“Mama?”
The tiny voice, in addition to a soft tickling sensation against her nose, woke Chelsea from the light sleep she’d been in. A black ball of fur held by her daughter’s hands, scampered near her face. Jordan’s head rested on the couch cushion in front of her.
“Hey, sweetheart. Did I fall asleep again? I’m sorry. You were reading me a story.”
“It’s okay. Daddy always say sleep is the best medicine. That means you’ll get better faster.”
The soft chuckle escaped before she could trap it, but it wasn’t as damaging as previous ones had been. Either the pain meds were helping or she was actually healing. Being here with her child and husband was definitely the best medicine.
As she struggled to sit up, Jordan placed…Snap…back on the floor. It had been nice of Rico to take care of the animals last night and then drop them off here today. She hadn’t been able to do much besides watch as Theo and Jordan played.
Once they’d gotten home from the hospital—Theo’s home—he’d been extremely solicitous. Lots of pillows had been plumped up on the couch, though he’d wanted her to go right up to his room and his bed. Yes, eventually she’d love to be in his bed, but for now, she wanted to be where the action was. They were her family. She had gone too long without them.
“Daddy want to know if you want a grilled cheese sandwich. He makes the best ones.”
“Yes,” she said. “I’ve tasted his. They’re yummy. I think because he uses so much butter.”
Jordan rubbed her belly. “I love butter. I’ll go tell Daddy.”
“I’m right here, peanut. I heard.” Theo lounged against the doorway into the kitchen, his gaze on her. “How are you feeling? Do you need any more medication?”
“Think I’m okay for now. I’ve been sleeping so much I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”
“Daddy says we can stay up and watch a movie. Maybe that make you sleep.”
“I saidifyour mother was up for it, we could watch a movie. The doctor said not too much screen time for her eyes. We have to be careful.”
A pout popped onto Jordan’s face, and her eyes misted. “I don’t want you get sick again, Mama. I don’t want you go away. You needa stay here.”
“Oh, sweetie.” Chelsea reached out and pulled Jordan into her lap. “I’m not going anywhere. Even if I’m a little sick. Because now I know I have you and your father to take care of me.” Stroking the girl’s hair, so like her own, calmed her own rapidly beating heart at the thought of not being with her child. And the child’s father.
“So, grilled cheese all around. Jordan, why don’t you take Bandit into the back yard before we eat?”
“I don’t wanna pick up poop,” Jordan complained, her face twisted.
Theo laughed. “I’ll get it later. Just make sure he doesn’t step in it, okay?”
Jordan jumped up and ran into the kitchen, calling the dog.
“I can clean up after Bandit,” Chelsea said, attempting to stand. When the room tilted, she grabbed the arm of the couch.
“We’ll let you clean up after the dog once you’re not so wobbly.” Theo wrapped her in his arms and sat down next to her. “For now, rest and enjoy being waited on.”
His warm body felt so nice she couldn’t help but snuggle closer. “Thank you for taking care of me, Theo. I’ve never had anyone care for me the way you and Jordan have.”
“Oh, pixie. I wish I could make all the bad stuff in your past go away.”
Looking up at his handsome face, she stroked his cheek. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad for me. I just like being here with you and our daughter and appreciate how nice you’re treating me.”
The expression on Theo’s face was so forlorn it tugged at her heart, so she reached up and pulled his head down to her. Their lips touched and again, the tiny pieces of her soul began to slowly mend together. His arms crushed her close as his mouth roamed over hers. Heaven. Here. Always. Please, let it continue.
The slamming of the back door knocked them out of their clinch, but Theo kept his forehead touching hers. “Guess I should make that grilled cheese now, huh? If you want to pick this up at a later time, I think it could be arranged.”
Her soft sigh floated on the air. “Later.”
When the food was ready, Chelsea claimed she was able to sit in the kitchen to eat, but Jordan wouldn’t hear of it.
“Daddy said we could eat in the living room, so you don’t have to get up.” Her eyes grew wide. “Heneverlets us eat in here, Mama, so wehaveto.”
