Page 75 of Tempting the Heart

“Really? I wasn’t sure if I’d just be a bother or…”

“You’re never a bother, Mae. I just didn’t know how badly I needed someone here.”

I nodded. “Is that why Bethany came? You needed someone?”

Swallowing hard, I pushed down my worries.

He took another bite and sighed, shaking his head. “No. I didn’t invite her. I just texted her that my dad fell and was in surgery and wouldn’t be coming to the appointments.”

“Why’d Bethany think she screwed something up?” I asked as Tyler finished the stew.

“Long story. I’ll fill you in when there aren’t prying ears.”

My brows furrowed, but I nodded. “Okay. Did you want me to hang out in the waiting room, or what would be best?”

He locked his hand over mine. “No, I’d like you to come into the room me.”

“You sure?”

He nodded. “I need you.”

Tyler’s words washed over me in a way I couldn’t describe.

“I’m here.”

He squeezed my hand, and I took the bag back with the empty thermos as I followed him into his dad’s room.

A woman stood talking to Mrs. Grant. It didn’t look like his dad had come around yet, but he looked awful.

Really awful.

“I don’t like this one bit, Tyler.” His mother glared at him. “I’m being pushed out of my home.”

I glanced at Tyler as he shook his head. “You’re not. Nancy said you could stay.”

Nancy must be the woman standing with a brochure in her hands.

“But then I’d be away from your father.”

“Would you actually care?”

She gritted her teeth. “Will you go look at it?”

I had no idea what was happening, but surprise ran through Tyler’s gaze.

“Now?” his mom prompted.

Nancy glanced at Tyler and then me with an apologetic look in her eyes.

Tyler looked at me. “Would you mind coming with me?”

“It’s not too far away,” the woman explained. “I’ll let them know to expect you.”

Uncertainty threaded through me as I looked at Tyler’s mother.

“Didn’t you just have some other girlfriend here? Honestly, Tyler.” His mother eyed me. “I liked the other one better. She was prettier.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m sure you do, Mrs. Grant.”

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