Page 45 of Zale's Little Girl
She nodded and opened her mouth to take the tablets.
“This is a liquid that goes in your bottom, kitten. It will just take a minute.”
Liquid gushed into her bottom. Pippa tightened her bottom muscles automatically to keep from making a mess.
“That’s a good girl. That’s going to make you sleepy quickly. Let’s get you safe in bed. Daddy will take care of everything.” He lifted her into his strong arms and carried her to her crib. “Close your eyes, little girl.”
After snuggling into the soft bedclothes, she followed his directions and drifted off quickly. She roused a couple of times as he adjusted her clothing and then when he settled her under the softest blanket ever.
“Sleep, kitten. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Filtered light dimly illuminated the beautiful walls of the nursery when she blinked her eyes open. Pippa rubbed her chin on the soft blanket as she looked around, trying to remember how she got there. Her gaze landed on her daddy sitting close by. His computer was open on his lap.
“Daddy?” she croaked and was instantly appalled at the harsh sound of her voice.
“Hi, kitten. Did you have a good nap?” he asked, closing the lid and setting the laptop on the floor.
She nodded as he stood and walked to the side of the crib. Still feeling lousy, she held out her arms to him.
“Come here, little girl.” Zale scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to the oversized rocking chair. Sitting back down, he cradled her in his arms as he set the chair in motion.
Pippa sighed and rested her cheek on his shoulder. There was no better place than in her daddy’s lap. A racking cough erupted from her, disrupting her peace. Tears gathered in her eyes. This was miserable.
He sat her up a bit more and rubbed her back. When the hacking fit passed, he leaned sideways to pick up a sippy cup and held it to her lip. “Drink, little girl.”
The cool water soothed her abused throat. “Thanks. Stupid cough,” she rasped.
“You’ve definitely got something going on with you. It could be viral or need antibiotics. I’m going to keep a close eye on you. Your job is to rest. I’ll call your supervisor and let her know you won’t be at work for a couple of days.”
“I can go to work,” Pippa protested, shaking her head.
“Not going to happen. That’s not good for both you and the kids in the daycare. You don’t want anyone else to get this ill, right?”
She wanted to argue, but how could she? Pippa definitely didn’t want anyone else to feel this bad—especially the kiddos she loved seeing each day at work. Sighing deeply, she whispered, “Okay. I’ll stay at home. But I’ll call my boss.”
“Of course. If you’d rather. Let’s call her now.” Zale picked up her phone and handed it over.
Bristling, Pippa glared at him. It was so obvious he’d already decided this and even gotten organized for it. Who did he think he was?
“Don’t frown at me, little girl. Your phone was next to the puzzle we worked on earlier. I brought it over here to answer it quickly while you slept.”
Instantly, her ire fizzled out. “Sorry.”
“Apology accepted. Call your boss.”
Pippa found her number in her contact list and called. When her supervisor answered, Pippa apologized, “Sorry, Elizabeth. I’m sick and running a fever…” A spasm of coughing erupted from her mouth. As her eyes watered, Pippa handed her phone to Zale.
“Elizabeth, this is Zale Reynolds. I’m a medic on the base. Pippa can’t talk without coughing. Plan for her to be out for two days. I’ll update you as soon as possible if she’ll need more time off.”
He listened to the phone for a few seconds before saying, “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll test her for that.”
When he disconnected the call, Zale explained, “There’s a flurry of strep throat and some children are dealing with a nasty stomach virus. They’re closing the daycare tomorrow to do an intensive cleaning.”
Pippa shook her head. Of course, everyone was sick. She instantly felt better, knowing she wasn’t creating more work for the other staff members. “Thank you for making me call. I do feel awful.”
“I know, kitten. I had already planned to test you for strep. Now, it’s even more important. And for you to rest and let me take care of you.”
She nodded reluctantly. Inside, she celebrated he loved her even when she was sick and grumpy. Pippa clung to him when he stood and carried her to the changing table where the swab test waited.
