His Forever Flame

19. Fall Break

The next morning Lauren woke before him. He still had his arm wrapped around her holding her close. She laid there praying she wouldn't be sick because she knew he would wake if she was. She knew he had to be tired. It'd been a long couple of days for him too, and she knew he needed to rest. She was so excited to have the whole week with him at the cabin.

She gently rolled over and his arm draped across her stomach. She couldn't wait to watch him with their baby. She couldn't wait to watch his eyes light up when he felt the baby move or kick in her. She couldn't wait to see him when he held their baby for the first time. She knew he wanted a little girl, a daddy's girl, and she knew he'd get one. But she really wanted a little boy that looked just like him.

Jay would teach him how to be a good man, be protective of his little sister, and always do the right thing. He would spoil their kids and love them dearly and she couldn't wait for it. As she laid their thinking about their baby, she felt herself feeling sick. She moved his arm and ran for the bathroom.

She hated it, but she would endure it for the baby. Just about the time she felt herself starting to throw up, she felt strong arms wrap around her and pull her hair back. He held her the whole time telling her it was going to be ok. Once she was done, he gently pulled her back against him and wiped her tears.

No matter how hard she tried, she always cried when she was sick. He gently picked her up and sat her on the side of the tub. He wet a wash cloth and wiped her face. "I'm sorry I woke you," she whispered. He cradled her face; "It's ok baby. I want to be here, want to take care of you."

She nodded. She was tired again. She hated being this tired; she was afraid they weren't going to get to do anything fun this week because she would just want to sleep the whole time. "How about a bubble bath?" he whispered. She looked up at him and smiled. "Will you join me?"

"Of course beautiful," he said as he reached behind her to turn it on. Once he had the water warm, he pulled her up and helped her over into the tub. He sat down and she laid back on him. "You're so good to me," she said as he rubbed her arms.

"This is how it will always be baby. I'll always take care of you and our baby." She had her head resting on his shoulder, "I know. You're going to be the best daddy ever." He smiled.

She had completely relaxed against him. "Feeling better?" he whispered and she nodded. She could easily go back to sleep, but she was going to try and stay awake. "We can go back to bed," he whispered.

"No, I'm fine." He smiled; he knew she was tired, but he wasn't going to push her. "I've gotta clean that cut today baby." He didn't want to do it, knew it was going to sting, but he had to. She nodded, "I know. It'll be ok."

The water was starting to turn cool, "Come on beautiful; let's get you dried off and in something comfy. I'll clean it and then fix you breakfast."

"I'm not really hungry," she whispered. She was afraid it would just make her sick again.

"You have to eat baby, even if it's just something little." He stood her up and wrapped her in a towel. He picked her up and carried her to bed. He went back and got his first aid kit. She was almost asleep laying there. He couldn't help but smile because she wasn't going to admit she was sleepy.

He sat down beside her and she turned to look at him. "I'll be ok," she whispered. He nodded as he carefully pulled the butterfly away. The cut looked nasty and he felt awful. He poured a little peroxide on a cotton ball and dabbed it to her head. She winced as he dabbed all around the cut. "I know baby, I'm sorry" he whispered as he blew air across it trying to make it stop.

Once he had it clean, he put another butterfly over it holding it closed. He softly stroked her cheek, "Better?" he asked and she nodded. Her eyes were closed and she was almost back asleep. He leaned down and softly kissed her; "Sleep baby girl. I'll go fix us something to eat for whenever you wake up."