"You two heading out tomorrow?" he asks.
"Yeah, flight's at noon."
"I'm glad you came."
"Me too, Dad."
He looks at Rush. "Take care of her."
"Always," Rush says.
"And the baby."
"Of course."
My dad nods. "Good. And Rush? You're doing better than I expected. Keep it up."
It's not warm approval, but it's something. After he walks away, Rush looks at me.
"Did he just give me a compliment?"
"I think he did."
"Huh."
"That's his version of acceptance."
"I'll take it."
Later that night, Rush and I are in the guest room Phantom set up for us. The window's open, letting in the night air.
"You tired?" Rush asks.
"Exhausted."
"Want to sleep?"
"In a minute."
I curl against him and his hand goes to my stomach again, protective and gentle.
"What are you thinking?" I ask.
"I'm glad we came but I'm ready to go home."
"To Dublin?"
"Yeah."
"Me too."
"We'll fly back tomorrow."
"Good."
He kisses the top of my head. "Thank you for coming with me."
"Where else would I go?"