“Yep. That’s perfect.”
He nods, setting the painting down gently. Then he unclips a small level and tape measure from his tool belt, and starts marking out the exact spot on the wall with a pencil.
Once he’s double-checked the measurements, he carefully drills in a hook fitting. Then he steps back, wiping his hands on his jeans.
“Would you like to do the honours?”
I nod and pick it up, balancing the canvas on the hook.
I take a step back. Admiring it. I love it.
“It fits perfectly, Angel.”
I smile at him.
He takes my hand and starts walking me through the space, pointing out all the progress.
“The mirrors are getting mounted tomorrow, plumbing’s nearly done, just wanted to confirm you’re happy with where they go and look—the other half of your boxes arrived this morning.”
I glance over to where a pile of sleek boxes are stacked against the far wall—supplies, chairs, shelves. It’s all happening.
“This is really mine,” I whisper.
“It is,” he says, squeezing my hand. “And it’s going to be everything you dreamt of.”
“I couldn’t have done this without you Lucas. I hope you know how much I appreciate you. You said you didn’t want to fix me, but I think you might have saved me. I love you so much.” I give him a kiss.
My phone starts ringing in my bag.
“Hang on,” I say, fishing it out.
The screen lights up. My heart stutters. “It’s the hospital.”
Lucas steps back slightly, watching me as I answer.
“Hello?” I ask.
“Hi Camille, it’s Poppy.” She pauses. “It’s Sean.”
57
Hospital bed goodbyes
The words that Poppy said echo in my chest like a soft bell tolling.
I stand with Lucas, phone still in my hand, staring blankly at the floor.
“He’s awake?” Lucas says softly.
I nod. “Yeah… Poppy said he’s asking for me.”
He doesn’t say anything right away. Just watches me, waiting.
“I should go,” I say, finally looking up at him. “Not because I owe him. But because I need to. For me. After this mess bringing him back in my life. I need to say goodbye properly.”
He walks to me slowly, pulling me into his arms. “I get it.”
“I don’t want to be dragged back into his world, Lucas. I’m not… confused. I just—”
