Page 104

“I’m on it.” He slams his foot on the gas pedal as he turns the wheel hard toward the private airport.

“Where are my girls?” A dangerous undertone edges into my words as I step through the main door, my chest tight with fear as my eyes scour the entryway.

Doctor Rose strides toward me, her white jacket swaying with each quick step.

“Right this way,” she tells me, leading me to the room at the end of the hall.

“How’s Clara?” I drag my fingers through my hair. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine,” she answers. “These things happen. Her fever has already started to go down. She’s just resting. I told Charlotte I would watch over her so she could go home and sleep, but she insisted on staying. Your mother is here too.”

Knowing Charlotte stayed with Clara sends a strong current of warmth through my chest.

She opens the door, and I walk in, the sight stopping me cold. In the corner, my mother sleeps soundly in the recliner. But on the bed…

I swallow hard as the feeling in my chest grows tenfold.

On the bed lies Charlotte with her arms wrapped securely around Clara. Clara has her head tucked beneath Charlotte’s chin, and her little fingers are bunched into the fabric of Charlotte’s shirt, clinging to her.

“They’ve been like this most of the night,” Doctor Rose says softly, not wanting to wake either of them.

My shoulders drop, the tension that’s been in my body since I listened to my mother’s voicemail slowly disappearing. “I appreciate your help.” I keep my eyes on them. “Am I good to take them home?”

“Of course.” She nods. “Just keep Clara hydrated and make sure she continues to get lots of rest. If anything changes, reach out to me immediately.” She turns and heads out the door.

I step toward the bed and stand beside them, my heart fluttering wildly.

I watch Clara’s chest rise and fall, reassuring me she’s okay. Carefully, I rest my palm on her forehead, feeling her cool skin. Thank fucking God. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as I move my hand to Charlotte’s temple, stroking my knuckles gently across her skin.

She stirs, her eyes blinking open until they catch mine. Relief washes over her features at the sight of me.

“Hey,” I say softly, my lips curving up.

She looks down at Clara and, seeing that she’s okay, she carefully adjusts herself into a sitting position. Her bottom lip rolls in, her eyes glossing over. “I’m so sorry. One minute she was fine, and the next she was warm and didn’t want to eat her lunch. She was just so tired. And after I gave her some medicine, she wouldn’t stop crying.” She shakes her head, pressing her hand to her temple.

My brows furrow, my hand cupping her cheek. “Kids get sick, Charlotte. That’s not your fault.”

She nods, biting down on her lip. “I know, but I was just so worried,” she whispers. “I didn’t know what to do, so I called your mom.”

I brush back her hair and lean forward, placing a kiss on her forehead. “You did an amazing job taking care of her.” I pull away and slip two fingers beneath her chin. “Thank you.”

Her bottom lip trembles, and my chest aches at the sight.

“Come here,” I tell her, opening my arms wide.

She doesn’t hesitate, collapsing against my chest and wrapping her arms around my torso. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

“Me too,” I answer honestly. I brush my lips over the top of her head. “I’m taking my girls home.”

She looks up at me, her big eyes holding mine. She doesn’t say anything. She just nods, then looks back at Clara.

And that’s when I see it.

It flashes over Charlotte’s green irises like a shooting star across the night sky.

Love.

As strong as a burning fire, it reflects in her gaze as she stares down at my daughter like she was her own.