Page 53 of Finn

“And I’ll look after her. If you head back to Canada and plan on coming back for a visit soon. We need to be more aware of time.” He rubbed his face, and his voice caught. “She’s not always going to bounce back.”

I slipped from the room, wanting to give them their privacy. Niall had been a pillar of strength, but I had a feeling right now he needed Finn to be the strong one for him.

A few moments later, solid arms came around me as I stood looking out the window.

“Is he okay?” I asked.

“Yes. Relieved and needed an outlet for a moment.”

“His big brother.”

Finn laughed quietly. “I suppose. I am a few weeks older.”

I turned in his arms. “So, we’re going back?”

He nodded. “I’ll arrange the flight. Niall thinks he’ll follow next week. I know he wants some time alone with Roisin, and he’ll make sure she is settled back at home before he leaves.”

“That’ll be a hard goodbye.” I cupped his face. “For both of you.”

I felt the way his jaw tightened. “I have to believe she will come back from this. That with rehab, proper meds, and caregivers, she’ll be around a long time. But yes, this will be a difficult goodbye.”

I wrapped my arms around him, and he lifted me, burying his face in my neck. I held him as tight as I could, grateful I could be the strong one for him for a change.

* * *

Finn was quiet in the car as we left the hospital. He held my hand, staring out the window. I frowned as we drove along, turning to him after a while.

“Aren’t we going to the airport?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Then where are we going?”

He smiled. “I wanted a few hours with you in Dublin and a night alone in a hotel.”

“We’ve been alone.”

He shrugged. “And on call. The rest of today and tonight belong to us. I’m being selfish.”

I cupped his face. “I would hardly call that selfish.”

He shook his head. “But it is. I want you all to myself. Once we get back, the reality there is going to set in, and life will be all too busy. The next few hours, I’m claiming.”

I smiled. “Okay.”

I left Finn alone to sort out his thoughts, knowing he needed the time. I rested my head on his shoulder, startling awake when he kissed my head, amusement lacing his voice. “We’re here, mo chroí.”

He stepped from the car, offering me his hand. I peered at the small hotel in wonder. It was pretty, with ivy-covered walls, the stonework peeking out smooth and old. Finn guided me inside, where a beaming man greeted him. They shook hands and Finn introduced me.

“Una, this is my general manager, Seamus O’Malley. Seamus has been with me since I bought this place.”

“Welcome, Una. Enjoy your stay. Your suite is ready, Finn.”

“And my other request?”

“Handled. Everything you asked.”

“Good work.” He accepted an envelope, and we headed to the elevator.