“I realize that…now.” I hated myself for assuming the worst. “But thank you for not telling your parents.”
“It’s not my place.”
“You’re right.” I wiped the moisture from my eyes. “I should tell them.”
“No.”
“But I can’t stay on, Adam. Liam will need a new doula anyway.”
His brow knitted. “You’re not accepting the offer?”
“I promised Finn I’d be home before Christmas, so…no.”
Adam took one step into my room. “But Gramps needs you.”
“Finn needs me, too.” My chest threatened to collapse as my head hung low. “As much as I need that money, I need my son more. I haven’t seen him in months, and I miss him terribly.”
Adam took another step, then paused again.
“You can come in,” I said, peering up at him. “I have nothing to hide anymore.”
As his shoulders lowered, his gaze traveled around the room, pausing on the picture frame beside my bed. “How old is he?”
“He turned eleven the Sunday after Thanksgiving.”
“You missed his birthday?” The lines on his forehead deepened.
“Don’t…” Tears filled my eyes. “I’m a terrible mother, I know.”
“I didn’t say that.” The bed sank as he lowered himself beside me.
“You don’t have to.”
“Well, you know very well I’m not feeling it.”
The corner of my mouth twitched. “Is this you flying a white flag?”
He chuckled softly. “Something like that.”
“So, you’re not angry with me anymore?”
“I don’t know what I am.” He sighed. “But I don’t want you to go.”
Heat swirled between us until I doused it with reality. “I promised him, Adam. I won’t break it.”
“I understand.” He returned to his feet. “But you should tell Gramps about him. He’ll want to know.”
“Do you think he’ll be…disappointed?”
“With you?” His eyes twinkled like his grandfather’s. “You’re the highlight of his fucking day.”
Come Sunday afternoon, after cleansing my crystals in the ocean, I stared aimlessly at the horizon. I wasn’t ready to go back to Harlow Manor. Caroline and William were there, awaiting my decision, but something was holding me back.
My cell burst into song, and I rummaged through my bag, praying Liam hadn’t taken a turn. To my relief, it was a number I didn’t recognize.
“Hi, this is Sullivan Cody from Swimfit. I’m calling in regard to the letter we sent home with Finn a few weeks ago, regarding our annual elite swimming camp.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I must have missed it.”