“She’s beautiful, Dahlia,” Dylan says as we drive away. “Like her mama.”
“Thank you.” I glance over at him. “And thank you for going with me. It helped to have backup.”
“I’m glad I was there. Did Chloe feel hot to you? Do you think she’s sick?”
I look back at Chloe. “She felt warm, but it’s hard to say if it was because she’s been crying so much or if she really is sick.”
“Should we stop by the clinic to be sure?” he asks. “There’s one a couple of minutes from here.”
I look at him. “You really don’t mind?”
“Of course not.”
“That’d be great. I’d feel a lot better, knowing what’s going on before flying with her.”
“On it.”
“Thanks, Dylan.”
He looks at me and grins. “Happy to.” He looks in the rearview mirror, and his smile grows. “Damn, she’s cute.”
Two hours later, we’re walking into Dylan’s house. Chloe has an ear infection, so we’ve got antibiotics. She’s half asleep, but I give her a dose while Dylan makes a soft pallet on the floor with a bunch of blankets. Bill surveys the situation, sniffing everything and looking up at us likeWhat’s next?
“Will she be okay?” Dylan asks. “Should I go get her one of those portable cribs from Target? Would that be more comfortable for her?”
“She’ll be okay. It’s very soft and she is out.”
I lay Chloe on the blankets and cover her with her favorite blanket. When I step back, Dylan’s watching with a concerned expression.
“I used to hate ear infections so much,” he says. “What snacks does she like? I’ll run back to the store and load up so we don’t have to go anywhere later.”
“You don’t have to do that. I feel bad that you’re stuck with us.”
He scoffs. “Please. I’m so happy you’re here. Stay as long as you like. If she has an ear infection, it’ll be at least a few days, right? So she doesn’t have to fly with that.” He grins, and my heart does that weird twist. “Looks like we’re having an extended slumber party.”
I give him a weak smile. “Are you sure? This is so much more than you bargained for.”
“Are you kidding? This is the most excitement my house has ever had.”
I snort. “Did you just move in?”
He looks affronted. “It’s been a couple of years.”
I walk to the doorway, and he catches me by the waist.
“Well, thank you,” I whisper.
“That’s what friends are for.” He emphasizesfriends, and I groan, which makes him laugh. “Did you hear me almost slip with Christian and tell him my last name?”
My eyes widen. “Oh, that would’ve been the end of our secret. He’s still tight with my dad.” I roll my eyes. “And he would just love to have something on me.”
“Our secret’s safe,” he says, kissing me lightly. “Text me if you think of anything; otherwise, I’m gonna go buy out the grocery store.”
I laugh. “Fruit snacks. Chloe loves them, any kind.”
“Okay.” He waits. “That’s it?” He frowns when I don’t say anything else.
“Maybe some chicken noodle soup.”
