“Let me know if you need me again.”
Liam started to walk away, but paused and turned back around. “I told Deirdre that you’re both welcome to stay with me. She turned me down, not wanting to make you uncomfortable. I hope you’ll consider it, though. I have plenty of room, and money you aren’t paying for room and board is money you can use to repay your father.”
It was a kind gesture, one Jeremiah wasn’t expecting. It made sense, and he liked Liam well enough. If he weren’t paying for the boardinghouse, he’d be able to put money back to give Deirdre her own place while repaying his parents. “Are you certain we wouldn’t be putting you out?”
“Of course not. Move in tonight, if you like.”
“Let me talk to Deirdre. I appreciate the offer, more than you know. Good luck with Gilbert.”
Liam lifted a hand and Jeremiah headed back to the livery. He smiled as he walked inside, eager to find Deirdre. He’d tell her about Liam’s offer, and then, if they could find a moment alone, he’d finally finish that kiss he’d wanted to give her so badly earlier.
“Jeremiah!” Roman jogged up the aisle, sending dust swirling over the straw on the floor. “I’m glad you’re back. Deirdre said you’d gone to help her brother—is everything all right?”
“It’s fine. He had some disgruntled employees, but he’s working to fix that now.” Jeremiah was going to say more, but Roman appeared distracted, tapping his hand against his leg.
“Sorry to hear that. Listen, Fred’s sent word that his mother’s illness has turned grave, and Clara’s been having these pains. The doctor says it’s most likely nothing to worry about, but he wants her to remain in bed for the time being. I need to be there. Can I ask you to stay here tonight? I hate to do it, considering you’ve only been married for—”
“You don’t have to apologize,” Jeremiah said. “I’ll stay. It’s soon to be my place too, and we need someone here overnight. Go on to Clara. I’ll be here.”
Roman’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.” He didn’t waste another second, turning and striding back down the aisle toward the rear of the stable.
Jeremiah silently wished his friend well. If anything happened to Clara or the baby, Roman would be devastated. Deirdre would also.
Deirdre. A smile crossed his lips as he went off in search of her. His only regret in agreeing to Roman’s request was that he’d get less time to spend with her tonight.
Which meant that he needed to make up for as much lost time as possible now.
Chapter Eighteen
THE STEW BUBBLED PLEASANTLYin the pot as Deirdre stirred it. Living with Liam wasn’t so bad. In fact, it hadn’t been any different at all compared to her life before she was married since Jeremiah had needed to sleep at the livery the past few nights.
Deirdre missed him dreadfully. His presence at night was comforting, and she found herself lying awake and staring at the ceiling while alone in her old room at Liam’s house, wondering if Jeremiah was doing the same at the stable.
They’d barely had a chance to talk, much less find where they’d left off when he was about to kiss her before Liam had interrupted. The days were busy, with her taking Clara’s job of greeting customers, receiving pay, and keeping the livery’s books, and Jeremiah trying to fill the role of three men. Roman stepped in when he could, but most of the time he was so distracted with worry that Jeremiah often sent him straight back to Clara.
In the evenings, Deirdre returned home, made supper for Liam, Jeremiah, Roman, Clara, and herself. She delivered two plates to Roman and Clara’s home, and then took Jeremiah’s helping to the stable, where he ate as best he could while tending the horses. Deirdre wished there was more she could do to help. Her one comfort was that this couldn’t last forever. Clara had to improve—Deirdre wouldn’t accept any other alternative—and she prayed Fred’s mother would recover also.
