After the doctor leaves the room, she turns her watery gaze towards me. She hasn’t said much to me since learning that Norah left. When I told her what happened, she fully embraced her Irish Mam status and gave me a tongue-lashing like I hadn’t experienced since I was a boy. I didn’t realize that I could feel worse than I already did, but knowing how disappointed she is, guts me.
“Eamon,” she chokes out, “do you think she’ll come back to us, our Caity?”
I pull her in for a hug, resting my chin on the top of her head. “I don’t know, Ma. I’d like to say she will without a doubt, but I honestly haven’t any idea what to expect.”
Taking a deep breath, she returns my embrace but says, “I’m glad you’re here, son. Even if you are an eejit for letting that sweet girl walk away like that.”
“Jaysus, Mam,” I groan out. “I know I messed up. I wasn’t thinking straight. If I could go back and change it, I would.”
She pulls back, eyeing me sternly. “Eamon Seamus Kennedy. You listento me. I want you to go back to the States. I love you for wanting to stay and take care of me, but I don’tneedyou to stay here.”
When I furrow my brow at her, she takes a deep breath before saying, “I’ve debated on telling you this, but I suppose it’s time. We could have avoided all of this turmoil had I told you sooner. John—Dr. Colm—and I have been seeing each other for a while now. I didn’t want to tell you because I was afraid you’d think I was dishonoring your father’s memory. We’ve made no real plans, but things have become quite serious recently.”
My jaw drops, leaving me gaping in shock. I thought something was going on between the two of them, but I just figured it was harmless flirting. To find out they’ve been seeing each other? I’m completely flabbergasted. And more than a little irritated.
“You’re joking,” I deadpan.
“No, love, I’m not,” she says gently, squeezing my forearms. “We’ve been courting for about six months now, just enjoying each other’s company. We didn’t intend on getting serious, but as time has gone on, we’ve grown closer. He’s a good man, Eamon. He’ll never replace your Da, no one can, but he makes me happy and he treats me well.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me sooner,” I mumble, rubbing my hands over my face. “I wouldn’t begrudge you finding someone that makes you happy. Did Caity know?”
“No, she didn’t. She was hardly ever around, and when she was, she barely talked to me.”
I heave a sigh, looking over at my sister. I’m sleep deprived, feeling like an arse for what I did to Norah, and now I’m stunned by my mother’s confession. I need a drink. “I’m not sure if I should be offended or not right now, Mam,” I say, smiling wryly at her. She raises a brow at me in question. “My own mother basically told me to get the fuck out of here and leave the country,” I tease her.
“Ach, you wee shite,” she exclaims, playfully slapping my bicep. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I’d be overjoyed to have you back in Ireland for good, but your heart isn’t here, love. It flew to the States, and you need to get it back. If someday you and Norah decide to live here andgive me grandchildren, I’d be the happiest woman in the world, but you belong with her.”
There’s a crushing sensation in my chest at the thought of raising a family with Norah in Ireland.
“I want to be with her,” I say earnestly. “More than anything I’ve ever wanted before.”
“I know, love. That’s why you need to go back.”
My mind is racing. I’m ready to hop on a plane right now, but I know I’m still needed here. “I will, but not until we know what’s going on with Caity. That’s non-negotiable.”
She rests a hand on my cheek, smiling warmly. “There’s a good lad.”
“I want to ask you something though,” I say nervously.
“Anything, my boy.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Norah
I’m in my sewing room, so fully engrossed in sketches that I don’t even realize my phone is ringing. Once the chiming registers, I fumble for it, eyes never leaving my sketchbook, and answer the call.
“Hello?” I answer absently.
“Norah, it’s Teagan.”
I drop the pencil and sit up straight, heart pounding in my chest. Teagan never calls me, never even texts me.
“Hi, Teag. Is everything okay?” I ask hesitantly.
“Aye, it is.” The relief in his voice is palpable, and I breathe easier. “I thought you’d want to know that Caity came out of her coma.”
“Oh my god,” I say, smiling through the tears flooding my eyes. “That’s wonderful news. How is she? How’s…everyone else?” I can’tbring myself to say Eamon’s name out loud.
