The whole situation was insane.
“We haven’t even gone on a real date yet,” I said, more to myself than Mary.
“John said Madi’s staying with you, and I quote, ‘Because Matt convinced her he needs her help’. Do you intend to manipulate my daughter often?”
“Nope.” I hadn’t manipulated her then. Not really. “I provided Madi with a reason to choose the path she wanted to take but wasn’t willing to admit.”
“Hmm.” She nodded. “John thought the same thing.”
“You didn’t believe him?”
“She’s my only daughter. I needed to hear you confirm it.”
“Wait, you sound like you don’t trust me.” Had the drugs altered my mind enough that I imagined her approval earlier?
“I trust you love her, but loving someone isn’t always enough. Madi’s a tough nut to crack, and I wanted to make sure you understood that.”
Did I ever. Madi needed her independence but secretly loved being treated like a princess. She put everyone’s needs before her own in times of crisis, and had nerves of steel when she had to stand up for herself.
She looked adorable when she pouted, sexy when she argued, and downright fucking irresistible when she smiled in surprisedgratitude anytime I took care of her, no matter how simple the gesture.
“Her bravado is a mask because she believes accepting help makes her seem weak, but I see the hopeless romantic who wants someone to take care of her.”
Mary’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“I intend to be that man.”
“You’ll do,” Mary said, patting me on my good arm.
My smile split my face in half.
“She’s worried about Jamie and Emily,” I said. From what I’d seen, Madi’s worry was misplaced. The Sheppard clan had more than enough people to help the new parents.
“Aside from Ashley insisting that she and Nathan move in.” Mary laughed at Ashley’s ballsiness. “Anne and I will be visiting daily to help with Richard and Rose. Everyone’s offered to help as much as they can.”
Of course they had.
I grinned. They’d all be so busy with Jamie and Emily that I’d have Madi all to myself.
“But don’t worry, we’ve scheduled in time to help you and Madi, too.”
Denied. Not that I’d complain after growing up without caring parents.
A knock on the door cut our conversation short.
A nurse walked in carrying a tray of food. “Good afternoon, Mr. Robinson. Time for lunch.”
My stomach growled at the sight of food. Having not eaten since the night before, I was so hungry that even bland hospital food made me salivate.
“When can I go see Madi?” I asked as she checked my vitals and inspected my bandage.
“Everything looks good,” she said, wheeling the tray over my bed. “So you can visit Ms. Sheppard after you’ve cleaned your plate.”
I was a sailor and a SEAL; I could inhale a meal faster than should be humanly possible.
I was shoving food into my mouth, attempting to set a new rapid-eating world record when Mary pulled the tray away.
“Hey,” I said, spitting half-chewed food.
