“Oh my God. So you’re telling me to use sex to get what I want?” I laughed.
“Normally, that would be terrible advice. But in this case, I think it might work. I love you both. You belong together. Sex muddles men’s brains. Get his mind good and muddled, then make your point.”
She’s nuts, but she might be right. “I’ll think about it, but we’re not talking about this ever again.”
I felt her nod against the top of my head. “Okay, we won’t. But one more thing—you must talk to him too. It won’t work if you expect him to bare all his deepest feelings and you keepyours to yourself. Now I’m done, and I won’t bring it up ever again.”
“Thanks, Mom. For the insane advice, and for checking on me.”
She laughed. “You’re welcome, honey. Thanks for letting me be here with you. I’ve missed you.” She kissed my cheek, then got up. “Sleep tight. Love you, baby.”
“Love you too. Good night.” She closed the door behind her. When the room was once again bathed in darkness, I shut my eyes and fell asleep.
Chapter 23
Luke
Istood with Calla in my arms in the doorway to Lily’s old room at her parent’s house surrounded by Dylan, Mark, and Mara. We were waiting for her to wake up, but the light snoring coming from her bed indicated that she was sound asleep, and I was glad she was finally getting the rest she needed.
When I arrived earlier this morning, Dahlia told me she’d had a panic attack. I wished I were here to help her last night, but I was grateful she wasn’t alone when it hit.
Her voice called out from with the cocoon of covers she nestled in. “I’m up. You guys can come in.”
Dylan, Mark, and Mara rushed through to go to her. They were just as worried as I was.
“Aunt Lily!”
“Mommy!”
But there was no tackling, no jumping. Just gentle hugs.
“Good morning. Did you have fun last night?” Her question was interrupted by Rocky bounding through the door and hopping up to join the kids.
She smiled at me. “Come on, Luke, don’t be scared.”
Chuckling, I made my way to the bed and sat on the edge.
She grabbed Calla and kissed her cheeks, cuddling her close.
“Are you better, Aunt Lily?” Mara asked, placing her hand to Lily’s forehead. “Daddy said you were sick last night.”
“I’m fine now, Mara. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.”
“Good. Let’s go see if Grandma will make pancakes for breakfast,” she said to the boys. Mark got up to follow, but Dylan stayed put.
“I’ll come in a minute,” he told Mara before sitting next to Lily. “Are you really better? I heard Uncle Levi talking about your pressure and your blood when I was on the stairs listening. Uncle Asher made me come back to bed. He said you were going to be okay, and I should go back to sleep so you wouldn’t worry about me. So, are you okay? What was on your arm?” Her eyes closed, as if she were gathering strength before answering him.
“I had an anxiety attack.” I tightened my arm around her but kept quiet so she could explain it to him in her own way.
“I got too tired and too worried about everything going on. I woke up to get Calla when she cried, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I scared Grandma and Grandpa, and they called an ambulance. Uncle Levi was the paramedic who came over. Uncle Cade came too.”
“I saw Grandpa carry you. I saw you sitting on his lap,” Dylan said, clearly still worried about her.
“I’m sorry you saw that and I’m sorry I scared you. But I’m okay now, I promise. I let them help me feel better, and I’ll keep letting them help, so I don’t get so tired or worried again. I promise you, I’m okay, Dylan.”
He hugged her. “Okay, Mommy. I love you.”
“I love you, bug,” she whispered.
