Page 185 of The Secret We Keep
“It’s a typewriter, Paddy, not illegal contraband.” She chuckles rolling her eyes at me. “But I’d like to see you try,” she adds joyfully.
My eyes widen. “Don’t doubt me, curly fries. I’ll do it.”
She laughs again, untucking the duvet on her bed. “I know you will. But a pad of paper will be just fine for now, thank you.” Morgan climbs up and into her bed.
“No problem.” Grabbing the cover, she lies down, and I pull it up for her. “New meds still taking a little getting used to?”
As if on cue, she yawns, gracefully covering her mouth with the back of her hand. “They make me so tired.”
I lean down and place a kiss on her head. “Then get some rest. I’ll call you in the morning.”
Her eyes are already shut. “Mm,” she hums, slowly drifting off.
I smile, landing another kiss on her head before I straighten and make my way to the door.
“Paddy?”
Turning slowly, I look back at my girl. “Yeah, curly fries?”
Her voice is hushed, blanketed in sleep when she speaks. “You’re my favourite person.”
Time to let go
Morgan
ONEMONTHLATER
Handing me my discharge papers, Clara, who’s on shift this morning, opens her big arms for me to step into. Smelling of sweet candy and sugar, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t going to miss seeing her.
“You take care of yourself, sweet girl. We’re all going to miss you.”
Seeing my exit only mere feet away, I refrain from bolting out of here and squeeze her back. “I’m going to miss you too.”
Clara releases me and stands back. “You need anything, all the numbers and helplines are in that pack,” she gestures to the papers in my hand, “don’t be afraid to call for help. We’re right here if you need us.”
“Thank you.” In my peripheral vision, a white BMW catches my eye.Paddy.“My ride’s here,” I say, adjusting the small bag draped over my shoulder.
Clara looks towards the door. “Sure am going to miss seeing him every day.”
I laugh, both of us watching as Paddy steps out from his car. He’s all thick thighs, his shoulders visibly broader up top where he’s been working out in his spare time. With his hair swept back off his face, he leans against the side of his car, crossing one leg over the other.
The simple act has my feet moving.
“That’s it, get out of here,” Clara says with love.
I turn and give her a wave as the main doors zip open.
Paddy stands straight when he sees me, and the biggest smile smacks both our faces when I take the first step away from my rehabilitation stay, and into the life waiting for me.
It feels like I’m crossing a canyon, the distance vast and unknown. One thing’s for sure, the man waiting for me on the other side will always be right where I need him.
“Now there’s a sight to behold.” My cheeks heat as he holds out his hand wanting to take my bag for me.
I hand it over and immediately wrap my arms around his waist, feeling a warm streak trickle down my cheek. “Thank you for letting me do that on my own.” I know I’m not alone, but leaving here without anyone holding my hand was something I needed to do for me.
“I’ll follow your lead every step of the way, curly fries.”
I hug him tighter before I reluctantly let him go. “I know.”
