Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Finn and Niall exchanged a look but let him finish. “Your mum wants to give it to me. Since I’m there and all. She says neither of you would be interested, but I don’t want to take away your inheritance. It could be worth a good amount to the right buyer.”
Roisin spoke up. “And I said it isn’t for sale. I promised Lenore I would keep it in my family.”
Niall frowned. “If that’s what you want, that’s fine, Mum.” He looked at Sully. “I’m not worried about an inheritance at all. I’m certainly not concerned about a cottage I didn’t even know existed. I’d like to see it someday, though.”
Finn nodded. “Me as well. If Roisin wants you to have it, it’s fine. No objections. She’s right—you’re in Edinburgh. We’re half a world away. If you can use it and enjoy it, you should have it.”
Sully scrubbed his neck. “I appreciate that. I enjoy going at times. It’s on the edge of a small village and right by the water. Rustic. I go to clear my mind on occasion.”
“Then take it with my blessing,” Niall stated. “You’re family. It’s a gift from Mum, and I will respect that.”
Finn nodded in agreement.
“I want to give it to him now, not wait until something, ah, happens,” Roisin stated. “Have it all legal and binding.”
“He’s the right bloke,” Finn said with a smile. “He can sew that up easy, right, Sully? A walk in the park for you.”
“Arse,” Sully said, flipping the finger.
Finn chuckled, reaching for my hand. “Do whatever Roisin wants.” Then he looked at her. “And no more talk about something happening. You’re getting better, and you’re going to be around for a long time, you understand?”
She smiled, blowing him a kiss. “I understand.”
Later as she napped, Sully showed the guys a few pictures of the cottage. It was small, with an open living area and kitchen at the front, and one bedroom at the back. Weathered and worn, it was still charming, the little front porch overlooking the water.
“Only a ten-minute walk into the village,” Sully explained. “I take the train, stop at the local store for some food, and walk to the cottage.” He chuckled. “But there is no one around. It’s quiet and peaceful.”
“Do you know anything about this Lenore?”
Sully lowered his voice. “Your mum helped her escape a bad marriage. Assisted her in finding the little cottage and a job. Even after her husband died and she was safe, she stayed there. Never remarried, had no kids, but what I have heard, she was a favorite in the village and lived a happy life. She was older than your mum and, when she passed a few years ago, left it to Roisin. She’s been there a few times but says it’s too isolated for her.”
“I’m glad you like it and can use it.”
Sully nodded. “It is a bit of a sanctuary for me, I admit. I had planned on offering to buy it from her estate when the time came. And I’m happy to do so—”
Niall cut him off. “No. She wants you to have it, and that’s that. I’m not upset at all.” He chuckled. “Frankly, it’s a bit too, ah, cottagey for me.”
Finn laughed. “I wouldn’t mind seeing it, but I agree with Niall. I’m more a Ritz kind of man myself.”
I snorted. “Spoiled babies. No room service, no big-screen TVs. I think it’s charming.”
Finn grasped me around the waist, pulling me close, his voice a low promise in my ear. “I’ll take you to see it. Stay for a few days. With nothing to interrupt us, I might enjoy that.”
I turned my head and kissed him. “I’ll hold you to that.”
The doctor came in and sat with Niall and Finn, explaining the next steps.
“Rehab,” he said. “Speech and body. We can do outpatient or refer her to a rehab hospital. I discussed it with her earlier and she insists on going home, but I explained she can’t live alone right now.”
“I hired two full-time caregivers. Both experienced. She’ll have good care at home. Can we arrange for the rehab at home?”
“It’s, ah, expensive,” the doctor said, sounding nervous.
Niall laughed. “Whatever it is, I’ll cover it. Only the best for my mum. But I want regular updates. And visits from her medical team.” He paused. “I will happily arrange a very generous donation to the hospital to ensure it happens.” He leaned forward. “I already spoke with the hospital administrators. My mum gets the best care. Whatever you need to provide that, you let me know, you understand?”
Roisin was napping, and I was sitting beside her, letting them talk to the doctor. I had never heard Niall speak that way. Commanding, in control, slightly threatening. Finn was always the one who did the talking. Now I saw why they made such a good team. How he sat next to Niall, simply nodding, looking intense and silent.