‘Dearly beloved,’ the elderly priest said, smiling. ‘As Jesus said, Where two or three are gathered in my name I am with them. It is my privilege to bestow a blessing on Murray and Jonathan – particularly as it was I who introduced them,’ he added, to much laughter. ‘In this room today are two people who love each other. You must love one another as you love me, our dear Lord taught. How wonderful for all of us to share in Jonathan and Murray’s love. For love is all that matters and love is why we are here. I bless this union, gifted to Jonathan and Murray by God, and pray that the love that is here today will multiply and fill the world with love and grace. Amen.’
‘This is the weepiest wedding I was ever at,’ Niall murmured to Hilary as tears and cheers followed Father McDaid as he resumed his seat.
‘Isn’t that marvellous, to know that you’ve been instrumental in making two wonderful people very, very happy. And not only the boys, but myself included, and all my family. We’re in your debt, Father,’ Nancy declared, overwhelmed with gratitude.
‘And I’m in Jonathan’s. He’s a wonderful man. He introduced me to Hannah over there. He pointed to his therapist, who was laughing heartily at something Orla, Jonathan’s old friend from his bedsit days, was saying to her. ‘She’s an angel in disguise,’ he said enthusiastically. ‘All my years as a priest and I’d been blindsided by theological arguments and this canon law or that one, and you know it’s all nonsense,’ he exclaimed.
‘Nonsense,’ agreed Nancy. ‘You know that song that used to be popular once. What was it now? Oh yes, the Beatles. “Love Is All You Need” or was it “All You Need Is Love”? I can’t quite remember.’
‘Whatever it was, it was absolutely spot on. Love is all you need. And if there isn’t love in this room I don’t know where it is,’ the priest chuckled, taking a rather large sip of his brandy. The party was in full swing and he was enjoying himself immensely. His words of blessing had been heartfelt, as he’d called on the Creator to bless the two men before him joined in civil partnership. There had been many tears when he had spoken those words, but they were tears of happiness, and the elderly priest had felt his own heart lift in joy to be part of such a blessed, happy occasion.
‘Look at Mum and Father D. They’re getting on like a house on fire. I knew they’d click,’ Jonathan said to Hilary as they sat together after the toasts.
‘It’s a great day. I’ve never been to such a joyful wedding,’ she assured him.
‘Some day, hopefully, we will be able to marry properly in Ireland, and please God the referendum will be passed, but today will keep us going until then,’ Jonathan said happily.
‘You mean I’m going to get another chance to be your bridesmaid?’ Hilary teased.
‘You bet your ass, Hammond. There comes a time when a gal’s got to do what a gal’s got to do! Today was just a trial run. And a brilliant one at that.’
‘I’ll be there, never you fear,’ she assured him.
‘I know you will,’ said Jonathan confidently. ‘Of that, I have no fear. You know what they say, “People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.” We’re in it for the long haul, Hil. I love Murray, but you’re my best friend.’
‘And you’re mine,’ Hilary responded warmly, hugging him. ‘And how lucky are we?’
A
CKNOWLEDGEMENTS
‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity’
Proverbs 17:17
I never write a book alone and so, as always, it is with deep gratitude I thank ‘my gang’ for guiding this latest book. Jesus, Our Lady, Mother Meera, St Joseph, St Michael, St Anthony, White Eagle, all my Angels, Saints and Guides and my Beloved Mother who has brought me to Simon & Schuster where the great adventure continues.
Huge thanks to: My dear and wonderful dad whose courage and humour inspire me.
To my sister Mary and all my family. To my nieces, who keep me up to date with fashion, make-up, trends, and text speak!
To Keith Farrell, nephew-in-law who is always on call for IT dramas!
This book is about friendship, and to all my dear and loving friends, who are so precious to me, there aren’t enough thanks for all your love and support.
To Hannah! You are the best! A real angel.
A huge thanks to Darren Keogh, Lighting INDENT Designer, for sharing his expertise.
To my exceptional editor, Jo Dickinson, all of the fantastic UK team, and to all my dear Schusters worldwide: it has been an amazing, invigorating time, and I’m enjoying it so much. Thank you all for your great enthusiasm, kindness, and professionalism. It is a joy to be published by you. (And Matt: thank you for the gorgeous covers.)
To all my terrific agents and friends at Lutyens & Rubinstein who work so hard on my behalf. Dear Sarah: you have been with me through thick and thin over the years, and are a true friend.
To Helen (my boss, who minds me so well), Gill, Simon, Dec, Fergus, Sharon, Eamonn and Nigel at Gill Hess & Co. How lucky am I to have the best team in Ireland.
To booksellers everywhere, who despite very difficult times keep going and supporting us authors. Your backing and goodwill has been constant down the years.
To the memory of a brave and special boy, Haydn Harrison, and his mother Jeanette, and family. He will never be forgotten.
To all the staff in the Bon Secours, Mater, and Royal Hospital Donnybrook who have looked after my family and me at various times in the past two years, and have
