Page 104 of Inferno

As Stan began carrying her from the room, she caught a glimpse of Dr. Gilliard, whose presence had been heretofore forgotten. The woman looked so devastated that Prissy almost felt sorry for her. But then she remembered the shocking scene she’d interrupted minutes ago, and she realized that the good doctor wouldn’t have felt an ounce of pity for her ifshewere the one being carried out of the room by Stan.

As Prissy and Stan reached the door, she murmured, “Hold on a moment, baby.”

He stopped, albeit with obvious reluctance.

Meeting the other woman’s wounded gaze over Stan’s shoulder, Prissy said with quiet composure, “I don’t doubt that you’re good at what you do, Dr. Gilliard. And I’m sure you’ve helped many of your patients overcome their personal issues.”

Dr. Gilliard’s chin lifted a proud notch. “I have.”

“And that’s why I’m not going to report your inappropriate behavior.” Prissy’s tone turned steely to match her stare. “But know this. If youevercome anywhere near my husband again, I will personally see to it that you never practice medicine again. Do we understand each other, Dr. Gilliard?”

The woman’s face reddened with humiliation, even as a trace of grudging respect flickered in her eyes. Coolly inclining her head, she murmured, “I understand you perfectly, Dr. Wolf.”

“Good.” Prissy held her gaze a moment longer, then gently nipped Stan’s earlobe and whispered, “Take me home, husband.”

His eyes glinted at her.“With pleasure, wife.”

As soon as they pulled into their driveway twenty minutes later, Stan hopped out of his truck and came around to help Prissy from the minivan. Without a word passing between them, he swept her into his arms and strode purposefully up the walk toward the house. She clung to his neck as he unlocked the front door and carried her across the threshold, where the sounds of boisterous laughter and banter drifted from the kitchen.

“Michael,” Stan called out.

Instantly the noise evaporated.

Moments later Michael emerged from the kitchen trailed by the others.“Hey, Aunt Prissy and Uncle Stan.You called me?”

“Yeah.”Stan tossed his car keys to his nephew, who caught them nimbly. “Take everyone to the pizzeria around the corner,thenyou boys go bowling or something.”

Michael looked stunned. “You’re letting me drive your truck?”

“You have your license, don’t you?”

“Yes, sir.Had it since my sixteenth birthday in June.”

“I know. I was one of the first people you called, remember?” Stan smiled. “Anyway, your dad tells me you’re a very good driver, and he lets you use his car on the weekends.”

“Yup.”Michael grinned broadly.

Without setting Prissy down—the strength and dexterity of firefighters never ceased to amaze her—Stan fished out four large bills from his wallet and handed the money to his nephew. “You fellas get whatever you want.”

“Cool!” the others exclaimed, celebrating their bounty with cheers and high fives.

“I can’twaittill I get my license,” Manning said enviously.

As the rowdy pack began charging toward the front door, Stan said sternly, “Michael.”

He turned back.“Yes, sir?”

Stan jabbed a warning finger at him. “No speeding and no joy rides, or your behind is mine.”

Michael gulped visibly.“Yes, sir.”

“Don’t forget your coats, fellas,” Prissy reminded them.

“Yes, ma’am,” they parroted.

As the boys retrieved their coats from the mud room and headed out the door, Maddox could be heard speculating curiously, “What do you think Mom and Dad are gonna do while we’re gone?”

“Believe me,” Manning warned, “you don’t wanna know.”

As Michael and Montana erupted into knowing laughter, the younger ones exchanged bewildered glances and shrugged.

The door had barely closed behind them before Stan carried Prissy into their bedroom and kicked the door resoundingly shut. They hurriedly undressed each other and tumbled across the bed, where they spent the rest of the night making love with the tender ferocity ofrebornlovers.