Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
I pushed the covers off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Lifting my arms over my head, I stretched and drew in a deep breath, then exhaled. This was the first time in days I hadn’t felt sick upon waking up.
That all changed the second I stood, though.
“Shit!” I mumbled, quickly running to the attached bathroom. I hit the floor and, instead of dry heaves, I threw up. In fact, I threw up so much, I was sure my stomach muscles would be sore for days.
Feeling Caden before he even said anything, I glanced over my shoulder. He gave me a soft smile, then got down next to me. He handed me a warm washcloth and gently rubbed my back.
“You okay?”
Nodding, I replied, “Yeah.”
“I’m so sorry, Lili. I hate to see you not feeling well.”
I leaned against his shoulder, feeling utterly drained. Only moments earlier, I felt like I’d slept for days. I was refreshed and ready to start my morning. It was crazy how fast the sickness could hit.
“Do you think you can eat anything?” Caden asked.
My eyes closed as I let out a low moan. “Crackers?”
He chuckled as he stood. “I’m going to invest in saltine crackers.”
Reaching down, he picked me up and carried me back to the bed.
“I’m okay to walk, Caden.”
“Just hush and let me put you back to bed, then go get something for your stomach.”
“You wouldn’t happen to have peppermints, would you? To put in water?”
He wore a perplexed expression for a moment. “Oh, that’s right, you said Mrs. Harper made you some.”
I nodded. “Honestly, I can get up.”
He held up a hand. “Just stay in bed. You told me last night when I moved you in here that you didn’t have to be at the store until noon. You’ve got plenty of time.”
“I don’t even remember you moving me.”
“You were sleeping soundly. You only woke up for a minute or two.”
“I haven’t been sleeping that great.”
Caden frowned. “You need to make sure you get enough sleep, Lili. You’re growing our baby.”
The way my heart skipped in my chest at his words. Our baby.
Why was life so unfair? I was going to be a part of Caden’s world for…well, for the rest of my life. I was going to have to get a handle on my feelings for him as soon as possible.
I forced a casual smile. Caden winked and quickly left the room. I dropped back onto the bed and looked at the side tables. My phone was plugged in and sitting there. How was this guy the most perfect man in the world, yet because of one stupid woman, he’d walled up his heart?
When I opened my phone, I stared at the time. It was nine thirty. How had I slept for so long?
Caden appeared again, this time carrying a tray. I sat up and leaned against the headboard after adjusting my pillow.
“What is all of this?” I asked, as he set the tray over my lap.
“The day of your appointment, I googled what foods help with morning sickness. This is what I found.”
I glanced down at the tray, my eyes widening. There were bananas, applesauce, plain toast, peanut butter toast, cucumbers, watermelon, an orange, slices of avocado, a hard-boiled egg, and crackers.
“Caden…I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I figured I’d bring you a sample of each and you could decide which one helps the most. I’ll ask Mrs. Harper about the peppermint.”
I picked up a piece of orange he’d peeled and arranged in slices on a small plate.
“Yeah, I was surprised by the orange, but it said citrus fruits.”
I popped the slice into my mouth and closed my eyes. It was so good. “Did you fly this in straight from Florida?”
He laughed. “My grandmother has a huge greenhouse, and she grows oranges, lemons, and limes all year long.”
“Are you serious? I didn’t know Nellie had a greenhouse.”
“I’m surprised she never told you.”
“Well, if I’m being honest, I don’t think we’ve ever talked about gardening. I’d love to, though. That’s a dream of mine.”
“To grow orange trees?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No, to have a garden. I want a huge garden, one that has a table and chairs so that if I want, I can read in the middle of my garden.”
He smiled, and I loved how it made the corners of his eyes crinkle. “You want a garden, huh?”
I nodded as I took a bite of a cracker. “Someday. When I get my own place. I’m hoping to grow flowers, as well, that I can use in the perfumery. I can mix the flowers with my veggies and fruits.”
“I’ll definitely have to show you my grandmother’s greenhouse then. You’d love it.”
Glancing down at the tray, my stomach lurched when I focused on the boiled egg. And it was as if Caden could read my mind. He took the bowl of crackers and handed it to me, then whisked the tray away.