No Coincidence

Cuddles and Claddaghs

It was no coincidence that Brynn met Niall's family on September 12th.

It was an unreasonably cold day in Mullingar. Niall could see the breath leaving Brynn's mouth. At least they were both dressed warmly. Brynn had her usual, casual/urban thing going on. His father had called him last night and demanded that he bring Brynn to town to meet him. So, here he was, back in Mullingar. 

The sky was grey and heavy with the promise of rain. 

"My dad was planning on having a bonfire," he mentioned as they headed toward a cab. 

"Alright, bonfires are cool. Especially in this weather. Ugh."

"Does it not get this cold in North Carolina?"

"Hell no! It doesn't get this cold in January."

Niall laughed. "Oh, honey. You're in for it this winter. It's supposed to get really cold."

Brynn groaned. "Are you at least going to be here to keep me warm?"

Niall smiled and pulled her closer in the backseat of the cab. "I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

She smiled back and kissed him. Now, it was Niall's turn to get the fluttters in his stomach. Her kiss was gentle and light and it almost didn't feel like she kissed him at all. He couldn't help but smile at her.

"What are you smilng for?" she laughed as she pulled away.

"Just you," he replied with a shrug.

She smiled and leaned against him, turning back to watch the road as the cabbie drove them to his dad's. He couldn't help but stare at her. She was just so damn pretty. Her hair was growing out and now, it just brushed the tops of her shoulder blades. Her eyes were so pretty. And she was just so intelligent and funny and relaxed and independent and stubborn.

She was literally everything he could've ever wanted. 

She turned and looked at him, her face turning into something concerned. "You alright?"

"Of course," he replied. "I just... Nothing, I'm fine."

"Okay..."

The car came to a stop and Niall paid the cabbie as they hopped out, their bags on their shoulders.

"Well, here it is," Niall said, gesturing to the house in front of him. It was a two story brick cottage. The shutters and window panes were white. It was the sort of house Brynn had always wanted to grow up in. There was ivy growing on the side. The yard was bordered by a black pickett fence.

"This house is absolutely beautiful," Brynn said. "I love it!"

"You'll love the inside," Niall insisted. "Come on." He grabbed her hand and pulled her down the walkway to the door. He didn't knock, he just opened the door and shouted "DAD! I'M HOME!"

"IT'S ABOUT FUCKIN' TIME!"

Niall gave Brynn and apologetic smile. "Um. Yeah, he's kind of... He's where I get my swearing habit, in case you were wondering."

Brynn smiled and then Bobby Horan rounded the corner. He was only an inch or two taller than Niall, but Niall obviously got his nose, jawline, and eyes from his father -- and, probably, his hair color.

"Come here, you big prat!" Mr. Horan yanked Niall into his arms and hugged him roughly, patting him on the back heavily.

Niall hugged him back much in the same way before stepping to the side. "Da, this is Brynn. Brynn, this is my dad."