Page 36 of Beating Heart
“Yep.”
“Sounds about right. But I had a great life with Gramps. You know that, right? Everyone’s family is different, but as long as you’re loved, that’s all that matters.”
“I know that, Pops. You and me didn’t have mamas around, but we have a big family that loves us.”
“We sure do.” I continued stroking his hair away from his face as his eyes fell closed.
And he dozed off, and I just sat there staring at him.
This little dude brought so much joy into my life.
I dozed off on the couch right alongside him.
But I sprung forward in a jolt when a severe cramp hit my stomach. The room was dark, so it was clear that several hours had passed, and Cutler was lying there, watching a movie.
His eyes widened. “You’ve been asleep for a long time.”
“Shit,” I hissed as I ran to the bathroom, nearly crashing into the coffee table.
I barely made it to the toilet before I vomited violently.
Looks like the stomach buggers were back with a vengeance.
ten
. . .
Emerson
I’d just gotten off work, and Winnie and I made our way home. I fed her while I heated up some leftover noodles and poured myself a glass of wine. I pulled up the recipe for the Rice Krispie treats with unicorn sprinkles I was going to make tonight. I promised Demi and Peyton I’d bring them tomorrow, and Lana and Petra were getting very used to me bringing in different baked goods for them a couple of days a week.
I’d enjoyed this time to myself. Swimming and baking and listening to music. No pressure from planning a wedding. No pressure from a fiancé reminding me that I worked too much during residency.
No pressure at all.
I was just living.
“Let’s go outside, girl,” I said.
Of course, she ran right over to Nash and Cutler’s yard, looking for her favorite kid.
I was surprised they weren’t out here, but maybe Cutler was still feeling bad.
I chewed on my thumbnail as I stared at their back door.
I was his pediatrician. The least I could do was check on him, right?
I was awkward after what had happened last night.
And we’d all but admitted that we were attracted to one another when we’d texted.
But we were neighbors.
We could be friendly.
I wasn’t going to overthink it.
I walked toward the door, with Winnie on my heels, and knocked lightly.
