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MAJOR REED TREATED Victoria’s arm, stitching the long gash. It was not as deep as either of them feared, and he told her that she would make a full recovery.
Lilian brought her a sleeveless nightgown, and her coat, waiting to take her back to the nurse’s quarters. The Major left them alone, and Lilian helped her into the nightgown, her hands fumbling.
Victoria finally stopped her, and laid her left hand on Lilian’s wrist. “I will be fine, Lilian.”
“I was so frightened for you, Sister.”
“That makes two of us. I need to sit for a moment.” Lilian guided her to a chair set against the wall and eased her down. “Thank you.” She cradled her arm, which was in a sling, despite her arguments to Major Reed.
The door at the end of the hut opened, and Nick appeared. Her heart beat faster as he approached, wanting him to hold her, and wanting him to stay far away. Her heart won, and she held her left hand out to him.
“Victoria.” He dropped to his knees and took her hand, pressing his lips to her fingers. He lingered there for several moments, and she knew he was composing himself. His hand trembled against hers, and he took a deep breath before he lifted his head. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get her to snap.”
Victoria stared at him. “You prodded her deliberately?”
He shrugged. “I knew she’d try something stupid—and she knew how I feel about you. She put on a good act, pretending not to notice in the pharmacy, but I caught her watching you when she didn’t think anyone was looking. She’d make one fine actress.”
“She fooled all of us.” Victoria sighed, her arm throbbing. She was exhausted, and her defenses fragile. “I do need to rest, Nick.”
“Yeah.” He freed her hand and stood. She immediately regretted pushing him away. “I’m glad you’re okay, Victoria.” His polite voice hurt, so much more than she expected. “Sleep well.”
He walked away from her before she was able to think of anything to say to keep him here.
Lilian cleared her throat. Victoria jumped, completely forgetting the other woman was here. “You need to tell him how you feel, before he up and leaves on you.”
“I am not—” She could not even complete the denial. “He told me he is leaving tomorrow. Today,” she whispered, looking at the window. Pre-dawn light filtered into the surgery, every moment that passed one less that she would spend with him before he walked out of her life. “I hardly know what to say.”
“Tell him what is in your heart, Victoria.” Lilian laid her hand on Victoria’s shoulder. “He has more than earned that much. Then—let what will happen, happen. If he loves you as you love him, I predict a happy ending. Now,” she helped Victoria stand. “Will I be taking you back to your bed, or do you have another destination in mind?”
Victoria closed her eyes briefly, such pain in her heart she found it difficult to breathe. Nick’s words refused to let her go. No matter how she felt, his insane story would always hang between them.
“My bed,” she whispered.
Lilian looked disappointed, but she nodded, leading Victoria to the door.
Victoria ignored her aching heart, and moved outside. She would find her bed, and lose herself in sleep.
It may take a lifetime, but she would find a way to get over loving Nick Saunders.
Somehow.