Before Summer Ends by Susan Mallery

Author:Susan Mallery
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-02-11T13:32:42+00:00

NISSA

Marisol’s surgery took four hours. The surgeon was pleased with the outcome and told them there hadn’t been any complications. Now the real waiting game began. They had to get through the first twenty-four hours, then the second, and so on. With each passing day, she would get stronger.

The girls cried when they heard the news and fought leaving the hospital. Nissa knew they had been through so much—they had to be exhausted. She convinced them to get a little sleep at Desmond’s house before they returned in the early afternoon. They wouldn’t be able to see their mom until after lunch sometime.

Despite the late hour, Hilde was there to greet them when they arrived at the house. She showed the girls their room and the adjoining bathroom. Nissa took Desmond’s advice and suggested they share a bed, with her right next door. The twins were relieved by that idea and quickly got ready for bed.

Nissa stayed with them until they were asleep, then went into her own room where she found Desmond reading in the chair in the corner. He put down his book as she entered, then crossed to her and pulled her close.

As he held her tight, all her emotions seemed to crash in on her at once and she started to cry. Tears quickly changed to sobs that shook her body and made it impossible to get control. But he seemed unfazed, continuing to stroke her back and murmur quietly that she would be fine.

After several minutes, she managed to calm down enough to catch her breath and slow the flow of tears.

“I don’t know what that was,” she admitted. “I think I scared myself.”

He smiled at her as he wiped her cheeks. “You’ve been dealing with a lot. It’s good to get it out.” He leaned in and lightly kissed her mouth. “I finally got Hilde to go home. She’ll be back first thing to make breakfast. She can’t decide between pancakes and waffles, so be prepared to have all the food on your plate.”

Nissa managed a shaky smile. “She’s been so wonderful.”

“Having kids in the house is her dream. She’s thrilled to have people to take care of.”

He kissed her again, lingering just long enough to make her aware of the fact that about eight hours ago, she’d been naked in his bed. A situation she’d like to repeat—just not tonight.

As if reading her mind, he said, “Go to bed. You’re exhausted. I’m right down the hall if you need me.”

She looked into his dark eyes. “Thank you for everything. You’ve been amazing.”

“I was happy to help.”

With that, he walked out of the room.

She watched him go. She’d always known that Desmond was a great guy, but she hadn’t known how dependable he was in a crisis. He’d calmly taken charge of the situation and had made everyone feel safe.

Funny how everything she learned about him only made her like him more and wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t listened to her brother, all those years ago.

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