Page 189 of A Second Dawn

Her question has me cry harder. She’s normally so self-assured and assertive, but even my overly optimistic friend has doubts about our future.

My teary eyes meet hers. “I love you Rhi. Wewillwork it out.”

It’s a promise I intend to keep.

A rap on the door has us pull apart. Santino enters.

“Signorina Bannaghan, the car is waiting for you to take you to the airport,” he announces.

Tiero chartered a plane for Rhia to return to Ireland, now that we’re not stopping there first. He said it would be too dangerous. Until he knows how much of a threat the Romeros pose outside America, he wants us to stay put on our island.

Yes, he saidourisland. It went a long way toward placating me.

Oh god! This is the first goodbye for today, and it won’t be the last. No idea how I will cope with all that sadness just waiting to consume me.

I pull Rhia back against me, the tears now freely flowing for both of us.

“As soon as it’s safe, I’ll come to visit,” I tell her. Whether Tiero likes it or not, Rhia will be a part of our lives.

She moves her head. I think that’s a nod, but it’s hard to tell given I’m holding her so tightly.

When she pulls away, she hiccups, “And I’ll visit you on that island of yours as soon as you’re settled in. I bet it’s nice there in winter… much warmer than Dublin.”

“Perfect. There are huts away from the main house, so you and Lex can make as much noise as you want.” That forces a smile on her face.

“Call me as soon as you land,” I say, waving the brand-new phone at her Tiero gave me this morning.

“I will,” she promises and gets up to hug Claudette goodbye.

“Your bags are already in the car,” Santino tells her.

With one last hug and a wave over her shoulder, Mr. Burly escorts my best friend out of the room and out of my life for at least the next few weeks.

The tears can’t be stopped now. They have a mind of their own. Seemingly, their only goal is to redden my eyes as quickly as possible and produce an ungodly amount of snot.

Rhia’s leaving highlights the uncertainty waiting for me outside this hospital. And I’m not sure I’m ready for it.

Claudette comes to sit on the bed beside me, handing me a box of tissues.

“Damn hormones,” I mutter again, taking Rhi’s suggestion to milk this pregnancy for all its worth.

Claudette chuckles. “I know.” She rubs soothing circles over my back and slowly the wild ride of my emotions calms.

“What are you going to do?” I ask her when the lump in my throat eases.

“I’m going to winter with Miriam. While it has snowed already, it wasn’t enough to snow them in yet. I’ll be strapping on my boots and climb up the mountain.”

“I’m jealous. I was looking forward to having a few months off from regular life,” I say, dabbing at my eyes with a tissue.

I reach for Claudette and hug her. “You’ll come to visit, won’t you?” I ask.

“Try to stop me. I want to meet this little girl.” She gently pokes my stomach, and I force a smile.

“I want her to know you.”

“She will.” Claudette sounds certain, and I take comfort in that.

A clearing of a throat draws my attention to the door.

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