The Leo Aquarius Connection is featured on Thursday's Opening Scene #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #romance #Leo #Aquarius #medical #astrological

 As Caleb Winstone rode the elevator to the fifth floor of Eastlake Community, the familiar aromas shouting hospital engulfed him. Though slightly different from the scents of his last placement, they smelled of coming home. Exhaustion threatened to swamp him but he had places to visit and things to accomplish before he sought sleep.

The indicator flashed five. The doors parted and he stepped out to face the nurses’ station. A half dozen women stared and collectively sighed.

“Enter the handsome doctor.”

Gasps and giggles greeted him.

Caleb felt his face heat. Had he really said that? He considered a strategic retreat but the elevator doors had closed. Though he’d been called handsome often enough, he had no reason for the blatant announcement.

A burst of male laughter interrupted his swirling thoughts. “Hello, Caleb. You certainly know how to make an entrance.” A tall blond man rounded the end of the desk and offered his hand,

“Alex Carter, good to see you again.”

Alex clasped his hand. “Are you in town for good?”

“Looks that way. I’ve joined Joe Grogan’s practice.” Caleb grinned. “Blame my announcement on jet lag. Arrived this morning from London where I spent three months studying respiratory diseases in children.”

“Have you been home?”

Caleb shook his head. “Came straight here. Decided to complete the paperwork and get my parking pass and then go to the office before I go home. I’m meeting Joe at one thirty at the office. Actually, I’m in no hurry to reach the stone mansion.”

Alex nodded. “Are they still upset over your career choice?’

“Naturally. They equate my straying from the financial sphere as a betrayal like they did when I chose swimming over football in high school.”

“Shame. Let me introduce you to today’s crew.” Alex walked to the desk.

The nurses smiled. Were they hiding laughter? He felt sure his appearance and words would make the rounds.

Alex grinned. “Ladies, this is Caleb Winstone, the newest addition to our staff. He’s joining Dr. Joe and vying for the handsome doctor award.”

Caleb shook his head. Years ago Alex had been a tease. His first wife’s behavior had soured him. The second marriage had brought a welcome change. “I’ll get you.”

Alex mentioned name after name until they reached the tall brunette at the end of the desk. Her lab coat marked her as the unit’s nurse manager.

“Caleb, Jenessa Bradshaw, Acting Nurse Manager. Her husband is Director of Nursing.”

“Glad to meet you,” Caleb said. “Sorry about the grand entrance.”

She laughed. “You said what we were thinking.”

“Don’t encourage him,” Alex said. “Half the girls in high school followed him around.”

“The other half followed you.” Caleb turned to Jenessa. “Why are you just acting nurse manager?”

“Our newly hired one was to start two months ago but a family emergency intervened. She’s starting on Monday.”

“She must be special.”

“She is. She’s a nurse practitioner.”

“I’m impressed.”

Jenessa smiled. “Let me give you a quick tour.”

Caleb walked beside her. “Is the name of this new nurse a secret?”

“I forgot you weren’t here during the selection process. She’s a friend from my class at Grantley.”

Alex nodded. “She’s one of the infamous Grantley Gang. You were seldom home back then to know about their antics.” He turned to Jenessa. “Are we holding a welcoming party to celebrate the event?”

“I would tell you to ask your wife but just the Gang minus Rick,” Jenessa said. “She’ll be tied up at Rehab getting her brother settled.”

Caleb halted. “Just who is this person?”

“Suzanna Rollins,” Jenessa said. “She worked at City.”

Caleb held in a groan. Not her. Not here. He prayed his face didn’t show his feelings. Of all the women in the world to invade his space. Suzanna Rollins had no use for him. Their days of dating hadn’t ended well.

“Do you know her?”

Caleb shrugged. “I may have seen her a time or two.” Or more. They had dated for several months until the night he’d asked her to give up her job and move in with him. All her expenses would be paid. All she had to do was warm his bed.

His cheek still stung with the memory of her reaction. She’d walked away. He’d managed to avoid her and leaped at the chance to spend three months in London on Respiratory Problems in Children seminar.

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The Leo Aquarius Connection is feature as Sunday's Book #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Romance #medical #astrological

 

The nurses stare as he exits the elevator on the Pediatric Unit. “Enter the handsome doctor.” Those are Doctor Caleb Winstone’s words as he steps off the elevator. Though he’s embarrassed, this Leo doctor rolls with the punches.

He’s returned home to join an older doctor in the practice. Before long he learns the new nurse manager of the unit is a woman he knows. Of all the women in the world, she is the last one he wants to see. How can he manage to work daily with her? Before the day ends, he discovers his mother has decided who he should marry and the woman is quite willing. Not for him.

Suzanna Rollins is an Aquarian and now the guardian of her half-brother who was badly injured in a car accident. She takes the position as nurse manager of the Pediatric unit for several reasons. One is the move from the city re-unites her with college friends, the Grantley Gang. The other is for the excellent Rehab Center. On the day of her arrival, she encounters Caleb. What is he doing here and why? Can she work with the man she fell in and out of love with the night he offered her less than marriage?

Caleb’s interest in helping her half-brother gives them more together time than they imagined.

Kindle Customer

4.0 out of 5 stars Pulls You Into The Town and Characters

Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2018

Walters demonstrates her knowledge of hospitals to make the story real, but does so skillfully without slowing down the read. For Dr. Caleb Winstone returning home means more than a new job and an awkward encounter, it also means his parents incessant demands for him to marry the woman of their choice. Nurse Practitioner Suzanna Rollins hopes the move will help her brother whose healing from a car accident. To me some unresolved issues cost it a star, but it is still a worthwhile read and I recommend it and the other books in the series.

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Diane Scott Lewis

5.0 out of 5 stars A chance to overcome odds, will they take it?

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2018

Handsome, rich doctor Caleb is expected to marry a woman of status. Years earlier he fell for a nurse then asked her to become his mistress. She slapped him and left. Suzanna is a hard-working nurse who must now care for her brother who was badly injured in a car wreck. She takes a job at a different hospital to have access to their excellent rehab program. Too late she finds out that Caleb has transferred to the same hospital and now he's her brother's doctor.
The two clash, but Caleb grows close to the teenaged brother. Will he ignore his parents' wishes and pursue the only woman he's ever loved, Suzanna? Will Suzanna give him a second chance?
Ms. Walter's writes with smooth authority, giving her characters heart and strength. A beautifully written story about opposites and compromise-the workings of a hospital-and the choices we all must face.

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Wedensday The Leo Aquarius Connection #MFRWHooks #BWL Author #romance #medical #Astrology #hospital

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here  http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some interesting stories. Mine is found @https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com  The Leo Aquarius Connection He's a Leo and she's an Aquarian.

BLURB:

The nurses stare as he exits the elevator on the Pediatric Unit. “Enter the handsome doctor.” Those are Doctor Caleb Winstone’s words as he steps off the elevator. Though he’s embarrassed, this Leo doctor rolls with the punches.

He’s returned home to join an older doctor in the practice. Before long he learns the new nurse manager of the unit is a woman he knows. Of all the women in the world, she is the last one he wants to see. How can he manage to work daily with her? Before the day ends, he discovers his mother has decided who he should marry and the woman is quite willing. Not for him.

Suzanna Rollins is an Aquarian and now the guardian of her half-brother who was badly injured in a car accident. She takes the position as nurse manager of the Pediatric unit for several reasons. One is the move from the city re-unites her with college friends, the Grantley Gang. The other is for the excellent Rehab Center. On the day of her arrival, she encounters Caleb. What is he doing here and why? Can she work with the man she fell in and out of love with the night he offered her less than marriage?

Caleb’s interest in helping her half-brother gives them more together time than they imagined

Reviews:

Diane Scott Lewis

5.0 out of 5 stars A chance to overcome odds, will they take it?

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2018

Handsome, rich doctor Caleb is expected to marry a woman of status. Years earlier he fell for a nurse then asked her to become his mistress. She slapped him and left. Suzanna is a hard-working nurse who must now care for her brother who was badly injured in a car wreck. She takes a job at a different hospital to have access to their excellent rehab program. Too late she finds out that Caleb has transferred to the same hospital and now he's her brother's doctor.
The two clash, but Caleb grows close to the teenaged brother. Will he ignore his parents' wishes and pursue the only woman he's ever loved, Suzanna? Will Suzanna give him a second chance?
Ms. Walter's writes with smooth authority, giving her characters heart and strength. A beautifully written story about opposites and compromise-the workings of a hospital-and the choices we all must face.

Kindle Customer

4.0 out of 5 stars Pulls You Into The Town and Characters

Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2018

Walters demonstrates her knowledge of hospitals to make the story real, but does so skillfully without slowing down the read. For Dr. Caleb Winstone returning home means more than a new job and an awkward encounter, it also means his parents incessant demands for him to marry the woman of their choice. Nurse Practitioner Suzanna Rollins hopes the move will help her brother whose healing from a car accident. To me some unresolved issues cost it a star, but it is still a worthwhile read and I recommend it and the other books in the series.

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Meet The Characters from the Leo Aquarius Connection #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #romance #medical #astrological

Caleb Winstone is a pediatrician and just a bit vain. He is handsome and knows it. He comes from a rich family but had problems with their lifestyle choices.

Suzanna Rollins is a nurse and a Pediatrics Practitioner. She comes to the hospital to be in charge of the Peds depaartment and for her brother who is the only surviving member of her family after a car wreck.

The Winstone family - father, mother and brother who are snobs and use their money for theirown purposes.

Jon - her half-brother who needs rehab for his amny injuries.

The characters form the other books in the series such as Jenessa, Megan, Cate, Lauren and Liz

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Wednesday Forgotten Dreams #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Romance #Hollywood #nurse practitioner #Cancer #Leo

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts. Mine is from Forgotten Dreams. Can you go home again?

BLURB:

Chad Morgan is tired of his Hollywood life and his role as action hero Storm. He's ignoring the contracts for two more movies in the franchise. He wants to take a different direction and make a movie of his friend's book. He has bought the rights. But his agent and the studio want more Storm. His personal life is also bouncing from one woman to another. His thoughts have turned to Emma Grassi, the woman he left behind in his quest for fame. He decides to return to Fern Lake and speak to his friend and renew his friendship with Emma.

Emma is now a nurse practitioner sharing an office with her doctor friend. She has waited for Chad to return and has decided this isn't going to happen. She's decided to confront him and put an end to the dream she has remembered and he has forgotten. Life takes a twist when Chad 's auto accident on the outskirts of Fern Lake bring them together. She wants out. He wants in.

EXCERPT:

As she ate, a group of young nurses sat at the next table. Though she hadn’t meant to listen, their loud excited voices caught her attention.

“I nearly went crazy when the ambulance brought him in,” one nurse said.

“Why?” asked a second.

A third leaned forward. “We thought he was Chad Morgan.”

The fourth laughed. “Why would a Hollywood hunk come to Fern Lake? We’re not a tourist destination.”

“Alas he isn’t Storm.” The first nurse sighed. “His name is Ian Greve. Still he has a face and bod to drool over.”

“So what happened to him?”

“Car accident. He’s responding but in pain. Keeps passing out and they can’t give him anything for pain until the surgeon arrives.”

Emma gulped her tea. She knew that name. Chad’s middle name was Ian and his mother’s maiden name was Greve. The nurses at the other table were too young to know Chad had been a track star and a leading actor in school and in community theater productions. She couldn’t imagine any reason for him to come home. He never had before.

“I still wish I could be his nurse,” the first young nurse said. “If he’ll be here for weeks, there’s a chance.”

Emma finished her salad and carried her tray to the cleanup area. As she walked toward the exit, she paused. Curiosity stirred. If he was Chad, why was he in Fern Lake? She reversed direction and headed to the ER.

At the desk, she paused to speak to the nurse practitioner on duty. “I hear you have a new admit from a car accident.”

Her friend looked up. “Ambulance chasing?”

Emma laughed. “If his name is Ian Greve, I may know him.”

“Glad someone does.” She frowned. “He’s in pain and keeps talking about a pickup and a post. He also asks for someone called Rob. He’s a real puzzle.”

“Where is he?”

The second cubicle. Dr. Markham is on the way in. See if you can persuade him to sign a consent.”

“I’ll try.”

Emma strode across the hall. She paused with her hand on the curtain. After gulping a breath, she slid to cloth aside. “Chad. Chad Morgan.”

 

* * *

 

From a distance, someone called his name. He knew that voice. He’d heard her speak on the nights when he was without a female companion. He struggled to grasp the memories sweeping through his head like leaves captured by a tornado. Again the voice called his name. He fought to open eyelids sealed by glue. In the dim light he saw her. As his eyes focused her face took form. Emma was here. Was this a dream? With the force of a raging stream, pain rose from his toes to flood his body. A low groan morphed into a sharp cry. Someone’s hand stroked his shoulder.

“You were in an accident.” The voice, her voice, held a calm note of comfort.

He sucked in a breath. Panic engulfed him. “My legs. I can’t move my legs.” He pressed his hands against the mattress and attempted to sit. He had to see his legs. The fear of being unable to walk or to enjoy physical activities thundered in his head.

“Calm down. Your legs are in splints to keep the bones in place. Both are fractured. A doctor is on the way. You need surgery.”

“To amputate?” He grasped the sheet.

“No. They’ll align the bones and apply casts. For the left, they may need to put in a plate and screws.”

Relief rippled through him. “Emma, what are you doing here?”

“You’re in Fern Lake. I live here.”

Fern Lake. Why? Realization broke through the curtain of pain. He’d come to Fern Lake to see Rob about the movie. His memories jelled. A voice. An urge to turn. A pickup. The impact. His bumper. The concrete pillar. The disjointed scenes flashed like bits of dust and vanished.

 

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Wednesday The Leo Aquarius Connection #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #medical romance #astrology #Leo #Aquarius

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here   http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some great excerpts Mine is from The Leo Aquarius Connection and brings together the hero and heroine in a hospital setting.

BLURB:

The nurses stare as he exits the elevator on the Pediatric Unit. “Enter the handsome doctor.” Those are Doctor Caleb Winstone’s words as he steps off the elevator. Though he’s embarrassed, this Leo doctor rolls with the punches.

He’s returned home to join an older doctor in the practice. Before long he learns the new nurse manager of the unit is a woman he knows. Of all the women in the world, she is the last one he wants to see. How can he manage to work daily with her? Before the day ends, he discovers his mother has decided who he should marry and the woman is quite willing. Not for him.

Suzanna Rollins is an Aquarian and now the guardian of her half-brother who was badly injured in a car accident. She takes the position as nurse manager of the Pediatric unit for several reasons. One is the move from the city re-unites her with college friends, the Grantley Gang. The other is for the excellent Rehab Center. On the day of her arrival, she encounters Caleb. What is he doing here and why? Can she work with the man she fell in and out of love with the night he offered her less than marriage?

Caleb’s interest in helping her half-brother gives them more together time than they imagined.

Diane Scott Lewis

5.0 out of 5 stars A chance to overcome odds, will they take it?

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2018

Handsome, rich doctor Caleb is expected to marry a woman of status. Years earlier he fell for a nurse then asked her to become his mistress. She slapped him and left. Suzanna is a hard-working nurse who must

 now care for her brother who was badly injured in a car wreck. She takes a job at a different hospital to 

have access to their excellent rehab program. Too late she finds out that Caleb has transferred to the

 same hospital and now he's her brother's doctor.
The two clash, but Caleb grows close to the teenaged brother. Will he ignore his parents' wishes and pursue the only woman he's ever loved, Suzanna? Will Suzanna give him a second chance?
Ms. Walter's writes with smooth authority, giving her characters heart and strength. A beautifully written story about opposites and compromise-the workings of a hospital-and the choices we all must face.

Kindle Customer

4.0 out of 5 stars Pulls You Into The Town and Characters

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2018

Walters demonstrates her knowledge of hospitals to make the story real, but does so skillfully without 

slowing down the read. For Dr. Caleb Winstone returning home means more than a new job and an 

awkward encounter, it also means his parents incessant demands for him to marry the woman of their

 choice. Nurse Practitioner Suzanna Rollins hopes the move will help her brother whose healing from 

a car accident. To me some unresolved issues cost it a star, but it is still a worthwhile read and I 

recommend it and the other books in the series.

EXCERPT:

Before heading home to crash, he wanted to spend several hours organizing

 his office and learning 

about the practice. He exited the stairwell and entered the waiting room. 

Several patients waited with their mothers.

The receptionist looked up. “Dr. Winstone, welcome. Dr. Joe is waiting.”

“Thanks.” Caleb walked down the hall and paused outside the room with his 

partner’s name on the 

door. He knocked and stepped inside.

Dr. Joe looked up. “Glad you’re here. Welcome.”

“Glad to be here.” Caleb sank onto the chair before the desk.

“You look like hell. When did you arrive?”

“Six AM. Then through customs and claimed my car. I drove straight here and 

headed to the hospital.

 Put in my paperwork and have my parking pass. What do you want me to do?”

The older man rose. “I’ll have Gloria show you around. Then set up your office. 

There’s a stack of 

boxes that have been here for months. How was London?”

“Great and I learned a lot.” Caleb paused at the door. “I can see patients and I

 want to talk to you 

about the asthma kids.”

“No need to see patients. It’s a light afternoon.” He reached for a chart. “The

 asthma kids are yours.” He paused beside Caleb. “Suppose you’ve heard 

about the new nurse manager. Bright young woman. 

Her being a practitioner is a plus.”

“I’m sure she’ll be an asset.” Though working with Suzanna would be a

 challenge, he must manage each encounter with grace. He pushed to his

 feet. “Let me organize my office and take the tour.” He yawned.

 If he sat any longer, he would crash.

“Do that, then go home.” Joe grinned. "You can make hospital rounds 

tomorrow and skip office hours.” 

He paused. “There’s a teenage boy arriving at the Rehab Center tomorrow. 

Multiple fractures and burns.

 Rick Somers is handling the orthopedic side of his care.”

Caleb found his way to the office that would be his. For several hours, he

 unpacked boxes, hung his

 licenses and diplomas. He fitted reference books on the shelves and hooked 

up the computer sitting

 on the extension of the mahogany desk. When he finished, he found Gloria.

 She showed him the

 treatment rooms and supply closets.

When the tour ended, he walked to the door. Time to go home, somewhere

 he really didn’t want to be.

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Thursday's Opening Scene from The Leo Aquarius Connection #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Janet Lane Walters #Medical romance #Astrology

 

As Caleb Winstone rode the elevator to the fifth floor of Eastlake Community, the familiar aromas shouting hospital engulfed him. Though slightly different from the scents of his last placement, they smelled of coming home. Exhaustion threatened to swamp him but he had places to visit and things to accomplish before he sought sleep.

The indicator flashed five. The doors parted and he stepped out to face the nurses’ station. A half dozen women stared and collectively sighed.

“Enter the handsome doctor.”

Gasps and giggles greeted him.

Caleb felt his face heat. Had he really said that? He considered a strategic retreat but the elevator doors had closed. Though he’d been called handsome often enough, he had no reason for the blatant announcement.

A burst of male laughter interrupted his swirling thoughts. “Hello, Caleb. You certainly know how to make an entrance.” A tall blond man rounded the end of the desk and offered his hand,

“Alex Carter, good to see you again.”

Alex clasped his hand. “Are you in town for good?”

“Looks that way. I’ve joined Joe Grogan’s practice.” Caleb grinned. “Blame my announcement on jet lag. Arrived this morning from London where I spent three months studying respiratory diseases in children.”

“Have you been home?”

Caleb shook his head. “Came straight here. Decided to complete the paperwork and get my parking pass and then go to the office before I go home. I’m meeting Joe at one thirty at the office. Actually, I’m in no hurry to reach the stone mansion.”

Alex nodded. “Are they still upset over your career choice?’

“Naturally. They equate my straying from the financial sphere as a betrayal like they did when I chose swimming over football in high school.”

“Shame. Let me introduce you to today’s crew.” Alex walked to the desk.

The nurses smiled. Were they hiding laughter? He felt sure his appearance and words would make the rounds.

Alex grinned. “Ladies, this is Caleb Winstone, the newest addition to our staff. He’s joining Dr. Joe and vying for the handsome doctor award.”

Caleb shook his head. Years ago Alex had been a tease. His first wife’s behavior had soured him. The second marriage had brought a welcome change. “I’ll get you.”

Alex mentioned name after name until they reached the tall brunette at the end of the desk. Her lab coat marked her as the unit’s nurse manager.

“Caleb, Jenessa Bradshaw, Acting Nurse Manager. Her husband is Director of Nursing.”

“Glad to meet you,” Caleb said. “Sorry about the grand entrance.”

She laughed. “You said what we were thinking.”

“Don’t encourage him,” Alex said. “Half the girls in high school followed him around.”

“The other half followed you.” Caleb turned to Jenessa. “Why are you just acting nurse manager?”

“Our newly hired one was to start two months ago but a family emergency intervened. She’s starting on Monday.”

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Thursday's Fifth Scene The Leo Aquarius Connection #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Romance #Leo #Aquarius

A short time later, she reached her SUV and fought traffic across town to the nursing home/rehab facility where her fifteen year old brother was a patient. She parked, walked to the entrance and rang for admittance. While not modern, the care was excellent though not as intensive as Jon needed.

When the door clicked, she entered and headed down the hall to his room. In the doorway of the semi-private room. His slumped shoulders and turned down mouth screamed misery. She hoped the cake would bring a smile. Two months had passed since the accident. His shattered bones had healed and the scars from the surgery had begun to fade. At least his face hadn’t scarred.

Suzanne walked forward. “Hi, bro.” She smiled.

Eyes as green as hers met her gaze. “Hi,” he mumbled.

“What’s wrong?’

“I tried to stand this morning. I can’t. I’ll be chained to this chair forever.”

She noticed a gathering of tears in his eyes. She brushed dark brown hair the same shade as hers from his forehead. Of the three half-siblings, Jon alone had inherited their mother’s coloring. “You will escape the chair. Don’t doubt this for an instant.” She placed the slice of cake she’d brought from the party on the tray. “While you eat this, I’ll tell you about tomorrow.”

His eyes widened. “Am I really getting out of here?” He glanced at the bed next to him where the patient was connected to an IV and a feeding tube.

She nodded. “When I had my interview on line, my old friend told me about the Rehab Center. Remember, I showed you the pictures she sent. You’ll like it there. They’ll make you work hard. Before long, you’ll be out of the chair.” She crossed her fingers and hoped his progress would escalate.

He speared a piece of cake. “Sure hope so.”

“Believe. When you’re ready for outpatient therapy, you’ll come home. We’ll live in a house. One with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second floor. Downstairs, there’s a room you’ll use temporarily. Has a bathroom with a shower. There’s even a dining room, a garage and a large basement.”

He finished the cake and flashed a smile. “You make the move seem wonderful.”

“It will be.” She made a silent wish that the move would be everything they expected.

He stared at the window. “What about school? I’ve missed so much. Even before the accident, there were times I had to stay home. At that school, they just passed me to the next grade.”

She clasped his hand. “I talked to the counselor at the new school. She recommended an online school. They’ll evaluate you and prepare you to enter high school in September as a sophomore.”

She looked away so he couldn’t see the anger she felt. He had missed too many school days because his parents binged on alcohol. Too many times they’d forgotten to take the younger two to day care or were behind in paying the fees. Though she’d tried to help, she’d had work and tuition bills to pay. Moving home hadn’t been an option, not since she’d left for college. Once she’d received a full scholarship to Grantley, she’d been on her own.

“You sound so sure I’ll be okay,” Jon said.

“I am and so should you be.”

His dinner tray arrived. She uncovered the plate. The stew over rice didn’t look appealing but he polished off the food.

“When we reach Eastlake, I’ll bring you chili dogs from the Hot Doggery for your dinner.”

“Sounds better than the food here.” He pushed the tray away. “You don’t have to hang out with me.”

“I’m in no hurry to go home.”

“Don’t you have someone to spend time with? Maybe a boyfriend?”

She shook her head. Been there. Done that. Got burned. “We need to talk about tomorrow. The ambulance will be here at nine. Don’t let them take you before I arrive.  The trip will take about an hour. Once you’re settled in your room at the Rehab Center, I’ll go to the house and unpack and return to spend time with you.”

“You don’t have to. Wouldn’t you rather be with your friends?”

“They’re bringing dinner to the house and help with the unpacking. All but Megan are married.” She tapped his nose with a finger. “We’re family and I want to spend time with you. I’ll find a laptop for you and we’ll set it up for some games and explore the school program.”

His smile blossomed. “Thanks.”

She kissed his forehead. “See you in the morning. It’s a new life for both of us.”

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