“Maybe.” She inhales a shaky breath and braces herself. When I lean in to help her, she holds up a hand. “Don’t get too close. I haven’t brushed my teeth. I tried, but it made me throw up again.”
“Baby,” I croon, chest aching. Fuck, I feel helpless right now.
As she slowly works her way up to a sitting position, I crack the lid of a Gatorade, and when she’s settled again, I hold it for her, tipping the liquid to her lips. She takes three meager sips before she guides my hand away.
“Think you can drink some more?” I probe.
She shakes her head. “I’m so?—”
She retches, lunging for the trash can. I reach it before she does and hold it while she vomits the Gatorade right back up.
She takes the basket from me, wrapping both arms around it, and while she heaves again, I set the bottle on the nightstand and pull her hair away from her face, rubbing her back, wishing I could do more to comfort her.
When she finishes, she groans. “That’s what happens every time I try to drink.”
I touch the back of my hand to her forehead again, swearing she’s warmer than she was moments ago.
Or maybe my paranoia is getting the best of me.
“Let’s get you into a cool shower.”
“No,” she whines. “I’m too tired and achy. And I’mcold. I need a hot shower.”
I shake my head and stand. “Not a chance, pretty girl.”
I leave her long enough to start the shower, and when I return, I find her with her legs slung over the edge of the bed, hands planted firmly at her sides. From the concentration scrunching her face, I assume she’s working up the nerve to stand.
“Let me get you, baby,” I plead.
She shakes her head, as stubborn as ever.
I crouch in front of her, tapping her bare knee. When Irealize the over-sized shirt ismyshirt, I’m filled with a ridiculous amount of satisfaction.
“If I carry you to the bathroom, I promise it won’t make you less of a badass.”
“I’m afraid I’ll puke on you.”
I clench my jaw to keep from smiling. “I took care of a newborn. I’ve been peed on, pooped on, and thrown up on. I’ll survive.”
“Yeah, but newborns are cute.”
I tap her knee again and wait for her to look at me again. “And you’re my girl and you’re beautiful. Let me take care of you. All I want is to be your person, Halle. Let me be that.”
Her lower lip wobbles, her eyes going misty. “It’s really unfair for you to be so sweet when I smell like throw-up and sweat.”
“Come on, love.” I scoop her up. “I’ve got you.”
She wraps her arms around my neck, giving in, and rests her head on my shoulder.
I don’t stop moving until we’re in the shower, clothes and all.
“Ugh.” She clings to me as I sit on the built-in bench. “I need it warmer.”
“I can’t make it any warmer if you have a fever.”
“You didn’t even take my temperature,” she whines. “I might not have a fever.”
“Better safe than sorry.” I kiss the side of her forehead. For a moment, I hold her like that, soaking in the way she’s letting me literally hold her up. Eventually, though, I clearmy throat, preparing for the ire my next words will be met with. “I want you to take a pregnancy test too.”
