Chapter 24
24
The doctor left the room to get a walking boot.
Dana sent off a hurried text.
Dana: He is here. What do I do?
Brit: Run after him!
Dana: I just injured my ankle.
Simone: Again?
Brit: Then hobble after him. *laughing*
Dana: I can’t.
Simone: That was what you said about the email you deleted.
Not deleted exactly. Hidden deep in drafts.
Brit: This is your running through Bath moment. If you don’t find him, you will sit in coach on every flight for the rest of your life!
The doctor entered to find Dana laughing. “You’re sure you don’t want something for your pain? Laughter can be a body’s coping response to pain.”
“No, it’s just my friend being funny.”
“Here is your boot. Stay off of it as much as you can today. Ice. If it doesn’t feel better in three days, come back.”
Dana thanked him and signed the necessary papers. She stepped out of the infirmary. Where could McKay be?
Since she wasn’t technically employed by Robyn’s Place, she didn’t have access to the security side of the guest app. Chris would. Maybe he would give her a clue.
She spotted Gracie and Jen before she found Chris.
“Hi Gracie!” Dana followed protocol and talked to the guest of honor first. “How is your elbow?”
The little girl looked at her arm. “Fine.”
“Glad to hear the pink bandage is doing its job.” There was no sign of McKay.
Gracie looked at Dana’s black boot and wrinkled her nose. “They didn’t make that very pretty.”
“They save the pretty stuff for the guests.” Dana looked around again. “Is your uncle still here?”
“Mommy put him in timeout.” Gracie giggled. “He has to write that he won’t be boring.”
Jen’s lips thinned.
“Jen. I know I’m probably the reason for him needing a time out. Will you tell me where he is?”
“We left him in the Castle.”
“Gracie, —” Jen held out the last syllable long enough for Gracie to realize she’d misspoke. “He is in the castle at our table.”
“Thank you.” Dana turned.
“Miss Knight. I hope you have a code of honor that doesn’t include breaking hearts.”
“I hope I am off to a rescue and not to fight a dragon.”
Gracie giggled. “You two are funny.”
Dana smiled. “We are just making jokes because my last name is Knight. Like the ones who used to rescue princesses.”
“Oh, go on then.” Gracie waved her off.
Dana hobbled to the castle. This would be easier if she had a mighty steed. This isn’t the Royal Crescent, but it should do.
McKay crumpled up another piece of paper. He didn’t have the words. Part of him wanted to tell Dana exactly how he felt—hurt, love, and all. The other part of him wanted to tell her, “Thank you, but it’s over.” Unfortunately, his heart refused to believe his brain on the latter.
He needed a plan. If he found that other bodyguard who had been with Dana, maybe he could find out how to contact her. They needed to have this out once and for all.
A conversation at the door to the private dining room caught his attention.
“Miss, you can’t go in there. Miss, you are not cleared, employee or not.”
Dana’s voice stopped his heart. “I am aware of that. Will you please tell Mr. Worth I would like to talk to him?”
Dana had found him. His feet carried him across the floor before his mind could protest.
“I’m sorry, sir,” said the server. “You understand I can’t let anyone but your family into this room.”
“Yes, thank you.”
McKay stepped out into the corridor. The server continued to stand there. Dana looked at him, then at the server.
“I promise I will not step in. I just need to have a private conversation with Mr. Worth.”
The server said something McKay didn’t quite catch before he turned and left.
McKay stepped closer. Apparently, his feet were in line with his heart. “How is your?—”
Dana put up a hand. “Please, McKay. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”
McKay wasn’t sure if he was more shocked at the apology or the tear that rolled down Dana’s cheek.
“You don’t have to?—”
She held up her hand to stop him. “Please. Please let me get through this. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you on the plane. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance. I’m sorry I didn’t send all the emails I’ve written.”
“You wrote me emails?”
“Please. I need to—” She took a deep breath before speaking. “I’m sorry I couldn’t talk coherently in the infirmary. I was so shocked.”
The tears started in earnest now.
McKay pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry about not telling you about the sting on the ship. I’m sorry for not giving you the Claddagh ring on the Cobb.”
“Wait? What?” She pulled back just far enough to look at him.
“I went back and bought the rose gold ring you liked. I nearly gave it to you on the Cobb. It was in my pocket. I wasn’t sure if I should.”
Instead of her tears stopping, they flowed in earnest soaking his shirt.
“Look, Mommy! Uncle Mac got out of timeout without permission. Does that mean he isn’t boring anymore?”
All the adults laughed. Gracie joined them with a confused look on her face.
“You’re right Gracie. I left without permission.” McKay kept one arm around Dana.
“It looks like I need to send him to his room.” Jen said through her laughter.
Dana stepped back and wiped her eyes.
“If the Knight is crying, does that mean she lost?” asked Gracie.
McKay had no idea what his niece meant.
Jen and Dana laughed. Again.
Dana squatted down as much as the boot would let her. “No Gracie, I am pretty sure I didn’t lose. But I need to talk to your uncle for a while to be sure.”
“But Mommy said he had to go to his room.”
Mac took Dana’s hand. “I think it would be preferable if she just sent me outside instead.”
Jen covered her laugh. “Yes, yes. Outside is best and don’t come back until you’ve kissed and made up.”
McKay pulled Dana closer. “That is what I intend to do.”