"Stephen Hammond had no idea any of it was going on and is in shock over this,” Patrick continued. “He's shut down the office until this mess has been straightened out, but he knows he's going to be ruined over this as well."
She tugged the covers tighter around her waist. It was uncomfortable to be surrounded by Shamus's family. Cyndi glanced over at her Aunt Verna who was watching the proceedings carefully. She smiled at the older woman, knowing her aunt wouldn't hesitate to intervene if she thought it was necessary.
"Is there anything else?” She was getting tired and wanted to rest. Patrick had already informed her that she could move back home today. The crime scene tape was down from around her house, the investigation done.
Dani cleared her throat and stepped forward. Cyndi braced herself, ready for just about anything. Shamus's grip tightened around her fingers. “I wanted to say that I'm sorry."
"Sorry?” Cyndi didn't quite believe her ears.
"Yes. Sorry for what happened to you. Sorry for trying to stop you from seeing Shamus. I was distraught and wasn't thinking.” Dani sighed. “That's no excuse and it was very petty of me."
Burke laid a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. “All of us have been against your relationship with Shamus from the beginning."
"I know.” Cyndi glanced up at Shamus, then back at Burke.
"What we seemed to forget in all this is that Shamus is a man and his choices are his own.” Burke gave a self-deprecating chuckle. “I can't claim to have always made the best choices in my own life, so who am I to cast stones?"
"I guess, what we're trying to say is that we hope you'll give us another chance.” Dani stared at Shamus and then down to where his fingers twined with Cyndi's. “You're a big part of Shamus's life and therefore, part of ours."
Cyndi could see the doubt and worry in Dani's eyes. She looked up at Shamus but his face was impassive as he stared down at her. She could see it in his eyes. This was her choice. He'd support whatever one she made. She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. For her there was only one choice. Shamus loved his family and they were trying. That's all that mattered.
"Of course I'll give you another chance. It's what I want from you, so I'd be a hypocrite if I denied you the same thing.” She could see the relief on Dani's face and knew she'd done the right thing. The road ahead wouldn't be an easy one, but that was okay. Shamus was worth it. What they had together was worth it.
"When are you getting out of the hospital?” Aunt Verna rose from her chair and came over to stand beside Cyndi.
"Hopefully, I'll be released when the doctor makes his rounds."
Burke stepped forward and offered his hand. “Dani and I have got to run, but I wanted you to know that I've got a crew out at your house, clearing out the rubble and cleaning the downstairs. Most of the damage was confined to that area. Unfortunately, you'll have to repaint the downstairs. The upstairs has already been cleaned just to freshen it up."
"Thank you.” Shamus replied for her because, quite honestly, Cyndi was speechless.
The men shook hands. Dani leaned in to kiss her brother's cheek before patting Cyndi on the arm. “I'll see you soon,” she promised as she followed her husband out the door.
Patrick came forward, his wife by his side. “I'll let you know if there are any new developments in the case. And Alicia Flint told me to tell you not to worry. She's on top of all of it."
"That's good to know. Thank you.” One of the best moves she'd made since coming home was hiring Alicia.
"Drop by the diner once you're feeling better,” Shannon invited. Cyndi didn't have the same history with Patrick's wife and instinctively knew that their relationship would be a bit easier.
"I will,” she promised. Exhaustion hit her as Patrick and Shannon left, and Cyndi couldn't quite stifle a yawn.
"You should get some rest.” Shamus smoothed back a lock of her hair, his fingers playing with the soft strand.
"I will if you will.” To her eye, he looked pale. The man had been shot, for heaven's sake and he was up and around!
"I promise.” He turned to Verna. “Let me know when the doctor stops by. I'm getting released the same time as Cyndi."
"Is that wise?” Cyndi studied him carefully. “Maybe you should stay in hospital for a few more days."
He shrugged and she could see the stubborn glint in his eye. “Wise or not, I'm not letting you go home without me.” The corner of his mouth kicked up, giving him a rakishly handsome look. “Besides, who better to take care of me than you?"
"I'll be back in a few minutes. I need a cup of coffee.” Verna left the room before either of them could reply.
"You know, I really like your aunt."
Cyndi chuckled. “Me too."
She cupped his jaw, feeling the scratch of his beard stubble against her palm as he lowered his head. Their lips met, clung, parted, and touched again. It was a gentle kiss, fraught with emotion.
They broke apart and stared at each other until the door was pushed open. They both turned their heads, expecting to see Verna. Instead, the doctor was standing in the doorway, shaking his head. “I might have known I'd find you here, Shamus. Why don't you step aside so I can have a chat with Ms. Marks?"
Shamus sat back in his chair and listened while the doctor asked Cyndi a few questions and checked her arm as well as her hip and thigh. When he was done, he turned to Shamus. “If you won't rest here, you might as well go home. That is, if Ms. Marks will take you."
"She will,” he replied confidently.
The doctor laughed as he headed to the door. Your paperwork will be waiting at the desk and a nurse will be down in a minute to help you get dressed, Ms. Marks. I suggest you go and get your things packed, Shamus, so your lady doesn't leave without you."
The door closed behind the doctor, but Cyndi and Shamus only had eyes for one another. “Let's go home,” he whispered as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
"Home.” She hugged the word tight to her heart, knowing that she'd finally come home.
The place was chaos when Verna Marks pulled her car up in front of the house. There were trucks and workmen everywhere. Burke had told her that he had a crew out here, but Cyndi was still shocked by the number of people who seemed to be working.
"Let's get you both inside.” Verna whipped her door open and climbed out. Her aunt had been a godsend, gathering Cyndi's belongings from the motel and checking her out before coming back to the hospital to get both her and Shamus.
Cyndi tried to swallow back a groan of pain as her aunt helped her out of the car, but it escaped her. Shamus was by her other side in a flash. “I know it hurts, sweetheart,” he murmured as he wrapped his arm around her waist. “Let's get you inside and into bed."
"I'll get her bag."
"Thanks, Verna.” Her aunt and Shamus were on a first name basis already. Cyndi was thrilled by how well they were getting along.
With Shamus's help she made her way up the front stairs and into the foyer. She'd expected the acrid smell of smoke and ash, but it was barely a whiff on the air. Shamus tried to herd her toward the stairs, but she stubbornly headed toward the kitchen. He sighed heavily, but didn't fight her. She shot him a grin. “I just want to see what they're doing."
"One minute and then it's upstairs."
"You're so bossy,” she teased.
"He's had too many years of being boss.” A man stepped up beside them and held out his hand to her. “Joe Banks. I'm a foreman with B & O Construction, ma'am."
"Cyndi Marks.” She shook his hard, calloused hand with her good hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Joe."
"Pleasure is all mine, ma'am.” He nodded toward the kitchen. “We demolished the entire back wall and part of the side one and ripped up the floor. It was past saving."