“Is Tim here?”
“No. His mother came over to stay with the twins when I went to the hospital. She took them to her house while I brought you home.”
“Is Martha upset by what’s happened with her son?”
“Very. Apparently, she talked to Tim when I wouldn’t discuss why he left, and he confessed all. She loves him of course, but it sounds like she really lit into him.”
“I’m glad.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Nah, a day or so and I probably can go sit outside.”
“We’ll see about that.”
He chuckled at her protectiveness. “The doc’s instructions say I can do anything I’m up to. But to be careful of my ribs.”
Fiona’s eyes filled. “I can’t believe somebody would do this to you.”
He grasped her hand and she held onto him. “Me, either. I’m thinking it wasn’t anyone I know. I’m baffled that I could have done something this bad to deserve a beating like this.”
“Of course you didn’t. It was a random attack.” She sighed. “Why don’t we let that go for now. What would you like to eat tonight?”
“One of your lemon meringue pies.”
“Ha. I’m already making two. I had the ingredients on hand.”
“Be sure the graham cracker crust is thick.”
“Yes, buddy, I will.”
The door nudged opened. Tim stood in the entryway. His face was lined with exhaustion, his hair was sticking out of his baseball cap and his shoulders were slumped. “Hey. Mom called me.”
Fiona stiffened. “Finn isn’t up for visitors.”
Finn stayed out of it.
“I wanted to say I was sorry, Finn, for what you’re been through.”
“Thanks.” The word came stiffly. “I appreciate it,” he added in a kinder tone.
“Fiona, can I talk to you?”
She bolted up. “I’m not ready to talk to you.”
“Do you want me to stay at the cabin?”
“Yes, for a while.”
“I’ll get some of my things.” He transferred his gaze to Finn, said, “Take care, buddy,” and left.
Fiona sat back down in a chair. She struggled to keep tears from falling. “I can’t believe he did this to me.”
Finn said, “Me, either, honey.”
She sniffed and stood. “I’m going to go make your pies.”
“Thanks.”
