“She in there?”
“No,” Marcus replied. “I got here just as they were wheeling her away for her final scans before letting her get out of here.”
Matt sighed, pushing past his brother in law. Somehow, he knew that whatever Marcus was here to say, he didn’t want his wife hearing. Marcus clearly wasn’t briefed well enough on how sensitive Liz’s state was and how the slightest lapse can delay recovery.
Matt ignored Marcus and headed straight for Liz’s duffle bag.
“Listen, I know Liz is checking out today.”
Checking out?Matt was annoyed. He knew that Liz’s little brother hadn’t meant any harm, but this wasn’t a hotel. He wasn’t about to argue. He’d rather Marcus just say what he came there to say.
“What’s up?” Matt asked without looking up, placing Liz’s bag on the edge of the bed.
“I think it would be best if Liz came home with me.”
Matt froze for only a second, before continuing his task. “Well you have a right to your opinion,” he offered casually, as if Marcus had just told him he thought they made too many Star Wars movies. Everyone in the world might disagree with you, but you still had a right to your opinion.
Marcus shifted, uncomfortably.
Figuring that response wasn’t enough for him, Matt continued. “It’s not up for discussion where Lizstays.” He emphasized that last word. “She has a home. She has a husband.” Clearly Matt had to spell this fact out for Marcus, since the kid had never been able to hold a relationship for more than a month. “She’s coming home with me. And that’s final.” Matt was more than grateful that Marcus didn’t know about the recent family drama.
“You’re not doing what’s best for her,” Marcus insisted. His voice more demanding. “The doctor said himself; she’d most likely remember her earlier memories,” he paused. “I’m a big part of her earlier memories, Matt. Don’t you want to help her?”
Matt had to breathe, reminding himself that this was his wife’s brother and probably only wanted the best for his sister. He immediately relaxed. “Look, if you were taking her back to your parents’ old house, I’d agree with you,” he said squarely. He wanted Marcus to understand that he did want to help Liz, and not just being possessive. “She’d be in her old room, where she’d spent most of her life. I’d drive her there myself in a heartbeat,” he paused and softened his tone. “But that house is gone. And I’m sorry, but I don’t see the benefit from her hanging around your bachelor pad.”
“Maybe we should let her decide.” Marcus held his tone steady.
Now he’d heard enough. “I don’t think you understand the severity of her condition, Marc.” He kept his voice firm, but respectful. “You can’t force her to choose. It’s too much pressure for her.”
“You can’t force her into your bed, Matt. You’re a stranger to her.”
Just as easily as Marcus had said those words to him, Matt threw the bag down and pinned Marcus against the closed bathroom door.
“What happens in the privacy of our home is our business, Marcus. Don’t you ever accuse me of taking advantage of Liz.” He held a sharp edge in his voice. He slowly released his wife’s well-meaning brother but not before making sure Marcus had seen the fierce look in his eyes.
He’d placed the last piece of her belongings in the bag. “You’re welcome in our home anytime, Marcus, but I’m not letting her out of my sight.”
The door to Liz’s room opened and a male technician wheeled her into the room.
For the first time since she’d been in that accident, Liz was smiling. Matt gave Marcus a warning look.Say one word and you’ll regret it.
Matt returned her smile as he looked down at her in the chair. “You ready to get out of here?”
Chapter 12
LIZ
Liz nodded, picking at the hem of her shirt. The truth was she was more than ready to get out of the hospital where people fussed over her, made decisions for her and basically treated her like she couldn’t walk. She had lost her memory but was still capable of helping herself out of bed.
She began to stand. Matt reached for her hand, but she grabbed the one the attendant had held out for her, instead. Again, she didn’t need one, but it took more effort to avoid the help. “I’m ready.” She looked at Marcus and gave a warm smile. “Are we all leaving together?”
She didn’t miss the warning look that her husband was giving her brother.Neither deaf nor blind, people.
“No,” Marcus replied. “I actually have to get to work. But I wanted to see you before you checked out today.” He glanced at Matt, before stepping toward her. “Please call me if you need anything at all. I checked your phone and all my numbers and email are still there.”
She frowned at that reassurance, but she was too happy to question anything and gave her brother a strong, solid hug. She wanted him to know that she felt the connection between them and whatever stir up was clearly happening between him and Matt before she came in, didn’t matter to her.
“Do you ever come visit?” she asked, hopeful.
