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“That’s what I need, another doctor Oh, and you haven’t heard the best part Last night I asked for a glass of milk”

She co

uldn’t think of what to say “Nonfat ood for you”

“If you’re going to spout physician-babble like soet the hell out I’ to talk to you, Mad I’h and shoved a hand through his tangled hair “Never mind”

She scooted closer “What?”

He looked up at her, and the sadness in his eyes alflick, but it’s not ht It never lets et that I wasn’t born with it Maybe if Francis were alive, or I had someone to talk to, someone who could take my hand and help lead me somewhere … I don’t know I feel like a freak”

She reached out and took his hand, squeezing gently “I’el”

He tried to se I can see but can’t touch Soether That crazy, head-over-heels boy couldn’t have been me Now, the kid that roared out of town on a brand-new Harley, that kid was me”

She stared down at hireen eyes She cared for hi was al now, for himself and for the brother he lost She kne it felt to lose someone suddenly All you had left was faith, and if you didn’t have that, the emptiness could s you whole

And Angel had never truly believed in anything, least of all himself

“A dreaet over tiel?”

The second she asked the loaded question, she saw the answer in his eyes, the flash of longing, the fear of responding “No,” he answered quietly

“I know I’m not Francis I know I’ anywhere”

“Promise?” he asked in a harsh voice

Madelaine nodded “That’s why I can’t be your cardiologist any to let Marcus Sarandon take over from here He’s an excellent physician I’ll still be around for you whenever you want … as your friend”