I opened my eyes, mumbling.

And then I sat up with a start,

I had been asleep with my head comfortably cushioned on Liam O’Grady’s trouser clad lap!!!

I heard the low chuckle from O’Grady’s chest as he gripped me to his chest and said,

“Lass, you’re half asleep. I’m going to carry you, so come along, gr`a mo chroi.”

(At the time, I did not know the words meant Love of my heart…)

I looked at him, puzzled by the words. I’m no Gaelic expert but something about the way he said the words, rolling them in his mouth, made me feel…loved.

I stared at him, his unreadable profile...