AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His eyes narrow as he watches me. "You okay?"
I plaster on a smile. "Yeah, of course. What time are you viewing the apartments?"
He glances at his watch. "In about an hour, so we’d best be going. Rest up today, Al. You look like shit."
I blink. Well, that's rude.
Before I can say anything, he continues, "Not to mention you were throwing up this morning. You're probably worn out. You need to rest and sleep."
Hell, sleep sounds like a good idea, but I don't know if I'll be able to fall back to sleep, not with my mind running wild like it is.
"Kids," Ruairi shouts, and I wince at how loud he is. "Get your coats on. We're going out."
As usual, the kids come running into the kitchen, glancing between both Ruairi and I.
"Where are we going?" Fiona asks. "And why isn't Ailbhe coming?"
I glance down at my pajamas and smile. Everyone is dressed and ready for the day except me.
"Ailbhe's sick," Evie says as she shuffles over to me. "I'm staying with Ailbhe. I'm sick too."
I press my hand against her forehead and feel that she's burning up. "You not feeling well, honey?"
She shakes her head. "I'm tired."
I reach down and pull her into my arms. She doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around my neck and snuggle against me. I'll give her some medicine to bring down her temperature. Maybe going back to sleep is what'll be best for the both of us.
"You good with her?" Ruairi asks, and I roll my eyes. Of course I'm good with her. Who the hell does he think has been taking care of her?
I nod. "Yep. The kids don't need to go. I'll be here."
"You need rest," Mikey says, giving me a pointed look. "You've been taking care of us and now you're sick."
Hannah nods while Fiona moves toward the cupboard that houses all the medicine.
"Take these," she says, placing some tablets on the counter. "We can all tell that you have a headache, so don't deny it. Take those, give Evie some medicine, and then both of you go to bed," she instructs.
My lips twist as I try not to laugh at how stern she is. "Yes, mam. Anything else?"
She places her hands on her hips, eyebrow raised as she looks at me. "Less of the sass, thank you."
I can't hold my laughter back any longer. She's bloody hilarious. "Yes, mam. Now be good for Ruairi, okay?"
She nods. "Will do—as long as he's buying us lunch."
"Does this mean we're moving?" Hannah asks.
"No," I say softly, realizing she's worried. "Ruairi's moving out as he's smelly and I can't take it any longer."
Hannah's shoulders droop as the tension leaves them. "Okay," she replies with a grin.
"Let's go," Ruairi tells them. "Both of you go to bed," he says, pointing at Evie and I.
"Can I sleep in your bed, Ailbhe?" Evie asks once we're upstairs. I've given her the medicine, which I know she wouldn't have asked for unless she was sick.
"Come on, sweetie," I say as I hold her hand and lead her into my room. I help her into the bed and climb in beside her.
"Night, Ailbhe," she whispers as she snuggles against me.
