Cornish Reunion with the Heart Doctor by Louisa George

Author:Louisa George
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-03-31T20:07:15+00:00

* * *

Lexi stayed by his side as they rushed down the hospital corridors. She hadn’t questioned, just acted. But when they reached the ward she stopped, her hand on the small of his back like a gentle act of kindness, a comfort. She smiled softly and he saw genuine affection and care in her expression as she said, ‘Do you want me to come in with you?’

Did he? No. But having someone else there might help. ‘I don’t really want to saddle you with my grumpy father, but yes please.’

‘Sometimes you just need a buffer. I’m right here.’

The mixed-up emotions swirling in his chest—hope mixed with anxiety—slowed with her words. Just knowing she was there gave him courage enough to face his dad one more time. He went to push open the ward door but heard her say, ‘Jono. Wait.’

When he turned she was looking up at him, arms outstretched. ‘Come here.’

He slipped his arms round her waist and held her. He hadn’t had to say anything about how he was feeling about his father. She seemed to understand. Or understood enough not to ask. ‘Cheers, mate.’

She winked. ‘Okay. It’ll be fine. Whatever happens, you’ll be fine.’

And he knew to trust her on that, because she’d been through enough emotional upheaval and she’d come out whole.

Once on the ward he could see his dad’s condition hadn’t deteriorated as he’d imagined. In fact, his colour was much better, his breathing—although still laboured—was easier. His eyes were less cloudy and he was sitting up, dressed in tartan pyjamas, in a wingback chair by his bed.

Some people lived with heart failure for years, others weren’t so lucky. He just hoped his dad fell into the former category and that this positive response to the new drugs would last.

Jono hovered at the side of the bed. ‘Hey, Dad.’

‘Jonathan.’ His father’s eyes flickered open then strayed to Lexi. ‘And...?’

Jono wrapped an arm round her waist. Call him territorial and possessive, but his father had charm form. ‘This is my friend, Lexi. We were just out punting on the river when we got the call from the charge nurse to come see you.’

‘Lexi.’ Immediately, his father’s normally gruff voice seemed to mellow, and was it Jono’s imagination or was his dad smiling at her? Typical Gordon Neale, the charmer.

‘Hi, Colonel Neale. Nice to meet you.’ Smiling politely, Lexi sat down at the far end of the bed, leaving the chair close to his father for Jono to sit in.

His chest heaved with the pain of watching his father suffer, but soothing everything was the knowledge that he had her by his side. She’d been funny and relaxed today; he’d never seen her look more beautiful than when she’d been giggling on the boat.

‘Lexi. Nice name.’ Gordon nodded and closed his eyes. ‘I had a good woman once. I messed that up.’

‘I know.’ But Jono wasn’t going to attack his father with reminders of his many indiscretions or marital affairs. It was clear enough that he knew he’d acted badly.

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