liam's rugby matches helped ease the heartache.

'I'm on duty all day and night,' Teddy reported, his melancholic voice matching his dejected expression, explaining that Jack, a recent addition to the team, was still learning the ropes. 'So, regrettably, I won't be able to make your party.'

'Ah, I'm sorry to hear that-you'll be missed.'

'Looks like I'm pretty popular at the moment,' Teddy proudly announced, running his hand through the few remaining hairs on his round, weathered head. 'Simon Wall, the construction manager of the building site, has just invited me to a party out west.'

'What a coincidence, his gorgeous son gave me a bunch of flowers over in the café,' she replied, pointing to the vase on the coffee table bursting with marsh orchids, bluebells and rhododendrons.

'They're certainly making their mark around the village. Well, I suppose they can afford to be generous-Simon owns a few properties in Navan and Trim.'

'And where's their party, Teddy? If I'd known, we could have joined forces, and my hands wouldn't be red-raw from scrubbing the house.'

'In a caravan park, if you don't mind! That probably doesn't sound glamorous to a lady like you, Concepta, especially as the park seems to have passed its glory days. No hot water in the showers or taps, for instance, broken windows, you know what I mean. But, according to Simon, it has some of the best views in the country.'

'I'm not sure if I could live without hot water, Teddy, but I bet it's very peaceful out there, being so close to the Atlantic.'

'Not with twenty-odd drunken builders, I wouldn't imagine. Besides, as nice as it was to be included, especially considering I'm no more than a stranger to him, I wondered whether the fellow was trying to sweeten me up in case he needed a favour down the line. Maybe I'm doing him an injustice, but to quote my late grandmother, it's better to err on the side of caution. Accepting gifts or invitations isn't my style, as I hope everyone knows. You'll be pleased to learn I turned him down without hesitation.'

'Good for you. But all's not lost-I'll save you a slice of birthday cake. Don't interpret that as a bribe, do you hear? I won't be asking you for any favours! So, call around when you're free, and I'll fill you in on all the sordid details from today's party!'

'I'd like that very much, Concepta-I really would!' He made no efforts to hide his enthusiasm. 'Not the sordid details, though-I'm not a gossip-but having cake with you. That would be nice.'

'That's settled, then. Instead of a slice, I'll upgrade it to a slab. How's that? And we can talk about non-gossipy things.'

'Something to look forward to. I'm sure I'll see Liam soon to congratulate him on his success.' His voice cracked with emotion. 'I never doubted him.'

'You never did.'

'As you probably know, it's been the lead story on LMFM all morning. The Meath County Council will soon be commissioning statues of him for the village square. Maybe they'll put it in the middle of the fountain. Wouldn't that be something?'

'Without sounding like one of those pushy mammies, I never doubted that he'd make it, either. It shows that you reap the rewards when you put in the effort. Sure, look at you!'

'Only you can make everyone feel like an international sports star, Concepta! There's a lot to celebrate in this house today, that's for sure.' Teddy suddenly shifted uncomfortably. 'God help me if Nick does anything to ruin it. I assume you heard he returned. Convenient timing, if you ask me.'

'That's what Mary Elizabeth said.'

'I hope he doesn't cause a scene.'

Connie smiled, grateful for his concern. 'We're all going to have a lovely day. I know it.'

Teddy nodded, not entirely convinced. 'Anyway, I'd best be making tracks. I have to call into the Waldrons' house in the wood and plead with Mandy to stop hoarding so much junk in the garden.'

'One man's treasure, as they say.'

'I suppose, but how the surrounding trees haven't caught fire is beyond me. It's a deathtrap. Making matters worse, I believe Mandy adopted a new dog, and her sister isn't pleased. The barking is non-stop.'

'And I'm sure the dog is being vocal as well,' Connie teased. It took Teddy a moment to understand the joke.

'Barking, the sister. Very good. Oh, I almost forgot,' he said, handing her a box. 'For your birthday. It belonged to my late grandmother-the one who said it's better to-'

'Err on the side of caution.'

'That's the one. You deserve everything and more.'

And with that, he hurried down the driveway. After watching his car speed out of view, Connie opened the box to find a silver necklace with a brilliant blue sapphire, her birthstone.

'Oh, my word.'

While she had never been in love with him, Connie certainly loved Teddy like a brother. He had showered her with a profusion of treats over the years, but this gift was different. She placed it around her neck and allowed her curls to fall onto her shoulders.

'Princess Connie,' she whispered, adopting a clipped regal accent. 'I could get used to this!'

'Where's the birthday girl?'

Liam emerged from his bedroom, dressed smartly in a navy blazer, chinos and an open-collared shirt. His sartorial choices were almost unseen behind a mound of red roses.

'I hope they're not for me,' she said. 'You know you shouldn't be wasting your money like that.'

'You think a lot of yourself, don't you? They're for my personal chef, my personal cleaner, my personal shopper! The president of my one-person fan club! My biggest supporter! They're for the most beautiful woman in all of Leinster!'

'No wonder Jess can't resist your charms!'

He handed her the roses. 'If I had my way, Mother dearest, you'd receive flowers every day, which will be the case when those big pay cheques start rolling in!'

'You and your silver tongue-you didn't get that from me, that's for sure!'

Liam shifted awkwardly. 'Sure you're okay with Dad coming later?'

'He's your father, and he'll always be welcome in this house.'

'When he called in earlier, I could tell he was proud of me.'

'He is proud of you. We all are. Now, before your success goes to your head,' she added, handing him a brush, 'can you give the kitchen floor a little sweep? I better get ready. Oh, I almost forgot-look at this stunning necklace Teddy just gave me. Isn't he so...