A week earlier, Niamh and Jonathan had made an emergency trip back to Aldenville. They had no choice; Hayes had called to tell her that Marlin had been hospitalized due to an allergic reaction.
A child’s immune system is still developing, so allergies are not uncommon. But Jonathan knew that a severe reaction could be fatal, and he wasn’t taking any chances. That very evening, he had a private jet ready, and they flew back to Aldenville together. The entire flight was tense. Neither of them spoke, but their hands found each other, gripping tightly. By the time they landed, their palms were slick with sweat.
They rushed to the hospital, only to find Marlin as energetic as ever, practically bouncing off the walls. The moment he saw Jonathan, his eyes lit up brighter than they did for his favorite snack, and he squealed with delight. Jonathan immediately swept him into his arms, planting a kiss on his chubby, rosy cheek. The sight was incredibly heartwarming to Niamh.
“He’s okay. It was just a rash. The doctors gave him some medicine, so there’s nothing to worry about,” Hayes explained, standing beside Niamh with Carlotta, both looking apologetic. “I’m so sorry, Rina. We just gave him a little peanut butter. We had no idea he was allergic.”
Niamh breathed a sigh of relief. A rash wasn't serious. “I didn’t know either… Maybe he’ll grow out of it.”
“You never know,” Hayes said casually. “Your grandfather had a peanut allergy, and his was much worse than Marlin’s. He couldn’t even touch the stuff.”
That offhand comment was like a stone dropped into the calm pool of Niamh’s mind, sending ripples outward. “What did you just say?” she asked.

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