Page 68 of Sullivan

“More flowers,” she trilled. “And so beautiful.”

She set them down, and I gazed at the offering. There was no card. There was no need. In the middle of the flowers was an origami flower, and I knew even without it where they’d come from and what they meant. I touched the little paper flower, wondering how many florists Sully had contacted to see if they had an origami flower available.

I blinked away the tears, touched once again by his thoughtfulness. His love. I couldn’t not respond somehow, so I took a picture of the tiny white flower and sent it to him via text.

I love this the most.

His reply was fast and simple, but I knew it meant everything.

I love you the most.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and returned to work. I needed to concentrate. I was able to get some things accomplished, planning on working through lunch, since my appetite wasn’t great anyway. I had seen Bonnie a few times, both of us waving and smiling as if everything were normal. She seemed as certain as Sully did that we would work this through. I hated the thought of losing her friendship, and when I had said that out loud, she had shaken her head.

“Good God, no. I had you first. If you break up, I’ll always be your friend. And I’ll report with glee when he loses his hair or gets a potbelly. And I’ll gloat when I tell him you’re seeing a millionaire who spoils you and you live on a private island wearing nothing but diamonds and a bikini.”

“You have a vivid imagination,” I retorted, although she had made me smile.

I only hoped it would be true.

My phone rang around eleven, and I answered before I looked at the number.

“Autumn speaking.”

“Autumn, it’s Georgia Fields from The Haven.”

Mrs. Fields was an administrator at Lynn’s residence. I could hear it in her voice that something was dreadfully wrong. “What happened?” I asked, gripping the phone.

“Lynn had a bad fall in the night,” she replied. “She had removed her alert button, so we didn’t find her until a short while ago. She’s been taken to the hospital.”

“How bad?” I felt like I was shouting, but, in fact, I was whispering.

She paused before speaking. “I’m certain it’s a broken hip. But she also hit her head, and she was unconscious. Again, we don’t know how long for. If you can come home, I suggest you do so.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Chaos happened around me. Bonnie was walking by when she saw me on the phone and came in. I was able to tell her what happened, and she took control. She spoke to the people who needed to know. Barked orders about getting me a plane ticket. Sat me down and asked me to tell her what needed to be done. I was able to indicate the files on my desk. She nodded.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Moments later, Megan came in, handing me an itinerary. “The last morning flight is delayed. I got you on it, but you have to go right now. Otherwise, you wouldn’t get out until tomorrow. Direct to Toronto. I’ve sent it to your phone.”

“My passport. My clothes.”

“I’ve hired a car. It will take you to the flat, wait while you pack, and drive you to the airport. It’s all arranged. But you need to leave.”

I headed down to the waiting car, sliding into the back seat. I felt anxious. Already emotional and exhausted, this added stress was pushing me over the edge. My phone rang, and I saw Sully’s name. I answered quietly.

“Autumn, love,” he greeted me. “Bonnie called and told me. Jesus, lass, what do you need?”

“Nothing,” I whispered, barely holding on to my emotions. “I have to go.”

“I know. Christ, I should be there. I should be with you. What time is your flight?”

“A few hours.”

He cursed. “I don’t know if I can get there, but I’ll try.”

“No. I have to go be there for her. You need to be here. This is where you belong.”