She’d taken the medicine four years ago, and it had helped her. “That’s fine.”
Dr. Matthews examined Skye while Luna continued holding her. “Her lungs are clear which is good. Have you noticed any coughing?”
“No.”
“I’m concerned that her fever isn’t responding to medication.” He reached for the thermometer and took Skye’s temperature again. “I don’t want to discharge her until we can get it down.”
“What will you do?”
“We’ll administer fluids via an IV and give her a different fever reducer. Children will often respond positively to a change.”
“Do what you have to do, please.” Her skin took in the heat from Skye’s feverish body.
“The nurse will be in shortly to get it started. Do you have any questions for me?”
“Not that I can think of.”
“If you do, let the nurse know.” Dr. Matthews offered a smile. “We’ll get your little girl feeling better in no time.”
The doctor’s assurance helped, but she still hated seeing her daughter so sick.
After the doctor left, Carl turned to her. “I’ll slip outside and call Aloni with an update.”
“Thank you.” She often felt like a broken record, thanking Carl for all he did. She’d never be able to repay him for his constant kindness, but fortunately, he wasn’t the type to keep a ledger of his good deeds.
While he was outside, a nurse came in. She had a friendly demeanor and took great pains to keep Skye comfortable while attaching the IV. “Would you like an extra blanket for her?”
“Not right now but thank you.”
“Do you need anything? A pillow or water?”
Luna glanced at the empty water bottle by the sink. Skye had drunk all of it. “Water would be great.”
The nurse had left, returned with water, and left again before Carl came back.
When he did reenter the room, she noticed the circles under his eyes. It had been a long day, and she imagined she didn’t look much better. She probably had mascara smears under her eyes and blotchy foundation.
He sat beside her, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Sorry it took so long. Rachel had left a message to check on Skye, so I called her back while I was out.”
Luna was torn between feelings of guilt for interfering with Rachel’s wedding date and being touched that she cared enough to call. “That was sweet, but I’m sure she has better things to do on her wedding night.”
“People care about you and the girls. One day I pray you’ll realize that.”
“I do, but it’s hard after not have anyone for so long.”
“I know.” He slid an arm around her, effectively moving her head to his chest. He kissed the top of her hair.
“You were with me the last time I was in the hospital.” Why had she said that? She didn’t need the reminder of when Manny found her at the shelter and beat her.
His muscles tensed then relaxed. “But I didn’t have the freedom to hold you then.”
She lifted her head and looked at him with a shy smile. “I’m glad that’s changed.”
Chapter Seventeen
Carl walked from his truck to Luna’s apartment. He had a busy day planned for Luna and the girls and had dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans. Though it was March, he was taking them on a late Valentine’s Day outing.
