Reese got the hint and tiptoed over to the hospital bed. Sunlight spilled through the window, falling softly across Matthew''s face and giving his skin a little more color.


    His forehead had lost that tense, worried crease. His long eyshes made gentle shadows on his cheeks, and his breathing sounded strong and steady.


    Reese held her breath and eased herself into the chair, her eyes never leaving his face.


    Annie was curled up at the side of the bed, both hands wrapped around


    Matthew''s fingers. She watched him closely, scared she''d miss the exact moment


    he woke up.


    She sensed Reese there and looked up, her tear-stained cheeks still damp. But she managed a tiny smile and whispered, "Auntie, the doctor said Daddy''s going to wake up soon."


    Reese nodded and reached out to smooth Annie''s hair, her voice barely above a whisper. "He will. Let''s just wait a little longer, okay?"


    Right then, Matthew''sshes trembled.


    Reese''s heart jumped. She froze, barely daring to breathe.


    Annie saw it too. Her eyes went wide and bright, and she whispered, all excited, "Daddy! Daddy!"


    A few secondster, Matthew''s eyes opened slowly.


    His gaze was gentle, still a little lost from sleep. He looked around the room before his eyes finallynded on Reese.


    As he saw her face, the confusion faded. All that was left was warmth, worry, and a soft relief he didn''t quite hide.


    "Reese," he said, his voice rough and low, "I made you worry."


    That was all it took. Reese felt her eyes sting and suddenly tears were running down her cheeks.


    She turned away fast, wiped her face with the back of her hand, and took a shaky breath before turning back with a smile. You''re awake, that''s what matters. How do you feel? Are you hurting anywhere?"  Matthew saw her red eyes and just saw her felt his heart twist. He wanted to reach out and touch her face, but his arm was still too weak. All he could do was move his fingers a little "I''m fine he managed his voice still hoarse m sorry for making you worry."


    "Daddy!" Annie threw her arms around his and hugged him tight, her voice trembling. "You scared me so much. You can''t ever do that again!"


    Matthew''s eyes softened. He stroked Annie''s back, voice gentle. "I''m sorry, sweetheart. I didn''t want to scare you. I promise, it won''t happen again."


    n slipped out of the room to give them some privacy.


    It was quiet again. Matthew looked at Reese, not even trying to hide how much he cared.


    His gaze made her blush. She quickly looked away and tried to change the subject. "The doctor said your episode is under control. You need to rest now."


    Matthew nodded, still watching her, then said quietly, "Did everything with Grace get sorted out?"


    "Yeah. Mr. Sanchez should''ve taken her away by now." Reese nodded. Just saying Grace''s name made her expression go cold for a second, but then she looked worried again. You should be focusing on getting better, not worrying about that."


    "I just didn''t want you to have to deal with it alone." Matthew''s voice was soft and serious. "I''m just d it''s over."


    Reese felt warmth spread through her chest. Her nose stung and she had to blink quickly.


    When everything was falling apart, when she''d felt most alone, Matthew had been there. He was the one who stood by her, shielding her from everything, even if it meant putting himself at risk.