Free From Roses To Thorns - Sequel To "From Nanny To Wife" by kate hopkins Page B

talk more later. Take your wife and get out of here. I want to spend some time with Hope."
    "I'll get started right away," Harvey vowed.
    Not long after Harvey and Pam departed, a nurse brought Hope a breakfast tray. While she ate, Ryan pretended to watch the news. In reality, he was thinking of what he wanted to do to Seth when he got his hands on him. He knew that what he was planning was wrong, but he didn't give a damn. What happened to Hope was wrong. No one messed with his family and got away with it.
    "Ryan," Hope said.
    "Yes, sweetheart?"
    "Are - are you going to tell Zoe that Laura is d-dead?"
    Ryan took his eyes off the TV and gazed at Hope. "I don't know. I can't think about that right now. Eat your breakfast."
    Hope fiddled with her fork. "I'd like to go and visit with Alex."
    "Not today." Ryan pointed the remote at the TV and turned it off. "We'll work something out tomorrow."
    "What were you and Harvey talking about in the hallway?"
    Ryan got to his feet, stepped to the bed, and leaned over Hope. "You ask a lot of questions, Mrs. Kendall."
    "I'm sorry." Hope brought her hand up and cupped Ryan's cheek. "Go home, get something to eat, and then get some sleep."
    Ryan grimaced. "I don't want to leave you."
    "I'll be fine," Hope assured him. "Go home. Come back later."
    "All right," Ryan sighed.
    Hope kissed him on the jaw. "I love you."
    "I love you, too." Reluctantly Ryan left.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 13
    Hope was released from the hospital on Sunday evening. Before she left she insisted on seeing Alex.
    "Let's make this brief," Ryan said, pushing the wheelchair down the long hallway. "I want to get you home."
    "I'll try not to take too long." Hope adjusted the shawl she wore around her shoulders and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the cuts on her arms throbbing as she moved.
    Halfway down the hall, Ryan stopped and knocked on the door on his left. He heard Alex say enter and opened the door. Careful not to bump Hope's broken leg against the door he wheeled her into the room and parked the chair next to the bed.
    "I was wondering if you were going to come and see me," Alex said to Hope.
    "I will leave you two to talk." Ryan kissed the top of Hope's head and then left the room.
    Hope gazed up at Alex. His face was pale and he looked tired, dark circles were under his eyes. Her heart ached for him. "There's so much I want to say, but I don't know where to start. How are you?"
    "I'm fine." Alex reached for his cup of water and took a drink. "I talked to your doctor. He told me what happened to you. I'm sorry, Hope. I failed you. I should've protected you better than-"
    "No." Hope shook her head. "Don't you blame yourself. You did all that you could to keep me safe. I should've listened to you when you told me to run into the house. I don't blame you, Alex. You were just as much of a victim as I was."
    "All the same, I'm sorry."
    "So am I." Hope cleared her throat and then told him about Laura's death and how Seth was responsible for everything.
    "The police better catch the son of a bitch," Alex growled.
    "I pray they do and soon," Hope said. "I'm going home. When are they releasing you?"
    "On Friday," Alex answered.
    Hope nodded. "Promise me that you'll keep in touch."
    "I promise," Alex said. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
    "Good. I-"
    The door opened and Ryan stuck his head into the room. "Sorry to interrupt, but we need to go, sweetheart."
    "All right," Hope said.
    Ryan crossed the room and offered his hand to Alex. "If there is ever anything you need don't hesitate to call me."
    "Thank you," Alex said, shaking his hand. "Take care of Hope."
    "I will," Ryan vowed.
    The ride home was an uncomfortable one for Hope. Every time the car hit a bump in the road, she would grit her teeth and try not to let it show that she was in pain. It wasn't an easy thing to do with her leg and the burn on her belly aching. She had a strong urge to snap at Ryan and fought