Page 27 of Love Me Fearless

Jesse sets the book back in the basket. I set the height and weight chart Vivian printed out on the desk so he can see it. “Everything looks super,” I tell him.

Warmth fills his eyes. “That’s good to hear.”

We chat a little about the importance of eating vegetables, limiting screen time, and encouraging activity, and I like what I hear. Jesse is clearly a loving and responsible dad, and though I’m sure being a solo parent isn’t easy, he seems happy. Humble, but proud. And Skye is a content and confident little girl, which is all the proof I need that she’s well-adjusted despite her mom’s absence.

“Do you have any questions for me?” I ask while Skye sits on the ground to pull on her shoes, her tongue poking out of her mouth in concentration as she ties the laces.

Jesse arches an eyebrow. “How do I get your nurse’s number?” he asks in a low tone.

I laugh. “Try asking her.”

He gives me a sheepish grin. “I did.”

Vivian doesn’t share much, but I overheard her tell Sepp she only has room for one man in her life—her son Mateo. There was something about her firm tone, like there’s a story behind that choice.

“Wish I could help you,” I say.

“Did it!” Skye crows, jumping to her feet.

“Nice going, squirt!” Jesse offers a high five and she smacks it.

While Skye and Vivian deliberate sticker choices, Jesse leans in to ask, “Did you hear about Marin Lambert?”

I frown. “Yeah. Any news?”

His eyes tense. “No.”

“Oof,” I say under my breath because I’m imagining her parents right now, worried out of their minds. “Hutch is helping search.”

“I heard,” he replies easily, which makes sense. In a small town like Finn River, news like this carries fast. Plus, Jesse and Hutch have been friends almost as long as he and I have.

“They’ll find her,” I say.

He nods. “We should get the band back together before Hutch takes off again.”

“Sure,” I say, but it comes out like a croak.

Jesse’s look turns curious, but Skye slips her little hand into his and gives it a tug. “Froyo, Daddy, remember?”

Jesse scoops her to his side and rubs his nose to hers. “I remember.”

They disappear down the hallway negotiating the addition of sprinkles.

When I arriveat Louisa’s room, she’s frowning at a ball of yarn and two pointed sticks in her lap. There’s also a book open on her knees.

“Save me, Ava,” she says with a groan.

I set the bouquet of flowers I bought from the gift shop on her side table and give her heart monitor a quick glance. What little I see looks like an improvement from yesterday. “What seems to be the trouble?”

Louisa’s eyes are fixed on the flowers. “Those are so pretty.”

“Not as pretty as yours, but they’ll do.”

She brushes off my compliment with an arch of her eyebrow. “Which is exactly why I need to get out of here so I can get back to work.”

“No work for you, according to your care team.”

She lifts the tangled lump from her lap. “I’m not good at sitting around.”

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