Page 16 of Wicked Healing

Since then they’d been even more inseparable, traveling the world and making the most of their retirement. Luca felt a little guilty because his injury had forced them to return from a European cruise. He’d needed them for a while and his mother had been ecstatic, completely in her element caring for her son. But he was almost recovered now, and he thought she might be struggling with letting him go all over again.

To a dog, no less.

Heaving a sigh, he looked down at Boss. The dog was already looking at him, waiting for some direction. Even with the amputation the dog seemed ready for anything, exactly as a SEAL should be.

Luca limped forward and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Mom, call Dad now, before he sends out the National Guard looking for you. Then let’s have a coffee.”

She stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. Opening her purse she searched for her cell phone and put it to her ear.

Luca turned to look at Erin, sorry that she had to witness the family drama, but she gave him a calm smile. “If you want I can go get you a couple cups of coffee. Why don’t you check out the bench over there.”

Following the line of her finger, he spotted a little shaded bench area. “You don’t have to do that.”

She waved a hand. “It’s no big deal. If you stay out here you can make her spend time with Wicked.”

Yes, true. The woman turned and headed toward the front door of the hospital, legs swinging in a loose stride. Luca smiled slightly, totally appreciating the view. Once she disappeared inside, he ordered Wicked to heel and walked to the bench, motioning to his mother. She waved in acknowledgement then turned to continue talking to his father.

This was such a fucked-up situation.

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