Page 163 of Storm Warning

“Well, Mr. Marsh, since your concussion is mild and your stitches look good, I’m discharging you. However, if anything changes, I want to see you back in here immediately. Got it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good luck to you. See your primary care physician in ten days to have the stitches removed.”

“Yes, sir.” Andre shook the doctor’s hand. When the physician was gone, Andre cupped Riley’s nape and kissed her. A long minute later, he broke the kiss. “Wait in the hall. I’ll be out in a minute, and then we’ll get out of here.”

“Will you need help? Grant is keeping watch at the door.”

He shook his head. “I’m fine. Go.” Nothing was going to slow him down. He wanted to marry Riley today, and if it was humanly possible, Andre would make it happen.

As soon as the door closed behind Riley, Andre yanked the sheet away from his body and stood. If he swayed a little, he didn’t acknowledge it. Nothing would stop him from completing the mission.

At one minute to the second, Andre walked from the exam room and held out his hand to Riley. He glanced at Grant. “Thanks for the help, Grant. Go home to your new bride.”

“Do you need help with anything? Rayne knows I might not be home for a while.”

Andre smiled. “Nope. I’m fine. I’m great, in fact. Go home, Grant. Spend time with your wife. Riley and I have a few errands to run.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. Go, man. We’ve got this.”

Grant clapped him on the shoulder and walked toward the stairwell.

Andre glanced up and down the hall. The coast was clear. “Let’s get out of here.”

They hurried to the staircase at the opposite end of the hall and made their way to the first floor. Like two teenagers sneaking out of the house to meet without parental permission, Andre and Riley left the hospital, neatly avoiding anyone they knew.

At the SUV, Andre unlocked the vehicle and helped Riley inside. “Are you sure about this?” he asked. “Once it’s done, you’re mine. No take-backs.”

She cupped his face. “I’m positive. I love you, Andre, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”

“Good, because I love you, Riley, and I can’t wait to be your husband. Everything else is just details. We’ll work them out, one at a time.”

Andre circled the hood and climbed into the passenger seat. He handed Riley the keys. “Let’s go to the courthouse.”

As they drove from the hospital, he couldn’t help but smile. How could he do otherwise? Riley Sloan was going to be his wife in the next few hours. Being married to the woman he adored? Nothing was better than that.