Rian took her hand again. I’m sorry Kareena, I didn’t know. Please continue.”
“I had been listless for many months and I was fed up with it, completely and utterly disgusted with myself, so I took myself down to the hospital emergency room. That’s when I was diagnosed with my condition. It’s a kin to the Epstein Barr virus like Mononucleosis, but it lingers in the body forever and without warning it will rear its ugly head and I’ll be flat on my back in bed. The doctor couldn’t give me any solutions that would help me so I found a few books on the subject and started reading. That tired feeling they call ‘Running on empty.’ Don’t say everyone gets tired, I’ve heard that a hundred times. This tired is not the same, it’s far worse. It’s a viral feeling, and it will strike different parts of the body. If one doesn’t know what it is they more than likely will be labeled a hypochondriac, because each time it strikes, you swear you are dying of something very serious. But it usually goes away in a couple of weeks. The fatigue leaves my mind in a state of confusion and it is very hard to function at times. So I have my ups and downs, but through diet exercise and vitamins I have managed to live a pretty normal life. There are times though that I feel overwhelmed with life and feel the need to be alone. This is what you must understand. I want you to know that when this happens and it will. I don’t want you to feel like I’ve abandon you. Because that’s not at all what it is. You see that’s why I moved from Nakoma’s cottage. She was just too much for me.”
“I know, you told me you were living in the cottage.”
“Yes! It was lovely there, I really was happy, but having Nakoma so close was too much. I needed to bridge the distance. I needed some time for myself.
So you see Rian, if we were together I don’t know as I could keep up with you, I don’t know if I could make you happy.”
“Oh, Kareena, how can I explain my feelings for you? I love you is just not enough. No matter what your needs, I’m here for you. You are my life’s breath, without you, I am nothing.” They sat again. “When I saw you in that room in Richards arms. I thought I was dreaming. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“Not to change the subject but yesterday you said you would no longer be used. What did you mean by that exactly?”
“I haven’t made a final decision on my future, but it’s one of the things we need to discuss, because I need to make a choice about my father before we head back to Ireland.”
Kareena was biting her lower lip. She knew that she would do anything for him even if it was detrimental to her health. But she wished he would not go back into politics. She loathed politics for the very reasons he stated yesterday.
“Rian, I know how much politics means to you and that you have a dream…” He stopped her from saying any more. “I meant what I said yesterday, I will not be party to that hypocritical charade. Yes it did mean everything to me and there was a time when that is all I wanted. That was the biggest mistake of my life Kareena. Then, I found you again, and all I want now is to be with you and Cassie. Politics is not all I know. Every time I was away from my Mum and Cassie, it hurt me. It reminded me of all the time my father spent away from us when I was growing up. What I want to know Kareena, is what do you want? What do you enjoy? What is your dream?”
She smiled at him, and thought, this can’t be real, is he actually asking me this? I love him more and more each minuet that passes. All her life, never had her feelings and her dreams been put before another, but she could not have him giving up everything for her and later on be sorry he did it. “I first and for most want you to be happy with what ever decision you make. I don’t’ want you to regret giving up the thing you love for me Rian. I couldn’t live with myself if you ever had regrets about us.”
He smiled at her and said. “There is no doubt in my mind or heart that I want politics out of my life. With or without you.”
“So what are you going to tell everyone about your father?”
“I’m going to need your help for this Kareena. You my love need to pretend along with me that all is as it was. Except of course that you and I have reunited, and my father has accepted you into the family, since now he knows that you are truly Irish it makes for a very believable story.”
“When will we be going to Ireland, Rian? I want to see our daughter!” “We will go soon Kareena.”
“That’s not good enough Rian, I want to know when. Soon could mean anything. If you can’t find it in yourself to go within the week, than you leave me no choice but to make the trip alone.”
“Look Kareena I don’t want to start out this way. I don’t want to fight with you. You once said that you’re not a fighter. I think you’re doing a pretty good job now. I see that a little rest and a good meal puts a little fight in to you.”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t fight. I said I didn’t like to fight. For my daughter I will always make an exception. I could be on my death bed and I would fight for her.”
“Well I’m glad to hear you say that.”
“Listen Rian if there is any chance for us than you have to promise me something.”
“Anything Kareena, just name it.”
“Don’t treat me like a child ever. Even thought some times my weakness is at the fore front it doesn’t mean you should keep things from me. Don’t try to protect me that way. You must promise to always be honest with me. And I promise you I will help you in any way I can. Can you promise me that Rian?”
Rian looked at her and could see she was dead serious. “Yes Kareena, I promise. I promise to never treat you as a child and to always be honest with you, I swear on our daughter. And I also promise you that if we can’t fly to Ireland within a week I’ll have Mum bring Cassie hear.”
“Are you serious? That would be wonderful.” This time Kareena came to him. She stood and she put her arms around him and kissed him so tenderly he wanted to die with happiness.
“You’ll have to let me go thought, if you want me to keep my promise I’ll have to make some arrangements. Kareena released him and he made his way down stairs to see Nakoma. Kareena stood out on the veranda enjoying the ocean’s majestic view. She breathed in the sea air and thought life couldn’t get much better than this. Her head became filled with thoughts of the life that lay ahead for her Cassie and Rian.
She jumped with a start at Richard’s voice. She had been so deep in thought she didn’t hear him come up beside her. “Oh, Richard you startled me!”
“I’m sorry Kari, you looked like you were a million miles away. How are you feeling? You look much better than you did last night.”
”I feel much better Richard, thank you. I’m going to be able to see my baby within a week Richard, Isn’t that wonderful?”
“I’m happy for you Kari, but I’d really like to talk to you if that’s ok?”
“Of course, Richard, what is it?”
“I need you to tell me, do you love Rian? I mean really love him?” “Why yes Richard I do. I thought I made that clear last night.”
“You weren’t in very good shape last night Kari, I wanted to hear it from you after you rested and had a clear head.”
You know Richard I never knew how you felt about me. You really threw me when you blurted that out last night.”
“I do love you Kari, more than you know.”
“But why did you wait so long to tell me. Why now?”
“Because I was a stupid greedy ass, you heard Niki say I was paid well?” Yes I did, what was that about?”
“You’re not going to like this, and I’m surprised your boyfriend didn’t tell you.”
“He told me nothing. What is it?”
“When we first met it wasn’t by chance. I scouted you out.”
She was staring at him while the heat rose to her face. “But why?”
“Niki asked me to. She wanted to meet you and wanted it to appear as if it where through a mutual friend and I was that friend.”
“She paid you to meet me?”
“Yes, but I didn’t kno
w why at the time, and she had her rules which make perfect sense to me now that I know the whole story, but at the time I just thought it was part of the business arrangement.”
“So I was a business arrangement?”
“I told you, you wouldn’t like it. That is why I never made any attempt to go any further with you than that one kiss. She would have fired me on the spot. I really enjoy being with you Kari, and I grew to love you. It was very hard for me not to tell you. But Nakoma was always there in the way. And of course there was the money.”
“Yes of course the money. … Just how much am I worth Richard?” Kareena asked as she felt her face becoming hotter and hotter with rage.
”That’s not important Kari, I gave the money back. I didn’t want it to come between us.”
“Well it’s a little too late for that Richard. You should have kept it. You didn’t answer my question, how much am I worth? I really want to know.”
“Why does it matter?”
“It matters to me.”
“Ok Kari if you insist, a half million, but I wanted you Kari, not the money, don’t you see. I want you!”
He turned her toward him and suddenly took her in his arms and kissed her hard, she tried to push him away. Suddenly she felt a pull on her shoulder, which threw her backward and forced Richard to let her go. He was on his back on the veranda floor with Rian at his throat.
“You stay away from her do you hear me! She has made her choice! Now it’s time for you to go!” Rian pulled Richard to his feet and Richard took a swing missing his jaw by a fraction of an inch. Rian threw a strong right and hit Richard squarely on the jaw. He went down again, and Rian was on him ready to throw another punch. Richard blinked his eyes to focus and smiled up at Rian as he swung his left leg over and caught Rian aside the head with his knee. Rian took the blow but never moved, then let him have a Right again and again.
Kareena cried out for Rian to stop, “Rian, please … stop … that’s enough.” She grabbed his arm as he was ready with the next blow. He regained his senses and stopped himself from striking again. He looked down and saw that Richard was out cold.
By then Nakoma, Rosa and Dr. Albright were standing in the Veranda doorway. Rian rose to his feet and said. “Take him away. I don’t ever want to see his face again.”
Dr. Albright checked Richard over before Nakoma had two of the house staff take him down to the car where her driver was waiting. Dr. Albright said that he would recover. Nakoma placed the envelope in his jacket inner pocket, and motioned for the driver to go. One of the gardeners followed in Richard’s car as he was driven home.
Magan, Cassie and Morgan arrived at Paddy’s cottage late that afternoon. Kate and Paddy hurried out to the car to meet them.
As Kate lifted Cassie out of the car for a big hug and kiss, Cassie exclaimed “Grammy we can see Mommy soon!”
Kate was a little startled, but didn’t want to alarm the child. She wasn’t’ sure just what had transpired in the states and didn’t want to give Cassie false hopes. “Oh Cassie sweet child, I hope we see Mommy soon. I missed you soooo much. Did you have a nice trip?”
“Yes Grammy, I played hide in the suite case. It was fun.”
Katherine gave Magan a quick hug and to her surprise Magan actually hugged her back and held her for a short time. Katherine looked into her daughter’s eyes and she could see fear love and confusion all mingled together. Kate just hugged her back and said. “It will be ok Magan, we’ll have a nice long talk about everything. I love you dear. She gave Morgan a hug and thanked him for rescuing her family.
“It was my pleasure Mrs. O’Connor. And I truly mean that.” Morgan said with a smile and a sideways glance at Magan, that didn’t go unnoticed by Kate. She just smiled up at Morgan, and turned toward the cottage.
Paddy had taken Cassie from Kate and they seemed to have an instant bond. He looked toward Morgan. “And you may Ladd have grown into a handsome young man. Last time I saw you, you were this high. And Magan my sweet girl, I hear you’re in school at Oxford. You must be a smart one, but then again I always knew that about you.” Magan smiled at her Uncle, she hadn’t seen him since she was nine years old.
The sky was quickly darkening and a wind was blowing up from the south. “Shall we go inside before the Rain begins? Kate and I have prepared a wonderful supper. You all must be famished.”
The table was modestly set and they all sat while Paddy served the meal. “So tell me about your trip. Rian said that you had a bit of a delay but you, Morgan had everything under control.”
Cassie was so excited she burst into a lengthy description of their trip. “After the suitcase game we went for a long ride and we went to the fair with horses just like my Angel and Aunt Magan and Uncle Morgan where fighting and then we crossed the water and drove on a bumpy road.”
“Well young lady that sounds like an exciting trip.” Paddy remarked. “When is Daddy bringing Mommy home Grammy? I want to see Mommy.” “Well sweet heart I hope to speak to Daddy tonight I’ll ask him.” There were so
many unanswered questions Kate was quite anxious for Rian to come home so she would know that he was truly safe. And what about Sean, what had he done now? She had a haunting feeling that life would never be the same, and she wasn’t quite sure if it was for the better or not.
After dinner Kate was just getting ready to put Cassie to bed. “No Grammy I can’t go to sleep now, I need to talk to Daddy. Daddy’s going to call. I want to talk to Daddy!” Just then the phone rang. “Daddy, I want to talk to Daddy!” Cassie exclaimed and went running toward the phone. “Ok Cassie lets see if it is Daddy first.
“Yes it is Daddy!” Cassie said. Paddy answered and greeted Rian, “Yes they arrived just in time for supper. Your daughter must be clairvoyant she knew it was you calling and keeps asking for her Mommy.”
“Put her on Paddy.” Paddy handed the phone to Cassie.
“Daddy?”
“Hi Sweetheart!”
“Hi Daddy is Mommy with you?”
“Yes Cassie she is, would you like to speak to her?”
Kareena had been anxiously waiting while Rian rang Uncle Paddy’s cell. She had
been waiting for this moment for so long she could hardly contain herself. Rian handed Kareena the phone. “Cassie?” “Mommy?”
“Yes honey, it’s Mommy.”
“I love you Mommy!”
Tears welled up in Kareena’s eyes, and she managed to get out. “I love you too Cassie, more than you’ll ever know.”
“When are you coming home, Mommy?”
“Soon sweetheart. In two days.”
“Don’t cry Mommy I’ll be here waiting for you!”
“I can’t wait to see you Cassie.” Kareena choked.
“Me too Mommy. Tell Daddy I love him too!”
“Ok, sweetie I will.” Kareena handed the phone back to Rian, and sat down on the bed and sobbed. Rian gave Paddy their itinerary with instructions to bring the family back to Killarney in two days. “Tell Mum, I love her and will fill you all in when we get back home.” Rian hung up.
Arrangements had been made to transport Sean by private jet. Dr. Albright would accompany him and get him set up at the Killarney Estate. He would then leave Sean in the care of his nurse Sylvia Jamison, and the O’Connor family. Rian & Kareena would fly with them to Killarney Airport. Transportation had been arranged for a private medical van to transport Sean from the airport to the Estate. Rian & Kareena would follow in Rian’s car.
Rian sat beside Kareena on the bed and held her until the sobbing stopped. “Look at me. I’m a blithering idiot.” She said.
“I love this blithering idiot.” Rian said.
“Cassie, oh my God Rian, she sounded as if I’ve only been away a short time, and you’re right she is so smart.”
“You know she always asked for you from the time she could first talk. It was like she knew you were alive, when we all thought you had passed on. She would tell me not to be sad, that Mommy was over
the big water and I was going to go and bring you home. She is so special Kareena, and so are you.” He lifted her chin and kissed her lips so very gently and she kissed him back softly at first, while the heat rose and she kissed him again harder and raised her arms up around his neck to pulled him closer. He was suddenly on fire and the passion between them had so much force he had to fight with every fiber of his being to stop. “No!” He said.
She stopped suddenly and looked at him. “What?” She asked.
“Stop I don’t’ want to start out like this. I want to do this right. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” Rian crossed the veranda and reached in his jacket pocket and quickly came back to Kareena’s room. He knelt down on one knee in front of her and looked up into her beautiful brown eyes. “Kareena Karlson, will you marry me? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” The shock shown on her face and she began to sob all over again.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” He rose up and took her in his arms. “It’s too soon isn’t it? I’m sorry, I should have waited. It’s too much for you.” She looked into his big beautiful blue eyes and said. “When did you have time to get a ring?” “I’ve had it ever since I went to the hospital to stop you from having the abortion Kareena. I was going to ask you to marry me that day. I’ve had it with me ever since. I couldn’t bear to part with it.” The tears were streaming down her cheeks now. “You don’t have to answer me now. I’ll give you time to think about it, we have plenty of time Kareen.” He was really frightened now. …. What if she refuse him? What if she says no, I don’t’ know what I would do. I would simply die!
“No….” She said.
He stopped and looked at her…. his heart sank, he felt the blood drain from his face and he became light headed.
Humorlost (Humorlost Book I of III) Page 21