Page 73 of Sullivan

“No. I’m calling to see when you’re coming.”

“She asked me not to.”

Anna snorted lightly. “And you believed her?”

“She said she had to handle this alone.”

“I thought I had to handle my life alone too. Niall showed me I was wrong. She needs you, Sully. I went to the hospital. She is struggling to stay brave, but she is so worried. It broke my heart to leave her.”

“Has she left the hospital at all?”

“No. I took her a change of clothing and some toiletries today. She let me sit with her aunt while she showered, then insisted she was fine and I could go. She is very stubborn.”

“Aye.” I paused. “She took all her things, Anna.”

“And?”

“It feels as if she left for good.”

“Sully, she probably wasn’t thinking and just packed on autopilot.”

“She hadn’t unpacked most of it yet,” I admitted.

She clucked her tongue. “Then I think you need to stop overthinking.”

“And?”

“Get on the next plane you can. Or call Finn and get him to charter you one.”

“What if she refuses to see me?”

“Then visit your cousins.”

And she hung up.

AUTUMN

Time had its own beat, sitting by Lynn’s bed. Night and day blended, and I wasn’t sure what day it was. Anna came by, insisting I shower and go for a walk. I met Finn and Una, each of them kind and wanting to help. Meals appeared at various times and I tried to eat, but my appetite was nonexistent. I drank coffee and water, nibbled on the sandwiches, sipped the soup, but it was all I wanted.

Lynn’s eyes fluttered open on occasion, and she had squeezed my hand once. Her doctor informed me they planned on performing surgery tomorrow if she remained stable.

“We don’t want to risk complications,” he said as he explained everything to me.

“Okay,” I agreed.

I heard a soft knock, and Anna came in, carrying another bag I knew contained dinner. Twilight had settled outside the window, and there was a layer of frost outside.

She offered me a smile as she set down the bag. “Shepherd’s pie from the hotel,” she said quietly. “Finn thought it might tempt you.”

“Maybe in a bit.”

“Autumn, why don’t you go to the hotel and sleep? Really sleep. I’ll stay with your aunt. Niall will sit with her as well.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You’re exhausted. Not eating. I’m worried. There must be something I can get you.”

I knew she was trying to help, so I kept my tone soft. “If something happens, I need to be here. She was there for me for so many years. The least I can give her is my company, so she isn’t alone when she wakes up.” My voice broke a little. “I can’t leave her.”