Page 30 of I've Got You

He pulled back, and I dropped my arms to my sides. He didn’t look convinced at all.

“Yeah, it sounds like a bullshit phrase meant to placate, but it’s true.”

“How d’you figure?” he asked.

With a small shrug, I said, “Because it has to. What other choice is there apart from living the life you were given and dealing with everything that comes with it?”

His chest moved as he snorted. “So hard-headedness will solve my problems?”

“Yeah. And that’s all on you, you know?” And it had to be that way. No one could sort out our shit for us. I was a firm believer in facing life head-on, just as I believed we made our own luck with sheer determination and hard work.

He nodded.

“So…,” I drawled, “you’re almost ready for a repeat.” I wiggled my brows, wanting to pull the conversation around.

“Ha!” He shook his head and continued to clean up.

“Ha? Really, that’s your response?” His saucy grin didn’t look the least bit apologetic. Bastard.

It didn’t take much longer before I was kicking Scott out and sending him home. It was great he was making that call and reconnecting with his sister. He’d mentioned her a few times now, and I hoped her being more fully in his life would be really good for him. Meanwhile, I had an almost one-year-old to collect from Tanner’s, and at some point I had to get my shit together and organize a birthday party for her.

She would be one, and I’d been seriously tempted to throw a party hat on her head, bake a cake, take some photos of her face-planting in it, and be done with it. She wouldn’t remember it when she was older but would have photos as evidence of us celebrating. Carter had told me I was an asshole, while Tanner had simply laughed and shaken his head. A party for a one-year-old addled my brain. Who the hell was I meant to invite, and what was a one-year-old meant to do? Beyond bouncing on her feet, trying to walk, and doing little else in terms of entertainment, I thought the whole concept was ridiculous. A party for a kid her age must be for the adults. Right? I considered that as I locked up and jumped into my car to pick her up.

A few minutes later, I entered Tanner’s and called out in greeting.

Carter stepped into the doorway from the kitchen. “Hey.”

I frowned. “Is there a reason why you’re whispering?” I glanced at the time. I wasn’t late. Libby still had a good hour before her bedtime.

He flicked his head toward the kitchen, and I followed him. When I stepped inside, my eyes immediately settled on Tanner, who was slowly rocking on his feet, Libby in his arms fast asleep. I angled around to have a look at her face pressing against his shoulder. It was blotchy.

I stepped away from her so I could speak to Carter. “She not well?”

Shaking his head, he said, “No. It’s taken about two hours to finally settle her. We’ve given her some medicine to take the edge off and help with her fever.”

My chest tightened. I hated Libby being ill. It hurt my heart every time.

“She’s fine. It was only slightly elevated. I had a feel and think she’s cutting a couple of teeth. I think she also has a stomachache. She’s been vomiting, but was able to keep her last bit of water down.”

I nodded, taking it in, and fully aware I was so lucky to have both Tanner and Carter looking out for the two of us. “I can’t imagine she’ll be well by tomorrow. I’ll make arrangements at work.”

“Sorry, if I didn’t have appointments at the clinic all day, I’d offer, and you know Tanner’s on that crazy deadline with the florist in town.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I don’t expect you to change things around, nor apologize. Hell, you do so much already.” I glanced at Tanner, who pressed a kiss to my daughter’s head. “Thanks, guys. I’ll just get her home and prepare for a rough night.” I hoped it wasn’t; not for my sake, but Libby’s.

“I’ll get her in her seat,” Tanner said quietly.

“Thanks.” He headed out to my car. I glanced around, picked up the backpack she used for childcare, and followed, Carter on my heels. “Thanks again.” I nodded at Carter, and he squeezed my shoulder.

“Just call us if you need anything, okay?”

“Will do.”

In the car, Libby was still sound asleep and in her seat, strapped up safely. Tanner closed the back door and stood at my side before I got in.

“You good?” he asked.

“Absolutely. It’s not the first fever she’s had or tooth she’s cut. It’s just shitty for her.”

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