Page 92 of Hearts Aweigh
As Daisy listed the many sweet concoctions her granddaughter ate, Abby chuckled. “It’s nice to see her behaving like a normal child.”
“Isn’t it though?”
Spencer exited the office and joined them. He gaped at his little girl, who was spinning like a top. “Did I miss something?”
His mother crept from the couch with a guilty expression. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m a bit tired.” Without meeting his eyes, she addressed her son. “Spencer, if you have time tomorrow, there’s something I wish to discuss with you.”
Abby escaped to the kitchen to give them privacy. She took a glass from the cupboard and poured herself some lemonade from the pitcher on the middle island. Daisy exited, leaving Spencer alone with his daughter in the living room.
A whimper sounded. Maddie collapsed on the couch cushions and rubbed her belly in a slow circular motion.
“Madeleine”—Spencer knelt in front of her—“are you in pain?”
Abby rushed over. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”
“I have a tummyegg.” Maddie’s lower lip protruded.
“Oh no. Those tummyeggs are awful.” Abby crouched down and patted Maddie’s back as Spencer hovered. “Is it a big pain or a little one?”
“Kind of”—Maddie’s head tilted—“kind of in the middle.”
“Does it twinge like a mosquito poking you, or is it dull like an ache?”
The girl concentrated on the ceiling as she assessed her pain. “I don’t know.”
“I’m calling the doctor.” Spencer marched to the cabin phone and seized the receiver.
Abby straightened. “I doubt it’s necessary. Maddie ate a hot dog, a slushie, a cookie, and two cupcakes for dinner.”
“She what?” Spencer slammed the phone in the cradle.
“After running around in the Kids Kingdom all afternoon and then that dinner, she probably has an upset stomach. Let her rest awhile.” Abby wrapped her arms around Maddie, cuddled her close, then urged her to her feet. “We’ll go upstairs and get her changed into pj’s.”
Spencer glared at the door where his mother had exited. “The next time I see Daisy, we’re going to have a discussion about Madeleine’s dietary choices.”
Abby headed for the stairs. “While you’re planning your attack, look in my bag. You should find a box of peppermint tea, which helps with nausea.”
“Not eating her weight in processed sugary foods would help more.”
“Didn’t you ever overindulge when you were a kid?”
“Not once.”
“That’s sad.” Abby passed him. “Throwing up all over the floor after one of your friend’s birthday parties is a childhood rite of passage.”
She climbed the stairs, helped Maddie brush her teeth, and assisted the moaning child into her lacy pink pajamas. Abby had just settled her into bed when Spencer appeared at the door with a mug.
“Will this tea do any good?” he asked.
Abby was impressed he’d made it himself. She took it from him, tested the temperature of the cup with her fingers, and gave Maddie a sip.
Spencer laid a hand on his daughter’s forehead. “At least she doesn’t have a fever.” He pulled away and studied Maddie. “How are you?”
She gulped another sip of tea. “My twinges feel better.”
“Don’t ever eat that much junk food again.”
His stern voice came out too harsh. Abby smacked his arm before she could stop herself. Madeleine sank lower in the bed until the sheet covered her chin.
