“It is, but it doesn’t mean we can’t help nudge them along,” Liam replied, his voice trailing off. “We’ll need to make sure all of our information is airtight, then we can turn it in.”
Ian leaned forward and ran a hand through his hair. “So, that’s it? That’s all we need to do?”
“It’s not as simple as you think. It’s going to take some time and patience, but if this works… Let’s just say we won’t have to worry about him again for a long, long time.”
Ian sat up straighter and exhaled. “So, it’s great news.”
“You can’t confirm what I just told you because it’s meant to be a rumor. If anyone asks, it’s just a rumor that I told you.”
“Got it. Thank you, Liam. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
“Don’t mention it, Uncle E. It’s not over yet, but we’re on the right path.”
After the line went dead, Ian sat on his chair, staring at his phone and barely able to believe his luck. When he heard his name being called, he rose to his feet and found Marissa wandering the halls looking for him. Together, the two of them went back to their desks to finish some paperwork. On the drive home at the end of their shift, Ian couldn’t help but feel relieved.
For the first time in months, thinking of the future didn’t leave him with knots in his stomach or a crippling sense of dread. Instead, he felt hopeful and eager to see what the future held for him and his family, especially with Eric soon to be out of the picture.
Once he stepped in through his front door, he kicked off his shoes, unwound his scarf, and hung up his coat. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of movement and turned to it. Lucy came out of the backyard, a blanket draped over her shoulders and her fingers curled around her mug.
But it was the red-rimmed eyes that made Ian freeze. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Lucy opened her mouth and shook her head instead.
Ian crossed over to her in two strides and took her into his arms, the mug digging into his chest. “I’ve got you. I’m here. What do you need?”
Lucy shuddered and drew back to look at him. “The doctors were finally able to figure out what is wrong with me. I got the call a few minutes ago.”
He wasn’t sure he wanted to know anymore.
Ian did feel like being sick, and he was also desperate for a way to figure out how to turn back time.
Or figure out how to put Lucy in a bubble.
But the harder he tried to stay optimistic and steer his thoughts toward something more positive, the more his mind raced, filling in the gaps with one ominous scenario after the next.
Ian’s stomach dipped as he laced his fingers through hers. “Let’s sit down.”
Oh, God. What are you going to do now, Ian? How are you going to tell the kids?
He licked his dry lips, pulled Lucy down next to him, and adjusted the blanket around her. “What did the doctors say?”
Lucy paused to set the mug down on the coffee table. Then, she lifted tear-stained eyes to his. “I’ve been diagnosed with lupus.”
Ian’s ears were ringing. “The autoimmune disease?”
Lucy squared her shoulders and nodded. “I’m supposed to go in for a follow-up appointment. It’s actually in thirty minutes.”
Ian cleared his throat. “Did the doctor tell you anything else?”
Lucy shook her head and sagged against the couch. “No, but he doesn’t need to. I looked up lupus, and it’s awful.”
“Don’t go down the internet rabbit hole,” Ian advised before draping his arm over her shoulders. “Let’s just take it one day at a time. Why don’t you go upstairs to freshen up and change, and I’ll wait for you down here? Unless you want me to come upstairs with you.”
Lucy stood up on shaky legs. “I can have Dean take me. You just got back from your shift.”
Ian rose to his feet and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m taking you to the doctor. I’ll be right here, okay? I’m not going anywhere.”
When Lucy came back downstairs, having washed her face and changed into a pair of jeans and a sweater, Ian had no idea where to look. He’d spent the past few minutes waiting for her and pacing. In silence, he led her outside into the late afternoon air and hurried to open the car door for her. She held his hand during the drive to the doctor’s office.
