“I can help,” Kit said. “I used to be quite the hand at taking care of these little ones.”
“Is it a good idea for you to get up?” Carys asked, concerned.
“Those doctors can’t tell me what to do,” the woman quipped. She pushed up to standing. “See, I’m as fit as a fiddle and sharp as a tack.”
The way she’d mentioned the worddoctorsraised alarm bells for Carys. Given everything Blaize had been through, his mind must’ve been running wild with possibilities. The stress cracks on his forehead said everything she needed to know. He was worried. She didn’t blame him.
Kit refocused on Carys. “Are you ready to give that little sweetheart a bath?”
“Yes, I am.”
Carys was grateful for the help. She didn’t have the first clue of how to take care of a baby. Did you run bath water? That didn’t seem right. Did you put them in the sink? No, probably not. Having someone with experience around would keep Carys from panicking.
“Let’s take her into the bedroom so we can put her on a soft surface,” Kit said.
Carys took note of the way Kit held on to her arm, half guiding, half using it to steady herself. They walked into the guest bedroom where Kit had been sleeping. Carys put the carrier down on the floor.
“We’ll need a towel and a washcloth from the bathroom,” Kit said.
“Got it.”
She returned with both in a matter of seconds.
“Let’s put the towel on top of the comforter and spread it out.”
Carys did.
“I’ll let you pick Rue up since I’m not so steady on my feet these days.” Kit sounded more than a little frustrated.
“What did the ER doctor say is happening?” Carys asked as she unbuckled Rue and then put her on top of the towel.
“Inner-ear infection,” Kit said. “He wants me to take antibiotics, but I refuse.”
“Why is that?”
“They make me too sick,” she said. “I’m sure it’ll clear up on its own.”
“Blaize is worried about you falling again,” Carys said. “What if I call your doctor and get a different prescription?”
“There is one that’ll help, but it’s not covered under insurance,” Kit explained. “Blaize has enough on his mind without trying to come up with two hundred dollars on the spot.”
“Where is the prescription being held?”
“Pharmacy in town. Why?”
“Just curious.” Carys would pay for it out of her own pocket. She also wondered if this was the reason Kit kept pushing to sell. “This land is amazing.”
“House needs fixin’ up.” Based on Kit’s tone, Carys struck a chord.
“Nothing a few boards, nails, and paint can’t handle.”
“Blaize has already sacrificed too much,” Kit said. “I wouldn’t ask him to do more. He’s suffered enough.”
“He might suffer more if you don’t let him take care of this place. And you.”
“My grandson looks like he’s aged ten years in the past two. Now I know why.”
“He’s been through more than his fair share,” Carys said. “But he’s strong.”
