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relatively mild and, though he would require rehabilitation and care, he was expected to make a full recovery. The doctor praised them for their quick response and for getting him to the hospital so quickly. Tris knew they had Lane to thank for that.
    It was so late it was early, and they were currently taking turns visiting Pop before returning home. They’d decided to go in small groups so as not to overwhelm him. Will and Keira were with Pop now while the rest of them remained in the waiting room.
    Throughout the evening Lane had remained unruffled and Tris realized her reaction to the situation had helped keep his fairly excitable family calm. He watched as she handed Ewan a cup of coffee, saying something that made his brother laugh. She turned and he caught the slight wince on her face.
    35
    Mari Carr
    Damn shoes. He’d forgotten. He rose, grasping her hand. “Sit down before you fall down,” he murmured in her ear.
    “I’m fine, Tris.”
    “You’re dead on your feet and torturing yourself in those shoes. They aren’t practical.”
    She laughed. “They aren’t practical for a night with the Collins clan, that’s for damn sure. In any other situation, they’re just fine. When I left home tonight, I thought I’d be sipping a glass of wine at the bar. I had no idea I’d be tending said bar and hanging out in the emergency room until the wee hours of the morning. You sure do know how to show a girl a good time, Tristan Collins.”
    He grinned, too tired to even chuckle at her joke. “You were a godsend tonight.” He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She tensed up for a moment, but he kept applying pressure until she relaxed into his hold.
    “I’m a nurse,” she said, as if that simple statement should explain it all.
    “It was more than that and you know it. I’m not sure how this night would have gone if you hadn’t been here.” Although he certainly had some idea, as he pictured his sisters crying inconsolably and he and his brothers ranting and raving at every poor medical professional they could find.
    Keira and Will entered the room as Teagan and Sky stood to take their turn visiting Pop. Keira smiled tiredly at Lane and Tris, turning to whisper something to Will before crossing the room to join them.
    “Lane, I hope to hell my brother is thanking you for all you’ve done tonight.”
    “He is,” Lane assured her.
    “I spoke with the doctor after seeing Pop. He said even after he’s released, he’s going to need care.”
    Lane nodded. “That’s true.”
    36
    Waiting for Wednesday
    “I know you’re a nurse,” Keira said, “and between jobs. I was wondering…well, I was hoping you would consider coming to stay at the apartment for a while to take care of Pop. We’d pay you, of course,” she added quickly when Lane appeared ready to refuse.
    “I’m flattered by the offer, but—”
    “Pop knows you. He’ll be comfortable with you and I know he’d prefer to be at home versus a rehabilitation center. Please say you’ll consider it,” Keira pressed. “He’ll still be here for a few more days. If you agree, you can move in the day after tomorrow and be settled by the time Pop is released. I know there isn’t a lot of room in the apartment, but I’m sure with some juggling—”
    Riley had come over in the midst of Keira’s speech, quickly picking up the gist of the conversation. “You can stay in my room with me. Or Tris can bunk in with Ewan and you can stay in the attic room. Of course, that would probably be too far away from Pop.”
    “All of that can be worked out. We can arrange the rooms however you think best,” Keira interjected.
    “I’ll think about it.” Lane’s tone suggested she would say anything to escape this discussion.
    “You will?” Keira asked, disbelief lacing her voice.
    “Yes. I will. Promise.”
    “Wonderful. Well, Will’s gone to get the car. I’m pooped. Want a ride home, Riley?”
    “Hell yeah. I’m done