Page 26 of Stables

I bet she’s getting sleepy. Libby cooked up some simple alfredo noodles for us for dinner, with a pot of leftovers in the fridge.

We all ate until we were stuffed. A full belly makes me ready for bed too.

“Sure, baby girl. Let’s get ready for night-night, and I’ll read to you.”

I might be able to rest easy tonight after getting the text from the sheriff’s office that Matt was brought in.

It’s a pipe dream to think he’ll be locked up for long. I know better.

I learned that lesson the hard way the first time he sent me to the hospital.

He’s never gotten more than a slap on the wrist.

A ball of dread settles in my stomach. I’ll be looking over my shoulder until he finds someone new.

I pity the girl he sets his sights on next.

Paisley navigates crawling up on the toilet seat like a professional so I can brush her teeth and wash her face before bedtime.

Catching a cringe worthy glance of myself in the mirror, the nasty purple is starting to fade to a grisly yellow.

The only improvement I can feel is the fact I can see out of both of my eyes finally.

A clean diaper and set of pajamas, then we’re tucked in and snuggling over the cardboard pages.

“What does the cow say?” I point to the cartoon animal.

“Moo.” She draws out the sound.

“And what is this?” My finger rests over the long ears and whiskers. “Is it a duck?”

There’s no tricking her though. She has this book memorized.

“No. Bunny, Mommy.” She gives me an exasperated sigh and pushes my hand off of the picture..

“Of course it is. Silly me.” I fold the pages and set the farm story on the nightstand as she settles down between the pillows.

“I still love you, Mommy.” She grabs my thumb in her pudgy hand and gives me a wet kiss on the knuckle.

“I love you too, baby.” She’s so adorable with her dark lashes brushing her pink cheeks. I can’t resist just watching her sleep. How I got such a beautiful little girl out of the horrible man that’s her father, I’ll never know.

When I lean down and brush her temple with my lips, the heat of her skin startles me.

Shit. The fever is back. Not as bad as last night, but she’s warm.

Bundling the blankets around her so she doesn’t roll out of bed, I slip out of the covers as carefully as I can.

Fuck, my side still hurts.

I’m glad I didn’t put her Tylenol back on top of the refrigerator so I can reach it without stretching.

On my way back to my room, a knock on the front door startles me.

What the hell?

Ice runs through my veins. Is it Matt?

Where’s the pistol?

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