Page 17 of Vows of Betrayal

Stefan pulled her hand until she got closer. Like really close. “Tell Evie that if she wants a break from all those kids, she can come and see me anytime.”

Giselle smiled and nodded through her tears. “Thank you.” She inhaled shakily. “She’s going to be so happy to hear that.”

What Stefan did next felt like a punch to my stomach. He slid his hand into her hair and whispered, “Stop crying, sweetheart. You're breaking my fuckin' heart.”

And then—

He kissed her.

His lips on hers.

It looked like a closed mouth kiss from what I could tell. But it also wasn't just a brief peck on the lips.

“Okay. I'll stop. I promise. But you're breaking my heart, too. I want our family to be a family again.”

That was it.

About all I could freaking take.

“My patient needs his rest. You'll have to leave,” I said in my best no-nonsense voice as I stared down Giselle.

But instead of giving me any kind of pushback—she smiled.

Really, really smiled. She pushed away from Stefan and took a big breath while she wiped under her eyes. “You're right. He needs to rest. I'm sorry, I stayed too long.” Then she turned back to Stefan. “Do what your nurse orders, okay?”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I always do. Give those babies a hug from me. All of them.”

Giselle nodded and got all teary-eyed again. “I will. They get bigger every day. You're missing so much.” Then she leaned down and gave him a hug. Stefan said something to her, but it was too faint, and I couldn't hear.

“Yeah, bye, honey. Be good.” Her hand lightly touched his cheek, and he—leaned into it.

Yeah.

I might just break her arm when she walked by me.

Giselle straightened and walked in my direction. She stopped a foot away and—hugged me. “Thank you for taking such great care of him. He looks so much better because of you.”

Giselle didn't just give me a hug. She gave me a—hug.

I mean, she must've held onto me for a good full minute at least.

A minute was a long darn time to hug a stranger. When she finally did let go, she said, “We can't thank you enough for all you've done.” More tears fell down her cheeks. She brushed them away and glided out the door like some kind of movie star or super model.

I turned back to Stefan. “Who the hell was that?” I could feel myself scowling at him.

And what did he do?

He laughed.

The big jerk—laughed.

“What's so funny?” I asked as I wandered over to his bed. I wasn't exactly sure why I was so mad. But I was.

“You are,” he said, still laughing.

At me.

“Come here, woman.” He reached out and grasped my arm, pulling me closer. “Lay down with me for a minute.” He moved over gingerly. But still, he moved over.

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