Page 115 of Almost Always

“Daisy,” he said softly, almost like a reprimand.

“I’m not leaving the two of you here alone, Raff.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Now stop worrying about me and get some sleep.”

He watched her with a lovestruck expression and when she rolled her eyes, he chuckled. But it turned into a cough and he winced. She held out the glass with a straw so he would take a sip and sighed. “Thank you,” he rasped.

“Always,” she replied and pulled the covers back so he would settle. Once she was sure that he was comfortable, she closed the curtains and turned out the light. With one last check of her boys, she stepped out of the room and left the door slightly ajar, then walked to the kitchen to get started on her work.

Two days later, the Ames men were finally on the mend. It took a lot of medication, tons of rest and scolding to get them to that stage. It was also surprising that she got so much work done, because she was shuttling between the dining table and the bedroom constantly, pouring medicine down their throats and making them eat and drink regularly. Boots accompanied her every time and she was certain that the dog was also tired of their shenanigans.

The doctor had come by that morning and after another check, had given them the all clear. She sent them to wash off their fevers while stripping their beds and changing the sheets. Boots stuck by her through the whole process of putting in a load of laundry and waited with her until Rafferty and Cal walked into the kitchen with wide grins and bright eyes. Dog and kid charged outside, like they hadn’t seen sunshine in days, Rafferty swaggered over to her all sexy smirks and damp hair. It was distracting and she almost forgot that he’d been unwell for the last seventy-two hours.

“I missed that face,” he rumbled, hands stroking over her body before he cupped her cheeks.

“Quit pawing at me, you animal.” She laughed and attempted to shake him off, but he didn’t let her go. Instead, his arms wound around her body and she squealed as he dug his fingers into her sides.

“Thank you for taking such good care of us, Hero.”

Straightening her clothes, she shook her head and smiled up at him. “You never have to thank me for looking after my family.”

“You did such an amazing job.”

She thought of all the times she’d been sick and someone had looked after her. But she’d never done that for someone else. Clarke worked through whatever illness befell them and refused coddling or lazy days and her father had Pia to make sure he was eating properly and getting enough exercise.

“Good, because the idea of a life without you two doesn’t work for me.”

He set his forehead against hers. “You’re never going to be without us. I promise.”

“You’re not supposed to make those kinds of promises,” Callahan said as he came into the kitchen. “Thank you for making me better, Daisy.”

She dropped to her knees in front of him and smiled, smoothing his hair back. “I would do that for you in a heartbeat.”

“Does this mean you’re going to stay with us forever?”

Her heart, which had already been racing, was now pounding against her ribcage. She felt Rafferty shift beside her so they were both at the same level as Callahan. “Is that what you want?”

He nodded. “Yes. I want you to marry Dad and be my mother and stay with us forever.”

She couldn’t stop the gasp that slipped out of her or the tears that fell down her cheeks. Nodding, she forced herself to smile and kissed Callahan’s forehead. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, okay?”

He glanced at his father and said, “I picked Wildes because of your letters to Daisy and how much you loved her.”

She glanced between the Ames men as Rafferty asked, “What do you mean?”

Callahan hesitated, looking down at his feet, like he was afraid of what his father would say. He glanced at her and in the quietest voice possible said, “Dad wrote letters to you that he never sent. Nonna helped me find you on the internet.”

CHAPTER 34

THEN, 2022

“Ihope you found a better hiding place this time!” Poppy called out.

Callahan rushed around the house trying to find somewhere to hole up. He was small, so he could hide anywhere. But they also played this game every day and his great-grandfather knew all his favorite hiding spots. He was also really smart for an old man.

Huffing, he finally chose his father’s old bedroom. It was never locked and he wasn’t really supposed to be there, but he knew they would allow it this one time. Making sure to close the door without making too much noise, he looked around to find the perfect cover. When he heard Poppy’s footsteps, he slid under the bed.

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