“I’ll go to the grocery retailer for provides after which come over. In the event you’re each sick, you’ll want a nurse, and I occur to have a spot in my schedule.”

“Alex, simply speak to Casey on the telephone. That’s sufficient.” A tear rolls down my cheek, and I wipe it away because it stings.

“No. It’s not sufficient. I’ll be there quickly.” He attracts in a breath. “I like you.”

He disconnects the decision earlier than I can reply. There’s just one response, and that’s that I like him too, however being with him is so sophisticated.

And the very last thing I can take into consideration now.

At the very least his presence will put a smile on Casey’s face.

I stroll up the hallway and into her room. My little blonde angel, her cheeks spotty and ruddy, is quick asleep. Her mouth’s hanging open, and she or he snuffles as she sleeps, nearly as if she will be able to’t fairly snore.

I lean over and peck her brow. She’s a bit heat, however nothing that considerations me sufficient to wake her by sticking the thermometer in her ear.

I’m unsure how lengthy this’ll final, so I head again out to the lounge and flop onto the sofa. What I have to do proper now could be catch some sleep whereas Casey is. It’s my solely likelihood of retaining my sanity.

It doesn’t take a lot for my eyes to develop heavy. It’s been so lengthy since I took a sick day—we had greater than our justifiable share when Casey began day care, however the final two years haven’t been too unhealthy. I suppose that is our collected time without work.

However I can’t sleep.

My eyes are weeping, not with tears, and I stick the thermometer in my ear to examine my temperature for concerning the millionth time.

“Mummy,” Casey yells.

I groan, pushing myself off the sofa and onto my toes. That is the primary time we’ve been sick collectively. I suppose I ought to be pleased about that as an alternative of cursing it, however proper now, with my temperature rising and the whole lot aching, grateful is the very last thing I really feel.

Faucet. Faucet. Faucet.

The sound of somebody knocking on the door fills me with hope. I do know what Alex mentioned, however I wouldn’t blame him if as an alternative of coming over, he received on a aircraft and flew as far-off as he might.

I jerk open the door.

Alex by no means seemed so good.

He’s wearing denims and a T-shirt that matches him so effectively, I ache to the touch his abs by way of it. His eyes are drained, however rattling it, he appears fantastic.

“Hello,” he says.

“Hello.”

I’m certain my cheeks flush like we’re simply assembly for the primary time—not that I’d comprehend it as a result of my entire face is scorching.

“It is advisable to return to mattress.”

I step again to let him in. “I used to be mendacity on the sofa.”

“Then, the sofa. I’m right here now. You simply have to relaxation.”

“Casey wants me.”

Alex steps inside and appears to drink within the sight of me, which have to be terrible proper now. My hair’s all hyped up from mendacity down, and I do know my eyes are bloodshot due to the excessive temperature and never sleeping.

“I feel you each want me. I’ll go in and see Casey after which seize the groceries.”

I’m left trailing in his wake as he heads up the hallway and into Casey’s room.

Casey’s hangdog expression disappears after we stroll into the room. This child was quick asleep a short while in the past; now, she’s all wide-eyed and smiling for the primary time immediately—albeit a really drained smile.

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