Page 12 of Bridge to Home

As soon as she was able to confirm the story was true, Eryn, bless her heart, went straight to the Wynn property and waited with the man who had been like a second father to her. Keeping her cell phone by her side, the call Eryn had been waiting for finally came. Harlow, sounding dazed and out of it, needed her.

By then, Eryn and David Wynn had figured out she was somewhere in Malibu and had booked plane tickets. Harlow confirmed her location. Within hours, they arrived in LA, rented a car and drove straight to the hospital.

During the flight, David and Eryn agreed she would meet with Harlow first. When the time was right, he would make an appearance.

“Hello, Harlow. You look…better than I thought you would.”

She cast him a lopsided grin. “I look terrible and feel even worse, although Nurse Melanie is keeping me supplied with painkillers to take the edge off.”She watched him awkwardly cross the room and approach the side of her bed.

“Thank you…for coming to check on me.” She reached out to pat his arm, surprised when he suddenly grabbed her hand and held it. “You gave Eryn and me a good scare.”

“I scared myself. One minute I’m cruising down the highway. The next thing I know, I feel like I got hit by a freight train.”

“And your lower half?” Wynn’s bushy eyebrows formed a thick hedge, obscuring a portion of his eyes.

“Is in a great deal of pain thanks to muscle contusions. Doctor Ashton seems to think with lots of rest and possibly help from a physical therapist, I’ll be as good as new.”

“In a few months,” Eryn added. “Which is why I think Harlow should come home to heal.”

“What about your husband?” her father asked. “I believe his name is Robert.”

“He’s not comfortable dealing with injured people.” Harlow hurried on. “He’s going to help me find the best possible home care.”

Wynn glanced around. “Where is he?”

“H-he had some other matters to attend to,” Harlow stammered. “He sent a text and should be here any time.”

Fast steps echoed outside the door. Robert appeared, his hair mussed and clearly irritated. His eyes shifted from Eryn to David Wynn. “Hello.”

David released his daughter’s hand. He squared his shoulders, giving the man in the doorway his full attention.

Harlow tightened her grip on the sheets, instinctively pulling them toward her. “Hello, Robert.”

“You have company.”

“You remember my best friend, Eryn Marquette.”

“Yes. It’s been a while.” Robert’s expression relaxed. He extended his hand.

Eryn, a look of distrust, or perhaps disgust, on her face, reluctantly shook it. “Hello.”

David didn’t wait for an introduction. He stepped forward, hand firmly by his side. “I’m Harlow’s father, David Wynn.”

A flicker of surprise flitted across Robert’s face. “David Wynn. Sir. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Is it?” Wynn finally held out his hand, and they shook. “Where have you been?”

“Dad,” Harlow admonished.

Her father clenched his jaw, zeroing in on Robert. “My daughter has been seriously injured and you’re hardly around.”

Robert straightened his back, a defiant look on his face. “I was here earlier. In fact, I brought Harlow flowers.”

“And then you left her?”

“Look.” Robert adjusted his stance. “I don’t have to defend myself to you. At least I’ve been a part of Harlow’s life these past years.”

Harlow could feel the tension, so thick you could almost cut it, between the men who were having a showdown right there in the hospital. “I-it’s okay. I’m going to be fine. Let’s not start slinging mud and hurling accusations.”

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