“Why don’t you ask Winona if she has a little bread or something mild like a banana or cheese…”
His jaw is tight, and his eyes flash. I wish there was a blanket or something I could pull over my head to hide. “No more skipping meals,” he says in a voice just above a growl.
With that he turns and heads for the kitchen, and I feel the blood flaming hot in my cheeks. “I had no idea I would faint like that. I’ve never fainted in my life.”
“Your blood sugar must’ve dropped,” Sylvia says. “It never happened to me until I was nursing, but you’re not very big to begin with.”
“I’ll let you two have some privacy. I’m glad you’re okay,” Bill says, giving me a kind smile. Then he tilts his head toward the kitchen where Stuart went. “Don’t worry about him.”
My stomach tightens, and I’m so embarrassed. “I can’t believe this happened. As if he weren’t overprotective enough.”
“Now, stop that.” Sylvia moves my legs and sits beside me on the couch. “You’re still learning how your body is going to respond to pregnancy. It’s not your fault.”
“Still, I should know not to skip meals. Especially breakfast.”
“You’re also not used to this climate. The air is drier and a little thinner. We’re at a higher elevation.”
The thud of boots on the wooden floor signals Stuart’s return. I look up to see his expression has cooled slightly, even though his jaw is still tight.
“Mom, can I steal your seat?” he says, and Sylvia jumps up.
“Of course.” As she starts to go, she squeezes his shoulder. “Be gentle.”
His eyes are fixed on the plate in his hand. Winona has arranged several slices of fresh cucumber, a wedge of watermelon, several cheese cubes, and a stack of crackers.
&nbs
p; “Do you need some more lemonade?” His voice isn’t as stern as I expected, and I relax slightly. Still I feel guilty.
“I’m okay for now.” Picking up a slice of cucumber, I eat it slowly, not meeting his eyes. “I was just so interested in watching you work with her. I feel so stupid.”
“It was after lunch. I should have made you go inside and eat something.”
“It’s not your fault. You shouldn’t have to remind me to eat.”
I look up and our eyes meet. In spite of his irritation, I see the love simmering in those hazel depths. Two breaths, and he reaches for the plate, setting it aside and pulling me into his arms. I reach around his waist, holding his firm torso tightly. My face is pressed into his shoulder.
“You scared the shit out of me,” he says, holding the back of my head.
We’re quiet a few beats, and my insides throb with a mixture of relief and love and embarrassment. My eyes heat as per usual, and internally, I chastise myself.
“It won’t happen again,” I say. It’s a promise to us both.
He exhales, leaning back to smooth my hair away from my face. “Mom’s right. The climate here is different, we’re at a higher altitude—”
“Still,” I shake my head and grasp his hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’ve been taking care of myself a long time. I’ll do a better job. You don’t have to worry about me.”
That gets me a smile, and another wave of relief washes through me. “I’m sure I’ll worry about you regardless, but it’s good to hear.”
Reaching for the plate, he sets it on my lap again. “You good here?”
I nod, picking up the watermelon. “I’ll eat this and then have some lunch.”
“I’ll go check on Jessie.”
Nodding, I wave him away. “Go on. I’ll be right here.”
He walks to the door, but pauses a moment to give me a final look before heading out. I exhale a breath as I watch his handsome form disappear through the doorway.