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‘The drawer.’
Ethan did so, and there was an envelope.
‘I had Merida’s OB write it down, just in case...’
Ethan wiped away tears and smiled. The world had gone back to spinning, and yet it felt different now. Precious and valuable, and vital and time-poor—as the world was when you were in love.
‘It’s not a sham, Dad. I want you to know that. I love her...’
‘I know you do. I knew the night I saw her.’
‘How?’
‘You took her to the bridge. You were looking out for her even in the contract...’ He gave his son a smile. ‘Lots of things. But really the fact that you married her, Ethan.’
‘I’m going to be there for Merida and the baby,’ Ethan told him.
‘And Abe,’ Jobe said. ‘I worry about him.’
‘Abe’s fine.’
‘No.’ Jobe shook his head. ‘I shan’t live to see him sorted, I know that, but tell me you’ll look out for him?’
‘I doubt he’ll appreciate it,’ Ethan said, but then he was serious. ‘Always.’
‘Does Merida know that you love her yet?’
‘Once the baby is here...’
‘No,’ Jobe said. ‘Tell hernow.’
‘She needs to sleep.’
‘Why would anyone want to sleep lonely when they could be finding out they’re loved? I’m damned glad you woke me. Now, go.’ He waved him away. ‘I need my sleep. I’ve got my grandchild to meet.’
* * *
Merida stirred as Ethan came in.
Ethan had been crying.
The artist had had little colour in his palette when he’d created this masterpiece, but apart from the deep red of his lips this morning crimson rimmed his eyes. And she rather knew that it was private and that he might not want her to see.
‘How’s your father?’ Merida asked, filled with dread, because she did not want her baby born on the day Jobe died.
More than that, she did not want Jobe to die!
‘Hanging in there,’ Ethan said. ‘He sends his best wishes.’
‘That’s nice.’
‘What’s happening?’ He looked at all the machines, rather than look at her, because he was trying to summon up the courage for the rather important thing he had to say.
‘I’m being examined at six.’
Ethan nodded and then put his hand into the deep pocket of his coat. ‘Here.’
He dropped a black pouch on the bed and she stared at it for a time.
