Page 77 of Protect My Heart

“Feel the love.” Jim shook his head.

“Oh, honey, you know we love you and are thankful you’re alright. But I would be lying if I said you aren’t a difficult patient.” Irene enveloped him in her arms and gave him a kiss on the cheek before she crossed to Liz and did the same. Her caring eyes surveyed her face. “How are you?”

Tears stung. This woman, all of these women were so compassionate, and she was blessed to be on the receiving end of it. She blew out a shaky breath. “I’m okay.”

Liz’s eyes cut to Jim. His observing gaze missed nothing. A sweet smile raised his lips. He cleared his throat. “Did I smell Mom’s chicken and stuffing hotdish?”

“Of course, I made your favorite.” She patted his cheek. “I also brought your favorite egg bake.”

“You’re the best, Mom.” Jim shifted and discomfort flashed across his face.

Liz checked the time on his phone. “It’s time for another pain pill—you could use some food, too.”

“Good thing we brought breakfast. Liz, want to help us in the kitchen.” Renae gave Julie a nod. “Michelle, you and Mom can keep our patient company.”

She followed the sisters into the kitchen.

Julie opened the refrigerator and instantly reeled back. “Whoa, what died in here?”

“Jim’s been living in his ice fishing house at Walt’s for the last week.”

“Good thing we brought groceries.” Renae turned on the coffee maker then unpacked the bags, setting milk, eggs, and apples on the counter.

“Let me clean out the fridge.” Liz grabbed the handle.

Julie hip-chucked her out of the way. “Please, I have dealt with dirty diapers, vomit, and every other gross thing my kids have thrown at me. I can handle curdled milk. It just took me by surprise.”

Julie pulled her shirt collar over her nose and yanked open the fridge.

Renae slid the casserole dish into the oven and turned to Liz. “Okay, now it’s only us girls. How are you really doing?”

Liz wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’m fine.”

“Bullshit.” Julie gave her the critical eye. “We’ve all been where you are. Well okay, I haven’t been forced at gun point, but Michelle’s been shot at. Renae’s been knifed.”

Liz whipped her gaze to the other woman.

Renae lifted the edge of her shirt. A three-inch scar marred her ivory skin. “I was mugged a few years ago.”

A gasp escaped Liz’s lips. “Did they catch the guy?”

She chuckled. “Oh yeah.”

“She’s a black belt in Tae Kwon Do,” Julie said.

Motioning to the scar, Renae shrugged. “He got a lucky jab in before I took him down.”

Julie stepped to Liz and squeezed her hand. “Anyway, we get it. It’s scary and you have to deal with a lot of emotional stuff, but I just wanted to let you know we’re here for you.”

“If you want to talk.” Renae stroked Liz’s arm before returning to the groceries. “Also, we get the fear you’re still feeling about Jim. An old lady winged Greg in the shoulder with a Smith and Wesson. I was more scared over the thought of losing him than when I got stabbed.”

“It’s hard to see the ones we love get hurt.” Julie’s gaze locked with hers. She could drag the truth from someone better than Wonder Woman and her damn lasso.

Liz fought the urge to look away. She failed. Loving Jim wasn’t an option. Her heart couldn’t take it. “Yes.” The word came out a little froggy. She cleared her throat. “I’m sure it would be hard to be married to a police officer.”

“Ding. Ding. Ding. Now we’re hitting the real issue. It’s not only hard, it’s terrifying. I still worry if Greg’s late coming home. Years of telling myself not to worry. The odds of him not walking through that door whisper in my ear the second he’s late. But you know what?”

Liz didn’t reply, she couldn’t. All she could think about was if one day Jim didn’t walk through the door. She didn’t think she could handle it. One more person she would lose.”