Page 35 of Enough

Adeline opened an eye at them then closed it as if they hadn’t seen her. Jaden moved to the other side of Adeline’s hospital bed and circled his manly arms around her. A smile surfaced on Adeline’s face, and she opened an eye again to peek over at Claudia sticking her tongue out. Claudia continued to laugh, and Jaden was happy that Claudia was back to her calm self.

“They’re keeping you overnight, Ma,” Claudia said, getting serious.

“I know.”

Jaden rose from his position.

“I keep telling them I’m fine. So I knocked myself out, big deal! I have a hard head. I’m okay.”

Claudia reached to rub Adeline’s forehead. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I will be next time.”

“Is he going to be there, too?”

“Mama, Jaden has a business to run. He can’t be around as much as you’d like.”

“I can adjust my schedule,” Jaden offered.

Claudia stared at him in shocked silence.

“See,” Adeline said. “He can adjust his schedule.” Adeline perked up even more.

Claudia didn’t know how to feel about what was happening. Was this getting out of hand? What should she make of this?

“Are you hungry, Ms. Stevens?”

“I could use a good meal, why, are you buying?”

“Yes, ma’am, I am.”

“As long as it’s not this hospital food because you know there’s no real chef in the kitchen.”

Jaden chuckled. “What would you like?”

“I’m fine with something from a burger joint.”

“Mama, maybe we should wait until the doctors tell us what your diet should be.”

Adeline reared back with a dismayed expression. “Diet!” She screeched. “I’m not on a diet, low salt, okay? That’s about it. Now, don’t start Claudia. You’re messing up my dinner, and this handsome fella hasn’t even gotten it for me yet.”

“Low salt, anything else, Ms. Stevens?”

Adeline smiled. “Na’ll that’ll be all. Thanks.”

“You’re most welcome.” Jaden turned his gaze to Claudia. “And you chérie, what would you like?”

“Cherie? Her name is Claudia. Now I don’t know what you—”

“Mom!” Claudia almost died. “Chérie is French for sweetheart,” she whispered sharply.

Adeline gasped and folded her arms. “Oooh, that’s so nice. I’m sorry, I don’t’ know anything about French. I thought you forgot my baby’s name.”

Claudia groaned. She could’ve slid to the floor and hid up under the bed. Jaden couldn’t stop laughing, “It’s quite alright. Trust me, I understand, but I could never forget Claudia’s name. She’s not one to easily be forgotten.”

His smooth tone sent an undulation of heat through Claudia’s nervous system. With their gazes locked, Jaden spoke to Claudia. “What would you like to eat, chérie?”

“I’ll take anything you bring back.”

“I’ll return shortly then.” Jaden circled the bed and pulled Claudia into an embrace placing a soft kiss against her temple. He released her and left the room.

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