Page 127 of Forever After All

As soon as he walked out of Jess’s office, Paul and Thane showed up.

“Everything okay?” Paul asked. “Saw y’all ride in.”

“Jess is sick, but everything else is fine. Can you give me a hand putting these two up and unpacking? I want to get her home as soon as possible.”

Paul gave a casual wave. “You go on. I’ll take care of this.”

Linc propped his hands on his hips. “How’s Ava and Ron?”

“They both seemed better today. I saw the little guy this morning.” Paul pulled his phone out and showed Linc a picture of a tiny baby in a clear case-looking thing. He had a tube coming out of his nose and stickers and wires on his abdomen. His expression was serene like he was sleeping through sweet dreams.

“He looks good, man. Congratulations again.”

“Thanks.” Paul stared at the photo, completely mesmerized by the kid. “I just can’t wait till he gets home.”

Linc slapped a hand on Paul’s shoulder. “Hang in there. He’ll be home before you know it.”

“I hope you’re right.” Paul jerked his head toward the office. “Take her home. I’ve got it here. Trying to stay busy so I don’t worry.”

“I appreciate it. I’m hopin’ she’ll let me take her to see the doc in the morning.”

“Good luck with that. She’s a stubborn one,” Paul said.

Linc glanced back at the office. “Yeah, but I don’t mind it. She knows what she wants.”

Paul nodded. “Take care of her, son.”

Linc narrowed his eyes at Paul. “Who told you?”

“Nobody had to tell me. If you don’t already know it yet, you love that woman.”

Chuckling, Linc rubbed his chin. “Thanks for the heads-up. I figured it out.”

“Good thing you didn’t wait around too long. I started sweating when she kept going on those dates.”

“You knew about those too?” Linc asked.

“I think everybody in the county knew she was dating. Word gets around.”

“You’re tellin’ me. I figure everyone will know our little secret soon.”

As much as Linc wanted to shout it on the mountaintop that Jess was giving him a chance to love her, he also didn’t want to let the world in to corrupt the new relationship.

They’d just have to handle things as they came, and that didn’t sound like a bad plan when Jess was by his side.

“Don’t let it shake you.” Paul jerked his chin at the office. “Take her home.”

Linc tipped his hat at the older cowboy. “Yes, sir.”

He turned on his heels and went after her. In the office, she was slumped over the desk, exactly where he’d left her.

Brushing the back of his hand over her brow, he tried to gauge her fever. It didn’t feel warmer than earlier, which might be a good sign. The last round of fever reducers should be starting to work.

“Hey, babe. You ready to get outta here?” he whispered.

She stirred and lifted her head slowly. “Yeah,” she groaned.

Her movements were slow and dragging. As soon as she was on her feet, he rested a hand on her back.

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