Page 81 of Holiday Hire

Alexander

A Week Later

Whatever Ace had stuck with me like the plague. I don't remember ever being so ill, even as a child. It's been a week. Yesterday, I hoped I could get back to working and sweat the remaining bug out of me, but I only lasted two hours. Then, I felt like death was upon me. I could barely stand, so I finally caved and returned to my bedroom to rest.

Phoebe's been beyond amazing, taking care of the kids and me. Every day, they surprise me with get-well cards or pictures they've drawn, paper flowers, and other crafts. She's taken on more than her nanny duties, like our laundry and all the cooking. I feel bad that she's having to carry the load, and I keep apologizing, but she always just waves me off.

I'm not used to feeling helpless like this. When I woke up today feeling energetic, relief hit me. Plus, it's race day. I haven't forgotten about our bet or the time we spent alone on the ATV.

The scent of pancakes and bacon wafts through the air. My stomach growls. It's the first time I've been hungry all week.

I get out of bed, quickly get dressed, and join the others in the kitchen.

Ace exclaims, "Dad, you're up!"

"Are you better now?" Wilder asks.

Phoebe flips a pancake and turns her head. Her beautiful smile forms on her lips. "You look a lot better."

"I feel a lot better." I pour myself a cup of coffee and ask, "You need a refill?"

She glances at her mug and then says, "I'm good. But I still don't know how you drink that black."

I grunt. "Real men drink black coffee."

Amusement fills her expression. "Men all have the same taste buds?"

I chuckle. "Real men do." I take another sip, and the hot liquid slides into my stomach.

She asks, "You want some breakfast?"

I nod. "Yeah, I'm starving."

"Good. You must be feeling better, then?" She picks up a plate and adds bacon, eggs, and pancakes. She hands it to me.

"Thanks. And I do feel normal again." I set the plate on the table and point, adding, "Please, sit down and eat. You've been doing everything all week."

She fills another plate and hands it to me, smiling. "Okay."

I pull the chair out, and she sits. I take the one next to her.

Wilder questions, "Dad, are we going to do anything cool tonight?"

"Aunt Evelyn is coming over with the girls. You're going to stay in the main house tonight."

"Why are we staying there?" Ace questions.

"Phoebe and I are going to the races," I tell them.

She asks, "We're still going?"

"Yeah, I feel great. Why not? Unless you're not up for it," I challenge.

She smirks. "Don't worry, I won't disappoint. But don't cry when I win."

"What are you winning, Phoebe?" Ace asks.

She glances at me.

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