“God, yes, thank you,” she whispers, laying her head down on its side as she looks at me. She says it as though I’m doing her a favor. In actuality, I can’t leave her. I’d sleep in the chair if I had to.
“I brought some soup. Do you think you’d be able to keep it down?” my mom asks.
Mikayla turns her head as if seeing my mom for the first time. She blinks and blinks, a crease between her brows as she looks at my mother. Almost like she’s not sure that Whitney Montgomery is real.
My mom must realize Mikayla’s confusion. She did call my mom a fairy when she saw her at the house.
“Hi, I’m Whitney. Caine’s mother.” My mom places a hand on Mikayla’s cheek.
My heart tightens when Mikayla closes her eyes and leans her face against my mother’s hand. I feel it, I notice it, but it’s so simple my mother doesn’t seem to understand the significance of it.
“I’m so sorry I ruined your dinner party,” Mikayla whispers hoarsely.
“Oh, my dear, I ruined my own dinner party.” I laugh. “It’s rude to gloat,” my mother says in her most sassy drawl.
“Sorry, Mama,” I say with a grin.
“I shouldn’t have invited all those people. I told Caine it was a family dinner, and I went a little overboard.” My mother shrugs sheepishly.
“A little! You invited half the town!” I grumble.
I place the sponge down; stand and walk over to the closet I saw Kyle rummage through. I grab a few towels because, fuck, these are tiny and walk back over to Mikayla.
I can feel her gaze on me. In the short time I’ve come to know her, I’ve come to sense her unease. I’m not sure what has her worried, but I can feel it like sap sticking to my fingers.
“Mom, I’m gonna get Mikayla in a hospital gown; do you mind giving us a minute?” I ask.
I mostly want to check in with her. Mikayla won’t talk with my mom here. She seems more alert now. I’m hoping the medication is helping.
“You gave me quite a scare,” I tell her as I dry her skin. I place the towel at her neck and work my way down. Mikayla closes her eyes and almost sinks into the bed. “Do you feel a little better?” I ask.
“I think so, just feel a little off.” Her eyes flutter open, and our eyes lock. I caress her cheek, still warm, but her color is returning.
“Want more ginger ale or water?”
“You’re an amazing man,” she whispers. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” A spark of fear flashes in her eyes; a small crease forms between her brows, but she blinks it back.
“Sweetheart, I’m gonna tell you now, I have never been more terrified in my life,” I tell her as I walk to the other side of the bed. I toe off my shoes and climb in beside her. Her skin is searing, yet she trembles in my arms, trying to get as close to me as possible.
“I’m sorry I scared you,” she whispers against my chest.
“Next time, just tell me when you don’t feel good, okay?” I say, placing a kiss on her brow. “Do you want anything to drink?”
“Yes, please,” she whispers, burrowing against me.
I need to get up, but I don’t want to leave her. She’s so snuggly and seems comfortable.
“Everyone decent?” Mom asks fromthe door.
“I didn’t have a chance to dress her.”
“I can see that. Her shivers are gone,” Mom says. She places a small hand on my cheek and kisses the top of my head. “Do you need anything?”
“Can you bring my dinner in here and some ginger ale for Mikayla? I don’t…” I shrug.
“You don’t want to leave her. I get it. I’m happy,” she says, but tears glisten in her eyes. And now I’m worried for an entirely different reason.
“Mama?” I ask, confused by her reaction.
