Page 36 of Rescue

“Well,” she continues, far too breezy to be innocent, “Tom also said there’s someone there—Abigail, the owner. He said you seemed... quite taken with her.”

I let out a long breath, keeping my eyes fixed on the road. “Tom needs to mind his own business.”

“Jon, I’m your mother,” she says, and I can practically see her raising an eyebrow in mock disapproval. “I’m allowed to ask questions. So? What’s she like?”

“She’s... nice,” I say vaguely. “Good with guests, runs a tight ship.”

“Nice? A tight ship?” Mum scoffs. “Really, that’s the best you can do? Tom said she has a daughter. Layla, was it?”

“She does,” I admit. “She’s six, full of questions, and definitely not shy.”

“She sounds delightful,” Mum says, her tone softening. “And Abigail? Tell me the truth, Jon.”

I grip the steering wheel a little tighter, trying to find the right words. “She’s... warm. Kind. Funny.”

“And?” Mum presses, her voice dipping into that knowing tone that only mothers seem to master.

“She’s wonderful,” I admit before I can stop myself. “And I’m leaving.”

The admission settles heavy in the car, and Mum doesn’t let the silence last long.

“Are you leaving because you have to, or because you’re scared?” she asks, her voice calm but pointed.What kind of question is that?

“It’s complicated,” I reply, my tone clipped, hoping she’ll drop it.

“Jon,” she sighs, that exasperated mum tone coming through. “It’s not complicated. You live in London, yes,but you don’t have to. That’s just geography, and geography can change.”

I frown, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. “Mum, I work in London. My job is there.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she tuts. “Paediatricians are needed everywhere. Settle has a small hospital. Leyburn, too. Both are close enough to commute from that little B&B.”

I blink, startled by her response. “You’ve been researching Yorkshire hospitals?”

“Of course,” she says matter-of-factly. “I knew you’d use your job as an excuse, and I wanted to be prepared.”

A short laugh escapes me, though I don’t want it to. “You’ve got it all figured out, haven’t you?”

“Yes,” she replies, unapologetic. “And don’t think I won’t call Settle General myself if you keep being stubborn.”

“Mum,” I say, shaking my head, though I can’t help but smirk. “It’s not that simple. Abby and I only met three weeks ago. There’s no question of me uprooting my entire life for something that’s... so new.”

“And why not?” she counters immediately. “What’s stopping you?”

“Because it’s insane,” I say, my voice rising slightly. “You don’t just meet someone and change everything overnight.”

“Of course you do!” she replies with determination. “When it’s right, it’s right. Love doesn’t follow a schedule. Your father and I were engaged three months after we met.”

“That’s different,” I argue, though a part of me knows it isn’t. “You weren’t leaving your entire life behind for someone.”

“No,” she agrees. “But I would have, without a second thought. And that’s the difference, Jon. When it’s right, you know.”

Her words sit with me, weaving their way into the quiet corners of my mind. I’ve spent days trying to convince myself that Abby and Layla are just a pleasant detour, a temporary distraction. But what if Mum is right? What if they’re not a detour, what if they’re a destination I hadn’t known I was looking for.

“Mum, I have to go,” I say, my voice quieter now, more measured.

“Sure," she replies before adding, “Just think about it, Jon. That’s all I ask.”

“I will,” I promise, though my chest tightens at the weight of what that might mean.

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