Page 30 of No Regrets

Shiloh’s screams grew louder and caused Kaden to step out of the room. She didn’t even open her eyes she was crying so hard. Brianna cradled Shiloh to her, kissing her cheek as she whispered words of affection to her. It didn’t work. Finally Kaden came back, going straight for the closet.

“The doctor said to meet him at Raleigh General.” He pulled on clothing and pulled stuff out for Brianna to put on.

With Shiloh still screaming, he picked her up, propped her against his shoulder, and carried her to the other room while Brianna dressed. With as much adrenaline pumping through her body, she felt almost sick as she worried about her baby. Having her out of sight was even worse.

She pulled on her clothes and tied her hair back in a ponytail, not caring what she looked like. Once semidecent, she grabbed her purse and went to find her husband and child.

Kaden strapped Shiloh into the carseat and had the car running and ready to go by the time she got to the garage. Brianna hopped into the back and he took off like a bat out of hell.

Shiloh cried nearly the whole trip and through the doctor’s examination.

“She has a double ear infection. I’m going to give you a liquid form of an antibiotic, and it’s to be given twice a day with meals to prevent an upset stomach.” He handed all the papers to Kaden, who talked with him a bit while Brianna gathered up their belongings.

“Okay, thanks, doc.” Kaden shook his hand, and they parted ways. “I’m going to stop at a twenty-four-hour pharmacy and get this filled so she’ll be feeling better soon.”

He stood to the side while Brianna buckled in Shiloh. The poor thing hadn’t stopped crying and wanted Brianna to hold her. Brianna’s heart broke seeing Shiloh’s little hands reaching up for her mother. She pulled back reluctantly, slamming the door.

“You okay?” Kaden’s hand slipped down her arm. “You haven’t said much.”

“I’m scared to death.” She walked around him to the other side and climbed in the backseat again with Shiloh. She wrapped her arms around the baby, praying this would be sufficient since she couldn’t technically hold her while they drove.

“Shiloh, please stop crying.” She kissed her forehead, smoothing her hair as she continued to reach with gasping cries for Brianna.

After they got the medicine, Brianna gave her the first dose immediately, hoping she’d stop crying before she made herself sick. Her face was red and blotchy tears running in rivulets, soaking her shirt. Brianna brushed them away, kissing her since she couldn’t hold her.

Finally, Shiloh quieted and dozed off in her carseat. The silence was almost as painful as the loud noise. Brianna let out a pent-up breath and closed her eyes.

When she awoke, Kaden was carrying her to their bedroom. “Where’s Shiloh?”

“Asleep.”

He sat her on her side, pulled off her shoes, and tucked her underneath the covers. He kissed her forehead, s she’d seen him do so many times to Shiloh, and cupped her cheek in his hand.

“Get some sleep, baby.”

“But,” she tried protesting but he silenced her by placing one finger against her lips.

“I’ll watch over Shiloh. Don’t worry about it.” He kissed her briefly, then left the room, turning the light off as he went.

Brianna could do nothing but close her eyes and drift into bliss.

* * * *

When Brianna awoke, it was close to ten and Kaden and Shiloh sat in the middle of the living room floor playing with a ball. She giggled and laughed as he rolled it to her. Shiloh loved this game. She did her best to throw it back to him but rolled it instead.

“She seems to be doing much better.” Brianna yawned and walked into the kitchen for a nice big mug of coffee.

“Yeah, she tried standing in her crib this morning, waiting for me to get her, and she fell over. The medicine has helped with the pain though. She’s giggled more than she’s cried this morning.”

He rolled the ball to her, and she pushed back to him, giggling. Brianna joined them, smiling at her daughter as she took a seat to watch them.

“Come on, Mommy. Don’t you want to play?” Kaden tossed the ball to Brianna, making Shiloh’s eyes grow wide.

“Hah.” She scooted behind Shiloh, opening her legs around her. She handed her the ball and helped her throw it toward Kaden. She pecked her head when it flew by him and nearly landed in the tree. “Oops.”

“Oops, my ass,” Kaden muttered, leaning back to get it. “Shiloh and I had a good game going. Don’t ruin it with stunts like that.”

He rolled the ball to the baby who giggled when she pushed it back with her foot. Brianna sat back, watching them with a huge smile on her face. Shiloh loved playing with her daddy. Just about as much as Kaden loved playing with his baby.

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