Sam draped her robe over her shoulders, then located her slippers and slipped them onto her feet. “Okay, let’s take this nice and easy.”

“Trust me, I’m not exactly ready to jump off this bed and race down the corridor.” The spinning room gradually circled into place and came to a stop. “I think I’d feel better about this in the morning.”

“Now, Marjorie.”

She wanted to argue with him but didn’t have the strength. “I’m not normally like this,” she said, with as much force as she could muster. “I’m sorry I asked you to stay with me…I realize now I shouldn’t have…”

“Marjorie, I stayed because I wanted to, not out of any obligation.” He stepped around the bed and stood directly in front of her, leaning down only slightly. Because the hospital bed was so high, their eyes met. His were warm and sincere, while hers flashed with frustration and regret.

Although his words had filled her with an absurd amount of pleasure, Marjorie still felt compelled to explain herself. “But I’m not like that…really.”

“Like what?”

“Weak and sniveling.”

“I never once thought that.”

“Oh, you’re impossible!”

Sam’s thick brows shot upward. “I’m what?”

Marjorie lightly tossed her head. “Nothing.”

“Do you doubt my word?”

“Not exactly. It’s just that I feel I’ve given you the wrong impression of me. I’m a capable, responsible adult. I even figured out my own taxes last year.”

“I’m impressed.” He pushed a small stool across the floor so she could use that as a step to climb off the bed.

“You’re actually going to make me do this?” Marjorie couldn’t seem to get her body to cooperate. One foot eased itself downward as she cautiously scooted to the edge of the mattress.

Sam placed a supporting arm under her elbow to help her down. She felt small and incredibly fragile in his embrace. Once again she reminded him of the rain-drenched kitten he’d discovered all those years ago. And like the half-drowned feline, Marjorie Majors required love and attention, too. Only Sam wasn’t in any position to give those things to her. She was his patient, not a potential girlfriend. The two didn’t mix. Couldn’t mix.

With both feet firmly planted on the floor, Marjorie paused, half expecting to keel over. When she didn’t, she felt a glowing sense of triumph. She’d made it, actually made it.

“Good job,” Sam said, and reluctantly dropped his arm. “Now take a few steps.”

“You don’t really mean for me to walk, do you?” She was only hours from having been under the knife. Hours from the most frightening experience of her life.

“I certainly do want you to walk. You know, one foot in front of the other in a forward direction.”

She flashed him a look of irritation.