9:05 FTI,

“Since you don’t understand, you’ll need to figure it out on your own. If I break everything down and hand it to you, whose life are you really living, yours?” Byron asked.

Will’s flushed face went blank, then shifted to shock and shame. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

Will felt embarrassed to need such a basic reminder from his father. He felt he had failed his dad, his mom, and the sacred scriptures. Then it struck him.

Will sighed. “Dad, are you avoiding the question on purpose?”

Byron didn’t flinch. “Would I do that?”

Will thought for a moment. “I get it. Dad, you’re worried that Mom would feel sad if she knew the truth. That’s why you’re keeping it quiet.”

“Doesn’t she already know?”

“Of course not,” Will replied, frowning. “If she did, why would she tell us not to talk about the car accident in front of you? She’s afraid it’ll upset you.”

Byron’s expression wavered slightly. “You didn’t tell her?”

“Dad, you said she’d definitely cry if she knew, so of course we didn’t tell her,” Will said.

Byron sat silently, his face unreadable, but his clenched fingers showed his unease. So, Maeve didn’t know the truth about his blindness. He’d misread her intentions. Her care for him wasn’t out of pity or guilt. It had to be something else. Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Maeve’s amused voice drifted into the room.

“Alright, Theo. If you wash any longer, you’ll turn into SpongeBob SquarePants. Out you go.”

She guided the freshly scrubbed Theo out, helping him with his nightcap.

Theo squirmed and protested, “Promise you’ll help me wash up again tomorrow!”

“Fine. I promise. Now hurry to bed, or Will won’t wait for you.”

Theo darted to Will’s bed, climbed up, and threw himself on his brother. “Smell me! I smell amazing!”

Will, squished under his brother, groaned. “Yes, you smell amazing and heavy! Now, can you get off me?”

Hearing the two playing around, Byron’s lips curved slightly. Maybe having a little brother wasn’t a bad thing for Will, Byron thought.

Will glanced over at the table. “Mom, your phone’s ringing. It says Bonnie is calling.”

“She’s my godmother,” Theo piped up proudly. “You haven’t met her, Will. She’s great. She bought me so many treats!”

“The last part’s the important part,” Will mused.

Maeve took the phone, patting Will’s head. “Just a bit warm. No fever.” Then, she picked up the call.

“Maeve! You won’t believe this. Something amazing’s happening!” Bonnie’s lively voice burst through the phone.

“What’s going on?” Maeve asked, stepping into the bathroom for some quiet.

“My relatives are so tired of pushing me to get married, they’re hosting a banquet tomorrow with all the singles in the circle. Everyone there will be family-approved and gorgeous!” Bonnie practically squealed. “Isn’t this a prime matchmaking event? So many handsome guys!”

Maeve laughed. “Sounds like a blind date to me.”

Hearing “blind date,” both kids and Byron looked over sharply.

‘Mommy is going on a blind date?’ the kids thought.

Byron’s brow furrowed as irritation began radiating from him. He stood, feeling his way to the bathroom, where Maeve was still listening to Bonnie’s plans.

“I already know what I’ll wear tomorrow!” Bonnie said with excitement. “This time, I’m going after the most handsome guy there.”

It was hard to believe that the girl speaking so boldly was an introvert not many years ago.

Maeve hesitated. “Bonnie, I’m not sure I can make it.”

“You have Mr. McDaniel. Of course I won’t set you up with anyone. I just want you as my wingwoman. Please, I need you there with me!” Bonnie pleaded.

“It’s not because of Byron. I was actually sick recently, and hospitalized for a bit because of a rare variant. I’m just getting better,” Maeve said.

There was silence for a few seconds, then Bonnie’s voice cracked with emotion.

Bonnie exclaimed, “Maeve! How could you not tell me you were in the hospital? And here I was, talking about blind dates!”

Maeve laughed gently. “I didn’t want to worry you. I planned to tell you after I was discharged.”

She stopped, reflecting. She hadn’t told Bonnie to avoid worrying her.

‘Maybe Byron is keeping things from me for the same reason,’ Maeve thought. Maeve sneered at her naive self in the mirror. ‘But if that’s true, then why did he push me away so forcefully?’

“I don’t care!” Bonnie protested. “Next time, tell me right away. I’m coming to visit tomorrow, and I’m bringing a rose my gardener cultivated just for you.”

Maeve’s heart warmed. She was grateful to have such a caring friend.

“Actually, I’ll be discharged in a few days. We can celebrate then, whether it’s a blind date or a night out,” Maeve said.

“You said it! I’m holding you to it!”

“Deal.”

Maeve smiled, but her phone had barely disconnected when there was a knock on the bathroom door. She opened it and was met with Byron’s towering frame, blocking the way. Startled, she said, “Excuse me. I was just about to leave.”

Byron stepped aside silently.

As Maeve passed through, Byron grabbed her arm and bent close, his imposing presence filling the small space despite the gauze over his eyes.

“So, you’re going on a blind date?” Byron’s deep voice was unreadable, masking any trace of emotion.