Page 382 of Redeeming 6

“I wish I was there with you,” he admitted quietly. “So fucking sorry for leaving you alone in this, Molloy. You’ll never know how much.”

“Just come home,” I whispered, feeling a shiver roll through me. “Get better and come home to us.”

“I am.”

“Wow.”

“Wow, what?”

“You said ‘I am.’” I clenched my eyes shut as a wave of hopeful warmth washed over my heart. “Not ‘I will.’” Sniffling, I added, “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say the words ‘I am.’”

“About time, huh?”

“Just a tad overdue.”

“That’s putting it mildly.”

“Joe.” I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as I soaked in every second of having his voice on the other line. “I can’t believe we’re finally talking.”

“I know,” he agreed thickly. “So, come on, queen, talk to me. Tell me what’s happening at home. Give me all your gossip.”

“Oh, so now you want my gossip?”

“The heart wants what it wants, Molloy.”

“Yeah, it does.” I bit down on my lip and grinned. “So, gossip. Hmm… Al and Podge are in America for the summer.”

“No shit?”

“I shit you not.” I choked out a laugh. “They managed to snag J-1 visas.”

“Doing what?”

“Nannying.”

“Are you shitting me?”

“I swear it’s true.”

“Jesus Christ.” He chuckled, sounding half-amused, half-appalled. “Those two shouldn’t be left in charge of a tray of eggs.”

“Hey, you’re preaching to the converted,” I agreed with a snicker. “And Casey’s gone to Benidorm for two weeks with some of our class from school, so you can only imagine the deviant adventures she’s having over there.”

“Actually, I’d rather not,” he drawled. “So, you’re alone, queen?”

“Yeah.” I sighed in contentment. “But it’s not so bad.”

“No?”

“Not since you called.”

“Aoife.”

“Oh my god. I almost forgot to tell you!” I gasped and slapped a hand on my head. “Damn this baby brain.”

“Tell me what?”

“I had a visit from Paul.”

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