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Who am I kidding? I can’t go back to sleep. I don’t hear any movement in the house, though. Go back to sleep. Sophie isn’t even awake jumping on me yet.
I threw the covers off, taking care to keep Sophie snuggled in. I glanced down at my feet, dirty from dancing with my shoes off. I decided a quick shower was in order, especially one without a certain little six-year-old needing something from me. After doing the dance with the digital shower, I threw my night shirt on the counter and climbed in under the warm spray. Even though the water felt wonderful and I could easily have stayed under the water for another hour, I started having that uneasy feeling again. I just couldn’t relax. The need to check on Sophie forced me out of the shower and back into the night shirt I’d just taken off.
My cell phone flashed three messages. Mia wanted me and Sophie to come down to the kitchen nook for morning tea before the rest of the family got up. I texted back that Sophie was still sleeping, but that the covers were moving, so we should be down soon.
I pulled the comforter back and climbed in next to Sophie to snuggle while she woke up all the way.
“Get over here and snuggle with your Mummy,” I said, pulling her to my chest. “You are quite the sleepyhead today, aren’t you?”
“Mummy? I’m super thirsty. Do you have a drink of water?” Sophie croaked. “Your skin is cold, Mummy.”
I knew instantly that Sophie had a fever. She was burning up. I didn’t want to overreact. Kids get sick, but with the heart valve replacement and everything we’d gone through, I was freaking out just a little.
“Sure, sweetheart, I’ll get you a drink. Do you feel sick?” I asked softly. “Mummy thinks maybe you have a little fever, so why don’t we wrap you up in that pretty pink robe and go downstairs to find you a nice drink and maybe some medicine, okay?”
“Okay Mummy. Can you carry me?” Sophie whispered. “Can Aunt Mia come too?”
“Lucky for you, Aunt Mia is already in the kitchen,” I said, keeping my voice light. “Here, put your arms in the robe.”
I scooped Sophie into my arms and hurried down the long staircase to the kitchen. When I turned the corner into the kitchen, Mia looked up from a book she’d been reading.
“How nice, having you two join me this early,” Mia said. “Is someone a sleepy head this morning? Usually you’re bouncing around the room.”
“Hey Aunt Mia, is Uncle Parker or Uncle Trey around this morning?” I asked, trying to stay calm.
I must have had a frantic look on my face, because Mia got up from her cozy spot and came over to us.
“Hey, sweet pea.” Mia placed a kiss on Sophie’s cheek, then stepped back,
“Hey, I made sure we have your favorite juice. Do you want some?” Mia asked, hoping to keep Chloe calm. “Chloe, you need a drink too.”
“Yes, I told Mummy I was thirsty,” Sophie mumbled, still hugging my neck. “Mummy said maybe I need some medicine too.”
I walked over to the little couch in the kitchen nook and sat with Sophie on my lap. Mia had gone to the refrigerator to get the juice.
“Well, I think she might be right. How about you drink your juice and I’ll go get some for you,” Mia continued talking while pouring the juice.
“Here you go.” Mia gave my hand a quick squeeze. “I need to go upstairs for a second but I’ll be right back.” Mia hurried out of the kitchen, and up the stairs.
I could hear Mia calling out for Parker as she went up the stairs. Sophie was focused on her juice and it gave me a minute to get myself in check. I found the remote and turned the television on to find some cartoons.
“Mia, what’s wrong?” Parker met her in the doorway, seeing the concern in her eyes. “What’s happening?”
“It’s Sophie. Chloe just brought her down to the kitchen, and she’s burning up with a fever. Please do something, Parker. Chloe looks so nervous. Please come,” Mia pleaded. “I’m trying my best not to overreact. Do we have any medicine in the house for kids?”
“Okay, Mia, let’s not worry yet. Kids get sick,” Parker said, all business. “I’ll go down and check her out. You go find Trey. He might have some meds since he’s the pediatrician here.”
Mia nodded. Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you.”
Chapter 33
Trey
Iwas still lying in bed in the darkness, trying to make sense of everything I was feeling in such a short period of time, when Mia pushed through the door without knocking.
“Trey, are you awake?” Mia asked into the darkness.
My voice must have startled her as I saw her jump when I clicked on the lamp. I immediately saw her anxious face and sat up, pushing the covers off. I threw on a t-shirt, not taking my eyes off of her face.
