Nick nodded. “I think my younger brothers have had it before.”
“She’s had it a few times already. It’s more of a winter illness and the doctor says she should outgrow it soon. But you never know. Occasionally it can happen in spring, though that’s more unusual.” Thinking back to those past episodes, Aurora cringed. “The noise she makes with every cough is scary as hell. It’s like a bark from her chest.” Aurora placed her hands over her sternum. “When she was a baby, I had nights where I’d sit up in the rocker in her room because I felt better knowing I was there as she slept.”
“Jesus.” He ran a hand through his hair, an obvious habit when he was stressed. “I really wish I’d been with you then.”
“It’s fine, Nick. You’re here now. I’ll give her a fast bath and she can relax for the day.” She glanced at the phone clenched in his hand. She’d forgotten about his call. “Is everything okay?” She pointed to the cell.
He frowned. “It’s the Miami hotel. We had a major flood and had to shut down the dining room. I need to go down there and handle things.”
Disappointment rushed through her, but she pushed it away. “No problem.”
It wasn’t like Nick lived with them. She hadn’t expected him to be around all the time. Besides, this was his job—even though his comings and goings brought out the worst of her insecurities.
Whatever their relationship was, she needed to get a hold of herself, and not immediately equate his traveling with abandonment.
If only it was that easy.
* * *
Although Nick needed to leave, he pushed work aside and stayed, giving himself another hour with his girls. Leah seemed to wilt as time went on. She hadn’t even asked for the Unicorn Poo in her bath, which told him how badly she was feeling. Aurora knew enough not to bring up Zach’s gift, obviously sensing Leah would be too tired to notice.
And that reminded him how much he still had to learn.
He sat through some of Cinderella, Leah’s head in Aurora’s lap, watching them more than the movie, until the little girl fell asleep. He nodded at Aurora and she slid out from beneath their daughter, leaving her conked out on the sofa.
Aurora walked him to the door.
“Do you promise she’s okay? I can go without worrying?” he asked.
She nodded. “She’s sleeping and barely coughing. I’ll see how she does overnight. Maybe I’ll keep her home from school tomorrow. And if she starts that bark, I’ll make an appointment with the pediatrician. Sometimes they give her steroids to reduce the swelling in her airways.”
He flinched at the description. “Maybe I should stay.” Of course, then no one would be available for the Florida debacle.
Aurora sounded calm and confident. She’d definitely pulled back since last night, but he’d just have to see how she handled him being away again.
“What about you? Are you okay?” he asked.
Aurora treated him to a practiced smile. “I’ve handled Leah being sick before. No worries,” she said too easily.
“Yes, you have. But you’re not alone anymore. I’m here, too.” He reached for her hands and held them tight, needing her to feel their connection. To remember what they’d shared last night.
“And Leah’s lucky to have you,” she said.
His gut started churning. “I’m also here for you,” he reminded her. And he’d keep reminding her until she believed him. “You’ll keep in touch?”
She nodded. “Of course. I’ll let you know how she’s doing.”
He did his best not to grind his teeth at her obvious withdrawal. “I’ll check in at the usual times.” They’d come up with a routine during his travels and he knew how much Aurora liked her schedules.
“Thank you. That’s great. What time are you leaving?”
She tugged her hands and he released her. “As soon as I pack and get to Teterboro Airport.” Where the company jet hangar was located.
“Okay, well, fly safe,” she said, as she opened the door.
He’d had enough of this bullshit. He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her against him. “Goodbye, Aurora. I’ll be back,” he said, then left her with a long, deep kiss to keep with her while he was gone.
Finally, he turned and walked away, heading to his car.
The sooner he left, the sooner he’d return.
* * *
Nick had just left when Leah woke up. And now, Aurora had no doubt that her daughter was sick. It was as if a switch had been turned on. Leah had gone from being slightly feverish, to having a full-blown cold with a cough that made Aurora nervous. She did her best to keep Leah calm, because she’d learned that panic and anxiety would only make the cough worse.
From Cinderella to Frozen to Beauty and the Beast, they watched Disney princesses all day and into the night. The first night was manageable and they spoke to Nick as planned. She was too worried about the rumble in Leah’s chest to focus on Nick’s absence, which she supposed was a good thing.