Page 104 of Fatal Intent

“Uh huh. I’d rather not spend our honeymoon in a hospital.”

He flinched. “That definitely isn’t at the top of my honeymoon destinations.”

“The hospital is not on my list at all. So, do I have your word?”

“I promise I won’t push my body too hard.”

But he didn’t promise not to push himself. She caught the distinction. Still, that was better than nothing. She’d monitor him and enlist their teammates to do the same. Hopefully, between them, they would prevent him from having setbacks. “I love you, Grant.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

A brisk knock on the door interrupted them. Elias opened the door and motioned for a nurse to go in. “Julie has your discharge papers.”

Grant loosened his hold on Rayne. “Great. I’m ready to go.”

Julie smiled. “I hear that from all our patients.” She went over the instructions with Grant, then said, “You’ll need someone to stay with you tonight.”

“I have that covered.” Rayne wrapped her hand around Grant’s. Yes, she was acting territorial but she recognized the look in the nurse’s eyes. The other woman was looking at Grant and liking what she saw. Too bad. Rayne had first claim to him.

Julie’s smile dimmed. “I see. Well, if I can be of any help, please let me know.” With a last glance at Grant, her eyes filledwith longing, she turned toward the door. “The orderly will arrive with your wheelchair in a few minutes.”

Grant grimaced. “Can’t we skip that part?”

“Hospital policy,” Julie said as she left the room.

“Help me up,” he muttered as soon as the door closed behind Julie. “I can walk out of here before the orderly shows up.”

Rayne folded her arms. “You’ll wait for the wheelchair, Grant.”

“Why? I’m fine. More important, I don’t want to be seen as weak.”

“Why not?”

He scowled. “Allowing the enemy to know your weakness isn’t wise.”

“It is if you’re baiting a trap,” Elias said.

Grant blinked, then a wry smile curved his mouth. “Just like you set that trap for me. Well done.”

Rayne mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ to Elias. A small victory was better than nothing. Keeping Grant from pushing himself too hard would be a challenge over the next few days.

Another knock sounded on the door. A middle-aged man pushed a wheelchair inside the room. “I hear you’re ready to leave our fine establishment.” He grinned.

“You heard right. No offense, buddy.”

“None taken. Let’s get you loaded up so you can recover in peace.” Minutes later, the orderly pushed Grant’s wheelchair onto the sidewalk at the patient pickup area.

Elias waited feet away in their SUV. He climbed from the vehicle and opened the back door for Grant and Rayne. Once they were settled, he slid behind the wheel and drove away from the hospital. “Any stops along the way to the hotel?” he asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.

“Biscuits with bacon, eggs, and cheese.” Grant wrapped his hand around Rayne’s and squeezed. “I wouldn’t turn down coffee. The stronger the better.”

Rayne flinched at that last request. “Your stomach might not appreciate strong coffee. What about a soft drink instead until we’re sure your stomach is back to normal?”

“Don’t live dangerously,” Elias said. “This is Iona’s ride. She won’t appreciate needing to have it detailed inside and out because you barfed in here.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Grant sighed. “Get me a soft drink, then. Not the diet crap.”

Elias gave him a thumbs up.