Loving Lizzy (The Serenity Mountain Series Book 6)

Chapter Twenty Four

Michael checked the refrigerator and made a list for the grocery store. Lizzy rounded the corner dressed in a pair of comfortable leggings and a long sweater. The dark circles under her eyes and the paleness in her cheeks told him she didn’t get much sleep. She didn’t eat much at dinner the night before. If he guessed correctly, she planned to refuse breakfast.

“I made avocado toast for you. Kassie will take you to your appointment and sit with you and I’ll be here when you return,” he reminded her. Michael didn’t miss the hurt expression that passed across her face.

She walked to the teapot and poured a cup of tea. “I’m sure Kassie will take great care of me,” her voice trembled slightly.

Michael walked toward her and took the drink from her hands. He turned her back toward him and wrapped his arms around her while they gazed out the kitchen window. “Hey. I can cancel the appointment if you prefer I take you. I love you, Lizzy Bee.”

Her head fell back on his shoulder. He almost let out a sigh of relief at the fact she allowed him to hold her. Fearing her front might still be sore, he opted to hold her from the back to keep from causing her discomfort. He was meeting with his instructor Kassie hired to teach him lymphatic massage. The classroom instruction will end today and then he begins his clinical hours. Michael estimated at the rate they scheduled the clinical hours, he might finish within three weeks, barring any complications with Lizzy.

“You told me how important these appointments are, I don’t want you to miss them. I’ll be hooked up to an IV. If you come, you’ll only be sitting and reading a book. I’ll be home soon,” she responded as she sat on the stool and allowed him to serve her the toast.

“I’ll drive you next time,” he promised as he sat the plate in front of her.

* * *

Lizzy didn’t say anything.She read about the side effects of chemo and worried about which symptoms she might experience. It felt horrible to rely on her new friends regardless of the fact they worked as nurses. Then again, she pushed Michael away and over the last week, he disappeared for hours at a time.

Edie sat with her, and they practiced knitting and crocheting. Kassie’s caseload continued to grow and she and Chase drove to Seattle for her infertility appointments. Catherine covered for Kassie and Leo terrorized the town marking the quickest exit routes from all the stores Catherine visited. Everything led to the two main roads going in and out of the town. The last thing Lizzy heard, Leo ordered the helo to land in Jake’s back yard and timed each one of the team members on how fast they got the pregnant weighted dolls he ordered to the chopper. The team took it in stride and created shenanigans of their own.

Lizzy laughed out loud causing Michael to glance her way.

“Kassie told me the team didn’t like lugging those stupid dolls Leo ordered. They waited until he timed all of them and challenged him to lug one through the town and get it to the helo. They added ten more pounds to his and set obstacles down the length of his whole route.”

He laughed. “I think everyone will breathe a sigh of relief when Catherine has the baby. When is she due again?”

She sipped her tea. “She’s not due until August. They found out in December.”

“How did Leo know she carried a boy in January?” He scooted the toast closer to her, encouraging her to eat something.

“Leo didn’t know. He commanded. He says he’s outnumbered with Melody and Catherine. LJ needs a playmate.” Lizzy bit into the toast and slowly chewed.

Michael shook his head. “It will become one long hot summer for poor Catherine.”

“I don’t miss that part of pregnancy. The constant need to pee, walking like a duck, and I stayed sick through the first six months,” she admitted as she picked up her cup.

He stared at her. “When I talked to you, you said you felt fine.”

She let out a little laugh. “You worked thousands of miles away and I didn’t want to worry you. The doctor admitted me a couple of times to keep me hydrated but I managed.”

Michael’s cup slammed down on the counter. “If I knew you suffered from extreme morning sickness, I’d have broken my contract and come home earlier to help care for you.”

“We already decided you needed to stay there and help the kids. Plus, we knew you planned to arrive in time for Conner’s birth. We didn’t expect you and Chase to get kidnapped by rebels,” she brushed him off. “I handled it myself.”

“My job as your husband, puts you first. Do you not understand how important you are to me?” he gritted out.

Lizzy bristled. “I can care for myself; I didn’t need you.”

Michael gripped the counter in frustration. “Did it ever occur to you I might’ve wanted to experience this with you? Your independence is one of the reasons I didn’t rush back home. You lied to me. Going through a healthy pregnancy for a first-time mom can be stressful. Now you tell me they hospitalized you due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Hell, do you even need me at all?” Michael didn’t try to hide the anguish he felt in his voice.

“Michael—”

He shoved away from the counter and the doorbell rang, indicating Kassie arrived a bit earlier than expected.

He walked to the entryway and threw open the door to find Edie standing in front of him. He swallowed and attempted to get his anger under control.

“I know I’m a bit early, did you get Kassie’s message?” Edie addressed Michael as Lizzy followed behind.

Stepping back to allow Edie inside, both grabbed their phones to see several missed texts.

Kassie’s sick and can’t be around Lizzy. Saint’s driving Edie to stay with her.

Chase texted.

I can go with Lizzy.

Catherine volunteered.

No, you can’t. Doc said bed rest until amniotic fluid test in two days.

Leo chimed in.

Ugh. Someone save me from this man.

Catherine complained.

Mama says she’s got it covered. Everyone chill. We’re headed down. I’ll pick up supplies while I’m in town.

Saint replied.

Thank you, Saint, kiss your mama for me.

Kassie texted.

Kassie, what’s going on?

Catherine replied.

PITA caught strep throat and you aren’t going over there to take care of her.

Leo ordered.

No. You’re going. Go over to Bear’s and ask for more honey. Samantha, do you have the special tea for this?

Catherine took charge.

Yes, I’ll send it with Whiskey. Feel better Kassie. Let me know if Chase is working and I’ll check on her at lunch.

Samantha jumped in.

No. Maddie already grounded me to my room and Victoria took Em. Chase works all day but it’s only a sore throat, I’ll be fine.

Kassie assured them.

I’m checking to see if Ahmet can cover my second shift and I’ll be home, Princess.

Chase lovingly replied.

Gag, gag, gag….

Leo texted.

Did John Boy join this group text?

Lizzy giggled. Michael walked past her and back to the bedroom.

“It seems you and your friend have a lot in common. At least she lets Chase help her,” he said as he passed her. He closed the bedroom door. He went into the bathroom and splashed water on his face to cool down. Fury at her nonchalant admission over suffering through morning sickness while he took care of strangers riled him. Didn’t she understand he didn’t want to smother her, he only wanted to support her?