“Slowing down. I think it’s worse than he’s letting on, but he’s a proud man.”
Patrick nods. “I got that impression.”
Tears prick my eyes. “I don’t know what to do. I feel so useless.”
He wraps his arms around me, and I surrender to it. I hate having him here, but the comfort he’s bringing me right now counteracts that feeling.
“You’re not useless. You love him and you see what’s happening. But I’m here now, and I’ll be here whenever you need me.”
“I don’t want to disrupt your life.” I raise my gaze to meet his.
He should be angry with me, and I should be angry with him. But I’m so damn tired of feeling like my world is about to end and having no one to talk to. Sophie’s too young, and Lauren’s dealing with the impending loss of Mark in her own way.
“You’re not. I spoke to Mark not long after I saw you at the hospital, and we discussed me coming down forweekends or when I can squeeze in time. I’ve just spent the past few weeks rearranging my schedule so I can be here. If it’s okay with you, I’ll be here Friday afternoons and leave on Sundays. Longer toward the end.”
I bite my bottom lip. Do I want this? Does it matter? If Mark needs Patrick to be here …
“Okay. I’ll talk to Mark. You two blindsided me with this.”
“I did wonder.” He pauses. “I was blindsided by your daughter.”
I nod. “I’m sure.”
“But right now the priority is Mark. I have plenty of questions, but I don’t want to make this time any more stressful for you and your family.”
“Thank you.”
He loosens his grip. “I can see you’re tired, and probably stressed to hell, so anything I can do to help, please just ask.”
“Are you telling me I look bad?” I crack a smile. It’s hard not to. My worlds are colliding and I can’t stop it, but the weight is off my chest with him not asking questions.
“You haven’t looked bad a day in your life. You’re still gorgeous.”
My cheeks heat up. I know he’s lying, and he looks like someone who stepped out of a clothing catalogue just the way he always has.
“Stop it.”
“It’s true.” His eyes dance with mischief.
“Patrick, you can’t talk to me like this.”
“Who’s going to stop me?”
I pull myself away from him and shake my head. “I’m pretty sure Mark didn’t invite you here to flirt with me.”
“Maybe I have a lot of catching up to do.” He grasps myforearm. “Besides, it’s got you smiling, and that’s something Mark does want.”
“It’s just so hard.”
“I know it is. But I’ve got you, Cassie. For however long you need me.”
I raise my hand over my mouth to try and stop myself from bursting into tears. Since the day Mark told me about his diagnosis, I’ve felt so alone.
The last person I want to lean on is standing right in front of me. But to hear him say he’s got me is everything. It’s exactly what I need at the right time.
“Hey,” he says softly. “It’s okay to let go. That’s why I’m here. I know you’re carrying a big burden, but you never have to do it alone.”
My shoulders slump, and he pulls me into his arms. I close my eyes and draw on his strength as he holds me tight.
