Page 68 of Landing Love

“God, your smile is gorgeous.” He put his hand over his mouth. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?” And then, growing bolder, “And why shouldn’t I compliment my beautiful wife?”

“Let me check your temperature,” she said, knowing it was only an excuse to touch him. “As I feared. Far too hot.”

“You should stay away.” He looked ready to grab her and hold on for dear life.

“Yes, I should.” She backed away regretfully. “Your soup is ready.”

She welcomed the opportunity to look away. Her cheeks heated from her brief contact with him.

Pouring him a generous bowl, she brought it to him in bed.

He slurped it down with vigor, but when he finished, he was panting like he’d just finished a long run.

“It was delicious, dear.” He handed her back the bowl and then burst into a coughing fit so violent, she was worried he might vomit up what he just ate. “I’m sorry you’re seeing me like this.”

“I’m your wife. If anyone should see you like this, it’s me. And the doctor. Who should be here soon.”

Please get here soon. I can’t take any more loss in my life. Bill has to pull through.

A moment later, the doorbell rang. Bill pulled up the blankets and lay back. Ann ran down to get the door.

The doctor looked almost as exhausted as his patient. There were bags under his eyes, and his frown deepened as he examined Bill. “I’m afraid it’s Spanish Flu. He needs to go to the hospital and stay away from anyone vulnerable he might infect.”

The Spanish Flu! Ann had read about it in the paper, but it never occurred to her that it would spread so quickly.

Oh no. Junior.

“We have an infant son. Is he in danger?” Bill asked before Ann could get the words out of her mouth.

The doctor shook his head. “Everyone should stay away to avoid getting sick, but for some reason, the very young don’t seem to be as affected as people in their prime.”

Bill heaved a sigh of relief, but Ann’s anxiety only increased. This meant Bill was in danger, mortal danger. She couldn’t lose him. It was unthinkable.

“Bill, don’t leave me.” She ran to his bedside and threw her arms around him, knowing full well it was the worst thing she could do under the circumstances. But she had to touch him, had to hear his heart beating strong beneath her ear.

“I’ll go to the hospital to keep you safe, and then I’ll come home when I’m better. This old flu ain’t gonna lick me. I’m too tough for this nonsense.”

“Ma’am, do you need transport to the hospital?” the doctor asked.

She shook her head. “It’s only a few blocks away. I can drive him.”

The doctor took his leave, and it was just the two of them again.

“Ann, don’t panic. I’m going to be fine,” Bill said as soon as the doctor was gone. “You and Junior wouldn’t let me be anything but fine, now, would you?”

A tear dripped down her cheek. Then another.

“Of course, you’re going to be fine.” She tried to put on a brave face and packed some things for him. She brought him clean clothes to put on, and he busied himself with making himself presentable to the outside world.

“Is there anything in particular you want me to bring besides clothes?”

“Books.”

She grabbed five books, including the Count of Monte Cristo, and stuffed them in his bag.

“Oh, and I need to call work and let them know.” He got up and shuffled over to the telephone and took care of it.

Once Ann had gathered his things, she helped Bill slowly down the stairs. “Who knew such a simple thing could become so difficult?” By the time he reached the bottom, he was wheezing and wiping sweat from his brow.