When a red kitten claws its way up her gown while she's out gathering wood, Emer Drumwiddy knows her true love will come to her in eight years' time. It seems a long time to wait, as she's already twenty-two. Living alone since her mother married a leprechaun man from far-off Erin a' Fee, Emer is happy to adopt Red for company. She just doesn't bargain on getting Rory as well.

Rory is an orphan, and he loves Emer from the first time he sees her. As he grows to manhood, he begins to love her in a different way.

Emer is fond of her wee laddie, but the eight years are nearly up. What will Rory do when her true love comes to claim her?