Catching Sparks (Cherry Peak Book 2)

Garrison’s sleepingin my bed.

Garrison Beckett is sleeping in my bed for the first time, and he isn’t naked. Not completely, anyway. As I stand at the edge of the mattress, my knees pressing into the memory foam, I stare at the strands of matted, dark brown hair peeking out from the edge of the comforter, something aching behind my ribs.

It took far too much convincing to get him to allow me to tuck him in and lay the cold cloth on his forehead once we got here. He fought me tooth and nail from the moment I helped him out of my car and into the bedroom, stating he could handle himself. I don’t doubt that he can. I’m sure he’s done it every day for a long time now. But it still makes me upset to think he doesn’t know how to take help from anyone in a circumstance where he shouldn’t have to do things on his own.

The only time I’ve never had someone around to check on me while I was sick was when I was on vacation alone. Every other time, I’ve been cared for, looked after. Whether it was my parents, Darren, or Bryce, I’ve never been alone at home while I was feeling the way Garrison is right now. I know how blessed I am for that, in this moment more than ever.