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I swallow hard. How does he always know the right things to say? “Thank you. I…appreciate that.”
Dillan’s phone dings. He makes a noise of annoyance and checks his messages. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. One of my patients just went into labor.”
My heart sinks as he gets to his feet.
Why are we always pressed for time? It seems like, no matter how many chances Dillan and I get to connect, time is our enemy. We stare at each other in silence, neither seeming to know what to say. I find that I’m not ready to say goodbye again, but I don’t really have a choice.
“It was great to see you,” I say. “Really.”
Dillan smiles and leans down.
First, I think he wants to kiss me, and I almost gasp.
The next thing I know, he’s pulling both Isaac and me into a warm hug, wrapping us up like we’re the most precious things in the world. I close my eyes and savor the touch, knowing it will be the last time it’ll happen. My heart races, and I can’t help but loop one arm around him to return the embrace and to hold him as close as possible. He smells so beautiful—one hundred percent man, strong, and brave, and just…wonderful—and I hope he won’t let go. We stay there for a few precious moments before Dillan kisses my temple and draws away.
“Take care of yourself, Lizzie,” he says, briefly stroking my cheek.
I almost want to cry at his soft touch and the tender glow in his eyes. For a few seconds, our eyes lock, and I feel we’re staring into each other’s souls.
Tell him, tell him, the angel on my shoulder chides, kicking the devil in the gut, only allowing him a grunt.
Okay, okay. I will tell him.
I start to collect my words.
Hurry, the angel urges.
I open my mouth to speak.
Then Dillan’s hand is gone, leaving my body cold without the heat of his touch.
He gives me a smile before he gently places his hand on Isaac’s head, stroking his hair for a second before taking a step back. “Bye, Lizzie.”
“Bye, Dillan.”
I watch him cross the room. An ache grips my heart. Every fiber of my being hurts. Deep down, I want to call for him, to at least ask him for his number or another way to contact him.
But before I can, he’s out the door and gone from my sight.
Alone once more, I shut my eyes, battling the tears, refusing to let them spill into a vast sea of sorrow. In my arms, Isaac lets out a soft whimper and begins to squirm. Instinctively, I start to gently rock him, pulling myself together enough to give my son the attention he needs.
“It’s all right, little man,” I coo, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “We’ll be just fine.”
The angel on my shoulder sighs, and the devil grins.
I should have told him, shouldn’t I?
The angel nods, following it up with a dramatic eye roll that screams, “Duh.”
Fortunately, Pippa waltzes in a minute later, sparing me from dwelling too long on my own pitiful cowardice. She helps me get dressed, and after I sign a few papers, Isaac and I are ready to go home.
Mrs. Loughty is waiting for us when we get there. The apartment is decorated with balloons and numerous flowers and gifts, all courtesy of my friends and coworkers. Seeing it all makes my heart lighter than it has been since Dillan walked away. It reminds me that although he will no longer be in my life, I still have a precious support system.
“Oh, what a precious little love!” Mrs. L exclaims as soon as she wobbles through the door on her cane. “Look at him. Such an adorable little baby.”
“He is a handsome one,” I say, easing my sore body onto the couch and letting the older woman fuss over my son.
“He really is. He looks just like a young Prince William. That little chap was the cutest baby I ever saw. My late husband Charles and I always marveled about him. I used to call my husband Prince Charles, you know—like the Prince of Wales—and he called me ‘My Duchess.’ You probably remember that sort of silliness from your own parents. My friend Linda’s baby was very cute too. Ooh, I’m lucky to be surrounded by all this cuteness.” She’s on him in an instant, taking him out of the car seat so she can hold him. “How are you feeling, love?” she asks me, cradling the baby as she sits next to me.
