She grins over at me like a young girl. Her cheeks are rosy, and her green eyes are bright. “He went to get me some things so I can go home today.”
“They’re releasing you?” I sit next to her and set my handbag on the floor next to me.
“They are, and I’m going to surprise the kids. They don’t know. I’m just going to walk into the pub like I own the place.”
I chuckle with her. “This is exciting. Congratulations. I’m so relieved that you’re healthy, Fiona. We’ve all been worried sick.”
“I hate that I caused so much worry. It’s a mother’s job to soothe her children, not scare them.”
“They love you,” I remind her. “They all love you very much. And I have to admit, I’ve grown rather attached to you myself.”
“What a lovely thing to say.” She reaches over and pats my hand. “And it’s attached that I’ve grown to you, as well, Izzy. You’re a sweet woman.”
She shifts in the bed, and I can see that she wants to say more. “What is it?”
“Well, I’m a protective mother, you see. And I guess I’m wondering what you see happening between you and Keegan in the long term.”
“You’re asking me my intentions with your son?”
She laughs a little and then shrugs a shoulder. “Indeed, I am.”
I look down at my hands and then up at her again, letting the words start to tumble out of me. “I’m completely in love with him. When I first met him, I thought he was grouchy, but he’s not. He’s just a thinker. And he’s funny. Incredibly kind. He loves his family so much. And he’s thoughtful. He’s good to me, you know?”
“He’d better be, or he’d have to answer to me,” she says. “And it’s clear to me that he loves you just as much, my dear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Keegan this devoted to a woman. But you’re young. Much younger than him.”
“I guess there’s a bit of an age gap.” I sit back, thinking about it. “About seven years, I suppose. But we’re both adults.”
“Yes, but are you sure this is what you’re going to want for the long term? Keegan’s life is on that island. In the pub. He loves it, almost as much as he loves you.”
“I love the pub, too. I was just thinking that when I walked up here. He made me take the day off, and I’m a little lost.”
“I’m glad you enjoy your job, but is it what you want forever?”
I frown at Fiona, wondering what I’m missing here.
“Perhaps I’m not asking this right. I guess what I’m saying is, I know you’ve likely had other dreams for yourself. To have a career, for example.”
“I can still do that. I’ve applied for a few jobs here in the Northwest. And, yes, I’ll have to commute a bit, but it’s a compromise, right? All relationships have them. And if I don’t get one of those jobs, then it just wasn’t meant to be. I love your family, and I’ve never felt so content or welcomed in my life. I’m not willing to give that up for anything.”
“You are welcome with us, Izzy.” Fiona smiles softly. “And I think you’re right. You can certainly have both. I’m glad we got to have this conversation.”
Before I can reply, my phone starts to ring. When I check it, I don’t recognize the number.
“I’m sorry, Fiona, I should answer this. Hello?”
“May I speak with Izzy Harris?”
“This is Izzy.”
“Hello, this is Roger Johnston at KXLY TV in Seattle. We reviewed your resume and your audition video, and if you’re still looking for a job, we’d like to hire you.”
I stare at Fiona, blinking slowly. “Without an interview?”
Roger chuckles on the other end. “I’m going to be honest here. Someone quit unexpectedly, and we need to fill the position immediately. We’d need you on-air on Saturday.”
“That’s in three days.”
“Yes, it is. So, we ran a background check and called the references you provided, and we’re comfortable moving forward quickly. If you’re available.”
I swallow hard. Fiona’s smiling like crazy at me now.
“Izzy?”
“I’m sorry, this is such a crazy surprise. Yes, I’m available.”
“Great. Come into the studio on Friday so I can show you around. I’ll have you sign some paperwork and such. And then we’ll start bright and early on Saturday. This will be a part-time position, with you reporting the weather on-air in the studio on Saturday and Sunday. We will send you out on remote sometimes, as well. You’ll also be filling in during the week whenever our senior meteorologist is on vacation.”
“This is unexpected and incredible. Thank you for the opportunity, Roger.”
“You’re welcome. I’m going to send you an email with everything you’ll need to know. I’ll talk to you soon, Izzy.”
“Okay, thanks again. Goodbye.”
I hang up and stare at Fiona, and then I do the happiest happy dance anyone has ever seen. Fiona claps and lets out a loud WHOOP!