Page 52 of Finn

Finn chuckled, reaching for my hand. “Do whatever Roisin wants.” Then he looked at her. “And no more talk about something happening. You’re getting better, and you’re going to be around for a long time, you understand?”

She smiled, blowing him a kiss. “I understand.”

Later as she napped, Sully showed the guys a few pictures of the cottage. It was small, with an open living area and kitchen at the front, and one bedroom at the back. Weathered and worn, it was still charming, the little front porch overlooking the water.

“Only a ten-minute walk into the village,” Sully explained. “I take the train, stop at the local store for some food, and walk to the cottage.” He chuckled. “But there is no one around. It’s quiet and peaceful.”

“Do you know anything about this Lenore?”

Sully lowered his voice. “Your mum helped her escape a bad marriage. Assisted her in finding the little cottage and a job. Even after her husband died and she was safe, she stayed there. Never remarried, had no kids, but what I have heard, she was a favorite in the village and lived a happy life. She was older than your mum and, when she passed a few years ago, left it to Roisin. She’s been there a few times but says it’s too isolated for her.”

“I’m glad you like it and can use it.”

Sully nodded. “It is a bit of a sanctuary for me, I admit. I had planned on offering to buy it from her estate when the time came. And I’m happy to do so⁠—”

Niall cut him off. “No. She wants you to have it, and that’s that. I’m not upset at all.” He chuckled. “Frankly, it’s a bit too, ah, cottagey for me.”

Finn laughed. “I wouldn’t mind seeing it, but I agree with Niall. I’m more a Ritz kind of man myself.”

I snorted. “Spoiled babies. No room service, no big-screen TVs. I think it’s charming.”

Finn grasped me around the waist, pulling me close, his voice a low promise in my ear. “I’ll take you to see it. Stay for a few days. With nothing to interrupt us, I might enjoy that.”

I turned my head and kissed him. “I’ll hold you to that.”

* * *

The doctor came in and sat with Niall and Finn, explaining the next steps.

“Rehab,” he said. “Speech and body. We can do outpatient or refer her to a rehab hospital. I discussed it with her earlier and she insists on going home, but I explained she can’t live alone right now.”

“I hired two full-time caregivers. Both experienced. She’ll have good care at home. Can we arrange for the rehab at home?”

“It’s, ah, expensive,” the doctor said, sounding nervous.

Niall laughed. “Whatever it is, I’ll cover it. Only the best for my mum. But I want regular updates. And visits from her medical team.” He paused. “I will happily arrange a very generous donation to the hospital to ensure it happens.” He leaned forward. “I already spoke with the hospital administrators. My mum gets the best care. Whatever you need to provide that, you let me know, you understand?”

Roisin was napping, and I was sitting beside her, letting them talk to the doctor. I had never heard Niall speak that way. Commanding, in control, slightly threatening. Finn was always the one who did the talking. Now I saw why they made such a good team. How he sat next to Niall, simply nodding, looking intense and silent.

They were quite the sight.

“Of course, Mr. Black.” He cleared his throat. “I would rather she be in the rehab hospital, but I understand her desire to be at home. Patients do tend to do better when in their own environment.”

“And she will. I will make sure the caregivers follow the guidelines and she does the work needed while in the comfort of her own home.”

“Right. Excellent. Then we will be keeping her a few more days and I will discharge her. I’ll make sure everything is in place.”

“Thank you.”

He left, looking happy to do so, and Finn chuckled. “You were pretty intense.”

“It’s my mum.”

Finn clapped him on the shoulder. “I know.”

Niall sat back, furrowing his brow. “You should head back, Finn. I need to be here a few more days, but I know you have an empire to run.”

“Nothing is more important than Roisin,” Finn said, his voice firm.