Page 42 of Cayden

“I have been monitoring it as you ordered, throughout the day.” Mrs. Caruso insists on being in on the planning of the spring social.” She looked up at the imposing man standing by the side of the bed. “She was disappointed that you refused to have her plan your birthday party.”

“Because I did not want you to be stressed.” He sat next to her, expression softening. “Do you want to end up in the hospital? Darling, you have been advised to take it easy.”

“I promise, I will.” She was on the verge of tears and fought to hold it at bay because of the extra people inside the room. She was feeling a little depressed and useless. This was harder than she thought, and she hated being a burden to everyone.

The entire family was at her disposal, including the full complement of staff.

“Good,” Dr. Melbourne nodded. “Everything else is in order. Nurse Connelly, would you mind walking out with me?”

When the woman nodded, he glanced at the couple. “I will be checking in by the end of the week. Please feel free to call if there are any concerns.”

She waited until they left the room before turning into her husband’s arms and wept.

Cayden had seen the sheen of tears in her eyes and was not surprised when she started crying. Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he waited until she was composed, before lowering her back on the pillows. “Better?” He asked her tenderly.

“A little.” She took his hand, “I am causing all these problems. You were in a meeting.”

“Nothing important.”

She gave him a look. “Please don’t lie to make me feel better.”

“Want me to tell you that you just cost the company millions?”

Her eyes went wide. “I did?”

“No…,” bending his head, he brushed her lips softly, “it is nothing for you to worry about. In case you have not receivedthe memo, you are top priority. Everything else falls a dismal second.” Using the pads of his thumbs, he wiped away the tears. “Tell you what?

How about we take a drive later tonight? By that time, your ankles will not be so swollen. We could stop at that hotdog stand you like so much and pig out on hot dogs and fries. And afterwards, we could swing by the park and maybe take a stroll.”

Hope flared in her eyes.

“Reporters.”

He saw the light disappearing from her eyes and wanted desperately to get it back.

“I will make certain we are not followed. What do you say, darling?”

“All right. I would love that.”

“Then it’s a date.”

“I want it to be.” Her voice was wistful. “We have not been on one in ages.”

“Not true. Didn’t we have dinner by candlelight right there on the porch?”

“That wasn’t a date or much of one.” She gripped his hand. “I don’t want you to get tired of me.”

“Now you’re starting to piss me off, after I am looking forward to our date.” Bending his head, he kissed her again. “Stop worrying about us. We are fine.”

“Promise?”

“I swear.”

*****

He showed her an exceptionally fun time. Blair never realized how much she missed doing her daily routine and enjoying the wonderful spring weather until they were whizzing by on country roads, with the top down and the wind whipping at them. He had decided on the BMW convertible with the plush leather seats.

His first stop was at the hotdog stand where the vendor, a wizened man with weathered chocolate complexion showed his delight on seeing her by making her a full-house hot dog piled high with toppings and exclaiming how very lovely she looked.

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