Nick and Karen stood outside Leslie's room with Mr. and Mrs. Carter.

Mrs. Carter opened the door. "I'm going to sit with her. She'll be out another few hours, but I want to be by her side."

Mr. Carter hugged his wife. "I'll go call BJ and the kids. To check up on them and let them know the sugery had no complications." He turned to his son. "Why don't you go for a drive or something. You and Karen should go relax."

Nick shook his head. "No, I have to stay with Leslie. Besides the rest of the group will be here at 1:00."

His mother glanced at the clock. "It's only 10:30. Why don't you and Karen go have some lunch, and then you could show her the ocean."

Nick's eyes widened. "You've never seen the ocean?"

"No."

Nick took her hand. "Then I'll show you today. Come on. Besides Mom's right. Leslie'll be out another couple of hours." He led her down the hall. He waved to his parents. "We'll be back at 1:00."

Mr. Carter turned to Jane. "How did you know so much about Karen? And why did you rush them off?"

She smiled. "Last night Leslie asked me to kind of set them up. And she knew Nick would feel the need to show Karen the sea. Besides, I think Leslie's right. Karen is a beautiful girl with a gentle soul. And Nick has a very sweet personality."

Mr. Carter kissed her. "There's another reason. I see it in your eyes."

Jane gave way to a grin. "Well, I think they'd be cute together. I like Karen. She's a real beauty with some meat on her bones. She's not some bimbo who'd want Nick's money. She'd love him for his heart."

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