Page 76 of By His Play

“It was a beautiful service,” one of Grams’ friends says before she leaves. “You did her proud today.” She takes both of my hands in hers and squeezes tightly.

The ball of emotion only grows larger in my throat as my nose itches and my eyes burn.

“Thank you,” I whisper, barely able to force the words out.

She pulls me in for a hug, and it’s all I can do to hold myself together.

Today has been a lot. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so drained. Both physically and emotionally.

Every inch of me hurts. All I want to do is curl up in a ball and fall asleep.

If only I could.

I can count on one hand the number of full hours of sleep I’ve had this week. I’m feeling it today.

The older lady—Rosa, I think—releases me and gives me a soft smile.

“Get some rest.”

I will, I mouth.

Turning to Kieran, who’s still exactly where he promised he would be—right by my side—she looks up at him.

“Look after her,” Rosa instructs.

“Don’t worry. I intend to,” he assures her before also accepting a hug.

Seems like it’s not only the young women my best friend has a way with. He can wrap the elderly ones around his little finger too.

We say a few more goodbyes before we close the door to the church hall.

Thankfully, Mom and Dad left not long after the committal.

I’d hoped they might have stayed a little longer. Introduced themselves to Grams’ friends. But it was always unlikely.

I should be grateful they turned up at all.

“Right,” I say, finding some strength from the very depth of my soul. “I guess we’ve got some cleaning up to do.”

Empty glasses and plates litter the tables from our buffet. The thought of having to tidy it all up makes me want to cry—again.

“No.”

Spinning around, I narrow my eyes at Kieran as he closes the space between us.

My heart begins to race and my temperature rises.

“W-what do you m-mean, no?” I ask quietly.

“I’ve booked some cleaners to come in and take care of it,” he confesses. “You’ve done enough.”

Ripping my eyes from his, I take in the room around us.

“Really?”

“Really,” he says softly. “Let me take you home.”

The sob I was desperately trying to hold back erupts and he pulls me into his arms.

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