Breathing For This (Sequel To Trembling Hands)

Chapter Forty Two

Chapter Forty Two

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~ Brielle's POV ~

"Quick! This way!" Niall yelled, grabbing my hand and racing around a corner, "This is where I used to play when I was a kid, I remember this one time..."

I listened intently to story after story as Niall guided me around his hometown. His eyes were shimmering with joy and the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, and I loved every second of seeing him this happy, of seeing the place he truly calls home. Here, for the most part, he could escape the flashing lights and fame with little effort required - here, he was simply Niall Horan, a son, a brother, and an amazing husband that I loved dearly.

"And there's this little pub called The Crossbar, not far from here - I used to watch the games there, and they have really good-"

"Niall!" I shouted

He paused for a brief second and shrugged, "What?"

"As much as I'd love to see every little crevice of your hometown, we've been in Ireland for nearly three hours and I still haven't been to your house or said hello to your parents - besides, I need to pee!" I protested

"Alright, alright," he laughed, "we'll go to my house, and pee, and then I'll take you out to dinner"

"Thank you!" I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck and giving him a kiss on the cheek

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~ Niall's POV ~

"It's so charming," Brielle smiled as we walked up the old cracked steps of my stoop, "I could just imagine a little Nialler running around out here playing with his friends"

"Yeah, I have a lot of great memories here," I said, nostalgically looking at the exterior of my childhood home. Not much here has been changed since I was just a young lad, almost like this place is frozen in time while I'm away from it. I took in a quick breath, peeked at my beautiful wife and her brilliant smile, and knocked on the door.

"Niall!!!" My mum exclaimed, tears already falling, "I missed you so much - it's good to have you back home!"

"I missed you too, mum," I smiled, hugging her tightly, "it's good to be home"

She released me from her iron grasp, and almost instantaneously pulled Brielle in; "Brielle, love, you look so beautiful!!! How are you?"

"Thank you.... mom," she muttered, clearly uncertain about calling her "mom," understandably of course, "I've been well! In fact, I'm in a partial remission!"

"Wow!!! That's so great, sweetie! We'll have to celebrate later, I'll bake us a cake or something - what flavor do you like?"

Brielle laughed and pulled away from my mum's embrace as well, "any flavor will do,"

"Well, alright, I'll start working on that! You two come on in, you must be exhausted from your trip - how was your flight?"

"I've had worse," I chuckled

"As have I," Brielle added with a laugh, referencing the time she nearly died on our way to Atlanta.

"Have a look at these beautiful newlyweds," my dad laughed, pulling Brielle and I into a hug, "you two look great! It's good to have you home, Niall, and welcome to Ireland, Brielle!"

"Thanks, dad," I smiled, hugging Brielle into my side, "we're happy to be here"

"Yes, thank you for having us!" Brielle said cheerfully, "you have a beautiful home"