-- Part 1
 

Daylight found Father MacAnally sitting in his study at the Cilldargan
Church, in deep contemplation of the events of the last few days.  Father
Peter Clifford and Assumpta Fitzgerald were at the center of his
thoughts.  He had told Father Clifford that Ireland was full of Assumpta
Fitzgeralds, but he knew that was not true.  She was one of a kind.  He
had not cared for Father Clifford as a curate but he knew he was a good
man and was loved by the people.  It would be a sad thing for
Ballykissangel and the Church to lose him, but it was very evident now,
after what he had witnessed last night, that there was no way he could
change Peter's mind.  Peter Clifford clearly loved Assumpta Fitzgerald,
deeply.  How ever long, whatever it took, they would be together. It had
touched Father Mac to see such love on Peter's part.  It reminded him of
an earlier time, a time when he... well, that was the past.  It did not
suit him to dwell on the past.  He shook off the memory and stood up from
his chair.  It was time to go to the hospital to see Assumpta.
 

* * *
 

Peter was sitting beside Assumpta's bed in the hospital.  Various tubes
and cords connected her to an IV, oxygen, and a heart monitor, which
showed her heart still beating strong, but she had not yet regained
consciousness.  Peter's face showed the strain of the sleepless night.
He had not left her side since they had moved her into this room.  And he
had not let go of her hand either.
 

So many pictures and thoughts had played themselves over and over again
in his mind throughout the long night: pictures of a white Assumpta lying
still on a cold, stone floor; thoughts of the last words they had spoken
to one another; thoughts of what if... those especially racked his body
with emotional pain and brought the tears rolling down his face again.
What if he had lost her?  What would he have done?  When would she ever
wake up!  Peter pressed Assumpta's hand against his lips and whispered:
 

"Assumpta.  Please wake up.  I so need to talk to you; for you to
reassure me.  Assumpta..."
 

He did not hear the door to the room quietly open and it was a few
moments before he became aware that someone was standing at the foot of
the bed.  He looked up.  It was Father Mac.
"Father Clifford, you look awful."  Peter cringed.  "You need to go home
and get some rest.  I can sit with Assumpta for a while."
 

"No!... I... I want to be here when she wakes up."
 

"Have the doctors given any indication...?"
 

Peter shook his head.  "They say to give her time."
 

"Then give her time, Father Clifford.  Let me sit with her.  Go back to
the Church and see to your responsibilities."
 

"What?!"
 

"To your flock.  They need to hear from you how she is doing.  They need
your reassurance.  And then there is Saturday to prepare for."  Peter
looked puzzled.
 

"Kieran's christening."
 

Peter cringed again and squeezed his aching, tired, eyes shut for a
moment.  The christening.  At a time like this... life just keeps going
on; the world doesn't stop turning just because the woman you love is
almost killed.  He had responsibilities.  "The christening."
 

"You still plan on doing it, then?"
 

"I don't know how... I..."
 

"Come Father Clifford, I know Niamh is depending on you.  You can't let
her down."
 

Peter struggled with himself to control his temper and speak quietly.
 

"I will talk to Niamh."
 

"Father Clifford.  Regardless of what has happened, and regardless of
what we discussed before it happen, you are still a priest and should
continue to act like one.  It is the best thing for you at this time to
continue to take care of your responsibilities.  Come, man, I'm thinking
of you."  Peter glared at him, but Father Mac continued.
 

"See Assumpta as often as you can, of course, but keep to your routine.
See to your responsibilites.  It will be best for you, best for everyone.
 Come lad, you aren't the only one who is suffering, who loves her.  Why,
do you know how many people in Ballykissangel have known Assumpta
virtually her whole life?  Michael Ryan, who saved her life last night -
delivered her... Brendan Kearney taught her as a child in school...
Ambrose Egan was at the National School with her... Padraig O'Kelley … "
 

"Allright… allright," Peter conceded.
 

"You see, Father Clifford, long before you ever set foot in
Ballykissangel there were those who loved Assumpta Fitzgerald."  He
looked down at her for a moment before continuing.  "I know your pain is
real - but there is a lot of it out there.  You and only you, I believe,
can alleviate that pain.  It will bring you comfort to do so.  You are
amongst friends in Ballykissangel, Peter."
 

Peter looked up at Father Mac and a moment of rare understanding passed
between them.  He sighed and stood.
 

"Allright, Father.  You sit with her while I go to Ballykay and talk to
everyone -- take care of my responsibilities -- prepare for the
christening on Saturday.  But nothing is going to change my mind about
the future.  After Saturday, I'm leaving the priesthood.  I can't
continue to do it anymore.  It wouldn't be right in light of my feelings
now.  I almost lost Assumpta.  If I had the least doubt before, that has
clarified everything.  My future is with her. "
 

Father Mac nodded.  "I understand, and I will not try to persuade you
otherwise."
 

"Thank you."  Still holding Assumpta's hand, he kissed it then leaned
down and kissed her on the forehead.  "I will be back soon," he
whispered.
 

After Peter left, Father Mac sat down in the chair beside Assumpta's bed
and looked at her quiet form for a long moment.
 

"Ah, Assumpta, Assumpta.  I have never seen you so still in all your
life!  Where is your fire?  Is it still within you?  For your sake... for
his sake... I pray it is."
 

* * *
 

With Kieran in his baby carrier in the car, Niamh dropped by Fitzgerald's
briefly in the morning to check to see that everything was secure before
heading to the hospital.  In addition to her concern for Assumpta, she
was fully aware that Peter had not come home last night.  Neither had he
called.  She sincerely hoped that no news was good news, but she had to
know for herself.  She let herself in and looked around the dark, still
room.  A quiet voice from behind startled her.

"Hello Niamh."  She whirled around to see Leo McGarvey standing on the
stairs.
 

"Oh, Leo!  You scared me to death.  What are you doing here?  I... I
would have expected you to be in Cilldargan at the hospital."
 

He came down the stairs and walked to her.  "I wanted to talk to you
first."
 

"Oh?  Did Ambrose tell you everything that happened last night?"
 

"The main points I believe, yes.  You are Assumpta's best friend, Niamh.
What I want to ask you is... was the Priest with her last night when it
happened?  Is he at the hospital with her now?"
 

"Yes.  I believe so."
 

"I'm going to ask you a question, Niamh. You don't have to answer it -
just don't lie to me, ok?  Is there something going on between Assumpta
and the Priest?"
 

"Is that what you think?"
 
 

Frustrated, Leo shouted back at her:  "Don't answer a question with a
question!  Is there something going on?!"
 

Niamh was startled and offended.  "Don't speak to me like that Leo," she
warned.
 

"I have to know…"
 

Niamh shook her head.  "I don't know, Leo..."  He looked as though he was
about to accuse her of lying and she cut him off before he could say
anything.  "Look, she didn't confide in me about that.  Never.  But I
don't think so.  I don't think anything is going on between them.  And I
believe I am as observant of them as anyone."  She didn't add that it was
only yesterday that she had observed something different about them.
Last night she had observed that Assumpta looked the happiest she had
seen her in weeks -- maybe years.  And Peter hadn't been able to keep a
smile from his face either.  Something had happened yesterday, but she
was certain it wasn't what Leo was implying.
 

"Okay, Niamh.  Thanks."  Leo walked out of the bar.  Niamh hated
deceiving him.  She liked Leo -- a lot -- and she hated seeing him hurt.
She ached for him and bit her lower lip in thought. She watched out the
door as he climbed into his car parked just up the street.
 

"Stupid of me not to have noticed his car before, " she thought.
 

Leo started the engine, made a u-turn, and began to drive down the street
before Niamh suddenly remembered Peter.  What would happen when Leo
encountered Peter at the hospital?  Niamh quickly climbed into her own
car.
 

"Sit tight, Kieran.  Mummy's on a mission!"
 

* * *
 

As Peter had ridden to the hospital in the ambulance, he didn't have a
way back to Ballykissangel, and it wasn't time for the bus run.  Outside
the hospital he asked a few people and managed to find someone who was
heading that way.  He would have to walk a couple of miles but that might
do him good -- clear his head -- give him time to think about what he
would say to Brendan and Niamh and all of the others -- his friends.
After what they saw and heard last night, they not only needed to know
how Assumpta was, they needed an explanation.
 

Peter's ride let him off and, with his hands in his pockets, he started
to walk.  The light of day initially did him good and helped alleviate
his fears and doubts.  As he walked he thought of all the things he
wanted to say to Assumpta when she woke up -- about how he knew now that
she was his destiny.  But the longer he walked, the doubts began to creep
in again.
 

During those long hours last night the past three years of his life had
played themselves out in his mind like a motion picture, and they began
to play again:  he remembered the first time he saw Assumpta when she
picked him up in the rain along this same road.  Her tone of voice -- her
whole attitude -- had changed when she learned he was a priest.  He
smiled to himself at the memory.  And yet, from his first visit to the
pub with Father Mac, he had felt drawn there, and to her.  And she seemed
to warm to him.  But he had remained in some doubt until Father Mac tried
to have him sent back to England and Assumpta got everyone to sign that
petition.  He had been  pleased to find her signature at last on the
petition.
 

He thought of the time he had found the baby on his doorstep in the
middle of the night.  He had sent for Michael and Assumpta had shown up
-- concerned to see the doctor's car in front of Peter's house -- and had
stayed to help care for the baby.  That had given his such a warm feeling
of appreciation for her.  He thought of when Kathleen's house had burned
and how Assumpta had rallied to help.  It had galled him when Father Mac
managed somehow to take the credit and Kathleen had nearly ignored
everyone else's contributions, especially Assumpta's.
 

Assumpta had been generous in so many ways:  her contributions to the
repairs of the church roof, teaching him to drive, helping out Edso's
family in their time of desparate need.  At times her help seemed to be
given grudgingly -- she tried so hard to appear to not care -- but she
always came through. Had he always come through for her?  He thought of
when she had been thinking of leaving Ballykissangel.  She had needed to
talk and he had failed her.  Then he had confronted her and blurted out
that he cared for her.  Yet he had failed her again and went away on
retreat instead of facing her and talking over their feelings together.
He shouldn't blame her for running of to London and marrying Leo, and yet
he did.
 

Peter's progress presently brought him to the site of the roadside
Madonna where he had once encountered Assumpta, but he was so deep in
thought that he didn't notice.  He did, however, notice a car approaching
fast from the direction of Ballykay.  It abruptly swerved in his
direction and came to a stop just a few feet in front of him.  Peter was
appalled to see Leo climb out.
 

"Great!" he thought at the look on Leo's face.  "Just what I need to deal
with right now."  Peter didn't mince words.  "I don't want your company,
Leo."
 

"I wouldn't choose yours either," Leo replied as he walked toward Peter.
 

"What do you want?"
 

"Simple answer to a simple question.  Did you lay a hand on my wife?"
 

Peter was startled.  "Huh?!"
 

Leo observed Peter's dishelved appearance, the blood-shot eyes.  "You
look a wreck, Priest. Has my wife upset you .. you know, almost dying and
all?"  He saw the fire shoot into Peter's eyes. "Go for it, Father!" he
challenged.
 

Leo wanted a fight.  Peter didn't want to give him one, but what choice
did he have?  --He could let Leo fight him but he could choose to not
fight back.  He threw his jacket to the ground.  "Let's just get it done,
Leo."
 

"Fine by me." Leo hit Peter on one side of his face and then the other,
but Peter didn't fight back.  "In case you're wondering, Father, turning
the cheek's fine by me - I can do this all day."
 

"I haven't got all day," Peter replied tiredly.  "Just get on with it."
 

But Leo didn't want a one-sided fight.  He wanted Peter angry.  He then
spotted the Madonna among the rocks.
 

"Is this where you took her to be alone?"
 

"What?" Peter followed Leo's line of sight and at last saw the Madonna.
 

"What did you do?  Slip behind the Blessed Virgin?"
 

This was too much!  With a loud  "Agggh!" and a quick move, Peter smashed
Leo in the face with one balled-up fist.  Leo fell flat on the ground,
knocked out cold.  Peter hadn't noticed that in the last minute Niamh had
pulled her car up behind Leo's and gotten out.  She ran over to the two
men.
 

"No!  That's enough," she cried.  "Stop it!  Are you trying to kill each
other?"  She looked at Peter and observed his bloodied nose and knuckles.
 She frowned.  "Are you going to give him his penance now?"
 

Peter shook his head.  "Don't start."
 

Niamh bent down to Leo and patted the side of his face.  "Come on Leo -
wake up - it's me Niamh."
 

Leo opened his eyes and looked at her.  "I know who you are Niamh."  He
gingerly touched his bleeding lip and winced.  "Did he do that?"  To
Peter he added:  "You couldn't have done that - not on your own."
 

Peter said simply:  "You were out of order, Leo."
 

Leo indicated Niamh with a nod.  "What's she doing here?"
 

Before Niamh could reply, Peter heard a baby cry out.  "Niamh - go back
to Kieran."  She looked at both men, decided that their anger was now
spent, and did as she was asked.  When she was back in her car, Peter
said: "I didn't bring Assumpta here Leo. I did meet her here once - by
accident - but not what you meant. She told me that that was the most
famous statue in      Ireland. ‘Cause no matter how long you stared at it
- or how much drink you'd taken - it will not moved one millimetre."
 

Leo's head was splitting.  "I wouldn't be so sure."
 

Peter looked at him with some sympathy.  "I think I've got some aspirin
my coat pocket -- from the hospital."
 

"Forget it."  Leo squared his shoulders.  "I have to ask you a question
Father. I'd appreciate it if you gave me an honest answer."
 

"I'll try."
 

"Do you love her?"
 

Peter hesitated but a moment.  There was no point in denying it to Leo.
"Yes."
 

"Does she love you?"
 

Peter was evasive -- and curious .  "Is that what she told you?"
 

"You're doing what Niamh did -- come on!"
 

Peter's reply was low:  "I believe she does."  He added: "Leo - we
never..."
 

But Leo interupted: "And when she married me?"
 

Peter clearly saw the man's pain:  he loved his wife.  Peter didn't want
to hurt him further.  "It's the best I can do. She never said."
 

The two men stood silent for a few moments, then Leo collected himself
and asked: "How is she?"
 

"Still unconsious, as far as I know."
 

"Is she going to be allright?"
 

"I don't know, Leo."  A long sigh escaped him and he turned to pick up
his jacket.  "You'd better get along to the hospital."  It was clear that
he himself would not be going back today.
 

Without a further word Leo walked back to his car and got in.  When he
pulled away, Niamh pulled her car up by Peter.  "Want a ride, Father?"
 

"Yes.  Please."  He climbed in beside her and turned back briefly to
greet Kieran, then stared straight ahead.  Niamh thought he looked so
tired, so dejected.  If only Assumpta hadn't married Leo...
 

"How is Assumpta?"
 

"Still unconscious when I left her."  When he'd left her... It sounded so
final to him.
 

"Father, did you get any sleep last night?"
 

"...No."
 

"You look it."
 

"So I've been told."
 

Niamh pulled a tissue from her purse and handed it to him.
 

"What's this for?"
 

"Your nose, for Heaven's sake.  You look bloody awful."
 

"Oh!  Sorry."  Peter attempted to wipe away the blood but it was already
drying into place.  He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the
headrest.
 

"I'm taking you to my place and putting you to bed.  You need a good
rest."
 

Peter opened his eyes again and shook his head.  "No.  Take me to the
Church.  There's work to be done."
 

"What, exactly?  What's so bloody important that you can't rest for a
bit.  You'll do Assumpta no good if you collapse from exhaustion."
 

Peter said to himself, "I can do Assumpta no good, anyway."
 

"What?  Peter, don't give up.  If you believe Assumpta loves you, don't
give up.  Just because Leo is back in town doesn't mean that Assumpta
will choose him now over you."
 

"He's her husband, Niamh! ...And I'm a priest."
 

"For now, yes.  But it can all change.  Can and will."
 

Peter laughed.  "You do me good, Niamh."
 

"Good.  And now I'm going to see to it you have a rest."
 

"Very well.  I'll have a rest."
 

A sound from the back seat brought another subject to Niamh's mind.
"Father, are we still on for Saturday?  Do you think we should
postpone... until after..."
 

"Hmm?  No.  We'll go through with Kieran's christening -- of course.  He
shouldn't have to wait any longer.  Unless... is Assumpta to be a
godparent?"
 

"Well, I hadn't actually asked her yet.  She is hardly fond of anything
to do with the Church, ...present company excepted, of course.  I was
waiting till the last minute so she couldn't back out.  What shall I do?"
 

"Wait, Niamh.  See how Assumpta is in a day or two, but have someone else
in mind, just in case.  Siobhan, perhaps?"
 

"I suppose.  She'll soon know all about mothering, herself."  They had by
now reached Ballykay and it was hard for them both to look at
Fitzgerald's as they passed it, so neither did.   Niamh drove by and
pulled the car up to her house.  Peter helped her into the house by
carrying Kieran's bag.  Niamh put the boy down in his jumper seat then
showed Peter to the bedroom and the bath next to it.
 

"Here, Father.  You can wash up in here, then you lay down on the bed and
have your rest.  Kieran and I will be real quiet.  You won't hear a
sound."  Niamh handed him a wash cloth and a towel.
 

As Peter turned on the tap, he assured her:  "Don't worry about making
noise.  I'm sure I'll sleep regardless."  But he really doubted it.
 

After she left him, Peter looked at himself in the mirror over the wash
basin.  One side of his upper lip was red and swollen and the same side
of his nose was bloodied.  The blood was dried in place.  He let warm
running water fill his cupped hands then he buried his face in the water.
 It felt good, soothing.  He gingerly washed his tender nose.  When he
was finished, he gave himself a long look.
 

"You do look awful...  You are a fool Peter Clifford.  Jennie was right.
She said there would be a next time, and she was right.  What would she
say now if she could see the mess I've gotten myself into?  Would she
laugh at me, mock me, or would she shake her head in sympathy?  Oh, how
could she have known me so much better than I know myself?  What could I
have done differently? -- Nothing.  This was my destiny.  This is what
time, and God, have brought me to."
 

Only yesterday these same thoughts had filled his mind before he finally
had the courage to admit the truth to himself and to Assumpta.  And it
had felt so damned good to admit it!  To say to her -- I love you!  "I
love you..." he whispered in thought.
 

Peter dried his face and hands and walked into the bedroom.  He slipped
off his shoes, laid down on Niamh's bed and pulled up a coverlet that lay
folded at his feet.  He pulled it right up to his chin, and he closed his
eyes.
 

But Peter's mind would not let him rest.  It was full of insecure
thoughts of the future.  What if Assumpta did not recover right away?
What if Leo chose to take her back to Dublin with him?  He had every
right, and he could care for her well there.  Peter had no right to stop
him.  There was absolutely no justification -- no justification except
his love.
 

What would he do without Assumpta if she left Ballykissangel?  What if he
were to never see her again?  Could he go on being a priest, as if none
of this had happened?  No.  He had told Father Mac he was going to quit
the priesthood and he would.  He could not continue in priestly duties
under these circumstances.  No, he would go through with what he had
planned.  And if worse came to worse and he had to leave Ballykissangel
without Assumpta...  Peter groaned.
 

His face contorted into a grimace and he pressed his fists against his
forehead.  Destiny... why does it have such a cruel sense of humor?
 

And he thought to himself:  "When I came to Ballykissangel, I thought I
was leaving trouble behind.  Instead I was jumping out of the frying pan
right into the fire.  But when I realized it, I didn't care.  I thought I
could handle it this time.  Assumpta wasn't a sweet, trusting girl like
Jennie.  She was a tough, independent woman.  I thought her dislike of
the Church and the clergy was some sort of protection for me.  But I was
wrong -- it drew me in instead.  And Assumpta wasn't as tough as I
thought.  I didn't count on her frankness -- on her feeling the same as I
did.  I tempted the fire to burn me."  He thought of Brendan and
Padraig's play Ryan's Mother.  He had been so nervous -- afraid to allow
himself that one small freedom in rehersal.  But at the same time he had
wanted so much... just to know what Assumpta's soft lips tasted like...
to drink in her delicious scent. He still didn't know what she tasted
like! -- maybe now he never would. If only Father Mac and the Bishop
hadn't shown up...  Yes, he tempted the fire.
 

"Well, I got burned real good... Oh, Assumpta!"
 

Peter quietly sobbed against the pillow until his nervous energy was
spent and finally he fell aleep.

* * * * *

Part 2 to come.
Amongst Friends: Part 2 --
 

Assumpta gradually regained consciousness just before noon.  She opened
her eyes and frowned.  Blinking rapidly she looked around her as images
slowly came into focus.  Someone was sitting beside her, holding her hand
in their own warm ones.   Gentle eyes accented by long, thick lashes
(those bedroom eyes), dark arching brows, and a head framed in dark curls
that needed a trim, gradually came into clear focus.
 

"Leo."  Her voice was soft and rough.
 

"Hello love."  Assumpta's eyes focused more clearly and she noted a cut
lip and a bruised cheek.
 

"What...  ...did you do to your face?" she asked.
 

"Oh, this is nothing.  I banged into something.  The important question
is, how do you feel?"
 

She thought about it.  "I feel... odd -- spacey.  My head hurts, and my
chest hurts when I breath."  She raised her left hand and saw it was well
bandaged.  "What happened to me?  Where I am?"
 

"In hospital, in Cilldargan."
 

"What..."
 

"You don't remember?"
 

She gently shook her head.  "No."
 

"You had a bad electrical shock.  The fuse box in the celler, at the bar.
 Do you remember anything?"
 

"The fuse box?  The lights kept going out.  I fixed it once.  Padraig's
going to rewire for me... but I don't have the money..."
 

"Do you remember last night at all?"
 

She frowned again.  "There was -- a food fair.  Chinese food fair.  The
lights went out..."  Her voice trailed off.
 

Leo gave her good hand a squeeze.  "Ok, I'll go get the doctor.  Let him
know you're awake."
 

When he left the room Assumpta felt anxious, unsure.  Leo said it was
just last night.  Last night she had felt so happy... Where was Peter?
Why wasn't he here?  "He's a priest, for God's sake!  He should be by my
side for lots of reasons.  Why isn't he?  Why is Leo here instead?"
 

The doctor walked in with a big smile on his face, followed by Leo.
"Well, Mrs. McGarvey.  Awake at last.  And how are we feeling today?"
 

"With my fingers."  The doctor chuckled.  Her wit was certainly not
damaged.  "Why does my chest hurt when I breath?"
 

"That's because Doctor Ryan had to push pretty hard to get your heart
restarted.  It will be fine in a few days."
 

Assumpta was stunned.  "My heart stopped?"
 

"From the electrical shock.  Doctor Ryan saved your life.  You are very
lucky he was in the right place at the right time, or you wouldn't be
here now, young lady.  Foolish thing -- messing with fuse boxes. Tsk,
tsk."
 

Peter leaped into Assumpta's thoughts again.  "Oh, God, Peter!  What have
I done to you?  Where are you?"
 

* * * * *
 

Brendan, Padraig, and Siobhan were sitting on one of the benches outside
of a closed Fitzgerald's.
 

Padraig shook his head once again.  "But I feel just awful.  Its all my
fault."
 

"Oh, come on, Padraig," Brendan reassured.  "You didn't know what would
happen any more than Siobhan or I did."
 

"But I knew what could happen.  I should have gotten that rewiring done
for her -- money or no money."  A thought suddenly occurred to him and he
sat upright.  "And I still can.  I'll do it before she comes home from
hospital -- with help.  You could both help me."
 

Brendan and Siobhan looked doubtfully at one another.  "Padraig, we don't
know anything about wiring.  We could get us all killed.  And that makes
two for Siobhan," Brendan added, nodding toward her stomach.
 

"You don't have to.  You can help me tear out the old stuff, drill a few
holes, that sort of thing.  I'll do the actual rewiring."
 

"Do you think Assumpta would like that?" Siobhan asked.
 

"Sure.  She can have no doubt of the need -- now.  And as for the cost,
how about you two helping with that, too?  We'll all make it a present
for Assumpta -- a homecoming present from hospital.  We'll get Brian to
pitch in, too."
 

"You'll get me to pitch in for what?" Brian asked suspiciously as he came
walking down the sidewalk. "What plans are you three hatching?  Trying to
get the bar opened?"
 

"Yes.  No!  I mean, we want to get Assumpta's rewiring done for her
before she comes home from hospital.  I'll do the labour but the supplies
-- they cost money I don't have.  We could all pitch in together on that
-- share the cost."
 

Brian's shrewd mind thought that one over, trying to see how it would be
to his advantage to help out their sceme.  He pursed his lips and nodded.
 "Real generous of you, Padraig.  I suppose I could do that.  I suppose I
could get this bar opened up, too."  Brendan's face brightened and he sat
up more straight.  This suggestion was definately to his likely.  "All
that work, you'll get thirsty," Brian continued.  "And I'm feeling real
thirsty myself just looking at the three of ya sitting out here all
forlorn.  I think I'll go talk to Niamh."  With his hands in his pockets,
Brian turned and walked toward Niamh's house, the one with the Garda sign
out front.
 

Padraig and Brendan smiled at one another, then Padraig gestured with a
wag of his head. "Fancy a drive with me into Cilldargan?  Go get wire."
 

Brendan shook his head no.  "Got to get back to school.  So much for my
lunch break."
 

"I'll go with you, Padraig," Siobhan told him.  Brendan frowned.  He
hated missing out on anything that seemed the least bit more fun that
handling a room-full of students.  He bid them goodbye and headed uphill
toward the school while Padraig and Siobhan headed for his petrol
station.

* * * * *
 

Brian called a hello to Niamh as he walked through into her kitchen.  She
was fixing Ambrose's lunch.
 

"Hi Dad.  Want a sandwich?"
 

"Fine.  Thanks.  Niamh, Padraig wants you to open up Fitzgerald's for
him."
 

Niamh was incensed.  "What ever for?!  Can't he and his cronies stand one
day of not sitting their arses at Assumpta's bar?"
 

"No!  It's not that.  He wants to rewire the place -- as a homecoming
present for Assumpta."
 

"Oh...  That's nice.  Who's going to pay for it?  He told Assumpta it
would be fairly expensive.  That's why she hadn't gotten it done yet."
 

"He says he'll do the work free gratis and all her friends can pitch in
to cover the cost."
 

"Well!  I am surprised.  I didn't know Padraig had such generosity in
him.  He must be guilt ridden."
 

"Now, Niamh," Ambrose said with a smile as he came walking into the
kitchen, "Padraig has a lot of generosity in his good Irish soul."
 

"And do you know what we're talking about?" she asked, and gave him one
of her arched brow looks.
 

"It so happens I do.  I just came from talking with him and Siobhan down
at his station.  He asked me to tell you, Brian, that they are driving
into Cilldargan for supplies even as we speak."  Ambrose headed for the
bathroom to wash up for lunch.
 

"Well," said Brian turning back to Niamh.  "There you go.  Guilty or not,
he's doing the right thing and that's what counts.  Now the rest of us
will do the right thing, too."
 

"Amazing."
 

"What?"
 

Just then Ambrose came wandering back into the kitchen with his mouth
open and a look of puzzled wonder on his face.  "Niamh, what is Father
Clifford doing sleeping in our bed?"
 

"What?!" Brian reacted a bit too loudly.
 

"Shhh!"  Niamh scolded.  "He is not in our bed, he's on it.  And he's
having a good rest.  He didn't get any sleep last night at the hospital
and he had a none-too-pleasant run-in with Leo McGarvey this morning.
Thanks to you, Ambrose."
 

"Me?"
 

"You're the one who called Leo."
 

"And you're the one who agreed that I should!"

Niamh didn't appreciate the reminder.  "Oh!  Here are your lunches.  Eat!
 And watch Kieran.  Feed him his lunch and keep him quiet.  Don't bother
Peter, either.  I'm going into Cilldargan to see Assumpta."  And with
that she wiped her hands on a towel, picked up her purse, and walked out
of the kitchen.
 

"Hold up!"  Brian called after her.
 

"What?!"
 

"The keys to Fitzgerald's -- for Padraig."  Niamh fished into her purse
and handed a ring of keys to her father.  Brian held his breath until she
was truely out the door, into the car, and heading down the street.  Then
he smiled a little smile.  Ambrose knew that smile and he was instantly
suspicious of his father-in-law.
 

"What are you up to, Brian?"
 

"Up to?  Nothing -- nothing.  I've just gotten the keys so Padraig can
get started as soon as he gets back from Cilldargan.  That's all.  Well,
I've got things to do.  See you, Ambrose."  With hands again in pockets,
Brian sauntered out of the house and Ambrose shook his head after him.
He knew without a doubt, Brian Quigley was up to something.  He just
hoped it wouldn't be at Assumpta's expense.
 

Brian walked casually across and down the street to Fitzgerald's and let
himself in.  The place was eerily quiet.  He went around behind the bar
and surveyed the room up and down, especially the tables.  There were
sit-down eating places for several people, but with a little manouvering
he could add even more.  Yes, this could work just fine.  Brian nodded to
himself and again smiled that satisfied little smile.
 

* * * * *
 

Half an hour later, Leo McGarvey was still sitting by Assumpta's hospital
bed, quietly talking with her about nothing in particular.  He had been
trying hard all morning to avoid talking about the one subject that was
foremost on his mind.  Assumpta had asked him earlier how he happened to
be here.  "Ambrose called me and told me about the accident," he had
replied. They had discussed the details of what he knew to have happened
last night.  She was very lucky to be alive and not have any evidence of
lasting effects from the experience.  The doctor had come by again at one
point to check on her and be sure that the pain killers were still
working.
"When can I go home?" she had asked.
 

"Let's see how you feel in the morning," the doctor had replied.
 

After the doctor had left, Assumpta asked Leo what he had been doing
since she had last seen him, just a few weeks before, and whether he
could get in trouble for dropping everything to come down to the country.
 He told her he had the day free -- no problem. Then he had proceeded to
tell her what details there were to tell about the news stories he was
currently pursuing.  Later, he asked her how long the wiring at the pub
had been acting up and she said just since she had gotten back from
Dublin, though she had known for sometime that it needed replacing.
 

"Then we will get it replaced for you."
 

"Leo, you don't have to..."
 

"Let me help, Assumpta.  I am your husband.  I can help you out when you
need it and you can help out when I need it.  That's what relationship's
are all about, even if they are a bit distant."
 

"Leo, about that..."
 

But Leo cut her off.  "Oh, did I tell you about Joe McSorty's run in with
the law a couple of week's ago?"
 

Before he could continue, he was interrupted by a knock at the open door.
 It was Niamh.  "Hello, you two."
 

Assumpta had never been more pleased to see anyone.  "Oh, Niamh, come
in!"
 

"Assumpta, I'm so glad to see you are awake.  How are you?"
 

"I'm feeling better by the minute.  Come sit by me."  Leo stood up to
give Niamh his chair.
 

"Leo, I've got such a thirst," Assumpta said.  He started to reach for
her cup of water but she wrinkled up her face.  "I would dearly love to
have something stronger."
 

He smiled.  "I don't think I can do much for you there, Love.  How about
a Coke?"
 

"I suppose that will have to do.  Could you get me one?"
 

He smiled again.  "Sure.  I'll go see what I can find."  And he left the
room.
 

Assumpta grabbed Niamh's hand.  "Niamh!  I'm so glad to have a moment
alone with you.  Where's Peter?"
 

"At my house."
 

"Your house?"
 

"Having a good sleep.  He didn't get any last night, Assumpta.  He sat
right here all night watching over you."
 

Tears came to Assumpta's eyes.  "That's sweet.  Poor love.  I must have
scared him badly."
 

"Assumpta, you scared us all badly!  We thought you were dead.  Maybe you
were.  But Doctor Ryan revived you, thank God."
 

"And Peter?"
 

"He was beside himself!  And he didn't care who saw it -- or else he
forgot we were even there.  It was pretty clear the man is in love with
you, Assumpta!  What happened between you two yesterday?"
 

"Oh... lots of things.  It started the other night really.  At your
house.  I showed up to baby sit and Peter was already there.  He finally
started to talk to me, Niamh.  To tell me know he felt.  We went for a
walk by the lake after the court hearing and talked more.  Finally last
night he told me he loved me and that he wanted me to be a part of his
life.  Oh, Niamh!  I've never been so happy -- then I go and do this!
Niamh, what am I to do?  Leo's here; I'm still married..."
 

"Peter's a priest..."
 

"The least of my worries, I think.  He said he would leave the priesthood
for me, Niamh."
 

Niamh's face was full of wonder.  "Oh, Assumpta..!  Just don't let him do
it before Saturday."
 

"Saturday?"
 

"Kieran's christening."
 

"Oh! Of course."
 

"Speaking of which, Assumpta, I want you to be one of Kieran's
godparents."
 

"What?!  Niamh... I wouldn't know what..."
 

"Assumpta Fitzgerald.  You are perfectly capable of being his godparent."
 

"But Niamh, a godparent has to make promises -- one of which is that the
child will be brought up in the Church if anything happens to you.
Niamh, I don't go to Church.  I can't raise someone else's child in the
Church when I don't believe in it!"
 

"Oh, I don't care.  And nothing is going to happen to me or Ambrose.  You
are my best friend, Assumpta.  I want you to be Kieran's godmother."
 

"The fairy godmother!  Niamh, I'm in hospital, in case you haven't
noticed."
 

"Well, you look good to me.  I'm sure you will be out by Saturday."
 

They heard someone walking toward the room.  "I'll think about it,"
Assumpta said, then lowering her voice added, "Niamh, I've got to see
Peter.  Please tell him."
 

"But Leo... they've already had one fight."
 

"What?!"
 

But there was no more time to talk.  Leo walked through the door carrying
three cans of Coke.
 

"Here we are.  One for each of us."
 

Niamh stood.  "Thanks, Leo, but I've got to go.  Errands to run, Kieran
to get back to.  Assumpta, I'm so glad to see you looking so well.  I'll
convey your greetings to everyone.  Remember what I asked, Assumpta."
 

"Remember yourself, Niamh."
 

After Niamh left and Assumpta explained about the christening, she
reached out a hand for Leo's, and said: "Leo, we've got to talk."
 

* * * * *
 

Kathleen Hendley was standing in her shop gossiping with one of her older
lady customers, the widow Mary O'Casey.  Mary wasn't her favorite partner
for her favorite past-time -- she had too sympathetic a nature -- but she
was someone new with whom Kathleen could yet again discuss last night's
happenings.
 

"Well, I think it's disgraceful," Kathleen was saying.  "Assumpta
Fitzgerald nearly dead of shock and the Priest making a spectacle of
himself over her.  I always thought they were much too friendly.  She has
been a bad influence on him -- not surprisingly.  I wouldn't be surprised
if something has been going on between those two behind closed doors!
And her a married woman!  I'll not step foot in St. Joseph's again, as
long as HE is the curate!  I plan to register my complaints with Father
MacAnally."
 

"Now Kathleen.  Even priest's are human.  I think he's a nice young man,
for an Englishman, and he's been a good curate -- very kind and
considerate to me.  And Assumpta is lovely, really.  If they do care for
each other, then I think its fortunate that they discovered their
feelings now, before anything really happened -- I'm sure it hasn't.
We've had too much scandal in the Church of late -- on far higher levels
than a curate.  Better that this not get further out of hand.  And now,
under the circumstances, we should be kinder toward Assumpta."
 

"Well -- still, I..."
 

Something caught Kathleen's attention outside the window -- more
specifically across the street at Fitzgerald's -- and she did a
double-take.
 

"What are those two boys up to now?"  Mary and Kathleen moved closer to
the window to have a better look.  Donal was standing in front of
Fitzgerald's, peering down the street with a pair of binoculars.  Liam
was coming down the sidewalk with a small table and two chairs stacked
together and held balanced on his head.  Suddenly Donal reacted and said
something to Liam and they both dashed, with tables, into the bar and
shut the door.  In less than a minute Niamh Egan drove by in her car.
 

"Well, whatever it is," Kathleen decided.  "I don't want to know about
it.  I don't care to know anything further about Assumpta Fitzgerald's
affairs, or her bar." And with that the two ladies turned away from the
window.
 

* * * * *
 

When Peter awoke later in the afternoon, he was disoriented at first, not
recognizing where he was.  Then he remembered, and he sat up and looked
about him.  It was amazing what a woman's touch did for a room.  Compared
to his spartan quarters, this was much more homey and comforting.  And to
think he had believed he could live his life without a woman's influence
-- without love -- in his life.  Assumpta perhaps wasn't as domestic as
Niamh, but that mattered little.  He looked at the clock.  Two-thirty in
the afternoon!  He was surprised to realize how long he had slept --
nearly five hours.  And he had thought he wouldn't be able to sleep.  He
stood and straightened the bed and re-folded the coverlet at the foot.
Then he walked out and down the hall to the kitchen where he found Niamh.
 

"Well!  You really did sleep, didn't you?"
 

"I can hardly believe it."
 

"I'm glad.  You needed it."
 

"Niamh, have you heard how Assumpta is?" he asked, anxious once again.
 

"Yeah, she's awake -- and anxious to see you!"
 

"She is?!"  He tried but failed to conceal his joy and relief at the news
and Niamh was filled with pangs of sympathy for him.  "That's wonderful
news.  I'll go right away."  Then he gently touched his upper lip.
"Hmm-- What about Leo?"
 

"He was there when I left, but it doesn't matter, Peter.  She needs to
see you!"
 

Peter smiled.  "Thanks Niamh, for everything."
 

* * * * *
 

Stay tuned for Part 3

Peter walked out of Niamh's house (and Garda station) and immediately his
eye was caught by something going on down the road at Fitzgerald's.  Liam
and Donal were perched on ladders on either side of the front door to the
bar, and they were struggling to hang a large banner.  As Peter
approached, he could hear them arguing.

"You've got it twisted!"

"Well, give me a chance to get a better hold of it!"

They didn't hear Peter as he walked up behind them.

"Just what are you two boys up to?!"

Donal jumped with fright and nearly lost his balance on his ladder.

"Father!  You shouldn't come up and scare a man like that.  I could have
fallen and broken my neck!"

"Hold that banner up so I can read the thing.  Liam, straighten it out
there."

They pulled the banner straight and taut, and Peter read:

FRIENDS OF FITZGERALD'S
TONIGHT -- COME TO THE REWIRING PARTY -- 5 pm to Closing
FREE BEER! (limit two per customer)
AND FREE CANDLELIGHT GOURMET DINNER
COURTESY OF PEKING DUCKS R US CHINESE RESTAURANT
!!LET'S HELP ASSUMPTA!!

Peter felt more than a bit angry.  "Where is he?"

"Quigley?  In the bar," Liam answered with a nod of his head.

Peter walked into the bar and found it crowded with neat sets of small
dining tables and chairs set about the place.  The tables were all
covered in clean white clothes and decorated with Chinese fans and
candles in holders.  Peter walked on through to the back and found
Quigley in the kitchen with Shamie, the Irish/Chinese cook from his
restaurant.

"Brian, what is going on?"

"Peter!  Good to see you.  Padraig is going to rewire the place for
Assumpta.  I figured the more help he had, the quicker he could get the
job done.  Thought I'd create a little incentive for the helpers to show
up."

"And a little business for yourself?"

"Now, Father.  Did you read the sign?  The dinner's free -- on me,
tonight.  The restaurant's off to a slow start.  If this helps people to
discover how good Shamie's cooking is, and they come back to the
restaurant on their own next time, then that's good for business."

"For you.  What about Assumpta?  She doesn't know about this and I doubt
she would like it.  Whose paying for the free beer?"

"Well, I could hardly ask her, now, could I?  It would spoil Padraig's
surprise.  Besides, if the rewiring's costing her nothing, don't you
think she'd be willing to hand out a few free beers?  You'll notice I'm
limiting the number.  Any more and they'll have to pay for them.  That
will bring money to Assumpta that she wouldn't get if the place stayed
closed."

"You have all the angles figured, don't you, Brian?"

"Sure!  Now tell me it's not a good idea?"  But Peter couldn't.

"Are you sure Padraig wants the help?"

"Padraig's fine with the idea.  He'll find a way to put people to work,
and if there's too many, they can stay here in the bar and add to
Assumpta's profits."

Peter just shook his head and smiled.  Brian Quigley truely never missed
an opportunity, but this time Peter approved.  He couldn't see the harm
in it, and if it benefitted Assumpta, then that was what counted the
most.  He would make sure he was back tonight to keep an eye on things.

* * * * *
 

Peter went home to wash up, change into some clean clothes, and pick up
his car.  During the drive into Cilldargan he was again alone with his
thoughts, and once again he had to fight against nagging doubts.
Assumpta had asked to see him, he reminded himself.  That was the most
important thing -- but Leo was there.  Did he have a right to come
between a man and his wife?  A mortal sin, in the eyes of the Church.

What would Assumpta have to say?  What more would Leo have to say?  What
could he himself say to them both?  He had failed Assumpta so many times
by backing down when they could have -- should have -- discussed what was
happening between them.  Peter remembered once when Assumpta had needed
to talk and he, not realizing her need and feeling a little
uncomfortable, had made his excuses and left her.  Had he sensed she was
going to say something he wasn't ready to hear -- or couldn't handle?
She had been angry with him afterwards.  Then he remembered the cold
night they had sat in his car guarding the Kilnashee Wood for Brendan.
Assumpta had a way of constantly disconcerting him.

"We don't really have a lot to say to each other do we?" she had honestly
remarked.

Trying as always to keep it simple between them, to feign ignorance of
her direct meanings, he had replied, "Don't we?"

"No." An owl was heard in the night. "The owl's quite chatty though."
Then she laughed.

"What?"

"I was just thinking back to when I was 16.  There was this Priest in the
parish who'd sneak up on parked cars and shine a torch through the
window."

"Looking for..?" he asked.

"What do you think?"

"Oh yeah."  He felt foolish.

She gave him a long intense look that made him uncomfortable.  "What?"

"Just thinking."

"What?" he insisted.

"What would you do if Father Mac shone a light through our window?"

"Tell him to mind his own business," he replied with certain conviction.

She gave him another look.  "You surprise me."

"Do I?"

"Constantly."

It was the perfect opening.  It was his chance to be as frank with her as
she was with him.  They could have talked, expressed their feelings, come
to some understanding.  But he didn't know how to begin and he was
scared, unsure of himself, so he let the moment pass -- as usual.
Frustrated, he saw her shiver and he asked, "Are you cold?" and took
ahold of her hand.

"Yeah - no," she replied in surprise and confusion.

"You feel cold."
 

"No," she insisted, but he kept hold of her hand and she let him.  He
held her hand in both of his to warm it.  He wanted to press a warm kiss
to her cold fingers but he settled for bowing his head and resting his
forehead against their joined hands.  He was aware all the time that she
continued to stare at him, and for her part, Assumpta was too stunned to
think clearly.  She just waited -- and wondered what was going on inside
his head.

So many confused and frustrated feelings were whirling around inside him.
 What should he say -- what dare he say?  He was trying to work up the
nerve to say something -- to express some of what he was feeling, what
was tearing him apart inside -- when Brendan and the others returned and
the moment was lost.

With one last look, they both got out of the car.  When Brendan teased
Peter that maybe he hadn't been keeping such a good eye on the woods, he
protested too strongly -- another attempt to deny what was going on
inside of him.  Assumpta said she was leaving and gathered up her things.
 Desparate to salvage the moment, Peter hurried to join her by her van.
In his eyes was all the turmoil he was feeling inside.  He strained to
begin but the words wouldn't come and he got off to a bad start.

"Assumpta ..."

"Goodnight," she told him, but he moved closer -- so close that their
bodies touched and their faces were only inches apart.  She brushed the
wind-blown hair from her face and waited, giving him another chance.

"I'm a Priest," he started, trying to convey so much meaning in those few
words.  But Assumpta wouldn't make it easy for him.

"That's fine. Be a Priest," and she climbed into her van and drove away,
leaving Peter aching with frustration and longing.

Finally in the last couple of days Peter had faced his reality -- with
Assumpta's help.  Last night he had finally expressed his love.  But
Assumpta had not -- not in words.  But could he be in doubt of them?  He
thought of the day when he made his decision to take Father Mac's advice
and go on retreat to reaffirm his vocation.  When he told Assumpta she
said, "So, that's it, is it?"

And he replied, "Yes.  That is... it."  The look that passed between them
said all that he could not say: "It is over.  The feelings that have been
building between us must end.  We can never be anything to one another
but friends."  But when he saw the look on her face and the struggle she
was having with her emotions and the tears that threatened to burst
forth, it tore at him and he struggled to maintain his own composure and
determination.  Surely that had been evidence of her feelings.

The retreat had done for him what he had hoped when he left.  He returned
renewed and assured that he could control his feelings.  He was
determined to put some emotional distance between Assumpta and himself
when she returned.  He would throw himself into his parish work and be a
less-frequent visitor to Fitzgerald's.  Everything would be fine; he was
strong once more.

But as soon as Niamh told him that Assumpta had run off to London and
married Leo McGarvey, all his resolve had crashed around his feet.  He
had never actually put it into words, but the thought had been there:
that he could remain celibate as long as Assumpta did like-wise.  How
selfish could he have been?!  But at the same time he felt angry and
betrayed.  How could she do that to him?  Was it possible that she didn't
feel the same as he -- that she loved Leo?  He gave Assumpta such a hard
time when she tried to explain things to him -- and clearly put his anger
and torment on display at the same time!  The sleepless, dream-filled
nights returned with a vengeance.

He tried to stay away from Fitzgerald's (it was too painful to be there)
and give Assumpta and Leo their space.  He remembered the night of the
Battle of the Bars.  He was having a bad time of it, just being there.
Then the words of Aisling's song, and the look that passed between him
and Assumpta while she sang it, had shaken him to the core.  He was
shaken again when he stood in the dark outside the Garda Station and
watched Leo arrive home late, knowing he was heading up to Assumpta's
bed.  That had cut Peter where it hurt the most.

Still, he thought he was doing a pretty good job of hiding his feelings.
But he was fooling himself.  Leo stunned him badly when he made it very
clear he knew how it stood between Peter and Assumpta.  That's when he
decided the dogs in the street must know!  Going on retreat had resolved
nothing.  It had only made things many times worse.  Bad mistakes had
been made; misunderstanding had existed on both sides.  But no more.

Peter remembered what Assumpta had once said:  "When two people are meant
to be together, there's no force on earth that will keep them apart.  If
it's meant to happen, it will happen."  He was convinced now that they
were meant to happen.  God had brought him to Ballykissangel, had brought
them together, and no force on earth -- no retreat, no Father Mac, no
electrical fuse box -- nothing could keep them apart.

Peter pulled the car into the hospital carpark full of determination to
face Leo.  But still, he approached Assumpta's room with caution and
waited just outside to listen for the sound of voices.  He heard nothing,
and he looked around the door frame.

Assumpta appeared to be sleeping.  She looked much as he had left her
that morning -- then not at all the same.  Instead of a straight, still
form with her arms to her sides, she lay with her head turned to one side
and her bandaged hand on the pillow beside her face.  Gone were the
oxygen mask, the IV, and the heart monitor.  She looked beautiful and
peaceful.  Peter was overcome by love for her.  He moved quickly across
the room and took her other hand in his.  Assumpta immediately opened her
eyes and turned to look at him with a smile.

"Peter.. at last."  He sank into the chair beside her bed.  Assumpta
freed her hand from his and cradled his face in both her hands.  She saw
the bruised lip and nose and smiled with under-standing.  She leaned
toward him while gently pulling him closer and said: "Peter -- I love
you."
 

To finally hear the words that he had longed to hear -- had dreamed of
hearing -- Peter was overcome with emotion.  He began to sob tears of
relief and joy.  Startled by his reaction, Assumpta pulled him into her
arms and let him cry against her shoulder as she had before, in Niamh's
kitchen.  "Peter, it's okay.  Oh, Peter..."

As happened before, Peter was engulfed by a very sensual awareness of
Assumpta.  As he abandoned his tears and gave into his feelings, he
whispered her name and began to nuzzle, then to kiss her neck.  But this
time there were no barriers between them.  This time she did not pull
away but gave herself up to the enjoyment of his kisses and the racing
emotions they invoked throughout her body.

Peter's mouth found Assumpta's, and their first kiss was all they had
both dreamed of:  deep, full of passion, full of months of suppressed
emotions, longing, and desire.  As the kiss grew more urgent, Peter
gathered Assumpta into his arms and held her so tight that she cried out
in pain.  He immediately released her.

"I.. I'm sorry!  I hurt you!" he groaned, but Assumpta laughed and
reassured him.

"It's okay, Peter, really!  I'm a little sore from the work-over Michael
gave me, but I'll be fine in a couple of days.  Then you can hold me all
you want.  And I would definately like to be kissed like that again!  You
certainly know your way around a kiss -- for a priest!  You sure you
didn't learn a thing or two from that girl Jennie?"

"Never!  I have never felt for anyone what I feel for you, Assumpta
Fitzgerald."  He leaned in and briefly kissed her again.  Then his smile
changed to a questioning frown.  "Assumpta, where's Leo?" he asked.

"Gone -- back to London."

"What...?"

"We talked.  I told him we should never have married.  That I'd married
him for all the wrong reasons.  I told him I was sorry -- I hadn't meant
to hurt him.  I asked him for my freedom, Peter -- and he told me he
would let me go."  Leo hadn't protested, hadn't argued.  He'd given up so
easily that Assumpta had nearly cried.  She didn't love him as she loved
Peter, but she did care about him and always would.  It hurt -- to hurt
him.  Assumpta sighed.  "So... what happens next, Father Clifford?"

Peter made a face at her then smiled.  "Hmm...  First, we get you out of
this hospital and back home again.  Then, after next Saturday, I will no
longer be Father Clifford."

"Saturday?"

"Kieran's christening."
 

"Oh."  Assumpta dropped her eyes and Peter grasped the moment.

"Did Niamh talk to you about Saturday, Assumpta?"

"Ah... yes."

"And?  You can do it, Assumpta.  It means a lot to Niamh, and you love
Kieran."

"Of course I do, but to be his godmother, Peter... the Church..."

"Assumpta.  If you're going to marry me..."  He stopped and looked a bit
stunned by his own words.  "Assumpta Fitzgerald, will you marry me?"

She smiled.  "As soon as I'm free to do so -- yes, Peter Clifford, I will
marry you."  Peter returned her smile with a huge one of his own and
leaned in again to give her another warm, lingering kiss.

"I could do this all day!" he declared.

"Me to!" she agreed and laughed.

Then Peter gave her a serious look.  "We have to marry in the Church,
Assumpta.  No registry office for us."

She pursed her lips and took a deep breath.  "I'll marry you in the
Church, Peter -- on one condition:  Father Mac doesn't do it."

Peter shook his head.  "I don't think he would agree to it, but it
doesn't matter because I would never ask.  We'll find someone else to do
it."  And in a slightly teasing tone he added, "It won't be so bad,
Assumpta.  You can get through it."

She brightened and wrapped her arms around his chest, which felt warm and
strong and comfortable.  "I believe I can get through anything, now," she
said, "as long as I have you."  And just so there could be no further
doubt, she added: "I do love you, Peter Clifford!"

With a heart so full that he couldn't reply, Peter again demonstrated
just how much he loved Assumpta Fitzgerald!
 

* * * * *
 

Just before five o'clock, Niamh walked across the street to open
Fitzgerald's up for the evening crowd.  She stopped dead in her tracks
when she saw the banner.  "What the...?"  She stormed into the pub and
straight to her father behind the bar.  "What is going on, Dad?!"
 

"It's all part of my plan, Niamh."

"What plan?!"

"My plan to get this place rewired for Assumpta as soon as possible and
have a bit of fun in the process.  It brings in the helpers and rewards
them with a good dinner.  What's the harm in that?  Padraig approves and
so does Father Clifford."

Niamh gave her father one of her critical, distrusting looks, which
gradually turned to a smile.  "Okay Dad, but I'm in charge of the bar."

"Fine."

The patrons began arriving almost immediately and Niamh counted heads as
they came in.  When the number matched the number of places they had for
dinner, she called them the "A" crew and asked the others to come back at
7.  The "A" crew was told they would work first and eat later.  Padraig
found among them a couple of men who had done some rewiring and put them
in charge of teams.  The three teams worked to pull all of the old
wiring.  At six they sat down to a candlelight dinner.  Peter arrived
shortly after six and made his way through the crowded room to Niamh at
the bar (where she was keeping a close eye on the distribution of free
drinks).

"Father Clifford!  How's Assumpta?"

"She's doing fine, Niamh.  The doctor thinks she'll be able to come home
tomorrow."

Padraig overheard.  "Tomorrow?  What time tomorrow?  You've got to make
it afternoon.  There's lots of work to be done here."

"I'll do my best, Padraig.  How's the work going so far?"

"Good.  I'm hopeful.  It's nice to see everyone coming together for a
good cause.  Community spirit isn't dead in Ireland."

"I'm glad of that, Padraig.  I never really doubted it."

The "A" crew was moved out about 6:45 and told to come back at 9 for a
wrap party.  The "B" crew sat down to dinner just past 7 and went to work
about 8.  By the time the "A" crew returned at 9 for the party, the work
was definately progressing well, and Peter was delighted.  In addition,
when closing time finally came, Fitzgerald's had made a very good profit
on the evening.  While Liam and Donal cleared away the dirty dishes and
returned the extra tables and chairs to Brian's restaurant, Peter helped
Niamh with the washing up in the kitchen.

"Well, Father, Assumpta should be very pleased.  I think we made enough
to give Dad something for all of the food, and still leave Assumpta more
than she makes many a night.  What do you think?"

"I think -- your father had an idea I could actually support for once.  I
think Assumpta will be pleased, too.  Thank you, Niamh, for looking out
for her best interests."

"And ah... what about mine?"

"What?"

"Did you talk to Assumpta about Saturday?"

Peter nodded.  "I did.  She'll do it.  You might say she's taking a
renewed interest in the Church!"

"Thank you, Father.  I'll miss you being the curate, when that time
comes."

"Thank you, Niamh.  I'll... miss it to."

Niamh gave him a long look with concern.  "Are you sure... you won't come
to regret your decision?"

Peter gave Niamh a reassuring smile in return.  "I love Assumpta, Niamh."
 Though she knew it to be true, it was a bit odd to hear him say it, and
it was a bit odd for Peter too, to be voicing it for the first time to
someone other than Assumpta.  He blushed and cleared his throat.  "It's
taken me three years to admit it to myself, but I think I fell in love
with her from the first day I met her.  Assumpta is incredible."

"That she is," Niamh agreed.

"I couldn't continue being a priest now, not after all that's happened.
Our feelings are finally out in the open and its time for me to move on.
It will be an adjustment, I know -- a total redirection for me, but its
worth it to have Assumpta in my life, Niamh."

"Oh, Peter."  She was overcome with emotion to have Peter share his
feelings with her, and so happy for Assumpta.  She walked over to him and
gave him a big hug.

"I've worried about Assumpta for such a long time.  I wanted her to have
someone in her life, someone to love, like I have Ambrose.  She's so
independent," Peter nodded his agreement, "but I felt she was lonely.
You remember how I tried to get her together with Enda..."  Peter nodded
again and Niamh saw that it didn't please him to remember.  "Well, bad
choice, I know, but my intentions were good.  I could hardly have pushed
your cause, now could I?"

Peter smiled and gave Niamh back a hug.  "Assumpta has been very lucky to
have you as a friend, Niamh.  Thank you for watching out for her."

"That's your job now, Peter."

"And thankful I am that God has seen fit to give me that chance.  Things
could have gone far differently last night, and I thank God for
preserving her life.  Now I just want to make her happy."

Niamh gave Peter a reassuring wink.  "Oh, I believe you will.  I have no
doubt of that.  I've never seen Assumpta happier.  You either, for that
matter."

"That's because I've never been happier."

Just then they heard Padraig and the last of his crew discussing the
progress of their work as they came up from the celler.  They were
calling it a night.  Niamh folded their dish towels and laid them aside.
"Well, that's that, then.  Its time I got home to my husband and baby."

Padraig came into the kitchen.  "What time do you think you'll have
Assumpta home tomorrow, Father?"

"She's checking out of hospital at eleven and I'll be there, but I'll
find a way to delay her homecoming for a little while."  A smile passed
between him and Niamh.  "How would two suit you?"

Padraig shrugged.  "It'll have to do.  So... we'll be done."

"And I'll have the bar decorated for her homecoming," Niamh added.

"Then two it is."  Peter gave them both another smile and they walked out
of the pub together.

When Peter entered Assumpta's hospital room just before eleven the next
morning, he found her arguing with a big, bulky nurse who was standing
with feet planted apart, one hand on her hip, and the other on the handle
of a wheelchair.  Assumpta was sitting on the side of her bed.

"I do not need a wheelchair!" Assumpta snapped at the nurse.

"What's going on here?  What's the matter?" Peter asked before the nurse
could reply.

Assumpta was greatly relieved to see him, but she didn't stand to greet
him.  "Peter!  You're here -- finally!"  She reached out a hand to him
and he went over and took it in his.

"I'm sorry.  I had some business to take care of this morning." He didn't
tell her that he had dropped by the pub to find Padraig and a small crew
already busy at work.

"What kind of business?"

"Parish business.  I'm still a priest, Assumpta."  She gave him a 'look'
and turned away to glare at the nurse, who looked to Peter.

"It is hospital policy, Father."

"What is?"

"That Mrs. McGarvey leave this hospital in a wheelchair."

With a look on her face that would make the Devil cower, Assumpta hissed
at the nurse, "First of all, I have asked you to call me Miss Fitzgerald,
and second of all, I will walk out of this hospital on my own two feet!
Peter?"

Several years of priest's training and practice were not wasted on Peter.
 His natural gift for compromise and negotiation kicked in.

"Nurse, would I be permitted to push the wheelchair if Miss Fitzgerald
consented to sit in it?"  Assumpta started to protest but Peter pressed a
finger to her lips and she was immediately silenced by his touch, which
also brought a smile to her lips.

"Well, I suppose that would be alright."

"Thank you."  Peter walked around the chair, grabbed the handles and
wheeled it closer to Assumpta.  "There you go, Miss Fitzgerald, your
chariot awaits you."

Assumpta started to stand but immediately sat down again.  "My... one leg
still feels a bit wobbly.  If you'd help me, Peter..."  He was
immediately by her side and put his arms around her.  With his help she
made it into the chair and he grabbed hold of the handles again.  He
started to push her toward the door when the doctor appeared.

"Ah, Father Clifford."

Peter nodded.  "Doctor.  Is her paper work all complete?  Can she go
home?"

"Indeed it is and she can.  But you have to mind my advice now, young
lady," he told Assumpta.  "You promised me that if I let you go home
today you would stay off of your feet for a couple of days.  Take it
gradually until your muscles get their full strength back.  Till then
you'll be a bit unsteady and it would not do for you to take a fall.
Father...?"

"I'll see to it, Doctor.  She'll have constant care -- round the clock --
to be sure she does what you tell her."

"I'm concerned she'll be tempted to get behind that bar of hers."

"Don't worry about it, Doctor.  I promise you she'll be well looked
after.  She has a lot of friends who care about her."  He bent his head
to smile down at her and she looked up at him with a smile of her own,
and he saw that his words had both touched her and embarrassed her.
Assumpta had never been one to let people 'do' for her.

Peter wheeled Assumpta down the hallway after bidding the doctor thank
you and goodbye.  The nurse accompanied them all the way to Peter's car
then walked away with the wheelchair once Assumpta was safely in the
front passenger seat.  When Peter climbed in beside her, she let out a
long sigh.

"I have never been so glad to be rid of a place.  That nurse was a
dictator."

"She's just doing her job, Assumpta."

"Well, she can do it on someone else, now.  Oh Peter, I am glad to see
you."  He leaned over and gave her a warm, lingering kiss.

"And I you.  You have no idea how much!  Assumpta, do you mind if we
don't head straight back to Ballykissangel?  I'd like to have you to
myself for a bit.  There'll no doubt be a crowd at the bar when you get
home."

"Do you think so?  Then, I would LOVE to have some time to ourselves,
Peter.  Time away from others, well-meaning or not.  Time for just you
and me."

"Hungry?"

"A bit."

"Let's get a bite to eat first, then we'll go park by the lake.  We can
just sit and talk for a while -- or something..."

"Hmm.  I like the sound of that."
 

They had lunch in one of the nicer restaurants in Cilldargan.  When
Assumpta saw where Peter was heading, she protested that it was too
expensive, but he insisted that it was a special occasion.

"Today is a special day," he told her.  "You are alive and well, and this
is the first day of the rest of our lives -- together.  Two good reasons
to celebrate."  So they had their special lunch in a special restaurant,
tucked into a quiet cozy corner, holding hands and sipping wine.  And
after lunch Peter drove them to the shore of the lake.  Gray clouds were
gathering over the mountain peaks to the west and a breeze was picking up
and rippling the dark surface of the lake. He drove along a rough dirt
path that follows the shore until they were around and behind a bit of a
rise that shielded them from view of the main road and allowed them some
privacy.  Peter stopped the car and turned to Assumpta.

"Hmm.  I remember the last time we sat in a car alone together.  I feel
completely different."

"How so?"

"I was nervous, tongue tied, emotionally torn.  I wanted to say so much
to you, yet didn't dare. You have no idea what a relief it is to have
that indecision behind me!"

"I believe I do.  Its a relief for me too, you know.  But Peter..."

"Hmm?"

"Are you sure?"

"Sure about what?  Leaving the priesthood? --Yes.  Sure about my
feelings? --Yes, I'm sure I love you and want to spend the rest of my
life with you.  Sure about you? --You tell me."

Assumpta looked at Peter and he looked back for one l-o-n-g moment.  He
was just beginning to become uncomfortable, to feel a stab of
uncertainty, when she finally and quietly replied.

"Yes, Peter.  I'm sure I love you and want to spend the rest of my life
with you, too.  But I admit I'm a little concerned for the future."

Peter was surprised.  "Why?  How?"

"The other day you asked me what you were going to do for a job, after
you leave the priesthood.  You asked whether you could help at the bar.
I've thought about that, and I don't believe that will work."

"Assumpta..."

"No, let me say what's on my mind.  After you left the hospital yesterday
I thought about it a lot.  Helping me run the bar will never do for you."

"Assumpta..."

"Peter, let me finish!  You have been a priest all of your adult life.
And you are a good one.  You relate to people and they to you.  You
aren't condescending and distant like Father Mac.  You would be wasted
behind the bar, doling out advice to the regulars. You..."

"Assumpta, I agree with you."

"You... what?"

"That's part of what I wanted to talk to you about, why I wanted to sit
and talk for awhile.  I've thought about it too."

"And... you agree with me."  Assumpta hadn't expected him to agree, and
it suddenly worried her to hear it.  But Peter smiled reassuringly and
took her hands in his.

"I have to be doing something I feel is worthwhile, Assumpta -- to feel
like I'm contributing to the community -- helping people -- like I did
with that girl from Cilldargan and her baby.  A family was kept together,
and that was important.  That's the part of being a priest that I find
worthwhile -- that I would miss.  The rest of it -- officiating, hearing
confessions, dealing with church rules and regulations, keeping my
superiors happy -- I really won't miss!"  Peter sighed and shook his
head.  "Actually, part of the officiating I will miss.  I like marrying
couples and baptizing babies, seeing the joy in people's faces.  The rest
I definitely will not miss.  But, I want to continue helping people --
and serving God, Assumpta.  Those are the reasons I became a priest and
they will always be important to me."

"I know they will, Peter.  You wouldn't be you -- the Peter I love -- if
you stopped caring and wanting to help."

"But there are other ways to help, and to serve God, besides being a
priest.  I thought... maybe I could get into social work.  Catholic
Services maybe.  And I could be a Deacon in the Church. You wouldn't mind
that, would you, Assumpta?  I mean, for a marriage to work... for our
marriage to work, we have to accept each other as we are and accept that
there will always differences.  That's true of any couple.  Can you
accept that -- accept me under those conditions, Assumpta?"

Peter waited for her to reply.  For another long moment she looked at him
with a look on her face that was part concern and part -- sympathy?  He
fought down the rising panic and willed himself to remain silent.  At
last she removed her hands from his and placed them on his face.  She
leaned forward and kissed him, sweetly, tenderly.  "I love you for who
you are, Peter," she whispered.  "I wouldn't want you any other way."

She kissed him again, deeply and passionately, and Peter wrapped his arms
around her and she wrapped hers around his neck.  For several moments
they enjoyed the pleasure of each other's lips.  Then Peter broke away to
bestow kisses on Assumpta's face, her eyes, her ears, her soft curved
neck, on the soft spot behind her ear-lobe, and the hollow above her
collar bone. Then he kissed as much of her collar bone that was not
covered by the scooped neck of the knit top she was wearing.

Assumpta made soft sounds of pleasure and whispered his name.  He felt
disconnected -- apart from reality -- in a world made up of only the
pleasures of Assumpta.  Any will-power he might have had to control his
rising passions fled from him and left him with only one desire.  One
hand began to roam her body then quickly moved to tug her shirt free of
the restraint of the waistband of her jeans.

The distant rumble of thunder over the mountains reached Assumpta's ears
and snapped her back to reality.  She was immediately filled with concern
for what was happening to them here and now.  Peter's was a small car,
and she had no desire for their first sexual encounter to take place in
the cramped confines of his car.  It was soon going to come down raining
and she wanted to be tucked into the cozy comfort of her own bed -- with
her arms and legs wrapped around Peter's warm body!  Assumpta broke free
from his embrace and pushed him away.  Peter was startled back to
reality; a dazed look was on his face.

"Assumpta...!"

"Not here, Peter.  Not this way."

Peter shook the cob webs from his brain and took a deep calming breath.
"Of course.  You're right.  I'm still a priest."  Assumpta looked at him
sharply.  That wasn't what she had considered and she wasn't happy that
the thought had occurred to him.  As big drops of rain began to hit the
car windows and rivulets to run down, they washed away the sweet thoughts
from her mind and left her feeling petulant.

Peter glanced at his watch: it was ten minutes to two.  With another deep
breath, he started up the car and drove back along the dirt path.
Glancing in both directions along the empty road, he pulled the car on to
it and headed again in the direction of Ballykay.

* * * * *

Back at Fitzgerald's, Niamh glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that
it was nearly two o'clock.  For the past half-hour a small crowd had
begun to gather in the bar.  Padraig and his crew had been there all
morning.  The other regulars -- Brendan, Siobhan, Michael, Liam and Donal
-- were there, along with Ambrose, Eamonn, and Brian, and even Kathleen
and Father Mac had just arrived.  And many who had been there to work and
have dinner the night before were back.  Just about anyone who knew
Assumpta was there.  The place was crowded, drinks were flowing, and
there was excitement in the air.  Cars had been parked down the street
across from the church so as to not be too obvious.

Finishing touches still needed to be done to the electrical work in the
cellar, but the work was done in the bar and there were even new light
fixtures.  A banner that read "Welcome Home Assumpta!!" hung high on the
wall behind the bar.  Everything looked nice and Niamh hoped Assumpta
would be pleased.  You could never be completely assured of her reaction
to anything.
Niamh leaned over the open trap door to the cellar.  "Padraig!  They'll
be here any minute.  Come on up."  She heard him call back that they
would be right up.  Donal was by the window where he could see the road
over the bridge.  Suddenly he called out above the noise of the crowd.
"Here they come!  Here they come!"  As Padraig and his crew scrambled up
out of the cellar, Niamh ushered the crowd to the far end of the bar away
from the sitting room, where she thought it most likely that Assumpta and
Peter would enter.  With lots of shushing, the noise dropped to whispers
as the car pulled up outside of the bar.

Assumpta looked out the car window at the front of her establishment and
home.  Everything looked quiet and normal.  She vainly hoped there
wouldn't be a great fuss made.  She suddenly felt tired and wanted Peter
to hold her in his arms again.  Peter pulled up in front of the pub, got
out of the car, and came around to her door and opened it.  He reached in
and took her extended hand.  As Assumpta stood to her feet, she was
overcome by a sudden dizziness and began to sink back down.  But Peter
moved quickly, slipped one arm under her knees and the other behind her
back, and picked her up in his arms.

Assumpta was annoyed by her weakness.  "Oh Peter.  Put me down.  I'll be
all right in a minute."

"I will not."  He kicked the car door shut with his foot and carried her
over to the hotel entrance to Fitzgerald's.  Shifting her weight, he
struggled to get the key into the lock and Assumpta reached out to turn
the handle.  Peter shoved the door open with his foot and ducked as he
carried Assumpta through the doorway.

Suddenly, from the far end of the bar, a great shout erupted.  "Welcome
home, Assumpta!"  Startled, Peter and Assumpta looked in surprise and he
laughed as the crowd surged forward toward them.  "Put me down!" Assumpta
gruffly whispered.  Peter obeyed, but held her securely in his arms as
Niamh reached them and planted a kiss on Assumpta's cheek.  One after
another, her friends came forward and gave her hugs and kisses and told
her how glad they were to see her and how well she looked.  Father Mac
did not kiss or hug her but took her hand into his.

"Assumpta, welcome home.  You look much better than the last time I saw
you.  How are you feeling?"
 

"Very tired, but glad to be home."

Padraid, who had been holding back, now stepped forward and kissed her
cheek.  "Welcome home, Assumpta.  I have a little surprise for you."

He proceeded to excitedly tell her all that had been accomplished in the
last two days as Peter guided her through the bar to admire the new light
fixtures and wall switches.  Assumpta was surprised and pleased, but the
excitement was exhausting her more by the minute.  Finally Peter guided
to her to the stuffed chairs by the fireplace, and she gratefully sank
down into one of them.

"Padraig, I can't thank you enough for all of this.  How can I ever repay
you?"

"You don't need to Assumpta.  I should've done this long ago.  And you
don't owe me anything.  The cost has all been covered -- by your
friends."  He emphasized the last with a sweep of his arm that took in
everyone in the bar, who responded with a chorus of  "You're welcome" and
by lifting their glasses to her.

"Thank you.  Thank you, everyone."  Padraig saw the tears that welled up
in her eyes and so did Peter, who stood and raised a hand to the crowd.

"This has been a wonderful home-coming.  Everyone is welcome to come back
later, but for now Assumpta has got to get some rest.  Doctor's orders."
Peter pulled Assumpta to her feet, and with Niamh on one side of her and
Peter on the other, they made their way upstairs to her room.  The noisy
chatter faded as the crowd filed out of the bar, and when Assumpta
reached her bedroom, a peaceful quiet filled the room.  She looked at the
flowered comforter on the bed and nearly collapsed as she sank down on
the side.

"Assumpta, you poor thing," Niamh said in sympathy. "Would you like some
nice soothing herbal tea?  There's some downstairs that says its for
helping you sleep."

"Niamh, I would love some."

"I'll go make some.  Peter?..."  She indicated that she was leaving
Assumpta in his hands.

"Thanks, Niamh.  I'll get her into bed."

When Niamh left, Peter knelt at Assumpta's feet and slipped off her
shoes.  Quickly, without allowing himself to think about what he was
doing, he unfastened her jeans and supported her body as she raised
herself up and pulled them down over her bottom. Then he pulled them off
her legs and threw them over the back of a chair.

"What do you sleep in?"

She nodded toward the bed pillows.  "Night shirt."

Peter reached under the pillows and pulled out a soft, over-sized, pale
yellow tee-shirt.  When Assumpta started to pull her knit shirt off over
her head, Peter averted his eyes and mentally cursed himself for a
coward.  When he looked back, she had the night shirt on and her knit
shirt and bra lay on the bed beside her.  He added those to the chair
then pulled back the bed covers. Assumpta slipped her tired body between
the cool sheets and sighed with relief.   Just then, Niamh returned with
the tea.

"Here you go, Love.  Nice and warm, but not too hot, I hope."

Assumpta sat up and Peter arranged the pillows behind her back.  She took
the cup of tea and sipped it.  It felt so good and soothing going down.

"Hmm.  Wonderful!  I feeling positively spoiled."

"You deserve to be," Niamh assured her.  "Well, I think I'm going to go
home now.  Kieran should be about finished with his nap.  So, I'll leave
you in Peter's capable hands."

"Thank you, Niamh."  Assumpta squeezed her hand.

"See you two later," she said, and left the room.

Peter took the cup of tea from Assumpta and set it on the bedside table.
"Time to get some sleep."  She nestled back down into the covers and
Peter tucked the comforter snugly around her neck.  He bent over her and
kissed her lips, but when he started to pull away, Assumpta grabbed his
hand.

"Peter, stay."

"Assumpta, you need to rest."

"I will, but I don't want you to leave yet.  Stay with me till I'm
asleep.  Please."  She pulled on his arm and he sat down beside her.  She
rolled over in bed, pulling his arm around her.  Peter laid down beside
her on top of the covers, tucked his arms tightly around her, and rested
his cheek against her soft hair.  Neither of them said another word.  He
silently listened as her breathing relaxed and become the soft rhythm of
sleep.

Peter was not tired. Lying beside Assumpta, feeling the warmth of her
body through the covers, pressed against his own, he couldn't have slept
if he wanted to.  Thoughts filled his mind.  When had he ever felt as he
did now?  When had he ever desired a woman as he did now?  Never.  His
desire for Assumpta pained him and he had to fight to resist kissing her
hair, touching her body, waking the desire within her.

He squeezed his eyes shut then opened them again and looked around the
room.  Gradually other thoughts intruded -- thoughts of Leo.  Leo had
lived in this room, had slept in this bed, made love to Assumpta in this
bed. A stab of pain shot through Peter at the thought.  But it doesn't
matter, he told himself.  Nothing mattered but now and the future.  The
past was past forever, and Leo was going to free Assumpta from that sham
of a marriage.

A question came unbidden into Peter's mind.  So, when? it asked.  When
what?  When are you going to allow yourself the pleasures of love at
last?  When are you going to allow yourself to share this bed with
Assumpta, to enjoy the pleasures of her body, to give yourself to her
entirely?  When, Peter?

Peter groaned within himself.  Next week he would no longer be a priest,
but she would still be a married woman.  He knew she didn't care, but he
did.  In spite of how much he wanted her, he cared.  How could he go from
being a priest who professed to believe in the sanctity of the holy bonds
of matrimony to one who openly flaunted those beliefs?  Gulping back a
sob that came to his throat, Peter carefully slipped his arm out from
under Assumpta and got off the bed.  He looked down at her peacefully
sleeping form for a long moment.  Then, reaching up to wipe away a tear
that had begun to slip down his cheek, he left her.

* * * * *

When Niamh returned to the bar to open up for the evening customers, she
first went upstairs to check on Assumpta and found her bedroom door shut.
 She felt uncertain whether or not to open it.  She listened first at the
door and heard no sound.  Carefully, softly, she opened the door and saw
Assumpta still sleeping peacefully.  Peter was gone.  She quietly shut
the door again and went back downstairs to put a 'Closed' sign on the pub
door.

* * * * *

Peter was in the sacristy of the church, preparing for the 6 o'clock
mass, when Father MacAnally walked in.

"Father Clifford."  Peter looked up but didn't reply.  "I didn't expect
you to present the mass this evening so I came over to do it.  I'm glad
to see that won't be necessary."

"I'm still a priest.  As you requested, I will continue to act like one,
until Saturday."

"What about Sunday?"

"No.  You'll have to get that one."

"Very well.  And will you be here, Sunday -- to say goodbye?"

Peter was thoughtful.  "I don't know.  I haven't thought about it."

"I think you owe it to your flock.  They need to know."

"I would think they all know by now."
"But they need to hear it from you.  Plan on being here Sunday, Father
Clifford."  He turned and walked out.

* * * * *

Assumpta awoke on Saturday morning to the soft light of dawn filtering
through her bedroom curtains.  She smiled and stretched.  It felt so good
to be alive.  She was infused with happiness.  She sat up, swung her legs
out of bed and stood up.  No dizziness or weakness.  Good.  She walked
into the bath and washed and dressed, then went downstairs to the
kitchen.

The pub was quiet and cold.  Assumpta got the Aga going and it soon took
the chill from the room.  She made herself some coffee and buttered
toast, and sat down to eat her simple breakfast.  As she nibbled the
toast and sipped the steaming hot coffee, she thought about yesterday.
Yesterday she and Peter had spent the whole afternoon together, walking
and talking, making plans.  She had not been surprised by his expressed
wish to not sleep together until after they were married.  We'll see, she
thought now, and smiled.  Yesterday she had been amused by the tone of
his voice and the obvious difficulty he was having convincing himself
that was what he really wanted.  Her heart had warmed to him.  Thinking
of it now, she was filled with such love for him.

Assumpta was amazed at the transformation that was occurring in her.  She
had never felt so happy, so satisfied.  Even in London when she and Leo
were first married, before they returned to Ballykissangel, she had not
felt this way; not close.  Nothing seemed to upset her since leaving the
hospital.  Even Father Mac didn't get to her when he came into the pub
last night and said that he would be sad to see Father Clifford go, as
though Peter was one of Father Mac's favorite curates.  Assumpta chuckled
and was suddenly filled with an overwhelming desire to see Peter.  She
finished off her breakfast and left the pub.

Early Saturday mornings the streets of Ballykissangel are usually
deserted.  Assumpta didn't see another soul as she quickly walked up the
street to Peter's house.  She didn't knock before trying the door handle
and finding it unlocked.  She quietly slipped into the house and saw
Peter in the kitchen.  He was standing at the stove with his back to her.
 Assumpta tipped-toed across the room and slipped her arms around his
chest to hug him.  Peter didn't even start.  He turned around in her arms
and wrapped his own around her.  Their kiss was long and deep.
Afterwards he rested his chin against her hair and Assumpta sighed with
satisfaction.

"This day is going to be beautiful," she said.

"Is it?"

 "Yes.  Its going to be the best day."  She looked up into his eyes.  "I
love you, Peter Clifford."

Peter picked her up and swung a laughing Assumpta around the room, then
sat down in a chair with her on his lap.  For several long moments they
kissed until Peter forced himself to break away.  He was breathing hard
and his heart was pounding in his chest.

"Assumpta Fitzgerald, you are making this so hard for me."

She started to say  "Its hard for me, too", but stopped when she saw the
pained look of longing on his face.  "I know," she replied softly.  "I'm
sorry.  I'll go and get ready for the baptism, " even though it was still
nearly three hours away.  With another quick kiss, she was gone.

Peter remained sitting in the chair, staring at a shaft of bright morning
sunlight streaming in through the window.  Feathery specks of dust
drifted in the light and he stared so long and hard that his eyes started
to tear up.

He spoke aloud toward the light, "God, I love her so much.  Thank you for
bringing us together.  Thank you for preserving her life.  Thank you so
much for what you have blessed me with in my life.  I know you don't
begrudge me my choice to leave the priesthood.  Truly loving someone and
making them happy is also a divine calling.  And I promise you I will
make her happy."  Overcome with emotion, Peter buried his head in his
hands and cried.

* * * * *

The baptism of little Kieran Egan went beautifully.  Far from seeming
hesitant, Assumpta beamed with pride when she accepted her
responsibilities as godmother to the boy.  Brendan Kearney accepted the
responsibility of being godfather.  All of the remaining assembled
congregation pledged before God to support the parents in their efforts
to raise the boy faithfully in the Church, and Kieran was baptized in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Following the ceremony, Peter stood in his raiment by the door of the
church as the congregation filed out and made their way down the street
to Fitzgerald's where the christening party was to be held.  Father
MacAnally was the last to come out, and he stood by Peter for a moment as
they watched Assumpta walk away carrying Kieran, with one of his parents
on each side of her.

"Well, Father Clifford.  This is both a joyful day and a sad day."

"How's that?" Peter asked, though he knew the answer.

"It is a sad day in that it is your last as an acting priest, of course."

"I would think you would be glad to see me go.  We have never seen eye to
eye."

"I am never glad to see a priest abandon his vocation, Father Clifford.
And you are no exception.  We may not have always seen eye to eye, but as
I have told you before, you have been a good priest.  I hope that you
might consider serving as a Deacon in the church. You would be an asset
to any parish in that capacity of service."

Peter was surprised, and he smiled a dubious, crooked smile.  "Why thank
you, Father MacAnally.  I have considered doing just that."

"And how do you think Assumpta will take to the idea?" Father Mac asked.

"She knows of my feelings and my desires to go on serving God and the
Church, and she would not have it any other way."

It was Father MacAnally's turn to be surprised.  "Well, Father Clifford.
You may be a miracle worker, indeed.  God works in mysterious ways, his
wonders to perform.  I will never cease to be amazed till I die."  He
started to walk away but turned back.  "I will get the Bishop's signature
on your release papers this afternoon then put them in the mail.  You
should hear back within days.  See you down at Fitzgerald's."  And with a
wave of his hand he walked down the sidewalk.

Peter watched him go and took a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air.  He
felt no sadness, only joy.  The church stood on a rise, and from his
vantage point he could see much of Ballykissangel, the River Angel -- a
silver ribbon under the mid-day sun, and (from behind Kathleen Hendley's
shop) part of the bridge that crossed over it.  His eyes followed the
road as it wound its way through the green Irish hills toward Cilldargan,
now and again disappearing behind those hills.  In the distance were the
mountains.

This country, this village, had become home to him, and its people his
family. He knew that not everyone would accept his decision at first, but
he believed they would come to accept it, just as over the past three
years they had to come to accept him as one of their own.  He would
always be the 'Englishman', but he would be the 'Englishman of
Ballykissangel'.

THE  END