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“Me.” She tore her mouth away as the buzzing became an actual ringtone. “Wait.” She fumbled in her pocket. “Wait, that’s Clint’s ringtone.”
I stumbled back. “Is everything okay?”
“I don’t know. He wouldn’t call me if it was.” Her fingers shook. “Hello?”
I drew her close, hoping to offer some sort of comfort but she pushed me back and paced away, plugging her other ear to hear over the party.
“How high?” I heard her ask.
I tried not to be hurt that she pushed me away. It was obviously about her daughter.
“And you tried a cool bath? No, I’m sure you did. Right.” She turned to look at me.
“Go. I can handle the clean-up.”
“I’m on my way. Yes, go to the urgent care in Kensington Square. I’ll meet you there.” She stuffed her phone into her pocket. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
“No, go. Don’t worry about it. Is Adriana okay?”
“I think so.” She shoved her hair away from her face. “I don’t know exactly. She has a fever.” She sniffed. “I don’t know, Mason.”
I pulled her close. “It’s okay. Babies get ear infections or little colds. It happens so quickly.”
“I know, but she was fine when I left. I mean, she was fussy last night, but she’s always a little fussy at night now.” She sniffled again. “What if I missed it? I was so tired.”
“Baby, that’s not it. She’s growing every day, and you can’t know every change.”
“But what if I missed it because I wasn’t paying attention?”
“You didn’t.” I eased her back. “You are a great mom.”
“But I left her alone and now she’s sick. She was probably so scared.” Her voice broke and my throat went tight and hot in reaction.
“Let me drive you.”
“No. You have to take care of everyone. I’ll be fine. It’s just the next town over. Clint knows the people who work at the clinic.” She laughed. “Even the vet knows the good doctors in his town.”
The laugh sounded a little hysterical. I didn’t want to let her go alone.
I dug for my phone in my pocket. “Let me find Stone. He can button everything up.”
“No.” She gripped my hand. “I know this is important to you.”
“You are too.”
A little sob left her. “God, you’re such a good man.” She sniffed and straightened her shoulders. “I’ll be fine. I promise.” She went onto her toes and kissed me lightly. “I gotta go.”
Then she ran off and left me in the dark.
About so many things.
TWENTY-ONE
I tookoff for the barge, my heels sinking into the grass in my haste.
“Emma?” Maddie’s voice was right behind me. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” I paused on the dock. “Just the baby. She’s sick.” I swiped at my cheeks at the tears that kept coming.
