by Allysa Hart
“Hey, babe? Babe?” He was more forceful the second time.
She whined, but her eyes cracked open. “Sick.”
She sounded like an eighty-year-old man who had smoked a pack a day since the age of twelve. “You’re burning up! Have you taken your temperature or any medicine?”
Her eyes had closed again, but the shake of her head was all he needed. With a sigh, he pulled out his phone and called Keith.
“This better be important.”
Jeff smiled at the snarled greeting. “Katelyn is sick. I just need to know where I can find a thermometer.”
“She’s sick? Since when?” The growl turned to concern.
“I don’t know. She was fine last night, but she is shivering now, and I’m pretty sure she has a high fever.”
“Rosie, Jeff needs to know where the thermometer is.”
Her voice sounded far away for a second, but then she was right in his ear, grilling him with questions and telling him where to find everything he might need. After multiple promises to call if he needed them, he got off the phone and retrieved the necessary supplies. As Katie snored softly beside him, he used the ear thermometer to take her temperature and was alarmed to see she had a fever of one hundred and three.
“Katie,”—he shook her—“I need you to wake up, babe. We need to get your fever down.”
Her only response was an incoherent whimper.
“We need to get some medicine into you.”
“Hurts,” she croaked.
“What hurts, babe?”
“Everything.”
“Okay, let’s take medicine and get you into the tub. Your fever is really high, and we need to bring it down. Take this.” He helped her sit and gave her the medicine and some water. It was visibly hard for her to swallow.
“Noah?” she whispered, attempting to sit up in bed.
“Asleep in his crib in your other room,” Jeff reassured her. “I’m taking care of both of you. Now, let’s get you in the bathtub.” Not waiting for a response, he scooped her up and carried her into her bathroom. He turned the tub to a lukewarm setting and plugged the drain so it would fill, before setting her down on the toilet. “We are going to need to undress you, sweetheart. Are you comfortable with me doing that?”
Her eyes were glazed and cheeks flushed, but she shook her head. “I got it.”
He gave her privacy, but he didn’t go far. It was one in the morning, and he didn’t want to wake Noah. His attention needed to be focused on tending to Katie and getting her fever down.
She emerged from the bathroom with towels wrapped around her body and hair and stood staring blankly into space before retreating back into the bathroom.
He followed her, catching her with her hand on the door to her other room.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting jammies.”
“I already got you some. They will have to do. Let’s not wake the baby,” he informed her. “Come put them on, and then I will make you some soup.”
She followed his lead but shook her head and groaned at the mention of food, sinking onto the bed.
“Not hungry. My throat hurts and I just want to sleep.”
Jeff wasn’t sure whether to fight or let it go, so he shook his head and turned around to retrieve the cartoon-covered pajamas he had chosen for her while she bathed.
“Here, honey, put these on. And then maybe, instead of soup, I can make you some hot tea for your throat. Does that sound good?”
She gave no response but a tiny groan, and he turned to find her lying across the top of the bed asleep.
Wanting her to rest comfortably, but not willing to compromise her modesty, he found a blanket and covered her before removing the wet towel from her body. His hands brushed her skin, and he was pleased her fever was reducing. Leaving the towel in her hair, he kissed her head, and tucked her in. As he tiptoed out of the room, she shifted in bed, calling his attention back to her.
“Ni-night, Daddy,” she whispered, her eyes still closed.
“Ni-night, sweetheart,” he whispered as he shut the door behind him. He didn’t know if the whisper was meant for him or if it was merely the result of the fever. She had told him of her dreams of Mark, and he wondered if that was what was happening, but it hadn’t seemed right to let it go without response.
Still, the possibilities niggled at his brain, making him uneasy. Maybe he’d misheard her? Maybe she was so out of it she thought he was Mark? That thought almost killed him.
And then, the final thought: Could she be calling him Daddy? They had talked at length about her relationship with Mark, Rose, and Keith and how they were each unique but had worked together in a perfect manner. He had in turn shared with her how the term “Daddy” bothered him in an intimate relationship. She had been clear it was all kept separate. He believed it felt that way to her, but worried about his own abilities to make the separation because he didn’t fully understand.
Shaking uncertainty from his head, he settled into her big bed, hoping to catch a few more hours before either she or Noah stirred again.
Jeff awoke to chattering baby noises and sunshine streaming in through the window. Picking up Noah from his crib, he changed his diaper and dressed him for the day, thankful for his big family. He had a lot of experience with babies.
“I might have to take your mommy to the doctor today, buddy. You’re going to stay with Auntie Becca, sound good?” He headed toward the kitchen, keeping up his one-sided conversation. “What’s for breakfast. Milk or food?”
Noah’s answer was a huge toothless grin and more senseless baby chatter.
He found a stash of pumped milk in the freezer—one less thing to worry about. He prepared a bottle, and gave it to Noah, plunking him down in the high chair, while he got to work making breakfast for the two of them.
Jeff had just finished his pancakes and was cleaning up the kitchen while Noah watched from his high chair, when shuffling in the hallway caught his attention. He looked up to see Katie standing in the entrance of the kitchen. Naked, except for the sheet wrapped around her, with her nose red, face flushed, and hair bedraggled, she looked helpless.
“What are you doing out of bed, little girl?” he questioned as he moved Noah into his playpen in the front room.
“My throat hurts.” Her voice was weak, her breathing labored.
Returning to her, he scooped her into his arms and took her to the front room, settling them into the corner of the wraparound couch with her in his lap.
“Open your mouth and let me see.” She obeyed, and he cringed at what he saw. Her throat was angry red and swollen, covered in white bumps. “You are going to need to see a doctor, sweetheart.”
She shook her head. “Mmm mmm, I don’t like doctors.”
“I didn’t ask if you like doctors. You have an infection, and the only way to get it out of you is with medicine. To get medicine, you have to go to the doctor. I’m going to call my sister and have her come over, and we are going to go to urgent care as soon as they open.”
She furrowed her brows and pouted. “I don’t wanna go to the doctor.”
“I’m sorry to say this, but I am taking that choice from you. You need to go, and you will go. End of discussion,” he announced, making the decision to call as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, let’s take your temp again, sweetheart. I’m thinking more meds and another bath are in order.” Lifting her off his lap, he carried her to the bathroom.
“No!” she protested. “I don’t want another bath. I wanna go ni-night.”
“It’s not up for discussion. Your fever is still too high.”
Resting her head on his chest, she whined, “I’m tired.”
“You can go to sleep after. I promise.” With the bath filling, he moved slowly, so that she could stop him if she needed to as he removed the sheet, and guided her into the lukewarm water. She didn’t fight, but, as the water started to engulf her form, her teeth began to chatter. “C-c-cold
,” she whined, wrapping her arms around herself.
“I know, baby, I know. This will help, I promise.”
He grabbed a hair tie out of her drawer and pulled her fiery mane up into a messy ponytail on top of her head to keep it dry. With a cup, he poured the water over her shoulders, making sure her entire body was touched by the cooling water. Her glassy eyes met his, and she laid her head on his thigh. “Thank you for taking care of me, Daddy.”
There it was again. This time, she was awake and coherent.
“You said that last night, too.” He let the question hang in the air unspoken.
“Said what?”
“You called me Daddy.” He helped her out of the tub and wrapped her in a fluffy towel.
She was silent for a minute, looking pensive. Finally, she gazed up at him and smiled. “I’ve wanted to for a long time. You feel like a Daddy. You act like a Daddy. I think of you as Daddy. All that was left was to say it out loud.”
He still wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Knowing it had been intended for him warmed his heart, but the title still felt odd to him. He knew it was important to her, though, so the fact she called him that meant a lot.
Leaning down, he kissed her nose. “Thank you, little one. Now, let’s get some clothes on you. You’re going to the doctor later.”
She glowered silently at his edict but allowed him to lead her to her dresser and pick out some comfortable yoga pants and a cute shirt to wear. She made no move to dress herself, so he helped her into her clothes and led her back to the couch where he could keep an eye on both her and Noah at the same time.
Covering her with a blanket and tucking a pillow behind her head, he regarded her sternly. “You are going to the doctor, little girl. No arguments.”
Snuggling into her pillow, she nodded, but she didn’t look happy about it.
As he moved to where the baby played in his playpen, he pondered the scene that had unfolded in the bathroom. And then it hit him. She had been vulnerable and naked in front of him, and he hadn’t even taken notice.
That was the difference. He was in a caretaker role, and it was separate from his role as her significant other. He’d never understood how that could possibly happen, but it had, and he was in awe. This lifestyle was different from any he had ever imagined, but now he understood and felt ready to embrace it and all of its unique qualities.
“See that wasn’t so bad,” Jeff teased as they left the doctor’s office.
She sent him the meanest glare she could muster and crossed her arms over her chest. “Easy for you to say. You didn’t get a shot in your butt.”
His assumptions had been right. She had a terrible case of strep throat, and the doctor gave her a steroid shot. The whining and hollering that ensued after the announcement had been almost comical. Jeff had no doubt she would have run out of the office if he hadn’t threatened to spank her when the doctor stepped out of the room. It had worked like a charm, and she had been given a large dose of antibiotics before even leaving the clinic.
He figured she deserved a reward. After all, that was what Daddies did, wasn’t it? According to her, anyway. “How about some ice cream. Will that fix it?”
“For breakfast?”
“I think you earned it,” he said, laughing at her squeal of delight. “We can drop off your prescription and get ice cream while we wait. Then it’s back home and off to bed. Doctor’s orders.”
Already looking more like her old self, Katie rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. “That mean old doctor isn’t in charge of me!” she retorted, climbing into the truck, with his help.
“Fine. Daddy’s orders, then,” he rebutted with a wink, as he closed her door and crossed to the driver’s side. “We can go to that shop next to the pharmacy for your treat. How’s that sound?”
Katie grinned. “The Soda Fountain? I love that place.”
“You do? I had no idea.” He feigned surprise, and she giggled. They had gone once before, and he remembered how she lit up when surrounded by all the sweets. The ice cream was pretty good, too. The older couple who owned the place made everything on-site and kept a very old feel to the entire shop. The soda machines were the antique style where the syrup and soda came out of separate spouts, and you could find every candy from when your parents were kids. He chuckled to himself when he realized he was almost as psyched as she was to be headed there.
“I want a banana split,” Katie decided.
“I don’t think so, little girl. That’s too much sugar.”
“But you said I earned ice cream!” She let her head fall back against the headrest and pouted.
“I did say that, and you will get some, but a banana split is excessive.”
A deep sigh signaled her acquiescence. “Fine. Can I get two scoops?”
“One scoop is plenty.”
“But…”
Pulling into the parking spot, he put the car in park and turned toward her. “If you would like to continue to argue, you may stay in the truck, and I will fill your prescription and take you straight home.”
Katie stared at him, wide-eyed, and shook her head. “No, thank you. I want to have ice cream please.”
“One scoop it is, then.” He unbuckled them both and hopped out. Rounding the truck, he opened her door. “Careful, sweetheart,” he reminded as she jumped down. It was a big step, and her body was weak from sickness.
After dropping off her prescription, they walked into the shop hand in hand and found a seat near a big window. The sun was coming in just enough, the worn leather seats warmed by its touch. It was a perfect place to enjoy their ice cream.
An elderly woman approached in a red-and-white striped apron. “Good morning. What can I get for you?”
“We will each have a single scoop cone. Chocolate for me and…”
“Rainbow sherbet with sprinkles!” Katie shouted.
Jeff laughed. “Need to squeeze every shred of sugar into this treat don’t you, silly girl?”
She blushed and looked at her lap. “Please?”
“It’s early for ice cream. Are we celebrating something special?” the woman asked with an excited grin.
“Look at this beautiful girl I’m with. Isn’t that reason enough to celebrate?” Jeff winked, and the older lady’s grin got impossibly wider.
“Oh, this one’s a keeper.” She patted him on the shoulder. “Two scoops it is, then.”
The lady left, and Jeff reached across the table and took Katie’s hands. “How are you feeling?”
“I think. I’m just tired.”
“When we get home, I will tuck you in for a nap. Sound good?”
Katie nodded.
“Here we go. Two scoops.” A deep raspy voice pulled their attention. “May would have brought them out, but she insisted I see the adorable couple in our booth. Says you remind her of us some forty years ago.”
“Forty years?” Katie asked in awe.
“You betcha. We had all of our dates right there in that same booth. Her daddy owned the place and wouldn’t let us out of his sight. Smart man.” The older man chatted on, his eyes glazed over as he took a trip down memory lane. “Anyhow, you two enjoy your ice cream, but most of all, keep on enjoying one another. You won’t regret it.” He looked at Jeff. There was power behind those words, a wisdom that could only be gained with time and experience.
“We will, sir. Thank you.” Taking the ice cream, he handed the sherbet to Katie.
“I love old people.” Katie smiled taking her first bite.
“It’s not nice to call people old, little girl,” Jeff teased.
Katie rolled her eyes, and the two enjoyed their ice cream in silence. Jeff watched as she enjoyed each bite like it was the first. She really was remarkable. He also watched as her body sagged with fatigue and her head rested on the seat behind her. He needed to get her home and in bed.
“Finish up, sweetheart. It’s time to go home.”
Taking her last bite, she didn’t argue as she cleaned
her hands and he led her out to the truck.
Katie stretched her sore muscles and sat up. She was under the covers in her Big bed, and she had no idea how she’d gotten there. Noah’s crib was empty, and she could hear faint voices coming from the other room. Wrapping her blanket around her shoulders, she slunk down the hall toward the voices.
Keith, Rose, and Jeff were sitting at the table, which was covered in take-out boxes. If her sense of smell was on point, then they had ordered Chinese. Her stomach gurgled at the idea of food, and she realized it had been quite a while since she had eaten anything but the ice cream Jeff had let her have after the doctor’s appointment.
“Hey, baby.” Rose was at her side in seconds, checking her forehead. “How are you feeling? You still have a temperature. When was the last time you had Tylenol?”
“Rosie,” Keith warned in a disapproving tone.
“Don’t Rosie me. My girl is sick!”
“And Jeff has it under control. Aren’t you sore enough after the weekend we just had?” A blush covered Rose’s face, and she kissed Katie on the cheek before rejoining the men at the table.
“Come here, sweetheart.” Jeff invited her onto his lap with open arms, and she accepted the invitation.
Cuddling in, she looked across the table at Rose and Keith. “When did you guys get home?”
“About an hour ago,” Keith answered. “Jeff was just catching us up on what has been going on.”
Rose’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at Katie across the table. “I’m sorry we weren’t here, baby.”
“Please don’t cry, Auntie.”
“I’m not.” Rose sniffled. “This food is spicy. How’s your throat?”
Katie took a cursory swallow, and when it didn’t feel like she was swallowing a burning coal, she smiled. “Better, but still hurts.”
“The doc said that shot was serious business and that you should be able to eat without too much pain. Do you want some?” Jeff held up chopsticks with a piece of broccoli, but she turned her face into his neck to avoid it. “I will take that as a no. You need to eat, sweetheart.”
