Page 31 of Her Daddies' Everything

Maeve was lying in her bed, asleep. The side of her face was bruised and she looked pale and ill.

Immy let out a small whimper. Jenner tugged her over so she was sitting on an armchair as Isaiah explained how he’d found her.

“How long do you think she’ll sleep for?” Immy asked.

“I don’t know. She’s been sleeping a while,” Sampson said.

“What do you suppose happened?” she asked.

“Isaiah is trying to figure that out,” Sampson said, nodding at where Isaiah was working on his laptop.

Had someone called Cat? Immy should do that, shouldn’t she?

She went to her bedroom and called their friend, leaving a message. Then she quickly used the bathroom, before stepping back out into her room. She let out a small cry as she saw Jenner sitting on the side of the bed.

She put her hand on her chest. “You gave me a fright!”

“Sorry, Twinkles. I just wanted to check on you. You looked upset.”

“I’m just worried about Maeve. Like all of us are.” Immy chewed at her lower lip and Jenner got up, pushing it away from her teeth.

“Don’t do that, baby,” he whispered, drawing her into his arms. “Everything is going to be all right.”

“You don’t know that, though,” she said. “We don’t know what’s going on with Maeve or why she’s here.” She rubbed her tummy anxiously. She was feeling ill.

That happened when she got anxious. Normally, when she was feeling like this she’d cuddle Snowy and watch cartoons. Maybe eat some cookies and animal pasta.

Not together.

That was just gross.

But she didn’t feel like she could leave Maeve. She might wake up and need her.

“I do. Because I’m going to make it happen.”

Immy sighed and nodded. “Maybe I should make her some mac and cheese. She loves that. And some cookies. I should bake her some cookies. Shouldn’t Eric be here by now?”

“He’s coming. Don’t panic. Let’s just go sit with her for a while. Okay?”

“Okay,” she whispered, taking his hand, she let him lead her back into Maeve’s bedroom.

She sat on the armchair as Maeve started moving.

“I’m not getting up, Mom,” Maeve suddenly said. “I don’t care what chores need doing.”

“Maeve?” Immy asked.

Maeve frowned. “Immy? Whatcha doing in my room? Please tell me the Deity doesn’t want to see me.”

“Oh my God! Does she have amnesia?” Immy cried. “Does she think she’s back at the Camp?”

“Immy, calm down,” Sampson barked. “She’s probably dreaming.”

“Sampson? Oh no, the Deity doesn’t want us to have sex again, does he?” Maeve asked.

Immy gaped at Sampson, who was standing at the end of the bed with his arms crossed. She was aware that everyone else was staring at him too.

Sampson sighed, running his hand over his face.

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