Page 67 of Heartstrings & Horizons
Cade: Thanks, but I think we’re good.
Dean: Holler if you need me. Tell her I said to get well soon.
Cade: Will do.
I’m about to settle in beside her, when I notice that she’s shivering so I snag an extra blanket from the bench at the foot of the bed, walking around to her side before tucking it all the way to her chin. She opens her eyes and gives me a soft smile when she notices my movie selection.
Cupping her flushed cheek, I ask, “Can I get you anything?”
She lazily shakes her head, so I walk back to my side of the bed, settling against the headboard on top of the covers, then pull her to my chest. She tries to pull back but I don’t release my hold.
“I’ll get you sick.”
“I don’t care. Just let me take care of you.”
She glances at me with eyes full of affection before turning back to where the hobbits are having a birthday party. Paige is usually the caretaker; I don’t know how many times in her life she’s let someone else take care of her, but I’m all too happy to be the man to do that for her.
Goose stumbles into the room like he’s just received a new set of paws, then jumps onto the bed and settles on Paige’s feet. I stroke her hair, willing the fever to break. We make it about 30 minutes into the movie when her breathing slows, and she drifts off to sleep.
Paige
I startle awake at the sound of a door snicking closed, hearing hushed voices coming from the hallway. I can just make out Cade’s voice speaking to a woman.
“Thanks so much for this, Jem.”
“How is she?”
“She’s asleep. Her fever broke so I think she’ll make a quick recovery.”
“Good. Call if you need anything.”
“Will do.”
“Oh, and Cade? You really need to take her to meet Grandma.”
I hear a rough exhale. “Yeah. I know. See you later, Jem. Thanks again.”
I roll onto my side at the sound of retreating footsteps as Cade walks back into the room holding a tray with what looks like a bowl of soup.
“Hey baby, you’re awake.”
I give him a soft smile, “so it would seem.”
“Feeling better?”
“A little. Was that Jemma?”
He nods. “She brought some soup from Rosie’s.”
“Have I mentioned how much I love her?”
“Not more than me, I hope.”
“Never.”
Cade helps me sit myself against the headboard, making sure to tuck my favorite throw blanket around me then places the tray over my lap and takes a seat near my legs. He puts his palm to my forehead and cheek, checking for a fever. When he doesn’t feel anything out of the ordinary, he tilts my chin and brings his lips to meet mine in a chaste kiss. I’ll never get tired of his easy affection. It’s like he has to have some part of his body touching mine at all times. It’s understandable given the months we spent not being able to touch each other at all.
“You scared me, Sunshine.”
