Page 56 of Robert

“Of course.”

Hauling her into his arms, he kissed her with a tenderness that had her senses spinning. “Thank you.”

*****

She must have been waiting for him at the door because as soon as they stepped from the elevator, she opened it and launched herself into his arms, completely ignoring Sonya.

“I’m here.” He told her soothingly as he lifted her in his arms and made his way into, the living room to sit on the sofa nearest to the fireplace. Someone had lit a fire and the warmth permeated the entire room, giving it a coziness that was comforting.

“I’ll make some tea,” Sonya offered, standing just inside the doorway.

“Thanks.” He mouthed, a grateful expression on his face. Easing his sister off his chest, he titled her chin up to study the tear splotched face and miserable expression.

“What happened?” He asked quietly.

“You were with her.”

“Yes. I came straight from the club and decided to spend the weekend with my wife.” His expression warned her against saying anything negative or critical and she swallowed the jealousy. Seeing him get off the elevator with her had given her pause.

“I know she was unhappy and had been for a long time now,” she sniffed. “Her boyfriend broke up with her and she was reprimanded by her superior for administering the wrong medication to a patient. I saw that she was a mess and begged her to seek help. God!”

She blew out a breath. “I was just getting off my shift when we got the news. She was sharing an apartment with another nurse, and she went home to find her in the bathtub with her wrists slit.”

He gathered her against him and rocked as she started crying again. “I wished I had done more to help her, Robert. I just suggested she reach out to someone…” She stopped when he placed a finger over her lips.

“You know better than to blame yourself for someone else’s decision. You’re a doctor, not a psychic and there is no way youcould have known what she was planning. I am sorry as hell that she decided to take the easy way out…,” he nodded firmly as she started to shake her head.

“Yes, honey, it is taking the easy way out. There are other ways to handle problems.” He looked up when he sensed his wife’s presence and saw her hovering inside the doorway bearing a tray and nodded for her to come in.

“Sonya made some tea.”

“With honey.” She smiled at the distraught young woman. “I’m assuming you’re spending the night?”

“Of course, she is.”

“I’ll go and see about turning down the covers.”

Before they could say anything, she left the room.

“I think I like her,” Cat said grudgingly.

“Do you now?” Robert asked with a pleased smile.

Lifting her head, she stared at him. “You’re happy with her.”

“You have no idea.” He nudged her towards the tray. “Drink the tea and let’s get you into bed.”

As soon as she was settled - he sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand. “Okay?”

She nodded, a smile on her lips. “The first person I wanted to see was you.” She admitted. “Brian was at the hospital and offered to take me home and stay with me, but I told him I wanted to see you.” Her fingers tightened on his. “Remember when I was just starting med school and how I told you I couldn’t do it?”

“I told you to get your ass in gear, because you’re going to be a doctor.”

She laughed softly. “I wanted you to feel sorry for me and coddle me the way you usually did. I was pissed and thought you had no idea what I was feeling. But then I recalled all the obstacles you faced and how you got through all of them. Have I told you that you are my hero?”

“I am nobody’s hero.” He told her grimly. “I did what I had to in order to survive.”

She gave him a disapproving look. “You’re my hero.” She repeated. “And nothing you say will make me think otherwise.”

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