A Father Beyond Compare. Alison Roberts

      Tom’s hand was still on Emma’s arm. She felt the encouraging squeeze. ‘Is he so difficult to look after?’

      ‘Not really.’ Emma was happy to respond to the encouragement. She wanted Tom to succeed where she couldn’t. It was the only acceptable option given that she wouldn’t make it as far as the door if she tried to walk out of here. ‘He needs to be carried a lot.’

      ‘No problem.’

      ‘And he still needs to wear a nappy. His bladder control isn’t great yet.’

      Tom clearly had to rally from a moment of being taken aback. ‘I’ll manage,’ he decided. ‘I’ve got friends with kids. They can give me a few pointers.’

      ‘Mickey can tell you what he needs and how to do it.’

      The nurse manager was shaking his head again. ‘I don’t know about this. It’s very irregular.’

      The orderly looked pointedly at the clock.

      ‘Either Mickey goes with Tom or I’m discharging myself.’ Emma’s words came out with admirable firmness. She knew she was going to have to lie flat again in about two seconds. She was feeling sick and dizzy and the pain was biting at her leg again. There was just enough time to smile at Tom. ‘Will you bring him in to visit me?’

      He had a gorgeous smile. It made his eyes crinkle with genuine warmth.

      ‘You’ll probably have to chase us away when you need some rest.’

      Emma was still smiling as she lay back against her pillow and let herself sink back into the release of temporary oblivion. Yes, Tom might be a stranger but how could you not trust someone who had risked their life to save you?

      He was still saving her.