Page 70 of Pints & Potions

“Too late,” Piper said with a half-smile. “We’ve already started one.”

Hoyt winced. “About that, Pip…”

Trepidation caused Piper’s stomach to flip-flop.

Her mother patted Hoyt’s chest. “This can wait until she’s completely well.”

“We both know that’s only a matter of a few hours, Mom. Tell me.” Piper sat up and reached for the glass of water on the tray table next to her. After taking a few sips, she braced herself. “Okay, out with it.”

“Cian asked that you not return.”

Piper sucked in a sharp breath. She found it difficult to handle her mother’s compassion. Her father’s anger on the other hand, well, that she could manage because it matched what was brewing in her own chest. “Those were his exact words? Am I not to return to his home, or was it to Ireland in general?”

“Does it matter?” her father asked gruffly.

“I believe it does,” she replied, moderating her voice not to reveal her inner turmoil. She didn’t want to set her father off. If he thought she was hurting, he’d rip Cian apart limb by limb for abandoning her after she was shot. “Not returning to his home indicates he has no desire to continue what we began. Not returning to Ireland, on the other hand, would suggest he’s concerned for my safety.”

“You’re splitting hairs, Pip.” Hoyt surged up from the chair and stormed to the window. There was a barely leashed fury inside him, and Piper would hate for Cian to get anywhere close to her dad in the coming hours.

“You weren’t there when he told me he loved me.” She fought to keep her anguish at bay. The reality might be that Cian didn’t love her enough to fight.

Hoyt turned abruptly. “When? When did he say it, Pip?”

“Right before the explosion of fire.”

His mouth tightened.

She didn’t want to sound woefully pathetic, but she had to ask. “Dad? Do you think he’s trying to keep me away for my own safety?”

“I think he’s trying to save his own ass, if you want the truth.”

Deflated, Piper blew out a breath and leaned back against the pillows. Perhaps Cianwastrying to save himself, but he also had his family to consider. The image of Aeden rose up in her mind and she knew without a doubt, she’d have done the same as Cian to protect that sweet child. “Don’t judge him too harshly, Dad. He’s got a lot of people relying on him. A lot of family who might be hurt.”

“And what about you?” Hoyt demanded.

Her temper erupted. “What about me? Huh? Do I think this is sucky? Abso-fucking-lutely! Am I hurt?” She bit off a sob. “Yeah. I’m hurt. Do I understand that he has four other siblings and a nephew who might get caught in the crossfire? I do.”

Her father’s face softened with compassion.

“I get it, Dad. I get why he… he… I get it, okay?”

“Oh, Pip. You have a world of love in that heart of yours.”

And no one wanted it.

She sat up and started the process of removing the leads from her chest. “If you don’t mind, I want to go home.”

“I’d prefer you were where we can monitor your recovery,” Rebecca said gently.

“Mom, we both know I’m already back to one-hundred percent. Between your skill and magic, I’m recovered.” Piper tried to smile and failed. “Besides, I’m sure you have other patients scheduled today.”

Rebecca Walsh-Thorne was a gifted surgeon and in high demand for her talent. Piper couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t. Today would be no different since her mother rarely slowed down other than on weekends. She’d always insisted Saturdays and Sundays were family time, and she wouldn’t budge or allow anyone to intrude.

“If you don’t think I would cancel my schedule to care for you, you’ve lost your mind, my sweet girl.” Her mother cupped her cheek and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “You come first, above and beyond anyone else.”

“I appreciate that you care, Mom, but I promise I’m physically well.”

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you avoidedemotionallyandmentallywell,” Rebecca countered dryly. “However, I know a woman needs downtime to heal. You’re free to go, but you must promise to rest. And your dad will escort you home.” She held up a hand. “Don’t argue. It’s the equivalent of a nurse’s aide wheeling you to the car.”

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