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Every time she looked at Cord’s virile, good looks, dressed for comfort in well-worn jeans and T-shirt, her heart turned over.
When all three were seated, Vince glanced from one to the other, his gaze speculative. “Was it only Monday morning that the two caring, intelligent people in this room couldn’t talk to each other because they were in so much pain?
“Now it’s Friday, and lo and behold, not only do I discover that you’re both still here— I find I need to make appointments with you so I won’t walk in on the late late show.”
Ashley laughed quietly while Cord sat there grinning.
‘‘I take it this time at the clinic has done wonders for your marriage.”
Cord grasped Ashley’s hand and held on to it. “It has, Vince.”
“Thank you for putting up with us,” Ashley chimed in.
“I couldn’t be happier. Naturally I’m hoping that because you’ve resolved some major problems, your desire to smoke will diminish and you’ll use the tools you’ve learned here to combat the urge when it does crop up.”
“To be honest, Vince, while we’ve been in here, I haven’t even thought about it.”
“That’s good. But remember that this has been a safe place. There will come a time after you’ve left the hospital when you’ll be vulnerable again.”
Cord’s dark blue gaze sobered as it flicked to Ashley and lingered. “We both realize that.”
We do. We still have Sheila to face.
“All right. Now, for some information which we need to discuss. The hospital has planned a surprise weekend outing down to Bryce and Zion Canyons. It was announced at breakfast but you weren’t there.”
Ashley blinked in surprise.
“We’ll be leaving in the vans within a half hour. It’s important that Cord goes. There will be group therapy sessions during this period which are a vital part of the program.
“But at this late stage in your pregnancy, Ashley, the discomfort of riding long distances, plus the walking and horseback riding make it prohibitive for you to go. In fact, Dr. Drake won’t allow it because he wouldn’t want you to be that far away from your doctor in case of an emergency. There would be legal ramifications, as you can imagine.
“Therefore you’ll have to remain behind while I ride with Cord. Just remember that you’re free to stay here at the hospital until our return Sunday afternoon for a final meeting. But if that doesn’t appeal, you’re welcome to go home, whatever you prefer.”
“She’ll stay here,” Cord made the split-second decision in no uncertain terms.
“Good.” Vince got up from the chair. “Then I won’t keep you two any longer since you’ve got some packing to do. Meet me in the lounge in twenty minutes, all right, Cord?”
Ashley shouldn’t have been so upset by the announcement that her husband was going to have to leave her for a couple of days. The whole reason he had come into the hospital was to take advantage of the therapy offered.
When she thought about it, an outing in nature sounded like a wonderful idea, something all the people involved in the program needed at this point so the walls wouldn’t close in on them.
But she and Cord had just gotten back together and the idea of another separation, no matter how short— “I’m in as much pain as you are,” Cord whispered, coming up from behind to slide his arms around her. “Lord—leaving you is the last thing I want to do right now. I had no idea a trip was part of the program.”
“Neither did I, but it will be good for you. As for me, I’ll do a little shopping for the baby and finish the quilt.”
“Don’t go out, Ashley. We’ll shop next week. Just stay here where I know you’re safe. I don’t want you taking any chances. Promise that you’ll mind me this one time.”
She heard his fear and knew he worried about her condition. About Sheila.
Ashley’s eyes closed tightly. “I promise.”
The next few minutes passed by in a blur while Cord showered and dressed. Ashley automatically helped him pack what he would need, but the silence between them was testimony of a new tension brought on by the knowledge that they were going to be separated again.
Once he’d shut his case, his probing gaze studied her closed expression. “I can’t do it, Ashley.” He shook his dark head. “I can’t leave you.”
She realized it was up to her if he went or not. When she’d run away from him almost eight months ago, it had done even more damage than she’d realized. To both of them.
“You have to go.” On a burst of pure inspiration she ventured, “Would you feel better if I went to the orphanage and stayed there until you came for me? I always have a place with Sister Bernice. She’ll guard me with a vengeance.”
