“But you can’t be at the hospital every day.You can’t be the only one trying to save the world.”
“She had children.A fourteen-year-old and a sixteen-year-old.And now they have no mother.”
“It’s so awful.”
“There is no one to blame, either.The attending doctors didn’t make a mistake.They just couldn’t fix what needed to be fixed.”
“They weren’t able to save her.”
“No.”
“And you think you could have.”
“It’s what I do.It’s the book I’m writing.The technique I’m using.Others can, but…” He didn’t finish the sentence.He didn’t need to.
*
Cat stepped closerand put her hand on his chest, near his heart.“You are only one person.You can only do so much, which is why this book you are writing is so important.It’s why you need to finish it and see it published.To share your knowledge.To reach more people and save more lives.You are so hard on yourself.Too hard.”She moved back.“I shouldn’t… I apologize.You don’t need me to tell you anything.”
“I like to hear what you think.You are wise and patient, and you give me perspective I’m missing right now.”
“Then here is what I think.Youare wise and patient.You’ve created a wonderful life for your daughters.You give your girls safety and love.In terms of medicine, patients might have different physicians, they can seek other opinions and visit other hospitals, but your daughters will only have one father.You.And you being present in their lives makes all the difference.You don’t have to change.You don’t have to work less.You don’t have to be perfect.You just have to keep showing up, and loving them, and being you.”
She moved in, stood on tiptoe and pressed the lightest kiss to his lips.“Go to bed, Rhys.Try to sleep, and sleep in if you can.I have everything in control here.And should I need you, I promise I’ll get you.”
Chapter Fourteen
Rhys didn’t leaveearly the next morning to begin working.He wanted to see both girls before he left and make sure all was well with them.He also wasn’t sure he wanted to work, despite Cat’s encouragement last night.He was tired, mentally, physically.He’d benefit from a long run and then time spent with his children.
But for now, the cottage was swathed in shadows and peace, and he sat with a cup of coffee at the kitchen table going through emails, answering ones he needed to.
“Dad?”Jillian stood in the doorway, wearing one of his oversized sweatshirts.
“Hello, love,” he said, holding an arm out to her.“That looks good on you.”
She came to him and let herself be folded against his chest.“I wore it last night to bed.I was missing you.”
“I’m sorry.I had to go to London.”
“But you came back.”
He kissed her temple.“I always come back.”He pressed another kiss to her cheek.“Why were you missing me?Did something happen?”
“You didn’t read to us.”
“You like the story.”
“It’s okay.”
He smashed his smile, and drew her onto his lap, and was reminded all over again that although she was now growing up quickly, she was still his little girl.“What’s on your mind?”
“Mum isn’t answering my calls.”
“There’s a time difference between here and the Caribbean.It might not always be convenient for her to take a call, but she’ll be back, and everything will feel more normal again.”
“Why couldn’t she go on the trip after Christmas?Why go for Christmas?”
“It’s the first Christmas without her, and it’s hard, I know.”
