Free Wicked Obsession (Bend to My Will #6) by Emily Jane Trent Page A

her a reassuring nod. “We’ll have to see how she progresses.”
    The doctor left them, and Jacob suggested they get out of the hospital for an hour or so. “Your mother is in good hands. Let’s get some air and find a place to eat.”
    Vivienne was glad to see that her father got along with Jacob. They chatted like they’d known each other longer than a day. Her father talked about his manufacturing job, and showed interest in Jacob’s company, asking questions about wine importing. They really hit it off when Jacob discovered that her father was also a car buff. Of course, he couldn’t afford to buy expensive cars, but that didn’t detract from bantering about them with Jacob.
    Vivienne hoped her mother recovered completely, but was concerned about all that was involved. It wasn’t going to be easy. And if she couldn’t get around well, then her mother wouldn’t be able to work or go to church. Since she already stayed around home too much, this would make it worse. But as long as she recovered from the injury, and got strong again, everything would work out somehow.
    The men ordered hamburgers, but Vivienne didn’t have much of an appetite. She nibbled at a salad until they went back to the hospital. When her mother got out of recovery, they were able to see her briefly.
    “I’ll wait out here,” Jacob said. “I’m sure she’d rather meet me when she’s feeling better.”
    Vivienne went in with her dad, but Irene was pretty out of it. They’d already given her some pain meds. Although she was aware of her visitors, conversation was at a minimum. “I love you, Mom.” Vivienne leaned over to hug her. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Get some rest.”
    Her dad squeezed Irene’s hand. “I’m glad you came through okay. I’ll be back tomorrow.” But her mother’s eyes had already closed, and she was probably asleep.
    Jacob arranged a hotel for the evening, and had the room stocked with necessities, despite her father’s urging that they could stay with him. “I wouldn’t think of imposing. We’ll be nearby in case you need us,” he said.
    Her father looked pretty tired, and Vivienne knew he’d go to work the next morning before returning to the hospital. It was good that he didn’t have to entertain guests, even his own daughter. She gave him a big hug. “We’ll be here to visit tomorrow, so we’ll see you then.”
    Surprisingly, Vivienne slept like a log. It had been a long, stressful day. When she woke up in the hotel bed the next morning, it took her a minute to remember where she was. Jacob was already dressed, and busy scrolling through messages on his phone.
    “How long did I sleep?” Vivienne said, staggering over to him.
    Jacob wrapped an arm around her, and she sat on his lap. “You’re fine; we have time. Visiting hours aren’t until eleven. We can stop for breakfast on the way. I noticed you didn’t eat much last night.”
    Vivienne leaned her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for everything. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
    Jacob smiled, then kissed her tenderly. “That’s good to hear.”
    “There’s a lot to deal with now, though.”
    “Like what?”
    “Well, at dinner when my dad told us that Mom will need care. I don’t mean the rehab, but when she gets home,” Vivienne said. “And insurance doesn’t cover nursing care at home. Plus, she won’t be able to work for a while, and I don’t know if disability will pay enough.”
    Jacob put his arms around her. “It’s taken care of.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I heard your dad say that last night, so this morning I handled everything,” Jacob said.
    “What do you mean…handled?”
    “I had my attorney coordinate with a local firm. All needed costs will be paid. An agency has been hired to provide any at-home services required. An accountant will oversee your mother’s affairs until she is fully recovered and back to work…as soon as she signs the power of attorney.” Jacob looked