Eve nodded. ‘I think that’s the smartest thing you’ve ever said.’
‘God, it’s not even that smart, just sensible, but perhaps you are teaching me to be more aware of this stuff.’
She smiled. ‘Maybe, but I did grow up with very pragmatic parents.’
‘I grew up with parents who never discussed emotional issues or emotions in general unless they were pleased with the weather. I told my mother I loved her once, she told me to not be vulgar. And that emotional outbursts were for people who had no self-control.’
Eve laughed. ‘Sorry, it’s not that it’s funny but that it’s just such terrible advice.’
Edward sighed and rolled his eyes. ‘I know. Welcome to the dysfunctional home of the Priests.’
Eve reached out and lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed it.
‘Lucky you’re not there anymore and can create a new home that’s emotionally kind and validating and supportive.’
‘I can and I will with you, Eve, if you plan on staying with me, even though I am a wheezy, sad shell of a man. I’m too selfish to let you go, but you could do so much better than me.’
Eve laughed again. ‘I don’t want to do better. I want to be with you and the children.’ She was silent for a moment. ‘I’m sorry I left you like that. It was immature and unthinking.’
Edward shrugged. ‘It was also a lot for you to see. Amber, the children’s fear. It was so much and too soon.’
‘Thank you for understanding,’ she said to him.
‘Thank you for coming back to me. But can I ask something?’
She nodded.
‘Did you come back because you heard about the fire?’
She shook her head. ‘I was on my way to you that day. I was on the train when Mum rang me to tell me. I was going to see you at their house when you came to get Flora. I wanted to talk to you then and explain and see if you would have me back.’
‘Oh, Eve, I would have you back one thousand times. We will always be all right, even when we’re not. You taught me that.’
Tears welled up in her eyes and in his and they kissed.
‘I love you,’ he said.
‘I love you too.’
47
Eve looked up from the computer as Edward came into the living room of the rented apartment. Flora was sitting on the floor, colouring in, and Christmas the kitten was asleep in her little bed.
It had been a month since the fire and he was finally out of hospital.
‘What are you working on?’ he asked.
‘Nothing, just sorting out some files,’ she said and closed her computer.
‘How was your shower?’
‘Wet,’ he said and he leaned down and kissed her.
He was doing well, all things considered, she thought, but they were living in an in-between state. Myles was still living at her parents’ and since he was happy there, his psychologist had suggested he stayed there until Edward had found somewhere to live permanently.
‘Would you like to come on an adventure?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ said Flora from the floor.
