She smiled, snuggling closer. “When I grow up, I’m gonna take care of people too. Like you.”
My heart squeezed. “That’s a pretty amazing thing to want to do.”
She nodded, eyes already half-lidded. “You’re like a superhero.”
I laughed softly. “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever gotten.”
She gave a tiny hum of approval and drifted off halfway through the movie, one small hand resting on the heating pad as if helping me hold it in place.
I let my head sink back into the couch and breathed slowly. The pain stayed, sharp and deep, but the warmth of her small body against mine helped. Heat gathered beneath the soft fleece blanket, and the gentle aroma of pizza beside us dulled the discomfort just enough to let me find a sliver of peace.
For a moment, I just listened to her soft breathing and let myself rest too.
Some time later, I must’ve dozed off, because the next thing I heard was the sound of the front door unlocking.
I startled slightly, sitting up just enough to see Logan stepping inside, duffel bag slung over his shoulder and an airport coffee in hand.
For a moment, I thought I was dreaming.
He froze in the doorway, surprise flickering across his face before it melted into a sense of relief.
“Hey,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
“Logan?” I blinked. “You’re—early.”
His smile tugged wider. “Not for good, just 48 hours off. Finished the job ahead of schedule and thought I’d surprise you both.”
Before I could respond, Harper stirred at the sound of his voice. Her eyes fluttered open, and then she gasped, loud and delighted.
“Daddy!”
She practically launched herself off the couch, heating pad and all, running full speed into his arms. He caught her easily, laughing as she squealed, “You’re home early! You didn’t even call!”
“Best surprise ever, huh?” he said, hugging her tight. “Look at you, unicorn pajamas and all.”
She beamed up at him. “We were having movie night! Because Ms. Dani’s tummy hurts.”
I froze mid-sit-up. “Oh, Harper, I’m fine.”
“It’s okay,” Logan said quickly, his eyes flicking to me with concern. “Stomach bug?”
“It’s not contagious,” Harper said very seriously. “It’s herend-o-me-tree-oh-sis.”
I covered my face, mortified and amused all at once. “Apparently, we’re using medical terms now.”
Logan’s smile was faint but warm. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I said, waving him off. “Just one of those days. The heating pad’s doing its thing.”
He set Harper down and crossed to me before I could protest. “You should’ve called. I would’ve—”
“—flown home early?” I teased lightly. “It’s not my first rodeo; I’ve had it worse.”
He huffed out a laugh, crouching beside the couch. “Still. You shouldn’t have had to handle both her and this alone.”
“I’m fine,” I said softly. “We had pizza, watched a movie, and made a blanket fort that currently looks like it survived a small tornado. Harper was an excellent nurse.”
“Of course I was!” she said, climbing back onto the couch proudly. “I got her water and everything.”
