Who's Your Paddy?

Chapter 28

There's nothing like the emotional gamut of a wedding and a funeral to give you hope and force you to evaluate what you have. The fact that we experienced the entire spectrum together in a single weekend was prophetic.

When we arrived at the church, the pall bearers were already taking the coffin from the hearse. I saw Michelle by the vestibule doors and immediately regretted our decision not to reconnect before that day. It wasn't for lack of trying—I called her throughout the week to keep checking in, but she continued to turn me down.

We joined the crowd by the door and I slowly eased my way to her side, taking her hand in mine. The moment she looked up and saw me, she burst out crying, delivering another one of her emotionally charged hugs. I cried along with her, returning the embrace with equal fervor.

The mass and service were typical in the sense that they brought on a constant ebb and flow of affection. A few stories from childhood delivered by Michelle's brother during the eulogy, reduced our entire family pew into teary giggles.

Most notable, was a recollection of two little girls being given their first Claddagh rings. I was floored he even knew that story, let alone took note of our antics involving the rings.

I think he shared that tale, as well as a few of his own, so that he could leave us all with a simple message; Some of the lessons their dad instilled shaped our lives and resonated still.

After the service, there was considerable milling around church parking area. Most of us were awaiting our pecking order for the motorcade to the cemetery.

I caught sight of Michelle and waved at her. She immediately ran over and hooked her arm in mine, pulling me aside. "Glad I found you. When the fuck were you going to tell me your Liam is Paddy-fucking-Murphy?" Michelle whispered.

"I-uh...huh?"

"Annie. I'd have to be living under a rock over here not to know who he is. And what the hell? You could've told me."

Paddy Murphy...why is that name familiar? I was about to admit to her that I didn't even know he used a fake name, but the funeral director showed up and asked her to take her place in the family limousine.

"Brilliant eulogy," Liam said, as we took our place in the auto procession.

"It was."

"Learn a little more 'bout ya everyday," he said, resting his hand on my leg.

Paddy Murphy.

"Hey Liam? Did you use an alias?"

"I did. Paddy Murphy. Didn't I tell ya that?"

"No, and it sounds familiar."

"I had a bit of carry over in America, that's probably why. Sorry, thought I told ya that, Luv."

I thought about it for a few more minutes before dismissing it to having Paddy on the brain. I still hadn't found a way to tell him about my incident with Paddy Dooley in Boston.

"I'm glad that's all over. It was tough," I said, needing a change in subject.

"But it brought back some good memories too, aye?"

"Yeah, I had no idea her brother even knew that stuff about the rings. It's kinda cool when you think about it. I mean, look where I am now."

"The lessons taught ye well. What'd ya ever do with the original ring?"

"Didn't do anything, this one is the original."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. I promised myself I'd keep it until...well, never mind it's stupid. But yep, this is the same one. I kept getting it adjusted to fit me."