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He nodded. “And I’ll deserve it.”
A tap on the door made them jump apart as Ines put her head around the door.
“I think you should both come. Perpetua has already called Dr. Tio.”
* * *
Adam grabbed hold of Lizzie’s hand and walked with her out to the porch where the nurse was holding Carlos’s wrist. His face was serene, his lips slightly parted as if he was going to say something. But Adam recognized the rasp in his breathing for what it was, and went over to kiss his father-in-law’s cheek.
“Va com Deus,” Adam murmured. “And don’t worry about Ines. We will take care of her.”
He stepped back, allowing Lizzie to offer up her own words, and then relinquished the spot to Ines who sat beside her husband and held his hand in both of hers as she prayed.
Dr. Tio arrived at some point and took up his stance on the other side of the bed, checking the machines. He eventually turned them off and relied on his fingers on Carlos’s pulse.
Adam put his arm around Lizzie and endured, as Carlos’s breathing faltered, grew fainter, and eventually ended with a final, soft, exhale.
“He’s gone.” Dr. Tio stood and started speaking in Portuguese to Ines who nodded along, her expression serene, her composure putting Adam to shame.
Dr. Tio glanced over at Adam and Lizzie. “I think Ines wishes to spend some time alone with her husband before Perpetua and I do what needs to be done.”
“Then we’ll get out of the way,” Adam said automatically. “Thanks for everything you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome. Maybe you could help Ines and contact everyone who needs to know Carlos has passed?” Dr. Tio looked expectantly at him.
“We can do that.” Lizzie spoke up, her hand firmly in Adam’s. “We’ll be in the kitchen if you need us.”
While Lizzie focused on the townsfolk and called Gabby to ask if Roman could stay the night, Adam spoke to Rio, Yvonne, and his father.
No one was surprised to hear the news, but everyone had a story to share. Adam let them talk, knowing from past experience how important it was, how comforting to remember the best of the person who had just passed.
Lizzie brewed a fresh pot of coffee and made sure there was food in the refrigerator for Ines’s family who were on their way from Bridgeport to support her. Eventually, Lizzie looked over at Adam who had returned to sit at the kitchen table.
“I don’t think we’ll need to stay the night. Ines is going to be surrounded by family. Do you need to get back?”
He finished his coffee. “Ben’s doing my chores, so no.”
She bit her lip. “Would you like to come home with me? Ro’s at Gabby’s for the night. You look exhausted.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.” Adam sucked in a breath. “I’d like that very much.”
They checked in with Ines who hugged and kissed them good-bye. Adam promised to return the next morning to take care of the livestock.
He followed her back to her apartment in his truck, glad of the chance to be alone, to process what had just happened, and to contemplate what might happen next. The fact that Lizzie had not only heard him out, but had seemed to understand his muddled thinking, was astounding.
By the time he parked, she’d left the lower door open for him and gone in. He stayed where he was by the truck and contemplated the sight of her moving around the upper rooms letting light into the darkness. He took his time climbing the stairs out of that darkness, and emerged into the warm glow of her home and into her arms.
“I love you, Lizzie.” He muttered against the top of her head. “I can’t believe how dumb I’ve been.”
She raised her head to look at him, her eyes grave. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not, but all I can do right now is move forward and promise you that I’ll be a better man.”
“Sounds like a plan,” she said solemnly.
“Do you think”—he paused—“that you could put up with me again?”
“I think so.” She kissed his mouth. “I don’t know how I’d get along without you now. You’re my rock.”
He swallowed hard, swept her up into his arms, and walked through to her bedroom. “I need to be naked with you, right now.”
