Nurse to Forever Mom

“Well, it’s testament to you and Alex that you guys decided early on that you’d save some beds for those who couldn’t afford the clinic and take care of the locals. You two are good guys.”

“Hey, don’t be putting me on a pedestal because I can guarantee I’ll fall.”

Did he really think that little of himself? From what she’d seen, he was almost perfect. Almost too good to be true. “I’m sure it wouldn’t be far if you did.”

Cody glanced at her in a doubtful manner. “Thanks.”

She shouldn’t have said that. Her mouth was always getting her into trouble. Even their conversations should remain impersonal.

As if he didn’t like the direction of their exchange either, he said, “Alonso decided that he would recover faster here at the clinic. That way he would be able to stay out of the media spotlight for a while longer. It’s also easier to do the rehab without coming over daily on the ferry.”

She whispered, “I’ve heard that more than one famous person has hidden out here. Want to share who?”

“Nope, and we like to refer to it as recovering.” He mimicked her low tone.

The sound made her shiver inside. What would it be like to have him whisper to her like that as they made love? No, that was no place for her mind to go. She swallowed. “Aw, got it.”

He stopped and looked at her before he said, “I thought Alonso might be the person to put the senator’s son in with but I’ve thought better of it.”

Stacey gave him a wry smile. “I’m thinking Salty might be the best choice.”

Cody nodded. “I think you might be right. He will certainly be able to hold his own with the unhappy teen. And since Salty’s here for only a few more days of observation and IV antibiotics, neither one of them will have time to kill the other off. Philomena will be here to referee. She isn’t going to let anything happen to Salty.”

“It’s sweet.”

“Salty isn’t sweet.”

“No, but the fact that Mrs. Kerridge-Bates and Salty can find love after all these years is. Especially since they’re so different.”

Cody gave her a narrowed-eye look. “I wouldn’t have ever taken you for a romantic.”

Was she? She didn’t believe in happily ever after for herself, but she did like to see others achieve it. She shrugged. “We all have our off days.”

They visited two more patients before going to the community room in search of Alonso. He was there. Salty was surrounded by him, the twins and a few other patients.

“Hey, there, Connor and Peyton. You two look like you are doing well.” Cody greeted them.

“Hi, Dr. Brennan.”

“So, what’s this group up to today?” Cody looked from Salty to Alonso and then to the twins.

“We’ve just been listening to stories.” The twins looked at Salty with nothing short of hero-worship.

“Your mom and daddy coming in this evening?” Cody asked.

“Mom is. Dad has to work again.” Peyton fiddled with a string on her shirt.

Stacey couldn’t help but feel sorry for the twins. They had been at the clinic for too long.

“How’re you feeling, Salty?” Cody asked.

“He’d feel much better if he’d stop holding court and rest more,” a gruff but caring female voice said behind them.

They all looked toward Philomena, who was shuffling in using a walker.

“Philly thinks she should run my life,” Salty grumbled. “Where I’d really like to be is off on my boat.”

“Not until you’re completely well this time.” Philly sat in a chair beside him. “I’m too old to worry all the time.”

Stacey didn’t miss him touching her hand for a second. They cared about each other more than they let on. What would it be like to have that type of connection with someone? She glanced at Cody. A girl could dream.

“Sorry to interrupt but, Alonso, can I have a look at your incision sites?” Cody asked.

The young man turned in his chair and pulled up his knit pants above his knee.

“They look good,” Cody confirmed. “How’s the physical therapy going?”

“Well, I think I’ll be better than ever on the court.” Alonso sounded pleased with his progress. “Thanks, Doc. I wouldn’t be this far along without you.”

Cody lowered his head in a humble gesture. “You’ve done most of the work.”

How like Cody. It was nice to work in a place with quality care and excellent doctors who weren’t full of self-importance. Stacey glanced at him again. Also, with devoted doctors. If she wasn’t careful she’d move from admiration straight into the hero-worship he had already warned her about.