Page 35 of Marrying Bonnie

“That’s right, you can put the spoons in. Why don’t you give Daddy a big hug since he’s about to go to work?”

Gunner got to his feet and flung himself at Jace, their hug punctuated by a little hiccup from the boy.

Jace rubbed his son’s back. “You be good for Miss Bonnie. I love you, buddy.”

“I love you, buddy,” Gunner echoed back as he ran to the kitchen.

Bonnie found Jace watching her, admiration shining in his blue eyes. “If you could sell your technique in a bottle, you’d be a wealthy woman.”

She laughed loudly at that. “I’m not sure about that. I appreciate your vote of confidence, though.” She tilted her head toward the front door. “I’ve got this. Go wrangle some sheep or whatever it is you do during the day.”

Now it was Jace’s turn to laugh. “Actually, we’ve got several ewes that are about ready to have their lambs. Cabe is going to show me the ropes.”

Bonnie pictured a newborn lamb and could imagine just how cute it would be. “We’ll have to take Gunner out to see one once it’s born. I’d like that, too.”

He gave a decisive nod. “I’ll make sure that happens. Thanks again, Bonnie. You are a lifesaver.”

With that, he gave her a final wave and left the house. Bonnie stared at the door long after it had latched until the sound of Gunner trying to open the dishwasher drew her into the kitchen before her young charge made too much of a mess.

By the time lunch came along, it was clear why Gunner had been emotional all morning: He was getting sick. His forehead was warm, but Bonnie didn’t have much luck locating the thermometer.

She finally found it in a box underneath the kitchen sink. Apparently, it hadn’t been unpacked since the move. The readout confirmed her suspicions. Gunner had a fever of just over one hundred. No wonder he was miserable.

Even though she knew Jace would have no problem with Bonnie giving Gunner some medication, she wanted to text him anyway.

She got a response almost immediately. “Yes, of course. Poor guy. Maybe he’s teething.”

“I think he’s coming down with something. I’ll give him some Tylenol and hopefully it’ll help. Will keep you updated.”

Even though the liquid Tylenol tasted like grape, Gunner acted as though it were vile the way he fought her over swallowing it.

When it was all said and done, Bonnie finally had to carry the boy to the rocking chair in the living room. He cried for some time before he leaned into her, exhausted, and fell asleep.

Bonnie held his little body close. The medication brought the temperature down some, but not as much as she would’ve liked.

When Gunner began to snore softly, she decided he was out enough for her to get him to his bed. He didn’t budge as she climbed the stairs, got him settled, and finally left his room.

She breathed a sigh of relief and mentally went through a list of what all she should try to get done before he was awake again. It was already nearly two in the afternoon. Bonnie got the kitchen cleaned up, picked up the living room, and went back upstairs. She wanted to check on Gunner but stopped at the large window.

The sky had darkened with lightning flashing in the distance. It was hard to tell which direction the thunderstorm was heading.

The front door opened and closed again. “Bonnie?”

“Upstairs.” She called loud enough to let Jace know without waking up Gunner.

He appeared at the top of the landing. “How’s Gunner? I had a few minutes and thought I would stop by and check on him.”

Bonnie smiled. “He’s asleep and has been for about two hours now. Poor guy was miserable all morning.” She tilted her head toward the window and turned back to look outside. “It sure is pouring back there.”

Even the clouds appeared to be falling out of the sky and streaking toward the ground.

Footsteps told her Jace was coming closer. He must have stopped just behind her because she could smell the combination of leather and sunshine.

Jace spoke, and the close proximity of his voice confirmed his location. “I checked a while ago, and the storm should miss us. We might get a little rain, but nothing too major.”

Bonnie nodded. “That’s good.” She tried to think of something else to say, but every cell in her body was attuned to Jace. It’d be easier if he moved away and gave her a little space to focus. “I’m just glad we don’t get tornadoes here in Clearwater. Or at least they are so few and far between, we may as well not get them at all.”

“Me, too. Although I rather like the thunderstorms. There’s something about the natural power of them that demands respect.”

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