I smiled. “We can definitely look for one.”
“Then yes!” He clapped his hands. “As long as you video-call us like at Thanksgiving.”
The tightness in my chest eased. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss seeing your face on Christmas morning.”
“And we’ll be together for the next one,” he added brightly. “And we’ll have a pool!”
“I love that plan. Maybe you can start scouring the real estate websites for me.”
“Oh my God! Yes!” he squealed. “I’ll start now.”
“I love you, Finn.” I exhaled. “Your dad would be so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. I think he’d be proud of you, too. Love ya.”
Once I ended the call, the spark Finn lit inside me dimmed. The reality of the situation was seeping in. I wouldn’t see my son for the rest of the year. It was going to be brutal, but if it meant renting a bigger place, in a better area, and sending Finn to swimming camp, it would be worth it.
“What’s wrong, Cassidy?” Liam asked as the sun shot daggers through the trees the next morning. “You don’t seem like yourself.”
“It’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“Nonsense. We’re friends, and friends tell each other their worries. God knows you’ve heard a few of mine lately. What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
“I’m just missing someone,” I said with a sad smile.
“Back home?” Confusion clouded his eyes. “A man?”
I lowered my head. “A boy, actually. I…um…have a son.”
“Oh, dear.” Liam inhaled long and slow as he pondered my admission. “And you’ve been apart all this time… I’m so very sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.” I grasped his hand. “It’s mine. I didn’t disclose that information in my interview because I didn’t want to jeopardize my chances of getting the job.”
“Oh, dear…had I known…I’d…”
“Liam, please. It’s okay. We talk on the phone every night, and my time with you has been the best distraction.”
His bushy brows pulled together. “But I’m living longer than you expected.”
“That isn’t a bad thing.” I gently squeezed his frail fingers. “Seeing you with your family, with your great grandson, has been so heartwarming. You deserve this time, and I’m devoted to making it special for you.”
“I’m not surprised to find out you’re a mother. It’s as clear as day how attuned you are to others’ needs…and perhaps neglecting your own. Mothers tend to do that.”
“So, you’re not disappointed with me?”
“I’m disappointed that you didn’t tell me the marvelous news, but no. I’m aware of your hardships, and I’m guessing you’ve had to make numerous sacrifices along the way.”
I pressed my lips together, holding back tears of relief. “Thank you for understanding.”
His hand rolled over mine, offering me comfort. “Please tell me about him.”
“His name is Finn. He’s eleven and incredibly smart and kind, like his father was. Oh, and he’s an excellent swimmer.”
“A swimmer?” Liam’s eyebrows lifted. “My grandsons were both brilliant swimmers.”
“I’ve heard.”
Liam chortled. “Adam told you, I imagine.”