Page 45 of Undeniably Perfect

I get up at her command and head toward the bathroom as she goes downstairs, presumably to make me soup.

By the time I finish showering, the smell of something amazing permeates the air. I put on leggings and a t-shirt. I walk out of the bathroom to find fresh sheets on my bed. Damn, she’s good.

“OK, back in bed,” she says as she enters with a tray of the most delicious-smelling soup.

I take another sip of tea. “That soup smells amazing.”

“It’s my mom’s recipe. An old family secret for feeling better.” She sets the tray down and sits on the edge of the bed.

I take a small spoonful of soup. I sigh with contentment. It tastes as good as it smells if not better.

“This is really good.”

She smiles warmly. “It’s chicken soup, but there’s ginger in there. You’ll feel better soon. Stay in bed. Kylie can drive you to the game tomorrow night, that is if you feel better.”

“OK.”

“Good. Now, I’m going to leave you to it. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

“Thanks. This is above and beyond the call of duty.”

“I live for taking care of people,” she admits. “I don’t get to do it much anymore, but maybe someday my kids will bestow upon me a few grandkids, and I can dote on them.” She gives me a wink and giggles as she walks out of the room.

This family…they are…wonderful.

I spend the evening chatting with Miss Kathy and drinking more of her tea. She refuses to leave until Kent gets home, which is late. My eyes are barely open when I see his shadow in the doorframe.

“Hey,” I croak.

“Hey. How are you feeling?”

I scoot up in the bed. “Better,” I answer with a yawn.

“Good. I was worried but I figured my mom would take good care of you.”

“I have a confession to make.”

He raises an eyebrow as he walks toward me and sits down on the edge of the bed. He smells clean like he just took a shower, which surprises me since he’s been practicing and working out all day.

“I may be in love with your family.”

His chest shakes as he laughs. “Is that so?”

I nod. “Seriously, I can’t believe families like yours actually exist outside of sappy sitcoms from the eighties and nineties.”

He grins. “They are pretty great, but don’t let them fool you. They can be real pains in the ass, too.”

I grin. “All families can be pains in the ass.”

“Well, mine is no different.”

“Are you sure? They seem pretty perfect to me.”

He shakes his head. “Trust me on this one.”

I shrug. “OK, but I still think they are abnormally great.”

“Well, I can’t argue with you on that. They are great, just annoying at times.”

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