Page 36 of Until Delilah

“Go do what you need to do to feel better. Do you want some crackers and some ginger ale? I can bring some up to you before I go.”

After the first time she felt sick, I asked my mom what to do, and she sent me a list of things that might help Delilah when she isn’t feeling her best. There’s even some essential oil roller stick thing to help fight the nausea. It helps mostly, but I can see the tension in her eyes letting me know she’s feeling worse than she’s letting on.

“Um… I… that would actually be nice. I’m not sure if I can eat any crackers, but maybe the ginger ale will help settle me. I’ll also use that fancy diffuser you got me and make that anti-nausea concoction.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be up in a few minutes.” I kiss her forehead and then watch as she takes the stairs slowly.

“Is she okay?” Lexie asks the moment her daughter is out of view.

“She’s tired and feeling a little sick. I’m going to bring up some stuff to hopefully make her feel better,” I answer, still looking up the stairs. “I’m going to take Beck for a walk after that and see how he’s feeling about living here.”

“Hmm,” she hums. “I think there’s more to it than that.” The humor in her voice isn’t lost on me. I turn and smile down at her. She’s a little thing, just like her daughter. They look so much alike except for the hair color.

“I told Delilah I want her to be in my bed from now on, and she’s worried about what Beck will think, so I thought I’d feel him out. See if he has any questions about his new living arrangement.”

Lexie places her hand on my arm and gives it a pat. “I think that’s smart. Make him feel involved. I know he doesn’t act like it, but he’s been through a lot. Delilah is his whole world, and while I don’t know how much he saw or knows, he senses it.”

“He’s such a good kid it’s sometimes easy to forget what he’s been through.”

“It is, but the good thing is he bounces back quickly. You talking to him and including him will go a long way. He adored you before he even met you, and now… I don’t think you’ll have anything to worry about with him.”

With a quirked brow, I ask. “And do I need to worry about you and Ryder?”

“Not from me, but maybe don’t announce to my husband you’re taking his daughter to bed,” she giggles. “While he’s open to just about everything, there’s only so much you want to know.”

“Got ya. I didn’t plan on it. I know Delilah’s worried though.”

“She doesn’t need to be, and we’ll be out of your hair soon enough. I’m going to look at flights while she’s laying down and you’re out with Beck.”

“Are you leaving so soon?” I know Delilah will miss them when they’re gone.

“Yes, but we’ll be back.” Lexie grins. “I have a job I need to do, and we need to buy some furniture for the house we want here.”

“Did you put in an offer already?”

“We did, and the realtor thought they’d be very receptive to our price, so we’ll see.” She shrugs. “Now that my daughter isn’t in the room, tell me the truth. Do you care if we’re just down the road, even if it is for only parts of the year?”

“As long as you call or knock when you come by, I don’t think we’ll have a problem.” I smirk. “Really though, I don’t mind. I know it will make both of them very happy to have you closer.”

It isn’t like we’ll be able to have sex any time we want to. I won’t be taking Delilah on the kitchen counter while Beck’s awake. Now while he’s asleep or at school is an entirely different situation altogether.

She pats my chest. “You’re a good man, Max Black. Now, go take my daughter what she needs.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I chuckle.

“And don’t call me ma’am.” She walks away and speaks over her shoulder. “It makes me feel old.”

I don’t know how anyone would take Lexie for old. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she’s Delilah’s sister. I can’t wait to meet Ava and see how she adds to their dynamic.

Even though Delilah didn’t think she could eat any more, I still pull out a sleeve of Saltine’s for her to nibble on and a bottle of ginger ale. When I walk to her room, I’m shocked to not find her there. I keep walking down the hall to my room where I find her with her back turned to the door, and the comforter pulled up over her shoulders. While I’d been busy downstairs, she’d moved the diffuser I’d ordered for her into my bedroom, or I guess I should say our bedroom, and placed it on the nightstand. There are four little bottles of oil sitting by it. The room smells of citrus and peppermint. At first, when my mom suggested it I thought it would smell bad, but it’s actually quite inviting.

I set down the crackers and her drink before I lean over and see she’s already fallen asleep. Placing a kiss on her cheek, I close the door to the bedroom and then head for Beck’s room. He’s sitting on his bed with his baseball glove on his hand, throwing a ball into it.

“Hey, buddy. I thought I’d stop by and see if you want to go for a walk in the woods.” I’m not sure if he’ll take me up on my offer after getting bit by the dog out there. We’ve been hesitant to see, and with Lexie and Ryder showing up, they’ve been an excellent distraction from everything that happened that night.

He looks out his window and then back to me with worried eyes. “Is that dog going to be out there?”

“Nope, he’s gone. If there’s anything else out there that wants to hurt you though, it will have to get through me. So, what do you say we go outside and explore a little?”

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