“Be patient with him. Adam’s in very unfamiliar territory right now.”
“He’s never lost someone he loves before?”
“He’s neverbeenin love before.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “But we’re so different. How could we possibly make it work?”
“Did you know Betty was the daughter of one of my parents’ gardeners? I was the sole heir to the Harlow fortune, and we fell in love instantly. There was no stopping us and we defied everyone. Betty and I lived a beautiful life together.”
“Sounds like a romance novel.”
“The best kind…full of love, heartache, and tragedy.” His weak smile overpowered his weariness. “And it’s almost time for my happy ending.”
I quickly wiped away the falling tears. “I’m so blessed to have known you, Liam.”
“No.” He squeezed my hand as he closed his eyes. “I am the one who is blessed. You came into our lives when we needed you most, and I truly hope you stay. Your love story is only beginning.”
Endeavoring to level out my emotions, I’d been swimming each morning since my return to Harlow Manor. Liam was too unwell to watch the sunrise, so I used those idle hours to refresh my energy in the indoor pool.
“He’s still not answering,” Grayson growled from the drawing room as I passed its closed doors. “Apparently, he hasn’t shown up for work in two days.”
Josie sighed. “He’s hasn’t replied to any of my texts either.”
“Maybe I should fly back and drag him back here myself.”
“And risk both of you not being here when the time comes?” Josie cried. “Hell, no.”
“The doc said we may have a few more days.”
“This time last week, we thought we had weeks. You’re not going. Adam needs to grow a pair and get back here himself.”
As Harrison erupted into tears, I quickly jogged up the stairs and into my room, where I continued to pace. Adam wasn’t okay, but he needed to benot okayhere. With a taut jaw, I swiped my cell phone from my nightstand and dialed his number.
After multiple rings, I was about to end the call when it connected. There was no greeting, only a staggered breath and the distinct sound of crashing waves and blowing wind.
“Adam…I know you’re there, and I know you’re hurting, but we need you to come back.” My voice broke as I tried to keep my shit together. “Your grandfather doesn’t have much time left, and he wants you here. You don’t have to hold his hand or even be in the same room…he just wants you close. He loves you so much, and I just know, with all of my being, that you’ll regret not saying goodbye.”
After a moment of silence, the phone went dead, and I was overcome with emotion. Even with 3,000 miles between us, I could feel his heart breaking.
Early the next morning, I awoke to voices in the hallway.
“So, you finally decided to show.” Grayson sounded equally smug and relieved.
“Don’t.”
Adam’s deep voice had me launching out of bed and scrambling for my robe.
“You look like shit,” Grayson continued, slowing outside my door.
“I feel like shit.” Adam’s husky tone screamed cigarettes and whiskey. “Is Gramps awake?”
“Not yet. Why don’t you unpack first? Shower, perhaps.”
“I don’t plan on staying long.”
My heart dipped as I rested my head against my door.
“Adam…what’s goi—”