“Will you relax?” I laugh, but it’s more exasperation than amusement. “I called him up and turned it down last night. I would have done it sooner, but I’ll admit there was asmallpart of me that liked having the option open. I didn’t consider it though, not seriously.”
“I didn’t doubt you for a second,” Frankie says proudly. I shoot her a look, but she only grins.
“What the fuck were you on about when you said you’re not sitting around and waiting?” Sean accuses. “You said –”
“Sean, buddy, fuckingrelaxor I’ll call the guy back up and tell him I’ve changed my mind.”
“Asshole,” Sean says, though he’s smiling now.
“I need some time off,” I tell him. “I don’t have any appointments late on Thursday, and Friday was going to be a light day for me anyway. I reworked my appointments so I can have that day free. Sorry, I probably should have checked with you first.”
“I don’t care,” Sean says, waving me off. “But what do you need the day for?”
“I’m going to head to Boston Thursday night and crash on a friend’s couch. Friday I’ll meet with my therapist in person, maybe for the last time, and then I’ll pack up all the stuff I’ve left in my storage unit over the years. Time to clear it out and be done with it.”
“Shit, you’re serious.”
“I am. I’m all in here. On Elsie, on being your partner. If you still want me,” I add.
“Hell yeah, I do.” Sean grins. “You’re sure about this?”
“I’m sure.”
“My boys,” Frankie coos. “Hard to believe there will soon be three of you.”
It takes a few seconds for her meaning to sink in. “You’re having a boy?” I yell.
“We are,” she laughs. “God help me.”
“I’m gonna need your ass around to help keep this kid in line,” Sean tells me. “You look scarier than I do.”
“Fuck off,” I laugh. “Holy shit, you’re going to have a son.”
“Wild, right?”
“You guys are going to be the best parents,” I tell them. “He’s so lucky already.”
I want to jump up and hug them both, but I’m still lying down mid-tattoo, so it’ll have to wait.
A half hour later, Sean is finished and wiping down my newest ink. My first color tattoo. A permanent reminder of my girl with the flowers. Sean doesn’t say it, but he has to know it’s for her.
“Work things out with Elsie, will you?” he pleads before I leave. “This ‘space’ thing is bullshit, and you know it. Figure it out.”
“That’s the plan, buddy.” I stand and pull my shirt back on. “As soon as I get back, I think I’ll go talk to her.”
“Good.” Sean stands and claps me on the back in a quick hug.
“Go to Boston,” he says. “Pack up your shit. Then come back home and get your girl.”
CHAPTER 52
Declan
September
“Are you nervous?”
“No,” Elsie lies. I reach down to grab the hand she’s been anxiously tapping against the side of her leg. She looks over at me with a sheepish smile. “A little nervous, I guess.”
