Sammy in Ireland (Single Wide Female Travels #5) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  A note from the author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

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  Coming Soon - Sammy in Thailand

  Preview: To Love Again (a sweet romance)

  Preview: Lifeguards and Liars (a cozy mystery)

  Other Titles

  Legal Notice

  Single Wide Female Travels

  (Book 5)

  Sammy in Ireland

  By

  Lillianna Blake

  Copyright © 2016 Lillianna Blake

  Cover design by Beetiful Book Covers

  All rights reserved.

  LilliannaBlake.com

  Dear Reader,

  The Single Wide Female and B.I.G. Girls Club books are written for every woman out there who has struggled with their weight, self-esteem and any number of issues that we all face as we work to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

  They are meant to be light-hearted and fun, but I do hope that they will inspire you—to REALLY live your life to the fullest, loving yourself completely as you do so.

  You might prefer to get to know Sammy in the Single Wide Female: The Bucket List series first. You can pick up that first book for free here:

  1 Learn Pole Dancing

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R334AE4

  If you enjoy Sammy in Ireland, I’d appreciate it if you would take a moment to leave an honest review here:

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GSFAJSS

  And…

  I have a FREE book for you!

  Wanna know what inspired Sammy to write her bucket list? Visit my website below and get your complimentary copy of “Sammy’s Big Plan!”

  LilliannaBlake.com

  Enjoy!

  Sincerely,

  Lillianna

  P.S. Also be sure to see the previews following this page for introductions to additional series by Lillianna Blake.

  Chapter 1

  The dim glow of the airplane’s floor lights had become familiar to me. With so much travel under my belt, getting to the plane on time, enduring unruly passengers, and finding a comfortable way to sleep during a flight had become second nature to me. But I didn’t want to sleep.

  I was excited about landing in Dublin. Of all the places I’d visited, Ireland was the most mystical to me. Its beauty had charmed me from the time I was a young girl.

  Max, on the other hand, was quite content to be snoring away beside me.

  I looked over at him and admired the way his lips moved in his slumber. Of all the adventures I’d experienced, my relationship with Max had been the most rewarding. After a few hiccups during our time in London, it had become my mission to ensure that our relationship wasn’t getting lost in the midst of my career.

  I pulled out the journal where I’d started writing an open dialogue with myself about my marriage. It was a safe place to express what I was feeling so that I didn’t always bottle it up. It was also an ideal way to figure out if the worry or frustration I sometimes felt was a result of Max’s actions, or something deeper within me that needed to be worked through.

  As I began to journal about my expectations for Ireland, I noticed a theme in my writing. I wanted it to be magical—from start to finish. Maybe I was putting too much pressure on the trip. We had a few extra days to spend together—just the two of us—and that was like a fantasy to me. No interruptions—just Max and Sammy time.

  Even though we’d been traveling together, it was sometimes difficult to get that alone time when we could just focus on each other. With my book tour picking up steam and the popularity of my blog increasing, there was always extra work to do.

  So I made a promise—to my journal and to myself—that I would make my marriage a priority and spend our few days of freedom engaged with the amazing man that I’d married.

  As I tucked the journal away and closed my eyes, it hit me once more—the acknowledgement of the way that my life had taken off. From no motivation, to nothing but movement.

  The plane touched down in Ireland and my imagination started to go wild with possibilities. There were so many things to explore.

  I slipped my hand into Max’s and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “We’re here, Max. We made it.”

  He opened his eyes with a sleepy smile and nodded. “I’m glad.” He kissed me quickly on the lips before he stood up to gather our carry-on bags.

  I took the time to admire him yet again. Max had been the one constant in my life, a dream come true for me, not through skill or demand, but because I’d opened my heart and allowed our love to blossom. I hoped that I could continue to keep that open heart.

  “Are you excited? I’m so excited!” For once I forgot about being subdued on a plane.

  “I’m all about the green beer.” Max smiled.

  “Green beer?” I raised an eyebrow. “Is that the only thing you’re excited about?”

  “Not at all.” He laughed. “But the look on your face just then was worth it.”

  “Stop teasing me, Max.” I didn’t have time to be exasperated, as the passengers on the plane all wanted off at the same time. I enjoyed hearing the mixture of accents and languages that I often heard on the plane. It was on my list of to-dos while in Ireland to learn a few Gaelic phrases.

  Once we collected our luggage and were out of the airport, the reality of where we’d landed really struck me. Ireland’s brooding skies and expansive greens were not exactly reflected in the busy streets of Dublin. But the architecture still enchanted me. I snapped a few pictures through the window of the taxi on our way to the hotel.

  “I have a feeling I’m going to be seeing that camera instead of your beautiful face.” Max laughed and patted my knee. “We’ll have plenty of time for photographs.”

  “No way, Max, you’re going to be seeing a lot more of me than that.”

  “Oh, really?” He grinned. “Do tell me more.”

  “Max, you’re so silly.”

  “Am I?” He kissed my cheek. “I guess we’ll find out.”

  The taxi rolled to a stop outside a small hotel surrounded by other buildings. Max stepped out and held the door for me so I could follow. He paid the driver, then gathered the bags. I grabbed a few from his hands.

  “I can carry them.” He frowned.

  “I know you can, but you shouldn’t have to carry everything.”

  He met my eyes and grinned. “I see where you’re going with this, but it’s my privilege and pleasure to carry your bags.”

  “Have you been reading One Hundred and One Sweet Things to Say to Your Wife again?”

  He shrugged and winked, then led the way into the hotel.

  Once we were registered we took the elevator to our floor. I rested my head against the back of the elevator for a moment and yawned.

  “Are you okay, Sammy?”

  “Sure. W
e can just put our bags down, and then we can start exploring.”

  “You don’t want to rest a little first?”

  I stifled another yawn and shook my head. “I’ll be fine. I can’t wait to get out there.” I leaned a bit on Max’s arm as we left the elevator for the room.

  Once inside, I sat down on the edge of the bed and smiled. “We’re here.”

  “Yes, we are.” Max sat down beside me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “So what do you want to do first?”

  There were a million ideas on the tip of my tongue but when I opened my mouth I yawned again. “Maybe I just need to stretch out for a minute.”

  “Good idea.” He sprawled out on the bed beside me.

  As I struggled to stay awake, Max was no help. He stroked my cheeks and brushed his fingertips through my hair. The more he soothed me, the more comfortable the bed felt. My eyes fluttered closed and, just before I fell asleep, I realized that Dublin would have to wait.

  Chapter 2

  I woke a few hours later to a light soft touch across my cheek. It took me a moment to put together where I was, let alone what was touching my cheek. As my senses cleared, I smelled the lovely scent of a rose and gazed up into Max’s warm eyes.

  “Morning, beautiful.”

  “Thank you so much, Max.” I took the flower and sat up slowly on the bed. With sleep still clinging to my thoughts it took me some time to process my surroundings. “How long was I out?”

  “Don’t worry about that, you needed your rest. I ordered some breakfast.” He placed a tray on the bed beside me. It was covered with fluffy pancakes and assorted chopped fruit.

  “This looks delicious. Were you bored out of your mind while I was sleeping?”

  “No. I kept myself entertained by updating the blog and returning some e-mails. It seems you have quite a few fans in Ireland.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them.” I stretched my arms out above my head and yawned. “I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me sleep.”

  “I got a few hours myself, so when you’re ready to explore, I’ll be ready too.”

  “Oh, I do have that meeting this morning with Fiona. Other than that, I’m free.”

  “Okay, I’ll take a shower and get us unpacked while you’re at the meeting. Then we can get started on our adventure.”

  “Perfect.” I closed my eyes for a moment and savored the excitement that bubbled up within me.

  “Right after we share this lovely breakfast.” Max crawled into bed beside me and picked up a fork.

  “So do you have any ideas of what you want to do today?” I asked.

  “I know there are some great museums to check out. That’s a good way to fill the day, since it’s going to rain.”

  “Did you check the weather?”

  “Yes. Chance of rain every day.” He smiled. “Welcome to Ireland.”

  “I can’t wait to see the countryside. I’m going to enjoy Dublin, but I’m looking forward to seeing some green too.”

  “Honestly, I can’t quite believe that we’re here. It’s going to take some convincing. Never did I think I’d have the chance to visit Ireland, especially with you.”

  “I plan to make the best of it, rain or no rain. Maybe tonight we can catch a dinner theater. Then we’ll figure out what to do tomorrow.”

  “Sounds great. Let me get this out of the way.” He cleared the tray as I climbed out of bed.

  “I could get used to this, Max.”

  “Me serving you breakfast in bed?”

  “Yes.” I smiled. “But also just this. The two of us relaxing and spending time together. I thought this book tour would give us plenty of time to connect, but it’s been busy.”

  “Not any more.” He set the tray down and walked over to me. “Now we have some time to just be together. It’s what makes any country we’re in the best place to be.”

  “Mm-hm—that book again.” I kissed him hard on the lips, then pulled away before he could tackle me onto the bed. “I have to get ready to go. We’ll have to work this out later.”

  “Promise?” He quirked a brow.

  “Promise.”

  After I took a quick shower and dressed, I stepped out of the hotel. It was as gray as it had been when I’d stepped in, but the streets were busier. As I walked along, I noted many similarities and many differences with the streets back home. The architecture seemed older and unique, but much of the merchandise I saw in the windows of the shops was the same. The sidewalks were just as populated, but the people didn’t seem to be in as much of a rush.

  I made it to the address that my Ireland contact had e-mailed me and found myself in front of an old style pub. It surprised me that she’d want to meet there, but even through her e-mails Fiona seemed like a very surprising person.

  I pushed open the door to the pub and peered inside. It was so early that there weren’t too many patrons; however, there was one woman at the end of the bar.

  I walked toward her with an eager smile. “Hi, Fiona?” I touched her shoulder.

  The woman spun around and looked up at me with wide eyes. “No, sorry. Are you lost?”

  “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I’m meeting someone, and I just thought you might be her.”

  The woman smiled and turned back to the bartender.

  “Can I get you anything?” he asked.

  “No, thank you. I think I’ll wait until my friend arrives.” I took a seat a few stools away and tried to relax. I had arrived a few minutes early. I just needed to be patient.

  As I sat alone at the bar it reminded me of other times I’d been in the same position. In my younger days I’d tried the bar scene for dating on a handful of occasions. I’d quickly discovered that it was not my cup of tea or mug of beer. If anything, I’d ended up feeling more alone while I’d sat there waiting for someone to notice me. But those days were over, and my new leaf included a healthy amount of confidence.

  To kill the time, I pulled out my journal and decided to write out my feelings about my morning with Max. As I wrote, I drew some comparisons to how I’d felt with Max in the past. I’d been awkward at times and a bit frightened, uncertain of whether I could be completely honest with him. Although he’d always been my closest friend and I’d trusted him with anything, when it had come to my feelings for him, I’d done my best to keep them hidden. Perhaps in some ways I was still in the habit of hiding.

  Chapter 3

  “There she is!”

  A cry came from the door of the pub.

  I jumped at the sudden sound and closed the journal. When I turned to see who it was, I saw a beautiful boisterous woman. She wore clothes with so much sparkle that it was hard to tell where the shirt and the pants separated. As she walked toward me, I admired her determined gait. She was a beautiful big woman, exactly whom I wrote for.

  “Sammy!” She stretched her arms out wide. “Can I get a hug, bud?”

  I held back a laugh. Her attitude was a little over the top, but that didn’t mean I didn’t like it.

  I smiled and embraced her with a warm hug. “It’s so good to meet you, Fiona.”

  “It’s so funny to hear you say that, because I feel as if I already know you.” She grasped my shoulders and looked into my eyes. “You have inspired me in so many ways, Samantha. I can’t even begin to thank you.”

  “That’s so nice of you. I’m glad that I’ve been able to help in some way. That’s what I hope for.”

  She gestured to the bar. “Please sit. Did Nick take care of you?”

  “I thought I’d wait until you arrived.”

  “Don’t get the wrong idea. I know it probably seems early to you to meet in a pub, but around here pubs are the coffee houses. Anything you like, Nick can get it for you.”

  “She’s right.” Nick tossed a towel over his shoulder and smiled at us. “So, Fiona—your usual?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “And for you, super star?” He met my eyes.

  I couldn�
�t help but smile wider. “I’ll just have an ice water.”

  “Just an ice water?”

  “Put some lemon in it, Nick. Liven it up for Samantha.” Fiona winked at him.

  “That would be lovely.” I nodded and tried to swallow back the nervous energy that tickled at the back of my throat. Just once I wanted to make it through a meeting without anything disastrous happening.

  “I guess we should get down to business.” She settled on the stool next to mine. “I have two book signings scheduled here in Dublin. Now, as I understand it, you’re going to travel a bit. So if you feel the urge to host some impromptu meetings, please feel free. All I care about is your message getting out.”

  “I appreciate that, I really do. But I don’t think I will be doing anything extra. I’m really looking forward to spending some time with my husband—just the two of us.”

  “I bet. I’ve seen that handsome hubby of yours on your website, and he’s well worth the investment.”

  “Thank you.” I laughed. “I’ll let him know that you think so.”

  “You’d better not!” She squealed with laughter. “I knew you were going to be so much fun to be around. Thanks, Nick.” She pulled a towering glass toward her.

  I couldn’t quite figure out what was in the glass. It had the color of honey but didn’t look like beer. It also had an assortment of olives and grapes scattered throughout the drink.

  “Do you want to try some?” She smiled at me. “It’s my own special concoction.”

  “Oh no, it’s a little too early for me.” I smiled and nodded at Nick as I took my glass of water. There was a small wedge of lemon on the edge of the glass.

  “No, no. It doesn’t have any alcohol in it. I call it my wake-me-up juice. I have a little trouble getting going in the morning, but I’m on this anti-coffee kick. It’s a mixture of teas and a little bit of fruit juice. I throw the olives in there because they’re my favorite and it seems to disturb people.” She covered her mouth as she laughed. “I’ve got a devilish side.”

  “It sounds to me like you just enjoy having a good time.” I picked up my glass of water and took a sip. As soon as the water hit my tongue my lips puckered and my eyes burned. The tiny wedge of lemon on the side of the glass was not the only lemon in the water. It also seemed to have a bit of something else mixed in. I tried not to cough but I couldn’t help it.