Page 53 of Miracles and Marriage
Chloe took a sip of her coffee.
“So conceive.”
Zoe laughed softly.
“As if it were that easy.”
Her expression changed.
“What if I can’t?”
“Then you’ll deal with it. Don’t give up before trying. You’ve only been on this quest a few weeks.
“I’m in so much pain I don’t know how many more months I can take before I have to give in for that operation,” Zoe said. “That’s depressing. Change the subject. Tell me about your latest listing. Give me something else to think about.”
“It’s a fabulous house, simply beautiful from the outside and fantastic on the inside,” Chloe began. She talked about other homes she’d been showing to clients. When she saw Zoe had fallen back asleep, she slipped from the bedroom.
Cal packed a small bag with essentials and included a couple of pairs of casual pants, several shirts. He swung by a florist’s and picked out a bouquet of mums in fall colors. They should brighten Zoe up a bit. He’d get her chocolate as well, but had a feeling she was too ill to enjoy them.
He shook his head with the thought. He acted like he was courting
One last stop when he swung by the office on the way back to Zoe’s apartment. Picking up some files, he’d keep them in reserve in case he had time to work while she rested. He knew she didn’t want him there, but something compelled him.
Chloe opened the door to his knock.
“Pretty flowers. I told her you’d be back. She’s asleep. It’s the best thing for her. I think there are vases beneath the sink. I’d stay, but you have things under control. I put my number by the phone in the kitchen in case you need to get in touch with me.”
He nodded. He couldn’t think of a reason he’d need her, but if it made her feel better, he’d go along with it.
It was quiet when she left. He found the vase and filled it with water. Taking off the wrapping paper, he stuck the flowers in. They were bunched together and looked bright and cheerful. He quietly walked to her room. She was sleeping, her face slightly flushed. Placing the vase on the nightstand, he left as quietly.
Cal made a space for himself at the dining table, powered up his laptop and went to work.
Zoe woke late afternoon feeling better. She breathed a sigh of relief. Most likely the worst was behind her for this month. Stretching, she noticed the flowers beside the bed. Mums were such a fall flower. She loved them. These were burnt-orange, bright yellow and a pale cream. Lovely. She was feeling pampered.
She rose and went to the bathroom, taking a leisurely shower. Dressing in loose-fitting pants and a warm sweatshirt with bunnies on the front, she wandered out to get something to eat. She stopped suddenly when she realized Cal sat at her dining table. She’d thought herself alone in the apartment.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
He glanced at her.
“Feeling better?”
“Much. I thought you left hours ago.”
“I did. I went home to get a few things. I came back before your sister left. Need anything?”
“The flowers are from you?”
He nodded, watching her closely.
She smiled, surprised.
“Thank you, they’re lovely.”
“Need anything else?”
“Nothing I can’t get myself. Go on home, Cal.”
