Free Breaking the Cycle by Tricia Andersen

you aren’t ready in five minutes, I’ll come up and dress you myself.”
    Winking at her, he flashed her a sinful grin. Then he rose and left the room, closing the door behind him. He couldn’t stop smiling as he jogged down the steps. He would never forget the awestruck look on her face at his playful threat.
    Max helped Liz program the GPS with the Mayo Clinic address as he watched the clock. Four minutes. He briefly imagined the battle that would ensue if he was forced to make good on his threat. Not that I would mind. I would get the chance to hold her in my arms. He turned as the stairs creaked.
    Chloe slowly descended, dressed in a baby blue T-shirt and jean shorts. Her purse was slung over her shoulder. “Let’s go,” she sighed.
    Max wheeled Liz out to the car and helped her into the passenger seat. He lifted the wheelchair into the trunk as Chloe climbed into the backseat. Slipping into the driver’s seat, he secured the GPS to the front window then fired up the ignition.
    The hour and a half drive was silent except for the radio playing classic rock and the purr of the engine. Max could feel the tension around him. They were all anxious for the visit. Would it be Chloe’s miracle or a colossal waste of time?
    Max glanced at the rearview mirror at Chloe and smiled. His heart skipped a beat when she returned the gesture. Then, he glanced at Liz beside him, catching her knowing look. She reached over and patted his arm gently as she chuckled.
    It didn’t take much for Max to find the Mayo Clinic. Once they arrived in Rochester, he no longer needed the GPS. The medical complex sprawled throughout the downtown area. Following the directions Mark had given to him, he maneuvered the car into the parking garage and found an empty handicap spot.
    After hanging Liz’s temporary handicap permit on his rearview mirror, he stepped out then turned and offered his hand to help Chloe. Together, they retrieved Liz’s wheelchair from the trunk and helped her into the seat.
    Max occasionally glanced at the scrawled instructions as he guided the two women through the clinic building to gastroenterology. He looked up at Chloe, watching her wrench her hands together nervously. Liz must have seen it also because she reached out and took her daughter’s hand, holding it comfortingly as Max pushed the wheelchair through the corridors.
    They found the correct waiting room with minutes to spare. Chloe steeled her shoulders back as she stepped up to the receptionist desk. Max sighed as she deflated when the plump, friendly blonde handed her a pile of papers to complete that was nearly an inch thick. Chloe shuffled to the waiting area with the papers and pen in hand. He followed with Liz as Chloe plopped into a chair.
    Chloe had barely made it through the first page when her name was called. She stood hesitantly. Max could see her hand shake. Liz spoke softly, “Honey, do you want us to stay out here?”
    “No, come with me. Please. Both of you.”
    The nurse smiled brightly as they approached. She led them to a small alcove to take Chloe’s height, weight, temperature, and blood pressure. The nurse nodded quietly in approval at the blood pressure, temperature, and height, her tied-back, auburn curls and bright green eyes echoing in agreement. But as Chloe stepped down from the scale, her cheeriness faded. She scribbled down a few notes then instructed them to follow her.
    Chloe’s face fell as she shuffled along. “I guess I didn’t realize I was overweight.”
    “Chloe, baby. You’re not overweight,” Max breathed, his voice low and nearly dangerous. “I saw the number. You’re very underweight.” Chloe met his deep blue eyes with alarm. He continued, “Baby, we’ve got to find a way to fix this. Now. I’m terrified what will happen to you if we don’t.”
    The nurse escorted them to an examination room and ushered them inside. She deposited the chart outside the door, telling them the doctor would be in to see