Page 1 of Unlikely Guardian

CHAPTER ONE

St. Joseph’s Convalescent Hospital

San Antonio, Texas

“Lilly came out of the coma.” Dr. Staten’s voice was clinical. Void of emotion or any speculation as to the impact of the bombshell that he’d just delivered.

Detective Jason Lawrence’s reaction, however, wasn’t quite so serene or detached.

There was emotion. Plenty of it. And speculation? That, too. A really bad kind of speculation that knotted his stomach and tightened every muscle in his body.

Oh, man.

It felt as if someone had sucker punched him.

“Lilly’s awake?” Jason managed to ask even though he already knew the answer. Still, he wanted a confirmation, and while he waited for it, he prayed.

Except he didn’t know what the hell to pray for.

Dr. Staten nodded. “She woke up about two hours ago. That’s why I called and asked you to come.”

And at no time during the call had the doctor indicated that Lilly was no longer comatose. Of course, Dr. Staten probably thought it was news best delivered in person. Jason was debating that. Though there was nothing that could have helped pave the way for this, he would have liked a few minutes in private to prepare himself.

“How did this happen?” Because he didn’t want to risk something as dignity-reducing as losing his balance, Jason dropped down into the burgundy leather chair across from Dr. Staten’s desk.

“She simply woke up.” The doctor lifted a shoulder and flexed his dark, gray-threaded eyebrows. “We don’t know why. It’s not a common occurrence, but it does happen—even after nineteen months.”

Yes. These things probably did happen. But nineteen months had been more than enough time for Jason to believe it wouldn’t happen.

Ever.

And he’d built his entire life around that ever.

Dr. Staten sat, as well, easing down into his chair, and from over the thin silver rims of his glasses, he examined Jason with sympathetic brown eyes. “I know this has to come as a surprise…”

Jason almost laughed. Not from humor. Definitely not from that. But from the irony. Lilly was awake—after nineteen months, three days and a couple of hours. After everyone, including the medical community, and he had given up hope. She was awake.

It was nothing short of a miracle.

And the beginning of what would no doubt be his own personal nightmare.

Jason pulled in his breath, released it slowly. “Has Lilly said anything?”

“A little. She’s still somewhat disorientated and doesn’t remember much about the car accident. That’s to be expected. It’ll take a while for her body to start functioning normally, but now that she’s awake, I believe she’ll make a full recovery.”

Jason silently cursed his reaction. Cursed himself. And then cursed fate for dealing him a hand that he didn’t want to play. He was happy for Lilly. Truly happy. No one deserved to be in a vegetative state, and now she would get a second chance at life. But Jason couldn’t help it: her second chance changed everything.

“Have you told her?” Jason asked.

Dr. Staten paused a moment. There was no need for Jason to clarify his question; the doctor certainly knew what was foremost on his mind. “No. I figured it’d sound better coming from you.”

Jason seriously doubted that. It wouldn’t sound better coming from anyone. But it was true—he needed to be the one to tell Lilly.

So he could soften the blow.

So he could prepare her for the shock of her life.

And then what?

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