“Oh,” I say as Da stands to go see her, “we will.”

Chapter 14

~Izzy~

This is my first day off in a long while. Keegan gave me strict instructions this morning to stay away from the pub all day, and I’m not exactly sure what to do with myself. Even on the days I don’t have a shift waiting tables, I still go in to help out in some way.

I’ve turned into somewhat of a workaholic.

Mostly, I enjoy the atmosphere in the pub—the sounds and laughter. And I like being close to Keegan and his siblings.

I finally feel accepted by a family.

But today, I’ve been kicked out. So, I decided to get on the ferry and go to Seattle to see Fiona.

She’s been in the hospital for three days, and I want to go and check on her. After checking in at the visitors’ desk, I make my way up to Fiona’s room.

I knock on the door and am surprised to find Fiona alone when I push inside.

“Hey there,” I say with a smile. “Where’s Tom?”

She grins over at me like a young girl. Her cheeks are rosy, and her green eyes are bright. “He went to get me some things so I can go home today.”

“They’re releasing you?” I sit next to her and set my handbag on the floor next to me.

“They are, and I’m going to surprise the kids. They don’t know. I’m just going to walk into the pub like I own the place.”

I chuckle with her. “This is exciting. Congratulations. I’m so relieved that you’re healthy, Fiona. We’ve all been worried sick.”

“I hate that I caused so much worry. It’s a mother’s job to soothe her children, not scare them.”

“They love you,” I remind her. “They all love you very much. And I have to admit, I’ve grown rather attached to you myself.”

“What a lovely thing to say.” She reaches over and pats my hand. “And it’s attached that I’ve grown to you, as well, Izzy. You’re a sweet woman.”

She shifts in the bed, and I can see that she wants to say more. “What is it?”

“Well, I’m a protective mother, you see. And I guess I’m wondering what you see happening between you and Keegan in the long term.”

“You’re asking me my intentions with your son?”

She laughs a little and then shrugs a shoulder. “Indeed, I am.”