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“Hell’s Kitchen!” Col of which, I have your lunch all ready Cottage Pie with stout”

“What do you think?” I asked, looking in Miranda’s eyes

She smiled “Sounds fantastic”

I took Miranda’s hand and we sat back down in the booth, side by side, ht a spread of food, including lasses of dark brown stout

“Will you join us?” Miranda asked, gesturing to the elanced at me and I shook my head almost imperceptibly I wanted to be alone with Miranda

“No, no,” he said and shook his head “Thank you for asking You two have a nice lunch alone I’ve got work to do”

Colm left us and went behind the bar As Miranda and I turned to our plates of Cottage Pie, I glanced over to where Collass of soda and raised it Sláinte! he mouthed and took a sip

I raisedhim silently

I took a sip and turned to Miranda, as staring at her plate She was s softly, and at thatsomeone like her

“I honestly didn’t believe you’d ever forgive me,” I said “Why? Why did you?”

She looked at, even when bad things happen Not tellingbut I don’t think you ood heart and you deserve a second chance” Then, she raised her glass of Guinness “To life,” she said softly, nodding to me

I raised lass in return and met her eyes “To life”

We each took a sip and then I put down lass out of her hand

Then, I pulled her intoher closer, closer, unable to get enough of her and barely able to believe ive me

If she could forgive ive myself