“I’m scared.” She blurted it out without thinking. “What if it’s something serious?”
“Don’t borrow trouble. Would you like me to pray?”
“Please.” She expected him to pull over, but he prayed as he drove.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you tonight to pray for Skye. Only you know right now what’s going on in her young body. We pray for healing and for wisdom from the doctors and nurses to diagnose and treat the illness. Please calm Luna’s spirit and wrap your comforting arms around her. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”
A weight lifted from her shoulders. She’d whispered her own prayer as Carl said his and peace lulled her anxious nerves. “I’m sorry our date ended early.”
He glanced over. “I’m only sorry that Skye is sick. Other than that, the evening was perfect.”
“Can I get a raincheck on the remainder of that dance?” She managed to smile through her concern.
“All you have to do is ask.”
He made a turn onto a road she recognized. Now that she had her bearings, she was relieved to know they were minutes from her apartment. To her surprise, there was an empty parking spot directly in front of her building. That had to be God watching out for them.
She jumped out before the truck came to a complete stop and ran inside.
The apartment was dark, and Aloni sat on the couch with Skye curled in her lap. She stood up and carried Skye to Luna. “Still no break in the fever, and she’s moaning.”
She took Skye and kissed her forehead. Aloni hadn’t exaggerated the heat level. “I’m taking her to the ER. Carl said he’d stay with Mercy.”
Aloni shook her head. “I’ll stay with her. You shouldn’t be alone at the hospital.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Gratitude for these wonderful, kind, generous people whom God placed in her life overwhelmed her.
“Say yes,” Carl said behind her.
“All right.” In the midst of it all, she breathed a sigh of relief. She could have handled it on her own, but it was much better to have help.
“I’ll switch the car seats, then come back for Skye.” He disappeared out of the apartment as quickly as he’d come in.
“How was the wedding?” Bless Aloni for trying to distract her.
“Perfect.” A dreamy tone accented her words. “Absolutely perfect.”
A certain gleam glimmered in Aloni’s eyes. “Will there be another wedding soon?”
Luna’s cheeks warmed. What she wouldn’t give to not be a blusher. “I really like him.”
“Men don’t come much better than Carl.” Aloni’s voice held great affection for him. “Did you know security firms have sought him out and offered triple his salary at Hope House, but he stays because he believes in the mission.”
“I didn’t but that doesn’t surprise me.” She shifted Skye in her arms. “Could you do me a favor and grab her blankie for me? I don’t want to disturb her with a coat, but it’s cold outside.”
“Sure.” Aloni left the room, and Carl entered.
“Her seat is switched over and ready to go.” He held out his arms, offering to take Skye.
She let him carry her, and when Aloni returned with the blankie, Luna tucked it around Skye’s body. The sight of Carl holding Skye protectively against him melted her heart, and Luna knew there was no turning back. She’d lost her heart to Carl and fallen in love with him.
However, this wasn’t the time to deal with that. Getting Skye to the hospital took priority. She helped Carl buckle Skye in the car seat, then climbed in the backseat and sat beside her.
“I not good, Mama.” Skye’s pitiful voice was barely audible. “I hurt.”
“I know, baby. We’re taking you to the hospital to see what’s going on.” She stroked Skye’s downy hair. “Mama loves you.”
“Wuv you too.” She drifted in and out of wakefulness during the ten-minute drive to the hospital.
