Allison glanced at the wall clock. “I was gone less than an hour. Has your father been all right?”

“He’s been fine,” Brianna said. “After he finished eating, the nurses came in and took the drain out of his incision. They said that he’ll be more comfortable now, and that he could be transferred to rehab in the morning.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Allison blinked back grateful tears. Burke would still be in pain, but at least the frustration of lying helpless in bed would be eased. He could focus on getting his strength back.

“I stopped by the office to pick up some things,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Garrett was there. He said to tell you he’ll be bringing the car in a little while.”

“Awesome. He’s on his way now. I just got a text from him.” Brianna looked up from her phone. “I mean, I want to be here for Daddy and all that, but it’s pretty boring, just sitting around here and watching him sleep. I’ve texted my friends. We’re getting together for a party tonight.”

A red flag went up in the back of Allison’s mind. But Brianna was an adult, she reminded herself. Grilling her about whom she’d be with and when she’d be home would only trigger a snarky response. “Have a good time,” she said, staying on safe ground. “I’ll call your cell if there’s any change here.”

“Will you be here all night?” Brianna asked.

“I’ll be here for a while. Later on, if your dad’s doing all right, I may go home and get some sleep. You’ll be able to reach me anytime. Do I need to give you my cell number?”

“No, I’ve got it.” Brianna lapsed into silence and went back to checking her phone. Allison took a seat on the chair next to Burke’s bed, her senses taking him in. His breathing was deep and even, his face less pale than she remembered from earlier that afternoon. He hadn’t shaved since the accident. The silver stubble that frosted his cheeks and jaw made him look like a sexy movie star.

A fierce love welled inside her. Her husband was a strong-willed man, a fighter to the end. She would sacrifice anything to fight at his side. But would his cursed pride let her?

Don’t push me away, Burke. I’m your wife. Let me be here for you.

Garrett walked in without knocking. His gaze scanned the room. Was he looking for the catalog? Did he suspect what she’d found between its pages?

Allison put a finger to her lips, a signal for him to keep his voice low. But she kept silent. For now, she’d said all she needed to say.