“I'd wipe your mouth, but I'm pretty sure you would slap me.”
Jenna couldn't help but laugh as she wiped her lips with the cool, wet cloth.When she was finished he handed her a cold glass of water.
The liquid tasted heavenly.She sipped slowly, hoping her nausea wouldn't kick in again.She was glad nothing happened.
Maybe it hadn't been morning sickness?Maybe the news of Sam's death had hit her too hard.
Gosh, she couldn’t tell where her body ended and her emotions began anymore.Everything felt tangled and raw.
She’d never been a fainter.Had never freaked out under pressure, but ever since she’d gotten pregnant, she reacted big time to every little thing.
“Ms.Bradley has left.She said to call for an appointment when you feel up to it.No rush.In the meantime she said she’ll get the ball rolling on Sam’s estate.She asked for you to keep taking care of his place and his animals because it is yours now.I'm so sorry about your friend.”
The words “it is yours now” felt unreal, like she was inheriting a ghost instead of a home.
I don’t want Sam’s place.I want him here.Alive and well.
A sob of despair escaped her.The sound tore out of her before she could stop it.Grief was breaking through the cracks she was trying to hold together.
Axel’s hand settled onto her right shoulder, and he squeezed her gently there.His touch steadied her, a quiet promise that she wasn’t facing this alone.
“I can't believe he's gone,” she whispered and she fought back a well of hot tears.
“We will put off starting the roof today, so you can lay down and rest.This is obviously a shock.We can start the roof tomorrow or whenever you want.Peace and quiet would be the best bet after this kind of news.”
Jenna shook her head and Axel removed his hand as he helped her up to her feet.
“Please, keep going.I'm fine.I'll leave the dishes for now and I'll go outside to work with the horses.I've already lost yesterday.”
She clung to the idea of routine like a lifeline.Anything to keep from drowning in the grief swelling inside her.
Axel frowned at her.
“Are you sure?You look kind of pale.”
“I'm fine.Fresh air and sunshine will help.I need to keep distracted today.I'm gonna have a hard time processing this.It's just so unexpected.So close to Tim.”
“It is getting pretty hot out there.Maybe you should reconsider going out?”
She waved him away.
“The horses like their routine.I'll just do what I normally do.Please start on the roof.”
“Okay, boss.But only on one condition.That you let us do the dishes during one of our breaks from the roof.”
She nodded jerkily.
“You're on.”
Not doing the dishes sounded heavenly, but she found herself wishing she could do the dishes forever if only Sam was here alive.Emotions bubbled up into her throat, and she drank some more of the water.
When Axel didn't move to leave, she figured it was time to give him a hint.
“I'm just going to freshen up.Thank you for helping me.”
Axel grinned.
“You never have to thank me, Jenna.I'm here for you, always.”
