Chapter 303
Niamh went home today.
It wasn’t that she was unwilling to stay at the hospital as Clifford’s caregiver, she just wanted to cook for him herself–something he’d enjoy, and that would help him
recover.
She visited the morning market and picked out the freshest ingredients she could find.
Maybe it was because Clifford’s surgery had gone well and he was in good spirits, or maybe it was because her divorce from Jonathan was finally moving along. Whatever the reason, Niamh felt lighter than she had in a long time.
Before lunch, she packed her homemade dishes into an enormous four–tier insulated carrier and headed for the hospital.
When Niamh stepped into Clifford’s hospital room, she found not just the nurse but Jonathan there as well.
Honestly, Clifford’s affection for Jonathan wasn’t wasted.
She knew how busy Sprague was with work, but Jonathan had his own demanding career, too! Yet ever since Clifford’s condition had stabilized, Sprague and Marigold rarely visited anymore.
Sure, they’d made arrangements and slipped a little extra to the medical staff, but paid help could never match the care of family.
It was Jonathan, like her, who stayed by Clifford’s side, refusing to leave–even when Clifford tried to chase him off.
“Nia, I keep telling you, focus on your own work. You don’t need to be here fussing over me. I’ve got plenty of help–you don’t have to worry,” Clifford said, trying to sound stern, but he couldn’t hide the smile that crinkled his eyes when he saw her.
“My work isn’t that busy,” Niamh replied, already unpacking the insulated carrier.
7
As she set out the steaming dishes, the room filled with the rich arc of home–cooked food, making everyone’s mouth water.
Clifford had just come out of surgery, so his diet required extra care.
Niamh had prepared everything with his health in mind–low salt, low fat, easy to digest. There was gently poached cod, beef stew with carrots, a hearty tomato and vegetable soup, and a bowl of creamy oat porridge.
1/2
Clifford’s eyes brimmed with tears. He was deeply touched.
At first, he’d admired Niamh for how devoted she was to Jonathan, for her practical down–to–earth kindness.
But now, to Clifford, Niamh was the perfect granddaughter–in–law–beautiful, warm, considerate, a wonderful cook, thrifty and capable.
Since returning to work, she’d opened her own studio, won awards, been featured in magazines–she was making a name for herself at home and abroad.
The better Clifford thought of Niamh, the more he resented having to let her go–and the more he wanted to give Jonathan a piece of his mind for not cherishing her when he had the chance.
He couldn’t help but sigh.
“Grandpa, what’s wrong? Is the food not to your taste?” Niamh asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
She wondered if her cooking had slipped. She’d gone especially light on the salt and oil for Clifford’s sake, so maybe the flavors weren’t as good as before.
“No, Nia, your cooking is as wonderful as ever. I’m lucky to have you looking after me…” Clifford said, glancing at Jonathan and sighing again.
Jonathan knew exactly why Clifford was sighing.
“Mind if I sit?” Jonathan asked out of, the blue, catching Niamh off guard.
It wasn’t her place to stop him from sitting, was it?
“Go ahead,” she said..
Jonathan pulled a chair over to the table and picked up a disposable fork.
“Can I have some?” he asked again.
This time, Niamh didn’t answer right away.
She hadn’t made extra for Jonathan today.
When she stayed silent, Jonathan lowered his head and muttered, “Guess I won’t get to taste this again after today…”
Niamh looked at him in surprise. For a moment, she actually felt a pang sympathy for him.
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