see.” She looked down.
“Don’t hold back your excitement.” I chuckled. “It’s okay. I know you never liked her.”
“No. I didn’t. She didn’t make you happy, and I always knew that. But what about your parents?”
“They have no choice but to accept it. I need you to do me a favor and collect Kirsten’s things and give them to Christian. He’ll be taking them over to her apartment later.”
“I’ll get on that. You seem happy, Henry. Like a weight has been lifted.”
“I am.” I brought the cup up to my lips. “I’ve met someone, and I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s very special to me, Delilah.”
“My goodness, you move fast.”
I let out a chuckle as I sipped my coffee. “She’s the one, Delilah. I know it in my heart.”
She walked over and placed her hand on my cheek.
“I’m happy for you, Henry, and I’m looking forward to meeting her. How about I cook the two of you dinner tonight?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.” A smile crossed her face.
“Okay. I’ll text her and ask her if she’s free tonight. There’s something you need to know before you meet her.”
“What’s that?”
“She’s deaf.”
“Really?” Her brow arched.
“Yes. But she’s very good at reading lips, and she can speak.”
“I know a little bit of sign language. I might be a little rusty though.”
“You do? I never knew that.”
“I had a cousin who was deaf, and I picked up some signs here and there.”
“I’ll be here to help you if you get stuck.” I smiled as I kissed her cheek.
On the way to the hospital, I sent Ellie a message.
“Good morning, beautiful. I want to see you tonight. Are you free?”
“Good morning. Yes, and I want to see you too.”
“Great. My housekeeper Delilah insisted on cooking dinner for us. I’ll be by to pick you up around six-thirty. Is that okay?”
“Sounds perfect. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Also, I’d like you to stay the night, so pack a small bag. But only if you want to.”
“I would love to stay the night with you.”
“I was hoping you’d say yes. I’ll talk to you later. I’m just walking into the hospital to visit my dad.”
When I walked into the room, I saw he was awake, but I didn’t see my mother.
“Hi, Dad.” I walked over and placed my hand on his. “How are you feeling today?”
“Like I got hit by a fucking train,” he groaned. “Why aren’t you at the office?”
“I’m on my way there. I wanted to stop by and see you first.”
“I know this isn’t the time to talk about it, but I’m very disappointed in you, son.”
“I know you are, dad, and when you get better, we’ll discuss it. Where’s Mom?”
“She went to get some coffee. Do me a favor and make things right with Kirsten. It’s not too late, Henry.”
“Dad—” I began to speak, and my mother walked into the room.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she spoke in a snippy tone. “Shouldn’t you be at the office running the company while he’s not able to himself?”
“I wanted to stop by and see him first. Is that a problem, Mother?”
She glared at me with a scowl on her face as she took a seat in the chair next to my father’s bed. Suddenly, the door opened, and Kirsten stood there holding a large arrangement of flowers. I instantly looked away and the most uncomfortable feeling overtook me.
“Henry. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“I was just leaving. I’ll talk to you later, Dad,” I said as I walked out of the room.
When I arrived at the office, Addison was already there with her dark hair pulled back and dressed in a business suit.
“Look at you. My baby sister is all grown up.” I smiled as I kissed her cheek.
“Very funny. Did you go see, Dad?”
“I did. Mom had an attitude with me and to make matters worse, Kirsten showed up.”
“Of course that little suck ass did. I’m going to stop by the hospital later.”
I took a seat behind my desk and leaned back in my chair.
“Dad told me to go and make things right with Kirsten. I hope to god Mom & Dad aren’t feeding her some bullshit.”
“Like what?” Addison asked.
“That they’ll talk to me, and they’ll convince me to get back with her.”
“I wouldn’t put it past them.”
Suddenly, my phone rang and when I pulled it from my pocket, I saw my mother was calling. Holding it up to Addison, she rolled her eyes.
“Hello,” I answered and