Total pages in book: 173
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Except Jack had grown all bossy on her and demanded that she nap or go home. And she’d been too tired to fight him.
“Nothing happened. You needed the sleep.”
She climbed off Ian’s lap, embarrassed that she’d fallen asleep on him. “Are your legs numb?”
“Of course not.”
“You should have moved me off you.”
“I would have sat there forever if it meant you got more sleep,” he told her as he stood.
Crazy man.
She blushed as she glanced around the room at anything but him. “Where’s Jack?”
“He went home to shower and get us all a change of clothes.”
“He should stay and sleep. You should go home and sleep too. I can watch Uncle Willy on my own.”
Ian snorted. “If you think that’s happening, then you need to think again, Little girl. There is no way we would leave you here on your own. And if anyone needs to go home for a sleep, it’s you.”
“I just slept for two hours.” And she didn’t feel any better than when she went to sleep, unfortunately.
She had a thumping headache and felt nauseous.
“You need more than that. You only got a few hours last night, plus this has put you through a lot of stress. You also need to eat and drink. I’m going to see about getting some food for you.”
“I don’t want to be a bother,” she protested.
“You’re not a bother. I want you to stay here, understand? Beck is just outside and I’ll be back soon.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
After Ian left, she quickly used the bathroom. As she returned to the room, a nurse was there checking Uncle Willy’s vitals. He stirred, opening his eyes. “Who’re you?”
Maggie’s heart skipped and she raced to his side, hoping he was more awake this time.
“Hello, Mr. Stonehurst, my name is Kate. I’m a nurse. You’re in the hospital.”
“Hospital?”
“Uncle Willy? It’s me. Maggie.”
Please remember me.
“Maggie, dear.”
Relief flooded her, even though Uncle Willy looked terrible. He was pale and drawn. Weak.
“What’s going on?”
“You fell down the stairs at the house where we’re staying and hit your head. But don’t worry, we’re in the hospital and you’re going to be just fine.”
“Hit my head . . .” Worry filled his face.
“It’s all good, Uncle Willy.”
“Good. Right.”
She knew he was worried that people would view him differently when they learned of his dementia which is why he’d begged her not to say anything. But, to be honest, Maggie wished she had more people she could lean on. Indie knew, but she was the only person she’d told.
Well, other than Jameson.
“How is your head feeling, Mr. Stonehurst?” the nurse asked.
Maggie let the nurse go through a few things, turning as the door opened and Ian walked in with a tray of food.
Relief filled his face as he saw her uncle was awake. She smiled up at him. He set the tray down on the table at the end of the bed and came over to her side.
“William, good to see you awake.”
“Ahh, yes. Thank you.”
She tensed slightly. Had he forgotten who Ian was?
“Ian has been worried about you too,” she told him. “He and Jack found you. Ian’s been here with me the whole time.”
Ian placed his hand on the back of her neck, squeezing lightly as though lending her his support. He probably thought she was rambling out of nervousness.
Which was kind of true.
“Everything looks good,” the nurse said. “I suspect you’re feeling sore and tired. Just rest and relax. The doctor will do his evening rounds soon.”
“Thank you, dear,” Uncle Willy replied, already sounding tired. “Looks like I’m in excellent hands. Maggie? We need to contact the queen and Princess Pippa. Let them know this won’t delay anything.”
“I’ve spoken to Prince Kassim,” Ian reassured her uncle. “He said to rest. There’s still eleven days until the wedding.”
“The show must go on.” Uncle Willy closed his eyes, falling asleep. “I’ll be fine in a few days.”
Relief almost made her feel dizzy. She slumped forward, resting her head on the mattress.
“Hey, Little Misfit. You doing all right?” Ian asked.
“Just happy he woke up and spoke to me.” She straightened, staring at Ian. “Thanks for staying with me.”
“Of course. I’m not going anywhere,” he said quietly.
“You don’t have to be quiet. Uncle Willy can sleep through a volcano eruption. I once had to wake him when we were staying in a hotel and the fire alarm went off. It’s crazy how deep he sleeps.”
He stared down at her for a long moment. The look in his eyes wasn’t something she’d seen before. He seemed soft. Caring. But hungry at the same time.
He kneeled in front of her and she leaned into him. It happened almost without conscious thought. His lips brushed hers with a softness she didn’t know he could display. His hands cupped her face and he held her steady as his mouth pressed against hers.