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This was not the day I planned. The day I had planned was an entire day with my girl. Loving on her, showing her how much I can’t get enough of her, how special I think she is. Instead, I was in a hospital with Bree. Then as soon as we get back to the house, Jackson throws up. Leave it to a kid to get sick as soon as you get home after spending an entire day in the hospital.
I’m trying to do everything that I can to take care of Bree and Jackson, getting them comfortable and settled, so I can get out of here. I’m fucked. I haven’t spoken to Lacey in hours. Between trying to make soup for dinner for Jackson, which I found out I suck at, cleaning up two rounds of throw-up, washing his sheets from the throw-up, running to the pharmacy to get something for his stomach, which is probably a twenty-four hour bug that’s been going around, my day has been hectic.
She probably thinks I bailed on her, but I swear to God I’m going to make it over there to spend as much time with her as I can. I’m praying that I might even be able to spend the night.
I look down at Jackson, sleeping soundly next to Bree in her bed. I put my hand on his forehead. Good, he’s not warm. “Bree, I’m getting ready to leave.”
“Where? He’s sick. What if I need something downstairs? You know I can’t move around well. The doctor said it’ll be a couple more days until I can put pressure on my wrist. What if he throws up again?” She looks alarmed.
“Bree,” I sigh. “I think you’ll be fine for a few hours. I’ll put everything he’ll need on the nightstand. I’ll even put a bucket by the bed in quick reaching distance.”
“That’s all good, but he’s been clinging to you since he’s been sick. What if he needs you when he wakes up? You know how he is when he’s sick. I can’t stand it, to see him so uncomfortable.” She strokes the side of his face.
“I know. I hate it when he’s sick. If he gets worse, call me. If he wakes up and asks for me, I’ll pick up and speak to him, okay?”
“I guess that will have to do. You’re going to see her aren’t you? That’s why you can’t stay to help me with a broken leg and a sick child. More fun than this, right?”
I feel like pulling out my hair. I’ve been running back and forth all week to take care of her and Jackson, while running the bar short-staffed. What the hell more does she want me to do? I’m not checking out and leaving her in the lurch. She knows I’ll be back over here in a hot minute if Jackson or she really needs me. “I don’t need a bullshit fucking guilt trip. You know I’ll be back if he needs me. I can be here in under thirty minutes, if need be. I’m not leaving the damn state; I’m a phone call away.”
“I know. It’s—I’ve never been incapable of taking care of myself, completely on my own, and had a sick, cranky child to take care of, too. So forgive me if I’m a little on edge.”
“I know. I’m sorry I raised my voice, but I made a promise to someone that I really need to keep. It’s important that I be there, too. I know you don’t give a shit, but cut me some slack. I’ve been accommodating to a fault, busting my ass to take care of you, and neglecting someone I care about.”
“You didn’t marry her or have kids with her. You promised me sickness and health. Yes, right now we are not together, but I’m still your wife, this is still your child and your home. I don’t think helping us should be such a chore or burden on your life.”
“Bree, give me a break. Lay off the guilt trip.”
“No. If things were reversed, and I was moving on with another man, if you needed my help, I would be there for you. Because above everything else, you’re the father of my son, and that makes us still family. And thank you, I’m admitting that you’ve been great since my accident. You’ve stepped up. I’m only thinking of Jackson right now. If he calls and needs you, and I can’t manage, will you be here?” She looks at me like there’s a doubt I will.
“You know I will.”
“That’s all I needed to know.”
The door opens, and thegirl of my dreams is standing before me. “Hi. You look beautiful.”
She leans her head against the door with hardly a smile on her face. “No, I don’t.”
“Sweatpants and T-shirts are the new in thing. Sexy as hell.”
“You’re such a liar.”
“I’m sorry.”
“The day’s over.” She looks down. “I didn’t think you were going to come.”
I reach out, touching her face. “Stupid of me, I know I should have called. Jackson was throwing up—”
“Is he all right?” Obvious concern on her face, her eyebrows come together.
“We think it’s a twenty-four-hour bug going around. When I left he was asleep with Bree, his favorite place when he’s sick.”
“Every child feels better in their parent’s bed.”
“Not parent’s. Only Bree’s,” I say, emphasizing it’s not our bed. Hers and only hers. “He should be fine.”
“That’s good. I hope he feels better soon. Come in.”
Soon as we’re inside, I pull her into my arms, not giving her a chance to put the distance between us I felt as soon as she opened the door. “I’m sorry our day was ruined. You have to believe me; I tried to make it over as soon as I could.”
