I stepped closer and rested my hand over his chest. “Because I can feel your soul.” His sorrow was crushing. “They shouldn’t have kept that from you.”
“Wait.” He jerked back. “Did you know?”
“Not all the details, but yes.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
I dropped my hand, trying to sever the hurt flowing through our connection. “It wasn’t my story to tell.”
“How long have you known?”
I drew in a deep breath, bracing myself. “Since my first day.”
“So, when I found that photo in the library…you knew that wasn’t me? And the fucking painting?!”
“Liam asked me not to talk about it. He’s my client, and it’s my duty to respect his wishes.”
“That’s right…” Adam emitted an ominous chuckle. “This is all just a job for you.”
“You know that’s not true.”
“Tell me,” His gaze tapered. “Is it your duty to fuck your clients’ grandsons, too?”
I wanted to slap him. I wanted to unleash hell on the man who continuously tore pieces off my heart, but I couldn’t. His heart was as broken as mine. Only his was bleeding out in cruel words.
“Fuck, Cass.” He tore his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t mean that.”
He reached out, but I maintained my distance. “Go be with your grandfather, Adam.” I refused to meet his gaze. “I’ll come back in a couple of hours, once you’ve had a chance to talk. It may be your last opportunity.”
He ran his hand over his fear-stricken face as he stared down the hall.
“Go,” I ordered again.
His jaw grew taut as he battled an inner war. “Fuck,” he muttered angrily before whirling back to me. “I’m sorry, Cass,” was all he said before racing up the hall to share Liam’s final hours of coherence with his little brother.
35
“It’s time,” Marc said, turning to the family as they stood stationary in every corner of Liam’s room.
The staff, including Max, had already shared a private moment with Liam the day prior, and now it was time to endure the hardest part of my job: watching his closest loved ones say goodbye.
I stood back, knowing my place. I’d done everything I could to ease his discomfort. It was Liam’s time, and we needed to respect that.
A strong smell of freesias filled the room as the family approached his bedside, surrounding him with the love he deserved.
William was the first to latch onto his father’s hand. “Dad, I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but please know…I’ve always loved you. I promise I’ll work on the things we talked about.” He drew in a shaky breath. “Tell Mom and Adam I miss them, okay?”
When he didn’t respond, Caroline covered her husband’s hand with her diamond-clad fingers. “Goodbye, Liam,” she said, struggling to maintain her usual coolness. With a gentle tug, she led her distraught husband to the sitting area to give her sons some space.
Josie wept into Grayson’s shoulder as he threaded his fingers through his grandfather’s. “Gramps, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for us. Without you, I wouldn’t have won back the heart of my beautiful wife and created a life so full of love.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to his forehead. “See you in the afterlife, old man.”
Josie ran her hand down Liam’s face. “Grayson is the man he is because of you. He carries your heart and your eyes, and I know Harrison will, too. We love you so much.”
Grayson and Josie joined William and Caroline, leaving Adam standing alone, staring at his grandfather’s stilling body.
His jaw pulsed as he finally approached. “Hey, Gramps,” he said, as if waiting for an answer. “I wish you could stay…but I know Gran is waiting.” He encased his hand between his. “Thank you for never giving up on me and for always being my sounding board. I’ve sure fucked up lately, but your love never faltered. I won’t screw up anymore, I promise.” He whispered something into Liam’s ear, causing the subtle rise of Liam’s lips and his body to relax. “Love you, Gramps. I’ll make you proud.”
With a kiss to his wrinkled brow, Adam moved to the wall while his family returned to Liam’s bedside, waiting for the inevitable call.