Page 54 of Daring Destiny
“I hope so.” Tears well up in my eyes. I want to believe her. I want to believe I’m making a difference in Brennan’s life. That I’m enough.
“He’s brilliant, you know,” Maureen continues. “He’s always been different from my other boys. Not in a bad way, well, I’m sure you know.”
“Yeah.” I nod, though I’ve not been able to put my finger on it. He’s uniquely Brennan.
“Even as a little boy, he always needed structure. A project. A strict routine. It’s how he makes sense of the world. I see how you watch out for him, Astrid. I like you because you don’t try to change him. You…accept him.” She grips my hand in hers.
Her words hit me in the heart. I’ve always prided myself on being able to adapt. To fit into any situation. But with Brennan, it’s different. I’m not altering my life for him. He’s not changing for me. We accept each other. As we are.
It’s why we’re so special.
He’s let me into his world and I’m starting to realize how rare that is.
After we finish the dishes, I return to the living room where Brennan is sitting with his dad and Seamus. He catches my eye and motions me over.
God, I love him.
I love him for all the things he doesn’t say. For the way he tries to keep everything under control, even when it’s clear he’s struggling. He may not realize it yet, but he doesn’t have to carry all of this alone. Not anymore.
Never again.
Later, as we drive back to my houseboat, he takes my hand and places it on his thigh. “I’m glad you came tonight.” Brennan slips his hand over mine. “It means a lot to me.”
“I’m glad I came too.” I stroke his cheek. “I’m sorry about before. I guess I was feeling insecure.”
“About me?” He looks over, surprised.
I nod. “Yeah. I missed us.”
“Don’t give up.” Brennan’s thumb brushes over the back of my hand. “I promise, you’re the most important thing to me.”
“Never.” I kiss his cheek.
I lean back into the seat as the city lights blur past. Closing my eyes, I know two things for certain.
I love having Brennan in my life.
And, I love being part of his world.
twenty-two
Brennan
Three Months Later
Well,tonight’snotgoingas planned.
I’ll roll with it though.
Stepping into the Met Grill, I immediately feel a sense of comfort. The reason I love this place is because it hasn’t changed in years—the same dark-wood paneling, the same low hum of conversation, the unmistakable scent of grilled steaks.
Bottom line, familiar places ground me.
I’m back in Seattle to see Cillian. He’s out of rehab and I was looking forward to introducing Astrid to him. Unfortunately, an important appointment pulled her away at the last minute and she’s not sure if she’ll make it.
Even though I’m disappointed, she’s one of the top real estate agents in the country and didn’t achieve such an elite status without being at the beck and call of her high-stakes clients. I’d also be a hypocrite if I got precious about her being late due to a work commitment. So, I get it.
Besides, it’s nice Cillian and will I have some time to ourselves—there’s a lot to catch up on.