But I have been more stressed recently as we planned this party.
It’s nothing special. Just some drinks and nibbles while the girls watch some movies and crash here for the night. But with us both feeling Mark’s absence, I wanted things to be extra special for Sophie.
Her easy acceptance of Patrick helps.
I strip out of my jeans and T-shirt before tugging off my bra and slipping a stretchy nightgown over my head. I’ve had it since I moved here and Gran bought me all new clothes, and while it’s getting old, it’s the most comfortable thing I’ve got.
A tap on the door makes me look up.
“Come in.”
Patrick enters the room and closes the door behind him. He casts his gaze up and down me, and I feel like I’m under the microscope.
I must look a sight in my ratty old nightgown.
“How are you feeling?”
I shrug. “It’ll take a while to work. Girls okay?”
He nods. “They’re fine. Lauren’s got them. I told her I’d be in here.”
My eyebrows rise. “Really?”
“You don’t think I’m going to leave you to deal with this alone, do you?”
“It’s just a headache.”
He steps forward until he’s right in front of me. “Maybe you can tell me about this accident, so I know what we’re dealing with.”
My heart thuds.
I wince as the pain twinges, and he grips my shoulder. “Let’s get you to bed.”
He walks around to the other side of the bed.
“What are you doing?”
“Lying on your bed. It’s my job now to make sure you’re okay.”
I roll my eyes. “And you’re going to do that inmybed?”
He holds up his palms. “I just want to hold you.”
My heart leaps. That does sound good. My bed’s been so cold and lonely without Mark, and Patrick’s been my rock.
This doesn’t help my confusion, but the painkillers are kicking in and I’m drowsy now.
Once my head’s down, it won’t take long to fall asleep.
I pull back the covers and slip into bed.
Beside me, the bed sinks.
If I wasn’t feeling off, I might protest more, but he’s taking care of me and for the first time in a while, it’s nice to feel pampered.
When I open my eyes, he’s lying beside me on top of the blanket, his worried gaze taking me in.
“Tell me about your accident,” he murmurs.
