Page 101

My palm cradles her cheek. “You’re not feeling good, are you?”

She shakes her head, her eyes welling with tears.

“Oh, sweetheart.” I reach for Squish on the floor beside her and hand him to her. “He’s going to keep you company while I go look for a thermometer. I’ll be right back.”

I cross the room in three quick strides, yank open the medicine cabinet, and dig through the bottles until I find the thermometer. With it clenched in my hand, I hurry back to her side and press it against her forehead. The seconds drag on as I wait for a reading.

When it beeps, I stare at the screen, dread surging inside me. 101.4.

She sniffles, and the thermometer drops from my hand as I scoop her up. “It’s going to be okay.” I push back her hair, carry her to the medicine cabinet, and rummage through it until I find a bottle of children’s ibuprofen.

After setting her on the counter, I measure the dose and hold out the small cup. “I need you to drink this for me.”

“No.” She shakes her head adamantly, squeezing her lips shut and turning her face away from the cup.

I take a deep breath, softening my voice. “Please?”

A few tears slide down her cheeks, her fingers curling into little fists in front of her.

The sight fractures something deep inside my chest.

I swallow the panic clawing at my throat, knowing I can’t show frustration in front of her. “If you drink this, you’ll feel better. I promise.” Even this young, I’m sure she can hear the sheer desperation in my voice.

She scrunches her face in disgust, but at least she doesn’t say no this time.

I lean in, lowering my voice as if I’m telling her a secret. “If you drink this, I’ll owe you an ice cream date. And I’ll let you get all the toppings you want.”

Alex may not approve of bribery with a toddler, but I’ll give her whatever she wants to get this down.

Her little lips curve up the slightest bit, and her hands hesitantly reach toward the cup. She eyes the liquid with disdain, then I bring it to her lips. I watch, holding my breath, as she parts them and I tip the cup. She grimaces and swallows most of it; only a few red drops escape down her chin.

“I’m so proud—”

A sob breaks free, and her shoulders shake as tears stream down her crimson cheeks. I’ve never seen her this upset before, and it’s breaking my heart right down the middle.

“I know, sweet girl.” I wipe away the medicine with my thumb before smoothing her hair back from her damp forehead. “You did such a good job. Being sick is no fun.”

Her little hands reach for me, and I pull her against my chest, swaying gently. Her cries only grow louder, the tears soaking through my shirt.

What do I do?

I step toward the island, grab my phone with a trembling grip, and tap Alex’s name before pressing it to my ear.

“You’ve reached Alex. Leave a message—”

I pull my phone away and stare at the screen, disappointed. “Straight to voicemail.”

I try again.

“You’ve reached Alex—”

I set my phone on the counter and rub my temple, panic suffocating me.

Think. Think. Think.

Then it hits me. I grab my phone and scroll through my very limited contacts until I find Cecilia Alarie. My thumb hovers for only a second before I tap her name and lift the phone to my ear.

Thankfully, she answers on the first ring. “Hello, dear.”