Page 125 of Forgotten Desires

“I’m sorry.”

She smiles brightly. “It’s okay. I know you have a big boo-boo and you need to sleep.”

“I do, but when we play, it makes me feel so much better.”

“And here I thought I did that.” Crew’s deep voice echoes in the room and Layla drops the toys and runs to her daddy.

He scoops her up, kissing her cheek, and walks over to me. “You’re home at lunch?” I ask, completely confused.

“I am.”

Crew leans in and kisses me.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because I missed you both.”

Sometimes, I don’t know what I did to get so lucky to have found him again.

“I happy you’re home, Daddy.”

“I’m happy too.” Layla giggles when he tickles her a little and then he puts her down.

Crew waves his hand and the nanny enters. “How about we head to the park, Layla?” she asks.

“I don’t want to. I want to stay with Daddy and Rin.”

I would like her to stay too, but Crew turns to his daughter and squats down. “Why don’t we let Brynn rest a little? You head to the park with Jane and when you get back, we’ll watch a movie?”

I’m a little confused, but I’m guessing my husband is home early for something that has nothing to do with missing us.

“Okay, Daddy.”

She’s seriously the sweetest kid ever. She gives him a big hug, then comes to me and does the same. “Have fun.”

Layla and Jane head out and my phone alarm buzzes, reminding me it’s time to take my afternoon medicine.

Crew walks over to the table, gathering the rather large number of pills and my drink. “How is the pain?”

“Well, painful.” I swallow them in batches because that’s seriously how many things they have me on and then extend my hands. “But better than Howie is.”

“Did you talk to him today?” Crew asks, moving to refill my next medication dose bin. Yes, bin.

I sigh and feel as though there are knives in my back. “I did. He’s very tired, but the rehab center is really nice, thank you for setting that up.”

He looks at me with all innocence. “I did nothing.”

“Liar.”

I know it was him. Howie could never afford to be in a center like that with all the luxuries and comforts that he has now. Crew just does stuff like this, though. It’s him taking care of me without having to ask. As much as I hate it, I also appreciate it more than I can ever say.

The pain is now moving down my legs. I can’t sit here. “Can you help me up? I need to walk for a few.”

“I think it’s better if you remain in the chair.” The way he won’t meet my eyes and the strain in his voice sends a different kind of signal through me.

Well, now I’m pretty sure I need to stand even more. “I’m in pain, and it helps when I don’t get too stiff. You’re not home early because you miss us, are you?”

He helps me get to my feet and I could cry in relief. I slowly stretch my muscles, and Crew hovers close in case I’m woozy again. Between the pain killers and the actual pain, I’m a fall risk.

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