Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
I was on the verge of tears when Torch opened his eyes and spotted me standing in the doorway. He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck like he’d slept wrong, and smiled. “Hey, what are you doing up?”
“What… what is all this?” I croaked, gesturing to the tree.
A sheepish grin spread across his face as he answered, “You said you needed to get your tree up, so... Ava picked it out herself. She also told me where to put everything.”
“That sounds about right.”
“Yeah, she’s bossy like her mom, but she did good, don’t you think?”
“Yes, she did great. You both did.” Tears filled my eyes as I whispered, “Torch, you really didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to.” He nodded over to Ava. “She did, too.”
“Well, thank you,” I looked back at the tree and the messy, wonderful magic they’d created, and for the first time in days, I felt like all was right in the world. “It’s perfect.”
“Glad you think so.” Being careful not to wake Ava, he slipped his arm from beneath her and stood. “Why don’t you go take a hot shower, and I’ll scrounge us up some coffee.”
“Coffee sounds wonderful. Thanks.”
I turned and headed down the hall to the bathroom. I walked over and turned on the water, letting it warm while I got undressed. I took a quick glance in the mirror and cringed when I saw the dark circles under my eyes. This stomach bug had done a real number on me, but I hoped that I was over the worst of it. I stepped under the hot water, and my aching muscles felt an immediate relief.
I closed my eyes and thought back to seeing Ava nestled up next to Torch. She was clearly taken with him, and I couldn’t blame her. I was pretty taken with him myself. It was hard to believe that the man who’d spent so many years ignoring me was now so attentive and thoughtful. It made me wonder what had brought on the dramatic change.
It had taken a bit more effort than I expected to wash my hair and bathe, and I quickly became exhausted. I turned off the water and stepped into the cold air. I stood there a moment, hoping it might help shake the cobwebs, but no such luck.
I wrapped myself in a towel and shuffled to my dresser, grabbing the first pair of sweats I could find. Combing through my wet hair felt like a workout, so I gave up halfway and left it to dry however it wanted. I sat down on the edge of the bed and tried to catch my breath before heading to the kitchen.
The faint smell of coffee drew me in like a lifeline, and I couldn’t wait to take that first sip. When I walked into the kitchen, Torch was leaning against the counter with his mug in hand, and he looked far too handsome for a man who’d spent his night sleeping on the sofa.
He watched as I entered the kitchen, and it didn’t take long for his brows to furrow and for him to demand, “Sit. I’ll get your coffee.”
“I’m fine.”
“Sit.”
I considered arguing, but he was already on his way over to the coffee pot. I walked over to the counter and sat down on one of the stools. “Where’s Ava?”
“Still sleeping on the sofa.”
“I’m not surprised. You two had a long night.”
“Yes, we did.” He poured the coffee as he asked, “Sugar and cream?”
“Yes, please.” I motioned my head towards the fridge. “The creamer is in the side door.”
“Got it.”
He added the sugar and creamer, then brought the cup over to me. I took it from his hand and immediately took a sip. “Perfect.”
“You up for eating a bite?”
"No. Not just yet.” I placed my palm on my stomach. “I’m still a little queasy.”
“Yeah, I can tell,” he chuckled. “You’re still a little green around the edges.”
“Gee, thanks. I’ll remember that the next time you catch the flu.”
Before he could fire back, the front door creaked open, and my mom’s voice rang out. “Beck? “
“In the kitchen.”
Seconds later, I heard my mother gasp, and then silence. She must’ve spotted Ava sleeping on the sofa and didn’t want to wake her. After a few moments, she appeared in the kitchen with wide eyes and a confused expression. “How in the world?”
“Torch.” I glanced at Torch, who just shrugged like it was no big deal. “He and Ava spent most of the night putting everything up.”
“Is that right?” Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Torch, then back at me. “Well, it looks beautiful.”
“Yes, it does,” I said, cutting her off before she could launch into a critique of everything they’d done. “So, what are you doing here?”
“I came to check on you, of course.” She waved a hand dismissively. “You sounded awful last night, and you still look like you don’t feel well.”