Your One True Love (The Bennett Family 8)

I barely suppress a grin. Dad can be such a child when it comes to hospitals. I have no power to convince a doctor to keep him for longer than necessary, but Dad hates hospitals enough that he doesn’t want to risk me asking. Niall managed to get hold of the CT scans too, and his opinion mirrored the doctor’s here.

I’m waiting for Dad to change in the bathroom when I hear two familiar voices coming through the open door.

“They said room 23B, right?” Summer asks.

“Yes. Oh look, it’s this one. The B is a little faded.”

The second voice belongs to Jenna Bennett. I smile for what feels like the first time today when the two women step inside the room.

“What are you doing here?”

“We just found out about the whole incident.” Jenna glances around the room worriedly. “Where’s Martin?”

I motion toward the bathroom. “Changing. They discharged him a few hours early, so we’re going home.”

Summer smiles, holding up one forefinger. “We have a proposition. Since you can’t go back to Martin’s house tonight, why don’t we all go over to Mom and Dad’s? Plenty of space, and more people to look after Martin.”

I look from one woman to the other and barely bite back the impulse to hug them both. It isn’t just the space I’m grateful for, but the company.

“That would be great, but let’s see what Dad says. Whatever you do, don’t mention the part about looking after him.”

“Men.” Jenna shakes her head, waves a hand. “Leave this to me.”

Dad steps out the next second, his eyes widening. “Quite a welcome party, eh?”

Jenna smiles sweetly. “We would’ve been here earlier, but we just found out. Lucky you were still here. You’re in excellent shape, I see.”

“Thank you,” Dad says, with an air that indicates he’s thinking, Finally, someone sees things my way.

I’m taking mental notes. First step, buttering up.

“Can I tempt you with a homemade dinner at our house? Maybe even spend the night? We had the grandkids over the weekend, and since they left, the house is so empty. Richard and I could use the company.”

I stare at her. Forget taking notes. That level of mastery cannot be achieved by simply following a set of instructions. Even Summer looks at her mother in appreciation.

“She even plans to make chocolate mousse,” Summer adds. Man, what a low blow. Chocolate mousse is Dad’s favorite.

“Well, I had a concussion, not a heart attack, so I’d better eat as much sugar and butter while I can get away with it.”

And the matter is settled.

Dinner lasts well into the night. Since Dad slept plenty during the day, he isn’t in a hurry to go to bed. I stay with him out in the gazebo after Richard, Jenna, and Summer turn in.

“Great people, the Bennetts,” Dad says.

“They are.”

“What’s on your mind, child? You’ve been sad the whole day, and it’s not just about me.”

I never could hide my feelings from Dad, so I tell him about the conversation with Daniel, my doubts, my fears. I even let a few tears slip. It’s dark, and I’m sitting on the opp

osite side of the table from him. No one can see.

“Don’t you worry about me. Next time an idiot shows up, I’ll hose him. See how he follows me around soaking wet. I was just unprepared this time.”

“But—”

“Caroline, you’ve loved this man for almost ten years.”