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“Good.”
He made a face. “It was not good. I’d prefer the cool washcloth if I’m being honest.” Then he lifted his arm, showing the redness was still there. “And he put a balm on my wrist.”
Albie sat on the edge of the bed and cupped Percy’s face. “I’m just glad you’re okay. He said it might take a few days before you’re well enough to work. But don’t worry about any of that. We’ll all chip in and get everything done. I just need you to rest.”
Percy closed his eyes, leaning into Albie’s touch, and when he didn’t open his eyes again, Albie realised he’d fallen asleep. He pulled the blankets up, gently kissed Percy’s forehead, and let him be.
Albie worked around the house for the rest of the day. He knew Elsie would holler for him if needed, so he didn’t want to venture too far.
He fed Percy some dinner, one slow forkful at a time. “I can do this by myself,” Percy had said.
“I know, but I like looking after you,” Albie had replied, and Percy smiled as he opened his mouth for another bite.
He put a cold compress to Percy’s forehead afterward, then practised his reading on his own, finally slipping into bed beside Percy when the day was done.
Percy was quick to find Albie’s arms, sighing when he drew peaceful patterns on his back. But he wasn’t up for anything more, and that was fine.
If holding Percy was the only thing Albie ever got to do with him again, he’d be fine with that.
The night after that though, Percy’s hand had begun to wander downward, lower, lower, until Albie stopped him. “Uh, you need to rest. Doctor’s orders.”
Percy whined. “I’m bored and I miss you, and my body misses you.”
Oh, heavens above.
Albie bit back a groan. “You’re not helping, Percy,” he said. “Testing my patience like this.”
“But—”
“No buts. You’re not well enough.” It was true. He’d tried for sunlight with open curtains in the bedroom today and it had done his head no favours at all.
Percy let out a sigh of frustration, a sound Albie was becoming familiar with. But he also knew Albie was right. “I’ll be fine tomorrow. You’ll see. And when I offer myself to you tomorrow night, you won’t deny me.”
Albie tightened his hold on him. His feisty little fox was back. So clearly he was feeling better, but not well enough. “No, I won’t deny you.”
Percy froze. “Oh?”
“Tomorrow,” Albie clarified.
Percy sagged. “Oh.”
Albie chuckled, rubbing Percy’s back some more. “Goodnight, my love.”
Percy sighed one last time. “You think you can call me that and any misgivings are done away with.”
Albie laughed again, his smile not even fading in sleep.
* * *
It was early afternoon when Albie and Robert rode back into the yard. They hadn’t gone too far, but Albie had wanted to check the progress of McAllister’s fence to see if it was encroaching on his land.
There’d been no progress yet, but it was something he’d keep an eye on.
Even after Percy had found Christopher and McAllister had sent the doctor over, Albie still didn’t trust McAllister. His father had been of the same opinion. Civility for civility’s sake, but never to be underestimated.
And never turn your back on him.
But when they rode into the yard, who should Albie see on the veranda waiting?
