Page 87 of When He Protects

But Esme just sent the doctor a weak smile. Vanessa had come in earlier to check on Tyler, and now, thisshouldbe the visit that officially released him from care.

Dressed in green scrubs and wearing sneakers, Vanessa bustled toward the bed. “How is the patient?”

Tyler growled.

“Fantastic.” Vanessa nodded as she checked his chart. “So, let’s just run through a quick review, then you can ditch the hospital gown and get out of here.”

“I don’t know.” Esme cast a quick glance over the thin gown that stretched across Tyler’s shoulders. “I kinda like it.”

He growled again.

“It’s even better from the back,” she murmured.

His head turned toward her.

She winked. “Got a killer view.”

“Ahem.” From Vanessa. The doctor put down the chart. “Tell me your name,” she told Tyler.

Esme tensed. Right. Doing a memory check with concussion patients was standard, she knew that. But considering that she and Tyler were lying about their names…

“Tyler Hollow,” he said with no hesitation. He still gripped her hand.

Vanessa nodded. She pointed to Esme. “And who is she?”

“My wife.”

“Where did you two meet?”

Oh, damn. Did we ever cover that part of the story?

“At a friend’s party,” he replied easily. “I looked up, spotted Esme, and knew that she was the only thing I’d ever want to see again for the rest of my life.”

Her heartbeat kicked up.

“That is so romantic.” A sigh from Vanessa. Then she winced. “I’m so sorry that your new life in Asylum has been, um, difficult so far.”

A house exploding qualified as a bit more than just difficult.

When Esme glanced over at the doctor, she found Vanessa’s stare on her. “First, you are nearly run over helping my daughter…”

Esme shook her head. “I’m just glad she is okay.”

“Then your house—all of your belongings—are gone in a flash.” A sympathetic shake of Vanessa’s head. “The town is going to help you. Know that.”

“Ah, say again?” Why would the town help her? They didn’t even know her.

“Clothing and food have already been donated. And my dad has a house out on Bayview Road that you guys can use when you leave the hospital. He’s already said that you can stay there as long as you want.”

Helpless and confused, Esme looked at Tyler, then back at the doctor. “That’s—that’s too much. We couldn’t possibly take ahouse!”

“You saved his granddaughter’s life. You can stay in a house that is just sitting there.” Vanessa’s mouth tightened. “Please, let us do this. It’s our way of trying to pay you back for what you did for Kady Jo.”

Tyler’s fingers squeezed Esme’s. “We appreciate your help. Everyone’s help. Thank you. But our housing needs have already been taken care of.”

They had?

A half-smile tilted Tyler’s lips. “You probably noticed the guy standing outside our hospital room.”

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