Chapter 5

“Oatmeal about six this morning.” She blinked up at him. “What if he doesn’t make it?”

The terror on her face hurt him. “The fact he’s conscious and talking is a good sign. She wouldn’t perform the surgery if she believed he’d never pull through. I know you’re afraid—”

“You don’t understand.” She wrenched from him.

“Then help me.”

As quickly as the fight had filled her, it left. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t yell. You’re very kindly letting me lean on you.”

“I’m also the only one around to hear your fears and frustration. So let me have it. I’m a tough guy. I can handle whatever you need to dish out.”

She shook her head. “I’ll be fine.”

“You’re like a bottle of soda someone shook up. I can see you bubbling under the surface. Yank the lid off and spew.” He tried to smile to lighten the mood. “I’ll help you clean up the mess when you’re done.”

“I don’t let loose like that. Ever.”

“Maybe you should, pretty girl.”

He couldn’t push he