Page 168 of Wicked Grumpy Heart Doc

He stared at her for a beat, then as if realizing what he was doing, quickly broke eye contact and looked around at her family as he cleared his throat.

“I’ll be back to let you know how it went.”

Her mom grabbed his hand before he had a chance to turn around.

“He’s my world, Dr. Matthews. Please take good care of him.”

He gave her a sympathetic smile as he patted her hand with his free one. “You have my word.”

And with that, he disappeared out the double doors that had been haunting her visions. But as she watched him go this time, the sadness and fear were gone, replaced with a sense of peace.

There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that Aiden would take good care of her father, and for that, she was grateful.

****

Aiden

“Everything went great,” he declared as he pulled the surgical cap from his head, then filled the family in on what he’d found once he’d gotten a better look at the damage to Tim’s heart.

“He’s resting comfortably, and you should be able to go back as soon as he wakes up.” He glanced around at the group. “But limit it to two or three at a time. And only one of you will be able to be with him after visiting hours.”

A man Aiden assumed was Dakota’s brother piped up. “I’ll stay tonight, Mom. You’ll need to go home and rest.”

“Thanks, Denver, but I need to be with him tonight, for my own peace of mind. Maybe you can take a shift tomorrow.”

Her brother turned to Aiden. “How long before he can go home?”

“Let’s play it by ear, but a minimum three days.”

“We’ll come up with a schedule so someone is always with him,” Dakota told her family.

Aiden didn’t need to be a part of this conversation. He wasn’t part of her family, and he never would be.

“Have a good night.” But before he could turn to leave, Dakota pulled him to the side.

She looked up at him with those brown eyes he could get lost in.

“Thank you… for everything.”

He wanted to be a hard ass, but now wasn’t the time.

“I told you if you ever needed me, I’d be there.”

“And you’re a man of your word.”

“Yeah, Sunshine. I am.”

I wish you would have realized that six weeks ago.

“I know.” Tears threatened to spill onto her cheeks. If she started crying, there’s no telling what he’d try to do to comfort her.

He patted her forearm. “Go home and get some rest. Your mom is going to need someone to relieve her tomorrow.” He turned and took three steps before she called out his name.

He looked back to see her wiping her face with her fingertips, and it gutted him not to wrap his arms around her again.

“Will we see you tomorrow?”

She sounded so hopeful at the prospect.

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