The stricken expression on her face scared him. “What?”
“It’s not that I have two left feet.” Her eyes flickered with sadness. “I’ve never danced with a man.”
“Never?” He found that hard to believe, and he forced his jaw not to drop.
“I had to work my way through high school and never made it to homecoming or prom.” Her shoulders rose and fell. “Manny and I had a justice of the peace wedding, and we didn’t exactly have the slow dancing in the kitchen type of relationship.”
He pulled her to him and cradled her in his arms. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We don’t have to dance. Would you like to take a walk outside?”
She lifted her head and shook it. “Teach me to dance.”
A wave of love swept him into eternal bliss. He showed her where to put her hands, then wrapped his arms around her waist. They swayed to the sweet song about forever love and didn’t stop when another song began.
He’d tuned out their surroundings and startled when Christy interrupted them.
She held a phone and handed it to Luna. “I’m sorry to intrude, but Aloni called me. She’s been trying your cell.”
Luna dropped her hands like she’d caught a ball of fire. “What is it?”
“Skye started to feel ill and spiked a fever of 104.6. Aloni gave her a fever reducer, but said it’s not coming down.”
“Dear goodness,” Luna muttered.
“I brought your phone over. I figured you wouldn’t mind me digging in your purse for it.”
“Thank you.” Luna glanced at him briefly. “I have to call her.”
Carl handed her his truck keys. “Go to the truck. It will be quiet and not as cold as standing outside. I’ll grab your purse and tell Rachel we’re leaving.”
“I’m sorry.” Tears spilled over. “You can stay, and I’ll call a cab.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. Those girls come first, and Skye needs you.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll meet you in the truck shortly.”
Chapter Sixteen
She’d never forgive herself if something happened to Skye. As soon as left the building, she called Aloni as she ran to the truck. “Is Skye okay?”
Aloni sounded calm but worried. “She said she hurts everywhere and is burning up. It came out of nowhere.”
“I’m on my way home now.” She came to the truck and jumped inside, watched frantically for Carl.
A minute later, he came running and hopped behind the steering wheel. “What did you find out?”
“Not much more that what Christa said.” Fear for her daughter wrapped around her heart. “I’m taking her to the ER.”
“I’ll drive you. Give me your keys and I’ll switch the car seats over while you run in for her.”
“You don’t have to do that. A trip to the ER can take hours.”Please say you’ll come anyway.
“I want to be there for you, or if you want to let Mercy stay sleeping, I can stay with her.”
“Thank you.” Selfishly, she wanted him to come with her, but she knew the trip would be easier if Mercy stayed home. Did she trust Carl to stay with her daughter? She only had to think for a fraction of a second. If she didn’t, there would be no future between them. As it was, she trusted Carl completely. “If you don’t mind staying with Mercy, that would be a huge help. I’ve told you how grumpy she gets without sleep.”
“I don’t mind at all.” He drove off the mansion’s property, and onto the highway. “What do I need to know?”
“She rarely wakes up before morning anymore, but if she does, she can have a sippy cup of milk. If you read her a story, she’ll fall back asleep.”
His laugh was tinged with nervousness. “Sounds easy enough.”
