From Roses To Thorns - Sequel To "From Nanny To Wife" by kate hopkins

hard not to lose control of her temper. He couldn't help how the roads were.
    "We're almost home," Ryan said. "Hold on, I know you're feeling miserable."
    "You don't know how I feel," Hope snapped. "No one does." She closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. "I'm sorry, love."
    "It's all right." Ryan removed a hand from the wheel and gave Hope's hand a squeeze. "You can lose your temper all you want. I'm a big boy. I can take it."
    "It's not right taking my anger out on you," Hope said. "You haven't done anything to deserve it."
    "I wouldn't say that." Ryan turned onto their street. "I feel responsible for what happened. Laura used you to get back at me. If I had done things differently where she was concerned maybe she wouldn't have hurt you."
    "It doesn't matter what you did or didn't do, honey. You were not responsible for Laura's actions." Hope's eyes swept over the yard as Ryan pulled into the driveway. Images of what took place two nights ago came back to haunt her and she began to tremble. She saw in her mind Alex fall to the ground…saw the blood staining his shirt… The security light coming on brought her out of her thoughts.
    "William must have called someone to come and fix the light," Ryan said, shutting the car off.
    "Please hurry and take me inside," Hope croaked her heart pounding in her ears. "I can't be out here."
    Ryan quickly got out and hurried around to the passenger side. He opened the door and gently lifted Hope out. Closing the door with his hip, he strolled toward the house. As he reached the front door, it opened and William ushered them inside.
    "Welcome home, Hope," he said.
    Hope smiled weakly. "Thank you, William. Where is everybody?"
    "Maggie is putting Zoe to bed and Gordon is cleaning the kitchen."
    "I will take you in to say goodnight to Zoe and then it's off to bed for you," Ryan told Hope, heading up the stairs.
    Hope didn't argue with him. The visit with Alex and the car ride home had worn her down. She laid her head on Ryan's shoulder and released a weary sigh. It had been a long day and all she wanted was to get beneath the covers and sleep. In the hospital it had been difficult for her to sleep. She was in a strange place, feeling frightened and alone. Now she was home with Ryan where she knew she was safe.
    "Zoe," Ryan said, entering the child's bedroom. "Look who's home."
    "Hope," Zoe said, scrambling out from under the covers. She rose to her knees on the bed and then to her feet. Maggie stood close ready to catch the little girl should she lose her balance.
    Love surged within Hope as she touched Zoe's cheek. "I missed you, little one. Were you a good girl for Maggie?"
    "Yep," Zoe said. "Will you read me a story?"
    "Not tonight, baby girl," Ryan answered before Hope could speak. "It's bedtime."
    "I'll read to you tomorrow," Hope promised. "I love you."
    "I love you," Zoe repeated.
    Ryan moved in close so Hope could kiss Zoe goodnight. "Okay, lie down and let Maggie tuck you in. Daddy will see you in the morning."
    "If either of you need anything," Maggie said. "Please let me know."
    "We will," Hope said. "Good night, Maggie."
    "Good night, dear. Sleep well."
    Ryan carried Hope to their room where he laid her on the bed. After he switched on the bedside lamp he grabbed a pillow and placed it under her leg. He crossed the room, took a nightgown out of the top drawer of the dresser, and returned to the bed. He went to work removing Hope's sweatshirt and sweatpants. Once her clothing was removed he slipped the nightgown over her head.
    "I'm going to need my bandage changed," Hope said quietly. Just before Ryan turned away she saw him grimace. "You don't have to do it. You can go and get Maggie."
    Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. "I will do it."
    "Are you sure?" Hope asked. "I don't want you to feel like you have to do it. You won't hurt my feeling if you were to say no."
    "Sweetheart, I-" Ryan stared at the floor for a moment. "I'm afraid to look at the burn. I know if I look