OUR LITTLE SECRET

Part 30

Several days later...

A few days later, on your way to Cork with Mara, you became rather nervous about the prospect of facing your mother and Frank again. Nevertheless, you reminded yourself that you had come a long way since moving out of their home and had grown significantly as a person. Besides, you were accompanied by Cillian, who provided unwavering support and emotional security.

You arrived at Cillian's mother's country house early in the evening, just before sunset. The picturesque town welcomed you with warm hospitality, and the breathtaking scenery instantly calmed your nerves. The house itself was a beautiful house situated on an idyllic hill overlooking the ocean. It was surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, creating a serene atmosphere.

You had been to the region before many times, but never to her house which, in itself, was something that caused you to panic a little.

"Y/N, relax," Cillian told you while parking the car in front of her house. "It is going to be fine," he continued to reassure you as he took Mara out of her carseat and carried her in his arms.

"Okay, let's go," you encouraged yourself as you gathered your belongings and followed Cillian, Max and Mara up the winding driveway to the welcoming home.

Cillian's mother came out through the door, a wide smile stretching across her face as she eagerly peered at the four of you.

"Oh, my! Isn't she gorgeous?" she gushed, reaching out to stroke Mara's soft hair lovingly. "Welcome! Welcome! We're so glad you could come," she chirped cheerfully, her bright eyes sparkling with warmth and affection before giving Cillian a hug.

Frank emerged from behind his mother, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied you cautiously. He paused, swallowing thickly before offering a stiff nod in greeting.

You followed Cillian into the house, Mara cradled securely in his arms, her tiny fingers wrapped tightly around his finger. Max trailed closely behind you, clutching his backpack nervously.

"Your house is beautiful Mrs Murphy," you told her politely in an attempt to break the ice. "Thank you for inviting us," you added sincerely while Cillian spoke to his brother Frank, who seemed to ignore Mara's existence.

"Thank you for coming, Y/N. I know it wouldn't have been an easy decision for you to make with all that has been going on," she spoke honestly, her warm gaze flickering between you and Cillian. "But, you know, I am glad that you are here. I am just so happy to spend some time with my granddaughter," she smiled happily.

You reciprocated her smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for her kindness and generosity. "Well, we are definitely glad to be here," you echoed Cillian's sentiments, your voice quivering slightly while she turned to Cillian, wanting to hold her granddaughter.

"Come on now, let me have a cuddle," she requested, extending her arms lovingly towards Mara and Cillian concurred, shifting Mara into her waiting arms.

You watched them closely, your heart swelling with emotion as you saw the purest form of connection between a grandmother and her grandchild. Their eyes locked, their expressions mirroring each other's gentle caresses and tender embraces.

"There's my precious girl," she cooed, gazing at Mara in adoration. "You look like a good mixture of your parents, don't you?" she observed, stroking Mara's hair gently. "Though mostly like your dad," she added, her eyes twinkling as she passed Mara back to Cillian.

"That's so true and quite unfair, isn't it?" Cillian's sister Siobhan chimed in. "We get to carry and birth them, endure all the pain and all, and they end up looking like their fathers. The irony," Siobhan joked, shaking her head in amusement while Cillian's mother greeted Max with a big hug as well.