Page 76 of Burned

“How does breast milk come out smelling like this and how can such a little body produce such a big stink.”

“Well, it could be the antibiotics that she was on that makes it smell worse than usual. Just you wait until she starts eating table food,” Sadie chuckled.

“Trust me, I can wait.” Rhys carefully laid Elizabeth down and proceeded to change her in what appeared to be a diaper made for a tiny doll. His daughter was so little and delicate that he was extra gentle.

Sadie placed her hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay. She won’t break.”

“I know. It’s just I’m so nervous that I’ll hurt her.”

“You won’t.” That smile she gave him was much more genuine than the one she’d given him when he first arrived. It almost gave him hope that there was a future for them.

Just then, Nurse Kelly appeared. “Sorry to interrupt but the eye doctor is here to give her an exam. Remember we discussed Retinopathy of Prematurity. She looked good last time he was here but he has to do the follow-up.”

Sadie nodded. “Of course. I need to stretch my legs. Could you tell me when he’ll be finished?”

“He shouldn’t be more than fifteen minutes, but take your time.”

Rhys saw this as his chance to talk to Sadie, really have a conversation with her that didn’t revolve around their daughter. “I’ll take that walk with you if you don’t mind.”

She shrugged. “Sure, if you’d like.”

It wasn’t the most gracias response but he would take what he could get. When they left the nursey, Sadie headed toward the exit. “I need some fresh air. I think I’ve been inside most of the day.”

“Sadie, remember what the doctors and nurses said about you getting out and doing things for yourself. It’s okay to take a break and go out and have some you time.”

She sighed. “I understand Rhys and I do binge on my favorite shows to relax when I’m home, but I feel so guilty going out to have fun when our baby is in the hospital.”

“That’s understandable but all the major health hurdles she experienced at the beginning of this journey has been surpassed. No one can fault you for wanting to do something for yourself. Besides, the doctors are saying she might be coming home soon.”

“I know. But trust me, I’ve already had this conversation with my sisters. That’s why Lily takes me out to dinner at least a couple times a week and she’s convinced me to take a day trip with her to go to the outlet mall to go shopping.”

He raised a brow. “Really?”

“Yeah, we compromised. I said I’d go with her as long as I visit Elizabeth in the morning.”

“That’s something at least.”

“Have you given some thought about her care? You were saying that you’re giving your resignation at work?”

“I have no choice. Elizabeth’s immune system is too delicate for daycare the first several months and it will be hard for me to leave her in anyone else’s care.”

“But will you be alright? Financially I mean?”

“I have a pretty decent savings and my mortgage is reasonable so I’ll manage until my annuity kicks in on my thirtieth birthday.”

“I’ll, of course, pay child support. Whatever you think is fair is okay with me.”

“Thank you. That will help out a lot, and I appreciate you putting her on your health insurance. Her hospital bill is going to be a doozy.”

“And yours won’t?”

“My insurance won’t run out for another few months so I’ll be okay.”

“You know I can add you to mine as well.”

She raised a brow. “How? We’re not married.”

“But we could be.”

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