Chapter 29 — Lazy Day

Brooke:

Cahal snuggling into me is the most wonderful feeling in the world. The second Landon sets him in my arms, the rest of the world melts away—the pain in my abdomen from my surgery, the uncomfortable bed in the hospital—all of it. I am so lost in my adoration for him that I do not even realize Landon has left the room.

When I finally look up, I am met with a glare walking the line between angry and resigned. I clear my throat awkwardly, knowing I deserve whatever anger she throws my way. "Did you have a good flight?" I ask lamely. Sonia quirks an eyebrow at me. "Did Cahal fly well? I hope his ears didn't hurt." I continue my awkward attempt at conversation.

"I'm mad at you, Brooke," Sonia bluntly states. I nod my head ashamedly.

"I know."

"How could you make me promise not to tell anyone where you were when you came here to die!" I can hear the strain in her voice as she tries to control her volume.

"I'm sorry." I do not insult her by making excuses.

"You're sorry? Brooke, what were you thinking? Were you thinking I would not call you, and after calling and calling, I wouldn't have come here to check if you were okay? Did you tell me where you were going so I could come here and find your body!" Her words end in a garbled sob.

"Sonia, no! No. No, that was not my intent. I had a care facility set up. They were supposed to check up on me periodically until...the end. Then they were supposed to call Landon and you. I never... I just didn't know how to tell you," I explain.

"Don't give me that shit excuse, Brooke. If you had died, not only would Landon never have forgiven me, but I would have never forgiven myself."

"Come here, Sonia," I croak out, tears pouring down my cheek matching hers. She crawls onto the bed beside me, and I wrap my arm around her, careful not to jostle Cahal. "I love you, Sonia. Not only are you my best friend, but you are my only friend. I could not tell you I was dying. I couldn't bear to see the pain you would try to hide for me." I swallow down a sob. "Can you please forgive me?" I beg.

I can feel Sonia's head nodding against my shoulder.

"Of course, I will. I mean, who else will listen to me complain about Jared?" she jokes. Before I can respond, Cahal lets out a giant fart that ends with a liquid squish. We both burst into raucous laughter. Cahal starts crying, protesting against his spoiled diaper.

"Here, I'll change him," Sonia and I both jump from Landon's voice.

"My goodness! How long have you been standing there?" Sonia says in her no-nonsense voice. Landon shrugs.

"Not long." Sonia rolls her eyes at his vague answer. Landon takes Cahal and lays him on a table in the corner of the room.

Sonia gets up from her spot next to me on the bed.

"Well, I should probably head to my hotel. Check-in is in an hour, and I don't want them to give up my room because I'm late." She leans down to kiss my temple. "I'll come by tomorrow morning."

"Oh, I'm being released early. You can visit me at the cottage, though. It's on the beach. We can go sun-tanning." I grin, getting excited about the idea.

"Absolutely, I'll bring Jared to entertain your husband. Then we can have hours of nothing but girl time." Cahal lets out a small cry, protesting being left out. "Girl time with Cahal," Sonia amends, and we both start giggling.

Sonia gives Landon and Cahal a kiss, then leaves the room. Landon puts Cahal in his car seat carrier, rocking him gently to sleep.

"Lounging on the beach tomorrow, eh?" he says conversationally.

"It's a nice beach. You'll love it," I say softly, not wanting to wake Cahal. He gives a small grin.

"I know. I was there last night. Had to make sure the kitchen was stocked for our stay."

"Oh, right. Of course, you have."

"Brooke, there's something I need to tell you." I let out a big involuntary yawn as soon as the words spill out of Landon.

"Oh? What is it?" I say, trying to blink away my sudden sleepiness. He smirks.

"It can wait. You should get some rest while you can. Your body needs it to heal." I nod, my eyes already starting to droop. Landon kisses my forehead before turning off the lights and leaving the room.

Landon:

The next day…

I pull into the driveway of the small cottage house. It is a nice little sunny spot tucked away in the large world. Had we been here under different circumstances, I might have enjoyed showing Brooke my childhood home, which is only a few hours away, and telling her about Ireland's history and all Ireland has to offer.

But now, being so close to home only makes me feel anxious and guilty. I need to tell Brooke, and being here is just a reminder of that fact. The truth will come out eventually, and I will be damned if she does not hear it from me.

I hop out of the truck and grab Cahal from the back seat, then go to the front passenger side to help Brooke out. Her movements are slow, and I can tell walking pains her, but she is determined to do it. The hospital gave her a walking stick for her to brace herself, and we slowly make it inside.

After situating Brooke on the couch, I place Cahal in his basinet, moving it so Brooke can see him. The living room has three large windows, giving the room a beautiful view of the beach. It also makes the room very bright and sunny—which is just what Brooke needs for healing.

I go to put together a tray of tea and some snacks. When I place it on the coffee table in front of Brooke, she starts laughing. "What's so funny?" I ask, taking a seat beside her.

"You are," she answers between giggles.

"Me? How so?"

"Because you, the rich CEO, hospital-owning Irish businessman who employs an entire house staff has just made me..." She leans forward to inspect the food on the tray. "Cucumbers sandwiches, pastries, and cut-up fruit. With..." She sniffs at the teapot. "Peppermint tea?" she asks. I nod.

"What's so funny about that?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. It seems so... common. I didn't even know you could cook." I give her an offended look.

"Of course, I can cook. I'm not completely helpless," I mumble the last part.

"Mmhmm," she mumbles as she bites into a pastry, looking like she's in tart raspberry heaven.

"Eat up. Sonia should be here soon. You're supposed to sit on the beach with her. And don't just nibble on the food. Eat a lot; you've lost a lot of weight." She gives me a teasing grin, then raises her hand in salute.

"Sir, yes, sir."

I just shake my head then go to tend to Cahal. Sonia arrives soon after, just as I said she would.

Brooke:

It is not until hours later, after I had lounged the day away, that I remember Landon has something to talk about with me. Nervousness sparks in my stomach as I wonder what it could be. A part of me wants to ignore it and pretend he never said anything, but my logical side knows we must talk. There is so much we need to discuss. But when Sonia leaves, Landon asks if I want to watch a movie with him, so I decide our talk can wait another day.