Page 62 of Paper Flowers (Stonebrook #1)

“I love you too, Daddy. Can you send me pictures of the museum?” Sadie says as her sore throat is more prominent now.

“For you— anything. Get some rest.” He says with one more kiss to her cheek.

We both stand up and I round the bed to meet him at our bedroom doorway.

I wrap my arms around his middle as we stand toe to toe.

I lift my head to reach his eyes. “I’ll text you with plenty of updates, I love you, Luke.

” He tucks a stray tendril of my hair behind my ear and rests his palm against my cheek.

“I love you so fucking much.” With a kiss lingering long enough to knock the breath out, he kisses my forehead as he reaches for the door and leaves for the day.

It’s been a couple hours since Luke left for work.

I’m lying beside Sadie, her small body curled into my side, warm and still.

Trixie, still held in a tight grasp, stares up at me from the crook of Sadie’s arm.

“You’re a true friend Trix.” I whisper to the stuffed animal as if she can hear me.

The doctor’s office called back with an opening at 10 A.M. I’ll need to start getting her ready.

“Sadie, Sweet Girl,” I murmur, brushing her curls back from her face, “it’s time to wake up.

” I shifted slightly, her weight pressed close.

“ Trixie, you too. Time to wake up. We gotta take Sadie to the doctor’s office.

” Without opening her eyes, Sadie moves Trixie’s head in a slow, deliberate nod.

“Is Trixie going to see the doctor too?” Her eyes open with a haze as she croaks, her voice a raw rasp that tugs at something in my chest.

“I think she needs to be seen by a Veterinarian.” I say, giving her a wink.

“But I’ll see what Dr. Ford can do.” I push the blanket back and rise from the bed, holding my arms out toward her.

“Okay, let’s get you showered and ready,” She takes the cue and melts into me without protest— Trixie squished between us.

Her cheek finds my shoulder, fingers curling loosely into the knit of my sweater.

I feel it as I walk us to her bedroom— that quiet, certain kind of love that doesn’t ask to be earned. Just received.

Hi. The good news, Trixie is a strong healthy Triceratops. The sad news, Sadie has Strep Throat. The doctor’s already sending in her prescription. We both got doctor notes for the week.

I wait for Luke to respond before pulling away. But before I could even lock my phone, he sent his response.

Luke: My poor girl. How is she?

Luke has been texting now and then to check in. In return, I send him selfies of Sadie and I snuggling on our bed, of her drinking tea with warm honey. There’s one of her and Trixie cuddling. Right now I’m going to take a photo of them in the backseat.

“Sadie? Wanna send Daddy a photo of you and Trixie?” Clearing her throat, “Can you send it to Uncle Liam, my grandma, and my grandpa too?” She coughs at the end.

Luke set up a group chat with Sadie’s grandparent, her three uncles, Cara, and I.

So everyone could stay updated on Sadie.

We got immediate responses of well wishes for her.

“Oh for sure— you ready?” She smashes her cheek against Trixie’s and she smiles. Her hazel eyes are glassy and her cheeks are still flushed. I take the photo and show her the photo before I send it.

“We look cute!” With her approval I send it to Luke and then the family chat. I turn in my seat to look at her.

“What’s on your mind, Sweet Girl?”

“When we get home can we eat popsicles?” I shake my head with a smile.

“Yes, we can.” I clicked the side button, dropped my phone in my purse, and put the car in drive. I look in the rearview and see her staring out the window. She has Trixie in her lap running her fingers through the faux fur absentmindedly.

Luke: Oh Baby, the matching band aids on her forehead and whatever Triceratops have as foreheads.

Luke: How did she persuade her doctor for those? She’s handling it so well. Our brave girl.

She asked for Trixie first, then said she wanted one too, to help her feel better. The doctor was so kind and understanding.

I wanted to cry when I saw her sitting on the tiny exam table by herself. I stood right next to her, and she reached for my hand. Like if I needed comforting. I told her she’s so strong.

At the top of my messages, I see the message banner that Juliette’s brother Nick has responded to the newest photo of Sadie.

Nick: Wait, what did I miss? Why did she need a band aid?

She didn’t, but she asked for Trixie, so she can feel better, and since she got one, Sadie wanted one too.

Matt: Only Slim Sadie can make the doctor give her stuffy a matching band aid!

Liam: As long as Girlie feels better with it because she looks so fucking cute. I still don’t understand how Luke helped make her.

Luke: She’s all Juliette and thank God for that. Watch your mouth Liam, Nina is on here.

Liam:Shit. Sorry Nina!

Liam: Fuck. I did it again. I’m glad Girlie is okay, I sent her a couple of things. Give her a kiss for me and keep me updated.

Nina: Dayna, I’m having some ice cream popsicles delivered, they should be there within the hour.

Sadie was just asking if she could have some, that’s perfect. I’ll watch out for the driver. Thank you.

Nina: I know how hard it is to have a sick child, the least I can do for the three of you is send something she loves. We’ll FaceTime later if she’s up for it.

William: Kisses to my grand-baby.

Cara: I’ll stop by at lunch with some food for you two and I’ll find a bone for Trixie or figure out what kind of diet she’s on. Leafs? A steak?

Liam: They eat palm leaves.

That sounds amazing, Cara! You answered that with such confidence, Liam.

Liam: Ross Geller would be proud of me.

Luke: Thank you all for everything that you’re doing. Sadie is one lucky girl.