Bree

After Emer was rushed to the hospital, I went up to Owen’s suite to wait for word about how she was doing.

Minutes turned into hours, hours turned into a whole day.

Nothing.

I sat alone.

But it gave me time to think. Time to evaluate what I want, what I need to do, and what I’m willing to sacrifice.

He’d finally called me, but that was last night. And even though he said Emer was all right, he never came back to the hotel.

I’d hoped to spend at least one more night with him, but I’m not that selfish, to wish him away from his family during a crisis. I understand that he needs to be where he is. I just wish he’d have asked me to be there with him.

He hadn’t.

I glance around the suite one last time, making sure I’m not forgetting anything. But I know I’m just stalling.

My flight leaves in less than two hours. I should have left for the airport twenty minutes ago. And unless I’m willing to miss my flight, I need to go now.

I debated going to the hospital, at least to see Emer, but Owen was pretty clear that I wasn’t wanted there.

Family only.

I try not to let his words affect me. But they do. They tug at the most vulnerable parts of me, bringing up all the insecurities I’ve been battling with since leaving Ireland the first time.

Maybe it’s good I’m going now. At least, there won’t be any awkward goodbyes.

I turn on my phone. There’s a message from Owen telling me to call him back. But when I do, it goes straight to messages.

“Hi, it’s me, Bree.” I let out a nervous breath. “I’m heading to the airport now. I…” Hate this. “…wanted to thank you for everything.” God, that sounds pathetic. I might as well just say thanks for giving me the best sex of my entire life. Maybe it wouldn’t sound so awkward. “Take care of yourself…bye.”

Hanging up, I send Emer a quick text, telling her how happy I am for her and Aiden, and let her know that I have to catch my plane and that I’m sorry I wasn’t able to see her and the baby before I left.

Thank you for making me remember that I still have a place to call home, I type out. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to come back.

I let out a long, uneven breath, fighting the damn tears that threaten to fall.

If I don’t go now, I am going to miss my plane. As I cart my luggage into the elevator, I wonder if I’m subconsciously trying to.

When the doors open on the third floor, Chris stands there with his bags. He hesitates, glancing around as if expecting Owen to jump out, before tentatively stepping in.

“Hey,” he says sheepishly. “You heading home?”

“I guess so.”

“You don’t seem convinced.”

“No. I am.” I check my phone again, wincing when I see the time. “My flight leaves soon.”

“Yeah, mine too.”

We both get off on the main floor.

“Owen driving you to the airport?”

“No. He’s still at the hospital.”

“Ah, right. Any news?”

A smile tugs at my lips. “She had a little girl.”

“That’s great.”

I nod, and we stand in awkward silence for a few long moments.

“I’m going to the airport now, if you want to share a taxi.”

I chew on my bottom lip and glance over his shoulder at the empty foyer, wishing, and stupidly hoping that Owen will show up – and stop me from leaving.

Not happening, Bree.

“Okay,” I say, resignation drawing the word out in a sigh.

“Here, let me grab your bags.”

“Bree.” My name is a deep growl from across the lobby. Cillian walks towards me, frowning as he looks between me, Chris, and our luggage.

“I’ll be right there,” I say to Chris, allowing him to take my two heavier bags, before turning to Cillian. “How’s Emer doing?”

“Good.” He glances over my shoulder at Chris, snarling, before looking back at me. “Are ye going to see her?”

“My flight leaves in a couple hours.”

His frown deepens. “Did ye talk to Owen?”

“No. Just tried to call, but he didn’t pick up. I assume he’s still at the hospital.”

Cillian roughs a hand over his beard. “There were some complications after surgery. Emer will be fine, but Aiden’s been a mess. I’m only coming back to check on Delaney, then I’m going back. Ye can come with me, if ye want.”

“My flight-”

“Ye can always catch the next one.”

Who would have thought it would be Cillian asking me to stay?

“Owen told me not to go to the hospital. Family only, right?”

I hate the hurt that fills my words.

“Ye are family, Bree.”

I shrug. Maybe. But I’ve never had anything close to the family they’ve created. I don’t think they even realize how special, how tightly knit their bonds are.

“Bree,” Chris says by the door. “Taxi’s here.”

“I have to go.” I hate the tears that burn my eyes. “Tell everyone goodbye.”

“Ye’ve always got a place to stay if ye decide to come back.”

I give him a forced smile, and turn away quickly, doubting I’ll be back to Ireland anytime soon.