“Are you in Ireland or in the States?” he asked.
Was he trying to get me to admit I was with Kyleigh? That wasn’t about to happen. I was not going to break my promise to her. Not even for my brother. “Does it matter? I told you already I’m at the airport. I’ll be there before the wedding,” I said.
“That isn’t answering my question.”
“I’m in the States,” I said. “Not that it’s any of your business,” I added firmly.
“You say that, but Nurse Marzon is my business.”
“Don’t worry, she didn’t miss any of her schooling, if that is what you’re worried about,” I said sarcastically. I shouldn’t be angry at him. I should be pissed at myself. He was right. I came to the States when she was supposed to be giving 100% of her time into learning, not living.
“It’s not that. I know you, Liam. You’re a playboy. I don’t think you’ll ever settle down. But Kyleigh is not the kind of woman you’re used to. If you’re not careful, you’ll break her heart and leave a wound that may never heal,” he said.
I think I’ve broken both of our hearts.
“Finn, I want to tell you to shut the fuck up, but…you’re right. I’ve been here spending time with Kyleigh. It’s not what you think. She’s not just anyone. She’s…special to me,” I admitted.
“At least you understand that much. What are you going to do about it?’ he asked.
“Right now, nothing. She needs to finish that course, and I’m coming to you. You need your best man to show up for your wedding.”
“And Kyleigh was okay with you leaving?” he asked.
“She’s not a child. She knows this isn’t some fairytale.”
It had felt like one, though. Our connection had been…magical. But neither of us could tell if it would survive this separation. I promised her we’d see each other again, but I couldn’t give her a date, time, or place. I had the wedding to think about, and I had to return to Ireland to run my business. On the other hand, if I stayed away any longer, I wouldn’t need to worry about the business. It would crumble and I’d lose everything I worked so hard for.
“You have no idea what your actions may have done. If anyone learns of what you two have shared…”
“They won’t.”
“You sound so sure. Why is that?” he asked.
“Because Kyleigh and I spoke in depth about it. We understand that we cannot be together in Tabiq.” But that doesn’t mean we don’t meet up someplace else.
I hadn’t even left the country yet and my mind was trying to think of how I could see her again. Hell, I’m even willing to get stabbed again if she’ll be my nurse.
“You’re right. You can’t be. I can’t stress enough that this is not Ireland. And I really hope Nurse Marzon is going to be okay.”
“She will be. Trust me, Finn. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. She’s…amazing,” I said honestly.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk like that about anyone,” he said.
“I’ve never felt this way.” I’m not falling in love. I am in love. I wish I had this revelation while I was with Kyleigh. But even if I had, I couldn’t tell her. Nothing had changed. She felt wholeheartedly that we couldn’t ever let her parents know about us. Her loyalty to her family, to her country, was not something I could interfere with. It was also another reason to love her.
“Liam, what are you doing after the wedding? Are you planning on staying and moving to Tabiq?” he asked.
“No. I’m going home.”
“And she knows this?” he asked.
“She does.” And it hurt her but there was nothing I could do.
“Then I guess there is nothing left for me to say,” he replied.
“Nope. Well, guess you can say ‘I do,’ when the time is right,” I tried joking to lighten the mood.
But Finn was all business. “And you can tell me that the bagpipers are really going to show. Because I have not heard from them since we last spoke,” he said.