Page 146 of Forever Love

Her sadness cuts through me, and I want to fix it.

“I think that’s a normal reaction. I mean, no one is a pro the first time, right? Maybe it’s something you’ll get used to. But even if it’s not, there are other parts of nursing that don’t typically involve death, right? Why do you want to be a nurse?”

She sighs softly. “I’ve always liked helping people. I love understanding how the human body works and knowing how I can help people feel better. I’ve even thought about becoming a nurse practitioner one day.”

“Then don’t let one bad moment influence you otherwise. You have a passion I can feel through this phone. You’ll find the right path in nursing. Until you get there, just take it a day at a time, don’t be too hard on yourself, and know I’m always here to talk you through it.”

She inhales sharply. “Damn it, Jack. I don’t like it when people try to fix my problems. But you’re really good at it.”

“Not trying to fix your problems. Just making sure you know how strong you are and that I’m here for you.”

“I know. And I…” She trails off and my stomach flips, knowing the word love was going to be somewhere in that sentence.

“Firecracker.”

“Mm.”

“What did I tell you about that noise?” I growl.

“To make it a lot, right?”

She does it again. Louder.

“Don’t start what you don’t intend on finishing.”

“I’ll finish it,” she breathes. “If you want to.”

“Tell me when you’re naked.”

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