Page 97 of Redeem Me

‘Yep,’ he brushes a hand over the ebony stubble dotting his jaw. ‘And did you notice we haven’t had a “remember the time Mammy…” story for a while? I’ll never let him forget her but it’s probably healthier that she’s not at the forefront of his mind all day, every day. Perhaps we’re all finally beginning to heal.’

I hope so, because if not, and if Caelon can’t move on properly with me, it’ll be me who is broken.

Chapter Forty-Two

CAELON

Isabella’s mother, Jocelyn, is already at the grave when we arrive. It’s not surprising. Her visits are even more frequent and regular than ours. Naturally, she’s ecstatic to see the kids.

‘That looks sore,’ she nods at my purple-tinged jaw.

‘I’ve had worse.’

Thankfully, she doesn’t pry. While she’s fussing over how Orla and Owen have grown, asking about their suntans, and generally lavishing attention on them, I rest my hand on my wife’s marble headstone as gently as if I was touching her face. ‘I’m sorry, Isabella,’ I whisper. ‘Sorry it’s you lying here. Sorry I couldn’t save you.’ I hesitate, thinking of last night, of Ivy in our bed. A fresh ripple of guilt washes over me.

But Ivy is here, living and breathing, and she’s bringing all of us back to life. Owen’s dry sheets are proof of it. So as much as I swore I’d never have another woman in my bed, it wasn’t just me I was depriving of the love of a woman – it was the kids too.

I told Ivy I wouldn’t give her up. It’s true. I won’t. But I can’t give up the idea of punishing Danny Bourke and the O’Connors, either. They‘re going to pay. All of them.

‘What are your plans for the afternoon?’ Jocelyn asks the kids.

‘We’re going to collect Ivy, then we’re going to Uncle James’s house for dinner. Dad said I can take my swimming shorts. James’s pool is even bigger than ours,’ Owen explains excitedly.

‘Ivy?’ Jocelyn repeats, her eyes flipping to mine. ‘You mean your new nanny?’

‘Yes. It’s supposed to be her day off, but she comes everywhere with us now,’ Owen blabs. ‘I thought she’d leave like the others, but she seems to like us.’

‘She adores you,’ I say. And me, apparently. I never dared to imagine I’d find love again, yet Ivy’s bulldozed that notion to the ground.

‘I’m glad you’ve found someone to help,’ Jocelyn quirks a brow.

‘I wasn’t looking for anything. She blazed into our lives like the first rays of sun after a long cold winter.’ I say, stepping back from the headstone, staring at the glittering gold writing.Isabella Beckett. Wife, Mother, Daughter.

‘I’d like to meet her,’ Jocelyn says, patting my arm.

‘Maybe. One day.’ I turn to the kids. ‘Now, say goodbye to your grandmother. Uncle James is lighting the barbecue and if he burns the food, I don’t want him to have anyone to blame but himself.’ I place a hand on Owen’s shoulder, steering him back towards the car.

Jocelyn follows, the gravel crunching beneath our feet. ‘Would you like to take the kids next weekend?’ If Danny Bourke wakes up, I want the kids as far away from Ivy and me as possible because even if Danny takes a turn for the worse, Ivy is going to take a hell of a lot of convincing I had nothing to do with it.

I hate lying to her.

But I can’t let Danny live.

Not just to avenge Isabella, but so they can’t hurt Ivy, or anyone else I love.

She doesn’t realise it, but I’m doing this for her. For us. I don’t want anything or anybody threatening the ones I love ever again. I’m protecting her. I’m protecting all of us.

‘It would be my pleasure.’ Jocelyn’s hand dips into the pocket of her shorts and she pulls out two miniature packets of Haribo. ‘Here,’ she slips them in the kid’s hands, and they squeal.

‘See you next week,’ she pats my arm again.

I hesitate at the car park gates, shifting from foot to foot. ‘You know I’ll never forget her, don’t you? I’ll always love Isabella.’

‘I know.’ Jocelyn smiles, her blue eyes sparkling. ‘And I’m happy for you. I’m certain Isabella is too.’

Rian’s car is already parked on the drive at James’s mansion, along with Sean’s and Killian’s. We’re the last to arrive.

Orla and Owen bound around to the back of the house. I slip my hand into Ivy’s and we follow close on their tails.

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