Amira leaned in. “This is a good job opportunity. If the business takes off, I’ll be able to send regular maintenance for Denny. We’ll all be better off.”
Marianne wanted to argue, to force her to think about the impact her leaving would have on their child. But she knew Amira well enough to see she truly believed she was acting for the best. There was a pattern to her bad decision-making that Marianne hadn’t noticed all those years ago when she’d jumped at the opportunity to be the owner of her own business. Her own vanity was as much a cause of their current situation as anything Amira had done. What was important now was to make the best decisions for Denny within her control.
“Will you come back to see him?”
“Of course. I was thinking that once I’m on my feet, I could come and take him back with me for a few weeks. Give you a break.”
“Let’s see how it goes, shall we?” Marianne stood. “We’d better get inside for the party.” It felt even more important to celebrate now. Who knew how many birthdays Denny would celebrate with his whole family? Amira appeared determined, and Marianne wondered if trying to force her to stay would be in anyone’s best interest, even Denny’s.
They walked back up the garden together. “Thanks for being so calm about all of this.”
Marianne shook her head. She’d had months of no contact from Amira, and she’d survived. So had Denny. He’d thrived on the island. If she truly wanted to put Denny’s welfare first, she had some big decisions to make. Ideas were forming, but she needed to talk with Imelda as soon as possible.
THIRTY-TWO
The drumin Joey’s head was still beating when dawn spilled through the curtains. They allowed Donal to feed them breakfast and several cups of coffee and arrived back at the city hospital with the headache reduced to a background throb.
“It’s mixed news.” The consultant clicked her pen as she re-read her notes. “He has some weakness in his left side, but he can have physical therapy to get his strength back up. Although considering where he lives, you’ll need to think about residential care. At least for now.”
“I live next door. I can take care of him.” Joey wrapped their arms around themself, mentally planning how to juggle their responsibilities. How could they have considered trying to include a life with Marianne and Denny, too? It had been selfish to even think of it.
“Joey, let’s look at the options.” Liam tried to take their hand, but they pulled away.
“I’ll be there for him,” they insisted.
The door swung open, and Doc Scott strode in. She walked straight up to the doctor and took the clipboard. “What’s the situation?”
The younger doctor’s expression went from shocked to flustered as she shuffled the papers and murmured to Doc, bringing her up to date.
Doc looked up and held Joey’s gaze. “You’re going to need to think about your dad’s choices. What’s best for him.”
“He’ll be okay at home. I’ll look after him.” Why did they have to keep repeating themself?
Doc passed the clipboard back and moved closer. “Is that what your dad wants? He’s talked with me before about his isolation. Have you had the conversation?”
Joey groaned. “No, he’s been sleeping. But what if he’s not in a condition to decide? Then it’s on me, right?”
“On all of us, Joey.” Liam’s calm tone didn’t slow the rushing of blood in their brain.
“Don’t keep running it around in your head until you’ve talked.” Doc’s voice sounded loud in the room and Joey’s head throbbed again.
“Joey, do you want to come and sit in the cafe for a while, and talk things through?” Doc’s gruff tone had been replaced with empathy.
“I’m fine. I’ll sit with him.” They pulled away and headed back to their dad’s bedside, surprised to find him awake.
“Hey, Dad, how are you feeling?” They lowered into the chair and grasped his hand.
He pulled away weakly. “I’m all right.” His speech was slurred, and Joey’s heart clenched to see him this frail.
“Where are the boys?”
“They’re with the doctors. They’ll be in soon.”
His obvious relief hurt, but Joey let it go. “Do you want them to get you anything?”
He shuffled his head on the pillow. “No, I want to talk to you all together.”
“Okay, they’ll be here soon.” Did he think he was dying?
