Promises of Mercy(Montana Promises-Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

full-time and do my job the way I want.”
    He wondered why she thought it was her responsibility. “What about your parents?”
    She shook her head. “My dad, who was a lawyer, walked out on us a long time ago, and my mom works long hours.”
    “As a cardiac surgeon, maybe your mother could hire someone to care for her son.”
    “She could, but I’m not sure she plans to.” Amber’s lips pursed. “I’ll speak with her about it.”
    He hadn’t expected such pain and bitterness to lace her tone. For today, he’d leave that conversation alone. No need to bring up something so unsettling.
    For the next few minutes, they ate—or rather he ate and Amber picked. She’d bring the fork close to her mouth and hold it there for a moment as if she was lost in thought.
    He glanced at the big clock behind the cafeteria line. “When do you need to get to work?” She was dressed in scrubs, so he assumed she was here for her shift.
    Amber sucked in a big breath. “At two. If I have time, I want to stop back and see Chris once more. My boss said to take a few days off, but I figure if Chris’s condition changes, I’ll be close by.” She closed her eyes tight for a moment. “You know what he said when he first woke up after the accident?”
    Stone shook his head.
    “He said he wanted to die.”
    Stone nodded. “He told me that, too, but it’s the fear talking. It’s going to take time to come to grips with the life-altering event.”
    She drew in her bottom lip. “How can I convince him that he can lead a useful life?”
    Did she really believe he could? Fuck, if he got run over and couldn’t move, Stone might elect to die, too. When Heath had been in his arms, he kept begging Stone to let him go. Stone had tried to convince his friend to hold on for the sake of his wife and newborn child, but Heath had shaken his head, claiming he didn’t want to be a burden to his family.
    “It’s going to be up to Chris. All you can do is be there for him.” She certainly didn’t need to believe it was her responsibility to make Chris happy.
    “I know, but my brother is going to be so miserable. This may sound callous, but perhaps he’d have been happier if he’d died in the crash. Chris is strong when he wants to be, but I don’t see the fight in him this time around.”
    Cade’s doubts regarding Amber resurfaced in his mind, but Stone refused to believe she really would lend a helping hand to end someone’s life. Her belief in the human spirit seemed too strong.
    Stone reached out and clasped her hand. “Give him time. Just be supportive in whatever he decides.”
    Her lips quivered. “Thanks. I know we’ll get through this somehow.”
    They finished their meal and placed their trays next to the trash. Stone motioned her toward the exit. “I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through right now, but I want you to know I’m a good listener.”
    Amber had struck a chord in him. He dealt with the injured every day, but he had a responsibility to help the strong and brave ones, too. When his sister had been diagnosed with acute leukemia eighteen years ago, it was his aunt who ’d spent time with him when everyone’s attention had been focused on Katie. Having Auntie Carol’s support was what allowed him the ability to help his sister get through the chemo and the bouts of pain. Everyone needed an advocate.
    He pulled a card from his pocket. “Here’s my number if you ever need to vent. I’ll be back to check on Chris from time to time.”
    “Thank you.”
    When they left the cafeteria, he welcomed the sudden drop in noise. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I mean it when I say call me.”
    She nodded, turned, and walked down the hallway. When she reached the elevator, she glanced back. The quick smile she gave him lodged deep in his chest. There was no way Amber Delacroix could take anyone’s life. She was too pure and full of hope.

Chapter Three
     
    Between visiting Chris, working her twelve-hour