The Heart Read Online Free

made hit me in waves. I can’t explain it, and it may seem fast to you, but to me, it’s as natural as taking my next breath.” – Grant



 
    “If a seventy-three-year-old man can swim the English Channel, you can get out of bed, Rose.”

    Three days at the center. Three full days!
    I sat up in bed and stretched my arms and legs, feeling fully rested. Ready to give Dallas a much-needed break, I rushed through a shower and threw on some shorts and an old t-shirt. I raced to my cart, eager to get to the center and to feel a little more involved in the goings-on and a little less guilty about my continued absence. I met Dallas at the double doors as she was walking out. She hooked her arm around mine and changed my direction as she pulled me toward the parking lot.
    “Nope, not today or tomorrow. They’re delivering and installing all of the medical equipment, and it’s going to be way too crazy in there, even for us. Mom’s got the kids, and Dean and I are headed to Shreveport.”
    “What?!”
    “He’s on his way.” She clapped excitedly. “You know I’ve never been to a casino. I’ve never even been to Louisiana.”
    “Yeah,” I said, disheartened.
    Dallas looked at me then pulled me to her in a brief hug. “It’s okay, Rose. No one blames you for doing what you have to do, like at all. You can’t be the surgeon we need you to be here if you don’t put in the time there . We’ve mapped this out for years. It’s all falling into place. We’re all proud of you. Just take a day, live a little.”
    “Why does everyone keep telling me that!?”
    “Because you need it!” she said, exasperated. “We all do, even Dad is a little burned out.”
    “Daddy’s burned out?” My shoulders slumped as I thought of how hard my father was working on this project of ours.
    “Jesus, Rose, get that guilty fornicating-nun look off your face. Dad’s home with Mom and they are probably arguing about the remote or what to feed the babies. Just go home, sit on that amazing deck, and get some sun, or invite the J's over and have a drink or six. Just do something other than work.”
    “Yeah,” I agreed easily with a nod, knowing I would do none of those things.
    “Jack will need someone here or close by just in case he’s got any questions. He’s really got his shit together and knows what he’s doing, but I told him where to find you.”
    “At home.” I smiled ironically.
    “Yeah,” she said as she pulled her dark hair into a smart bun then fastened it on top of her head.
    “That’s okay, right?” She eyed me with caution, still fearing I would break down at any moment. I hated that I made her feel that way at any point. I was almost sure those days were safely behind me.
    “Of course,” I said as Dean pulled up and got out of his sleek Jag to open the door for Dallas. Excitement danced all over his handsome features as he gave me a killer smile.
    “Morning, Rose.”
    “Morning, Dean,” I said as he pulled his wife to him for what looked like a promising kiss. I felt myself sink further into a pit of despair and rolled my eyes at my own selfishness.
    Whatever, I can totally do time off.
    Dallas turned back to me, a thought I was sure I didn’t want to be voiced crossing her mind. “You know Jack is staying at a motel just down the highway. He’s probably alone at night and could use a little company.”
    “I’m not going to bone the subcontractor, Dallas.” Dean chuckled as he opened the trunk, fidgeting with their packed bags.
    Dallas looked at me pointedly. “You could do worse.”
    “Fine, so he’s hot as sin, but from what I could tell, he doesn’t have much of a personality. He’s all business behind that body, and I’m not into boring. I’m boring enough.”
    Just as the words passed my lips, we heard the rumble of a motorcycle approach, and the three of us looked toward it in confusion. Jack pulled up on a newer model Harley, completely unaware of his audience. His eyes were hidden