After setting the baskets down on the bench at the foot of the bed, he turns to me. “I wanted to make it feel like home. You like soft blankets and throws, so I got you a few.”
Five full baskets are a few?
“Then I thought you probably would like them to smell fresh and clean, so I tossed them in the washing machine and dryer.” He lifts one out and holds it up to me. “Feel it.”
What? I run my hand across it. “Soft.”
“They’re all that way. I didn’t know if you liked silk or flannel sheets, so I got you both. The chair should be delivered in the morning. And Dad is getting Milia’s stuff out of the attic for Dash to use.
“Where is Dash?” I haven’t seen him since we got here.
“Mom has got him in the kitchen with her. It’s nice having a baby around the house again. So which sheets would you like?”
Keeping up with him is a little dizzying. “It’s cold.”
“The flannel it is.” He sets the silk ones to the side and starts to make the bed.
“You don’t need to do that. I can make my own bed.”
“I know you’re capable, but I want to do this for you.”
Cherish. Max promised to make me feel cherished. Those weren’t just words. Or stacks full of things he could buy me with his billions. He means to show me with actions.
My legs go out from under me.
“Fea, what’s wrong?” He dashes to my side, scooping me up in his arms. “Are you sick? I’d better call Mom. She can come check you out. Or maybe I should just take you to the hospital. That’s a better idea. An ambulance. We need an ambulance. Except the hospital is close. It would be faster to drive. Don’t you worry, I’ll have you there in a few minutes.”
What? “No. Max, I’m fine.”
“You clearly aren’t fine. People who are fine don’t just collapse to the ground.” Trembling with fear, his arms wrap around me like he’s trying to transfer his strength to me.
“Max, I’m fine.”
We’re halfway to the steps in no time.
“Put me down.”
“No, you might fall on the steps.”
“Max, get this through that thick skull of yours, I am fine.”
“Woman. You just collapsed.”
“Because you just turned my world upside down, showing me how much you love me. And I realized you really meant it.”
“Tesoro mio.”
“I don’t know what that means, but it sounds pretty.”
“It means my treasure, and that’s what you are.”
My heart cracks, and my secrets almost spill out.
“Emphasis on the my, because you’re mine. The most valuable gift I could have received.”
“Are you trying to make me cry too?”
“Never.”
