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If I was a bee, that’s what I’d dream about.

Juniper watched me as I told her and then smiled. “Okay!”

She skipped off again and I shook my head, glancing back over at Larison and Sophie. They were hugging and I couldn’t fight a flash of jealousy that went through me at seeing Larison taking comfort from someone else.

Mentally, I smacked myself for giving in to that petty emotion. Larison was allowed to hug anyone she wanted. Seek comfort where she could. I had no claim on her.

I was just the nanny.

Chapter Twelve

Larison

It had been a long fucking day and I was completely frayed and barely hanging on. Thank goodness for Jo and Sophie. I hadn’t had to worry about Juniper at all (even though I still had a little) and Sophie had been stalwart and solid next to me.

Mama was fine. Everything had gone well, and she was actually going home the same night which sounded wild to me, but I guess that was how things went. She had been up and moving almost right away and even though it made me anxious, Mom was with her and they’d already set up the house for her, moving to the downstairs bedroom.

I’d be coming over to help and give Mom breaks over the next few weeks as Mama recovered and got her mobility back. It was going to be a process, but at least the worst part was behind us.

When I finally got back from the hospital, I walked into a home that smelled amazing.

“Mama!” Juniper ran over to me and I picked her up. She had to stop getting bigger or else I wasn’t going to be able to do that anymore.

“You’re back,” Jo said, a bright smile on her face. Seeing her there, in my kitchen, stirring something in my crockpot, was such a relief that my knees almost buckled.

Shit, I was tired. I set Juniper down and barely made it to the table, falling into one of the chairs. All of my energy seemed to abandon me at once.

“I made you some soup. For both of you. It’s chicken with a bunch of veggies and rice so it’s nice and warm and filling. I figured you’d need it after today.”

This woman was a treasure. Even though she didn’t have to, she was taking care of me too. And I didn’t hate it. Didn’t want to tell her to stop. It felt too good.

“Wow, thank you. It smells amazing.”

“Mama, can we visit MeeMee tomorrow?” Juniper asked, climbing in my lap with Mozzarella the dragon. She’d also brought it with her to the hospital and had informed Mama that dragon kisses were magic, setting it gently on her new hip and giving it a kiss.

“We’ll see. I have to go over and help Nanna, but I’m not sure. MeeMee is going to be really tired.”

I met Jo’s eyes. “I can bring her over for a quick visit. If you want.”

That was too much.

“Mama, please?” Juniper begged.

God, I was so tired I could fall asleep right in this chair.

“Hey, Princess Juniper. How about you help your mama to the couch and we’ll bring her some soup?” Jo said. That distracted Juniper long enough for me to stumble to the couch, sinking into the cushions.

“Here you go, Mama,” Juniper said, handing me a bowl of soup. I couldn’t believe she’d carried it all the way over here without spilling. Jo handed me a spoon.

“It’s late, Princess Juniper. How about we start getting ready for bed?” Jo said.

“I can—” I started to say, but Jo put her hand up.

“You sit and eat. I’ve got this.” She and Juniper went off to Juniper’s room and I heard my daughter giggling as Jo helped her get ready for bed.

I ate the soup slowly, savoring the rich flavors. I didn’t know what Jo had put in it, but it was absolutely delicious. Or maybe I was just too tired. I managed to finish it, though, and wanted to have some more, but I didn’t think I could get up.

This was the kind of tired that was not just in my body but had wrapped around my soul. The kind of tired that a good night’s sleep couldn’t cure.