Page 87 of Derecho

“I know you do.” His smile was so warm, I felt like I was standing under the sun. “And as long as I don’t have to get out of the truck, well, I can drive you to wherever you need to go to drop orders off.”

“That doesn’t make you feel nervous? It doesn’t trigger your anxiety?”

Lachlan shook his head. “I think I’ve quickly learned that there is something more important to be worried about. Well, two someones. And their safety is very important to me. When I’m with you and Reid, it soothes something inside my soul.”

I think he realized how lost I was for a response, chuckling as he shifted his arms around me. “I still want you to go sleep in my bed. I’ll sleep in here tonight with Reid. That way, every little noise he makes won’t wake you up. Come on, I’ll help you get settled.”

Lach’s hand slid to the small of my back, gently guiding me up and out of his hold. A minute later, we were in his room, my sleepy body already wrapped up in his comforter and sinking deeper into his mattress. I could smell his cologne lingering in the air, calming my nerves.

“Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?” he asked as I shook my head, letting my hand peek out from under the blanket. Like a child asking for a treat, I moved my fingers back and forth until he got the hint, slipping his hand over mine.

“Thank you. It doesn’t seem like enough for everything you’ve done for me. For every way you see the truth of what I’m going through. For the safety you give to Reid and to me.”

Lachlan bent down, leaning more onto his cane as his lips pressed to my forehead.

“Rest, Lainey. You deserve it. I’ve got Reid tonight. And I’ve got you, too.”

Lachlan

“Here.” I set my cane against the side of the sofa, and scooped the baby out of Lainey’s arms. Balancing him in one arm, I grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and spread it out over her legs. “I’ve got him for a bit. Close your eyes and rest.”

I’d been carefully watching Lainey the last few days. Hoping that the rest she’d gotten at night would help her feel better. I knew a couple of nights wasn’t going to solve everything…

“He’s just going to cry out for me in a minute.”

“I’ll take him for a walk. Outside. You need more sleep.”

“Lach—”

“I’ve got this, Trouble. I promise. Just some good ol’ fashion guy bonding time.”

She smiled. “Guy bonding?”

“Yup. Isn’t that right, little dude?” I lifted his hand and waved at her.

“Okay. I could close my eyes for a few minutes. But I want to nurse him during the day. And you should catch up on sleep, too. I know you were up all night with him, and you didn’t sign up⁠—”

“It’s exactly what I signed up for. I’m fine. And I’ll bring him right back if he starts fussing.”

“It’s hot out today…”

“We’ll stay in the shade. I’ve got it, Lain. Rest.”

I could see the way she wanted to keep arguing, but to my surprise, she nodded, her eyes closing as she sank further into the couch.

Reid bounced gently in the crook of my right arm as I walked out onto the porch. As soon as I hit the steps, the sun walloped me with heat. Luckily, the chairs were still out under the old oak tree, and that would be the perfect place for us to chill.

As I sat, bringing Reid up to rest on my chest, I realized something familiar was missing. The slight pressure that always sat against my lungs was gone, replaced with a buzz that lived just under the surface of my skin. I looked down at Reid, his face moving into little smiles as he slept, and I felt nothing but peace.

Nothing.

But.

Peace.

My God. This little boy, who’s back I could still cover with my entire hand, was medicine to my soul.

But that shouldn’t surprise me. His mama was too.