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“You better be, son.” His dad patted his leg.

David grimaced, then recovered before his father saw. At least he hoped he’d covered the pain.

The door squeaked open.

Jennie took two steps in and froze. “I—uh—I didn’t know you had company. I’ll come back later.” She spun to leave.

“Stop.”

She paused and turned toward him.

“Please come in.” He fumbled to find the bed controls to raise his head.

The bed rose, and he moaned at the movement.

Jennie rushed to him. “Hold on, tough guy.” She adjusted his pillow and helped him move so the new position wouldn’t hurt.

His breaths came quick and heavy. “Thanks.”

“Sure.” She started to back away.

He shot out his hand and grasped hers, stopping her retreat.

She stared at their hands then at him.

He cleared his throat. “I’d like you to meet my parents. Mom, Dad, this is Jennie.”

***

Jennie lifted an eyebrow at David.

He wanted to introduce her to his parents?

“I’m Helen, this guy’s mother. Thank you so much for taking care of him.” His mother hugged her then handed her off to an older gentleman that was undeniably David’s father.

The man held out his hand and she shook it. “Nice to meet you, Jennie. I’m James.”

“It was wonderful meeting you, and I’m sure David would love to continue having you with him, but I need to check his injuries and confirm his next dosage of medication. I hate to do this, but I need you to step outside for a bit.”

“No problem.” James smiled at her. “He needs his rest anyway. We’ll come back tomorrow to see how he’s doing.” David’s father laced his fingers with Helen’s, and the pair left the room.

David tipped his head back on his pillow and groaned. “I don’t know how to thank you. I love them, but they can be a bit overwhelming at times.”

Placing her fingers on the controls, she lowered his bed. “You looked ready for some peace and quiet.”

David raised his arm and covered his eyes. “Who knew that mimicking a ragdoll shot from a cannon would hurt so much.”

She paused adjusting his IV line. “David, you’re lucky it didn’t kill you.”

“I know. I’m just grousing. Please, forgive me.”

“Nothing to forgive. You’re allowed.” She grasped the fingers of his hand lying on the bed. “Get some sleep.”

She started to step away, but his grip tightened, halting her motion.

“Jennie?”

“Yes.”