Once Bitten, Twice Shy

He nodded. "See that you do."

She made a point of eating everything on her plate, and even wore a trail down the hallway with her portable IV carrier. Surely that would convince them that she was healthy enough to go home. Yet, when Josh arrived that evening, she was napping.

He grinned. "What's this? I thought you were ready to go home."

The nurse smiled up at him on her way out of the room. "She's been up and down the hall all day walking her pet." She pointed at the IV carrier.

Carmen sat up in the bed, holding the sheet securely over her gown. "The doctor says I can go home tomorrow."

Josh nodded. "You just remember. When you get there, you need to rest. I'll be over to help."

She smiled at him. "I was beginning to think I'd never see you again."

He met her gaze solemnly. "Did that thought bother you?"

She nodded with equal sincerity. "Immensely. I missed you."

He nodded. "I'm right down the road. All you had to do was holler." He glanced up sharply at someone in the doorway and Carmen followed his gaze. Her heart skipped a beat as a lean figure in a business suit entered the room. Delicious chocolate eyes twinkled down at her as he pinched her toe.

"Hey, Heidi."

"Alex," she gasped excitedly. "When did you get in?"

He lifted a sleeve and consulted his watch. "Exactly thirty three minutes ago. I went from the office to class and then from class to the plane. Are you impressed?"

She frowned. "Class?"

Josh stood and cleared his throat. "Well, visiting time is almost over. I need to get back to the house." He offered a hand to Alex. "Thanks for coming up."

Alex accepted his hand. "Thanks for looking after the girls."

Josh shrugged and glanced at Carmen. "I've always been there when they needed me."

"He has, for a fact," Carmen instantly agreed. "Even when I was a little girl. I remember the time he was . . ." but Josh lifted a hand.

"I remember it all like it was yesterday," he answered in a forlorn tone. "See you later." And then he was gone.

Carmen stared after him. They had shared so many memories - so many good times. When had he stopped viewing her as a little sister? More important, when would she stop viewing him as a big brother?"