36

FRIDAY EVENING

Three hours later, Adam found Dani dozing in the chair next to Simon’s hospital bed. Even the creaking of the door didn’t rouse her. She looked innocent. Vulnerable.

Kissable.

He didn’t want to wake her. She needed to sleep. He took a step back and his rubber sole squeaked on the tile floor. She jerked. Blinked. And immediately her gaze went to Simon. He watched her relax at the sight of her son sleeping peacefully. She finally turned her attention on him. “He’s going to be all right.”

“Yes.”

“The doctor said his appendix was ruptured, but that the antibiotics should take care of the infection.” She swallowed. “Thank you for coming after us.”

He moved closer and touched Simon’s hand. “I was scared for him,” he whispered. “And you.”

Dani went still, her gaze searching, curious . . . disbelieving. Then tears filled her eyes. “You really were, weren’t you?”

He nodded. “I really was. He’s a great kid.”

She looked back at Simon. “Yeah. He is.” She took a deep breath and thanked God once again for sparing her son. And herself. “Have you seen your mother?”

Pain darkened his eyes. “I tried. My father told me she didn’t want to see me.”

Dani gasped. “Adam, I’m so sorry.”

He shrugged. “I guess she just needs more time.”

Dani stood and gripped his hands, then she leaned in to kiss him. A deep heartfelt kiss through which she did her best to convey her compassion, her need to comfort him. And he let her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. When he lifted his head, she offered him a smile.

“I want to be there for you, Adam.”

She saw his eyes darken. And a measure of peace fill them. “I want that too, Dani.”

Simon stirred and Dani turned her attention to him. She lifted her hands to sign. “Hey, darling, how are you feeling?”

Simon lifted a weak hand and drew a finger down his throat. Adam handed Dani the cup with the straw. She blinked and smiled. “You’re getting good.”

Adam shrugged and held up his iPhone. “I’ve been watching sign language videos when I can.”

Dani helped Simon take a sip of the ice water. When he lay back against the pillow, he let out a breath. “Thanks.”

“Go back to sleep, hon.”

He closed his eyes and Dani rubbed hers. Adam placed a hand on her shoulder and she realized the relief she felt in just his presence. It felt so good not to be alone, to share the burden of her sick child with someone else.

“You need to get some rest yourself,” Adam said.

“I know. I slept a few minutes, but feel thickheaded and groggy.”

“You look great.”

She felt the heat climb up her neck and into her cheeks. “Ah . . . well. Thanks.”

He stuck his hands in his pockets. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Dani let her gaze meet his. “I just laid a kiss on you, Adam. You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.”

“Did too.”

“Did not.”

They fell silent, then burst into laughter. Adam kissed her, then Dani looked over at Simon and caught him watching them. His eyes bounced between them, then he smiled and let his lids flutter shut.