Page 75 of Sullivan

“I need you for everything,” she whispered. “I love you.”

My heart soared at her words, expanding and settling into a steady rhythm that had been out of step since I’d walked away from her.

“I love you. Tell me what you need.”

Her gaze drifted to Lynn. “I want her to wake up.”

“Don’t give up hope.”

I settled her on my lap and faced us so she could see her aunt. The machines did their job, pumping medicine and oxygen into her system, tracking her vitals.

“She hasn’t opened her eyes in a long time.”

“She’s resting. Gathering her strength.”

“I talk to her a lot. Hum to her. She loves music,” she said, indicating the small machine on the table emitting the soft sounds. “I told Anna, and she brought the radio.”

“Good. I asked them to look after you.”

“They are all so kind.”

“Aye. They are good folk. Finn chartered a plane so I could get here quickly. They made sure I was fed and awake to come to you. Niall found the best doctors. Arranged the room.”

“I can never repay them. Or you.”

I slid my fingers under her chin. “There is no payment due. You’re mine—therefore, it is my responsibility to look after you. And because you’re mine, you’re their family too.”

She sighed and put her head on my shoulder. “Okay,” she agreed quietly.

She took her aunt’s hand. “Lynn, this is Sully. I told you all about him.”

I cleared my throat. “Hello, Lynn. I look forward to getting to know you.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

SULLY

Lynn regained consciousness sometime in the night. Autumn was dozing on my lap, her head on my shoulder. I looked over and met a set of blue eyes. They were confused and dull, but open. Inquisitive.

“Hello,” I murmured. “Don’t be alarmed. I’m Sully.”

Her voice was hoarse, thick, and tremulous. A small grimace of pain crossed her face, but she tried to smile. “The Irishman.”

“That’s me.”

Autumn stirred, and I brushed a finger down her cheek. “Look who’s up,” I told her, turning her face so she could see her aunt.

“Auntie Lynn,” she cried softly, pushing off my lap and bending over Lynn. “I am so happy to see you!”

I stood and went to find the doctor, giving them a few moments alone. I stayed in the hall as the nurses went into the room, followed not long after by the doctor I had met after I’d arrived. Autumn came out, her eyes filled with tears, but this time, they were happy. She stepped into my arms, and I held her tight.

“Everything is going to be okay now, love. You’re grand.”

She half laughed, looking up at me. “Thank you for being here.”

I kissed her. “There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Things moved quickly once Lynn was checked and pronounced able to face surgery the next day.