“My sisters are moving out. Without me. Because they don’t want to be a burden. But they aren’t burdens. They wouldn’t even know how tobeburdens.” Turning to her sisters, she implored, “Would you feel better if they charged you rent?”
Hugh did not speak. His eyes drilled into Rowan’s. She met his look. Defiant. Good girl, Rowan. If that stubborn man wouldn’t claim one of the most amazing women ever to be born, then he could suffer the consequences.
Separation.
“Raven. Look at me.” River waited until they were eye to eye. “A different address doesn’t matter. This is you being nervous about having Baby O. You know this. Rowan and I will see you every single day. Let us do this. Please.” River touched her fingers to Raven’s cheek. Then Raven touched Rowan’s cheek, and Rowan touched River’s.
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
23
Dear River,
I miss you.
I don’t know if you’ll get this letter before I’m back in town. Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me come back to Dublin. We don’t leave for three more days, but I already packed. I tried to fix your clothes back the way they were.
I touched your panties. I’d like to say I’m sorry, but I’m working on honesty.
Have you moved into the new building?
I dream of you moved in tomyour apartment. Your daisy dishes are sitting on the open shelving in the kitchen. Your citrus shampoo in the shower. Your naked body lying against the sheets you picked out. In our bed.
I think a lot of inappropriate things where you’re concerned.
I hope the baby shower was a success last night. I’m getting as antsy as Nan for Baby O to get here, I swear. I also want to see Bran cry and video it.
Dad called me this morning. He seemed, I don’t know, upset, which is hard to tell with him. Lost maybe? If something’s happened that might explain (him), would you let Nan know so she could tell me?
Nan wanted to go to the fabric store in town and buy material to make washable ‘gag’ diapers. Tell Raven she owes me a giant thank you for talking your grandma out of that (literal) shit idea.
Do you ever look at the picture I gave you for Christmas? I have the one you gave me next to your bed. You have the best smile.
I dreamed that I asked you to marry me. You said yes.
I dreamed that you were round with my child. It was my best dream ever.
Nan and I spent the day cleaning the deep freeze and fridge. Apparently, that’s a necessity before leaving town.
Nan’s also been baking. She had to make everyone’s favorite. My guess is she’ll be baking until we leave Monday morning. She even called Jo to ask what Mr. Bunny’s (her words, not mine) favorite treat was.
Nan said that Jo’s been feeling under the weather and didn’t want to go near Raven until she was sure she wouldn’t pass any bug along. Nan said Jo seemed down. She invited her to the second baby shower next week with her, Gran, and Diana (aka The Beast).
Tomorrow, I’m helping Mr. Dunn do a full detail wash and wax on his truck. The bed has a cover, but it still needs a thorough washing.
Nan promised to bring me and Mr. Dunn lunch. I see where you learned how to cook so well. (If you married me, we’d never starve at least). Devlen, that’s Mr. Dunn’s name, has an amazing patio and outdoor cooking space. Much more modern than I would have expected from the man. He’s thawing toward me— finally— but he could give Dad a run for his money on stern looks.
Please keep following MacGregor’s rules on safety. Please allow me to help in watching over you when I get back.
Will you talk to me again? Once I’m home, I mean. I won’t rush you. I swear it, River. If I could only hear you say... say something like, Hello, Patrick, it would be enough. For now.
All my love,
Patrick
