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“Uh-huh,” he said skeptically.
“I can’t just spend the next few days in bed, Clint,” she said. “All the wedding stuff—”
“I’ve got it all under control, little darling. Can you try to trust me and let me take care of things?”
“How can it be under control if you’re looking after me?” she asked.
“While you were napping, I roped in some help.”
“But the church—”
“Kent’s on it.”
“The reception—”
“Zeke and Eden.”
“All the stuff I need—”
“Archer.”
“Archer?” She thought about that for a moment. “Actually, that’s probably the best choice. I have a dress fitting tomorrow. Please, can I go?”
He frowned. “No. You’re grounded and you’re supposed to be in bed.” He looked at her pointedly. “Have you washed your hands?”
She shook her head. He turned on the faucet and stood behind her, reaching around to pump some soap on his hands. His arms were around her, his front pressed up against her back as he gently massaged her hands, washing them clean.
She stared at him in the mirror. Her big, gruff cowboy with a huge protective streak that stretched to everyone living on Sanctuary Ranch.
“I’m so lucky to have you,” she whispered.
He glanced up at her, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “You got that the wrong way around, baby. It’s me who is lucky to have you. I know I don’t always get everything right, Charlotte. Not even close. But can you trust me to give you what you need?”
Of course. He always made sure she had what she needed.
“Yes.”
“Then let me worry about all of this. I’ll arrange the dress fitting. Your bridal shower. You just concentrate on obeying Doc’s orders. Can you do that?”
A weight lifted from her shoulders. She didn’t have to do all this on her own. He was always there to help her. She should have asked for help earlier, but she struggled with that. With feeling like she was a burden, the way her aunt had always treated her.
“I can.”
The smile he gave her was everything. She’d have promised him the world for that smile. So things might not be exactly right. At the end of the day she was getting everything she’d ever wanted.
Him.
He dried her hands then picked her up, carrying her back to the bedroom and putting her into bed.
“Little Charlie hasn’t had much playtime lately. Maybe she’d like to do some coloring? Or watch a cartoon?”
Actually, she would love that. “Coloring please, Daddy.”
He smiled. “Good.” Then he clicked his fingers. “Wait, I forgot. Doc left the vitamin suppositories and some sort of shake for you to take. I’ll make it for you and bring it all up.”
She groaned. Great. More butt stuff.
* * *
