Page 12 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

Birdie sighed.

“He’s going to be okay, baby, I promise,” Sawyer said giving her a gentle smile. “With this family he’s not alone and has someone constantly checking on him. He will get through, it’s just going to take time.”

Nina was pleased Finch had someone who cared about him, even if she was still feeling a bit raw from their encounter. She hoped Sawyer was right, and one day he would be okay, and back to the man she’d once known—and if not that, a new version that he was happy to become.

“Last night, I asked Uncle Asher about the break-in at your place, but he said they don’t have any leads so far, Nina,” Sawyer said changing the subject, as they drove toward her mom’s rest home.

Four days ago, someone had broken into her house and trashed it. Walking inside to the mess, she’d felt violated, especially as there was already so much going on in her life with her mom growing weaker. It had nearly broken her—nearly, but not quite. Nina was strong.

“Yeah, he came to see me. I hope they catch them soon.”

“I’d like a chance for some alone time with them,” Sawyer said.

“Same.”

“How is your mom?” Birdie asked, looking between the seats at Nina.

“Not great. I don’t think she has long.”

“I’m sorry, Nina,” Birdie said. “That’s so hard.”

When her mother had developed the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s, Nina was the one who organized everything when the time came to put her in a home. It was still one of the hardest things she’d ever had to do.

Pulling into the long single-story facility that was Bloom Haven Rest Home thirty minutes later, Sawyer parked outside the building.

“Take as long as you need. I’ll be sweet out here,” he said.

Birdie took her hand as they headed inside, and Nina was grateful for the support. She wasn’t quite herself today. Tomorrow she would be, but not now.

“Hey, Janey, how’s Mom today?” she said to the woman sitting behind the counter in a pale blue uniform.

She gave Nina a sympathetic smile. “She’s not having a good day.” The sadness in her eyes told Nina everything she needed to know. Her mother’s condition had deteriorated.

“Thanks for taking care of her,” she said forcing down the fear.

Birdie’s hand tightened around hers as they walked down the long hallway to her mother’s room.

“They’ve done a lovely job with the Christmas decorations this year,” Birdie said, looking around. “Is your tree up yet?”

“Not yet. Birdie, if you want to wait with Sawyer⁠—”

“I know your mother well, and she was always kind to me,” Birdie said, cutting Nina off. “I count her daughter as one of my best friends, and I will always be here for you both,” she added solemnly.

“Oh God, stop talking like that,” Nina wailed.

“When are you going to realize you don’t have to go through this alone?” Birdie asked, her pretty face fierce.

“Your brother’s right. You’ve been around your husband too long.”

“Let us support you, Nina. You’re not alone.”

“I know.” And she did, but she had always been fiercely independent.

Nina walked into her mother’s room, bracing herself for what she’d find.

“Oh, now this is nice. Look who’s here, Shirley,” the nurse seated beside the bed said when she noticed Nina in the doorway. “Your daughter, Nina, and her friend have come to visit.”

Shirley Winters had always been a small woman, but to her only child, she’d seemed an immense presence. Strong, no-nonsense, and someone Nina loved very much. Watching the changes in her was devastating.