Page 59 of Defend Her Heart

In an instant, I’m at Avery’s side again. I place my hand on her lower back, the other hand resting gently on her thigh. Avery looks up at me, and the next thing I know she’s leaning her head into my chest. I slide my hand up to the back of her head and cradle her into me.

“You did so good, baby.”

The word “baby” ends the moment before it even really gets started. Avery whips her head off my chest.

“Connor, this isn’t?—”

“I know, I just…” I pinch the bridge of my nose and try to find the words. “I’m sorry. That just slipped out. What happened today freaked me out and I’m not thinking clearly. I didn’t mean to say it. I’m sorry.” I lie through my fucking teeth. My thoughts might not be clear, and I may be sorry for making her feel uncomfortable, but the word didn’t slip out. It felt so fucking natural, it rolled off the tongue with ease.

Avery is still staring at me when the nurse enters the room again. For once, I’m thankful for the interruption.

“Here we are, dear. Graham crackers and juice. Make sure you finish it all before trying to stand. It’s not safe to drive, especially after fainting during the test, so I assume your husband will be taking you home today?”

“Actually—”

“Yes, I’ll be driving her home,” I interrupt Avery before she can spew some bullshit like she’s calling an Uber or something.

Avery glares at me and I glare right back.

Try me, sweetheart. Let’s see who wins this one.

“Good. And you have your follow-up already scheduled with your doctor?”

Wait. That’s it?

I force myself to look away from Avery and turn my glare toward the nurse who absolutely does not deserve my attitude. But that doesn’t stop me from giving it to her. “I’m sorry. We’re just supposed to leave now after she passed out like that? How is that even safe? Should she even be driving at all with this condition? This isn’t the first time she’s passed out.”

Avery places her hand on my arm, but it does little to calm me.

The nurse surprises me when she doesn’t immediately scold me. Instead, she lowers her glasses and shoots me a look of sympathy.

“I know it seems odd and might be scary, but what happened today was actually quite normal. Your wife will follow up with her doctor and they will tell you what the next steps are and answer any questions you may have.”

She can’t be serious.

“Can’t you at least tell us what this means? She justfucking passed out in front of us after only twenty minutes of the test. This has to be serious, right?”

“Connor, it’s okay.” Avery’s voice is calm as she squeezes my arm.

Like hell it is. How is any of this okay? How are they both so calm right now? I’m ready to lose my fucking mind and demand she see a doctor today.

“Sir, I’m not at liberty to discuss the test results. Quite frankly, I’m not qualified or authorized to do so. But the fact that she passed out is actually a good thing. Something is going on here and this test proves that. I know waiting is hard, but her doctor knows best. I’m sorry I can’t say or do more for you today.”

I’m about to ask to speak to her superior when Avery’s grip on my arm tightens.

“Thank you so much for everything today. My follow-up appointment is in a few days. Sorry about my husband. He can get a little cranky when it comes to me and my health.”

I turn my head back to Avery, and the wicked grin she’s wearing speaks to me like a challenge.

“Sorry,wife. I just can’t help myself sometimes.”

We’re locked in a stare down when the nurse’s voice interrupts us once more.

“It’s a good thing, dear. A man like that, who fights for you and is willing to be escorted out of a hospital for it, that right there is a keeper. You have a good man. You’re one of the lucky ones.”

I place my hand on top of Avery’s that’s still gripping my arm and give it a squeeze. “Yeah, honey. I’m one of the good ones.”

Avery scowls at me, and I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. We listen to the nurse as she recites some post-procedure recommendations and what to expect the rest of the day.