Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
L evi waited in Rachel’s apartment living room while she moved to her bedroom to pack a few things. During the drive to her apartment, she questioned her need to stay at his family ranch. She was her old self again—presenting her reason as to why she didn’t need anyone to take care of her.
“I believe the doctor’s orders were that someone look after you.” He glanced at her as he drove his truck down Main Street.
She couldn’t argue. He’d been there. He’d heard Dr. Roberts’ instructions.
“It’s an inconvenience for your family.” She leaned back into the seat. “Your parents have a family to raise. They don’t need an extra burden.”
“You know our place.” He laughed softly. “There’s always room for one more.”
He glanced at her to make his point. God had blessed his parents. Wanting to share those blessings, they looked for opportunities to be a refuge for those in need. They opened their hearts and their home to everyone.
Because Rachel and Jonathan didn’t own horses, they visited the ranch often and rode the McSweeney horses every chance they could. The family always welcomed their visits.
“Besides, “ he said. “Madeline is looking forward to having you stay with us, as is my mother. Another woman in the house is always welcome.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I can never thank you and your family enough.”
“Don’t be too quick with the gratitude.” He laughed. “By the end of the week, you may be chafing to escape to the peace and quiet of your own apartment.”
“Not likely.” She lifted her chin. “Since I was a child, visiting your ranch has been a treat.”
His chest filled with warmth at her appreciation. “I’ll be sure to share that sentiment with my family.”
He guided the truck down the dirt road to the ranch. Over the front porch hung a banner with brightly colored letters welcoming Rachel. That surprised him. It had to be another of Madeline’s ideas. No one else in the family had an artistic bone in their bodies.
“Oh, my.” Rachel’s voice was but a whisper, and he jerked his gaze to her. Her eyes were moist as she stared at the banner. Surprise and simple gratitude touching her features, she turned to him. “Thank you.”
“I can’t take credit for this,” he said, a gentle huskiness in his tone. He was touched by her humble appreciation. “I can assure you no one in my family has the talent to create something that elaborate. This has to be all Madeline’s doing, though I didn’t know that was her plan. I guess that’s part of being a creative being, which I wouldn’t know. When the creativity strikes, you have to go with the flow.”
She gasped and looked back at the banner. “You’re creative. You built a tech company. It’s just a different type of creativity. This little girl has more artistic talent in her little finger than most people have in their entire being.”
“I’ll second that,” he said in a flat voice.
“Miss Bonneville.” Madeline looked worried as she bounded down the front steps. Levi parked the truck .
“Be careful, honey.” Naomi’s face was lined with concern as she called after Madeline and followed her. “Miss Rachel has been ill and was just released from the hospital. You don’t want to overwhelm her.”
“Overwhelm?” Madeline turned to her and frowned.
Levi was out of his truck and striding around the hood to the passenger door. Catching the girl into his arms, he lifted her to his chest.
“Cause her too much excitement.” Levi grinned at her and rubbed a knuckle against the dimple in her chin, then set her on the ground. “She tires easily.”
Rachel opened the truck door. Levi grabbed the door handle and opened it wider. He stepped around the door and offered Rachel his hand as he helped her climb from the truck.
“Are you all right?” Madeline frowned at Rachel.
“Honey, I’m so much better.” Rachel looked at her, her smile filled with tenderness. “I’m grateful to you and everyone.” She looked past Madeline to Naomi. “For letting me stay here.”
“We’re glad to have you.” Naomi stepped to her. She squeezed her hand.
“I can never thank you enough.” Rachel’s tone was filled with gratitude.
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving you on your own.” Naomi’s surprise turned into a smile. “Family’s important. Consider yourself one of us.”
“Thank you.” Rachel’s lips quivered slightly, making Levi wonder if she missed her own family. She and her mother had been close. Rachel dropped her gaze to Madeline. “And look at that beautiful banner you made for me. What a treat!”
“You like it?” Madeline asked, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
“I love it.” Rachel squeezed her shoulders which made the little girl look shyly down. “No one’s ever made me a banner before. I’ll remember this forever.”
“You can take it with you,” Madeline said, hope in her eyes.
“Thank you. I will.” Rachel squeezed her shoulders again .
“Am I supposed to call you Miss Bonneville or Miss Rachel?” Madeline frowned with troubling confusion.
“Since I’m not your teacher anymore, I think Miss Rachel is fine—if Daddy Levi approves.” Her gaze flicked to him.
“I think that’s appropriate.” He took Rachel’s hand and turned to the porch. “Now let’s get Miss Rachel inside so she can rest.”
“I want to take her other hand.” Madeline raced to Rachel’s side.
Levi arched a brow at Rachel.
“I would be honored,” she said tenderly.
Madeline looked as if she didn’t understand what Rachel’s comment meant, but took Rachel’s hand as if wanting to make sure she held it before someone thought it better if she didn’t.
“I have a crate full of bouquets that I’ll bring to Rachel’s room later,” he told his mother.
“Don’t worry about those.” She looked past him to the truck’s back seat where colorful blooms nodded through the window. “I’ll have the boys bring those in.”
“Please don’t put them in my room,” Rachel protested. “I don’t plan to stay there.” She ignored Levi’s sharp glance. “Put them where everyone can enjoy them.”
“We’ll see.” Naomi’s surprise turned to smiling patience.
Levi agreed. Getting her into bed to rest was his top priority. The flowers could wait.
He wrapped an arm around Rachel’s waist. He was struck by the delicate curve—a contrast to her vitality and energy. She stood rigid, and he sensed how much energy it took for her to stand on her own.
“Lean against me,” he commanded in a low tone.
When her body rested against his, relief and more that he wouldn’t acknowledge filled him. He held her close and practically carried her up the front steps.
Naomi stepped to the side, concern in her face. When they moved into the house, Felix turned in his chair. His mouth worked, but the words didn’t come.
“It’s okay, Dad,” Levi said softly. “Rachel’s had a long day. She needs to rest. ”
“Maybe you should take her upstairs.” Naomi kept her voice low.
Rachel looked shocked and shook her head.
“You’re in no condition to argue against that.” Levi tipped his chin at her.
As if too tired to protest, she relaxed against him.
“I’m going to take Miss Rachel upstairs to her room.” Levi looked at Madeline.
Reluctance and understanding in the child’s eyes, she nodded. She released Rachel’s hand, then moved away.
Levi slipped an arm behind Rachel’s knees and brought her to his chest. Her objection was inaudible. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. He should’ve known she was too weak to walk. Her gaunt and pale face showed she’d lost weight.
Taking the stairs two steps at a time, he cradled her to his chest and raced to the top. He strode down the hallway to the room his mother had said she’d get ready for Rachel. Inside the room, he pushed the door shut with his foot. He walked to the bed and laid her gently on top of the duvet. Grabbing an afghan folded at the end of the bed, he pulled it on top of her.
“Levi.” Her voice was strained. Patches of dry skin covered her full lips.
“Don’t talk.” He filled a glass from the water pitcher his mother must have placed on the nightstand earlier.
“You don’t need to take care of me.” She gave him a pleading look.
“You’re joking, right?” He stuttered a laugh. He didn’t look at her. He didn’t want to spill the water. The glass full, he slipped a hand to the back of her head, then tipped the glass to her lips.
“It’s not a joke,” she said in surprise.
“Have you forgotten what condition you were in two days ago?” He still held the glass as she sipped. He answered for her. “Delirious and lying in your bed alone in your apartment because of that virus you caught.”
She made no comment. If she’d forgotten, the flicker in her eyes indicated she remembered now. She drained half the glass, then tipped her head back and took a breath .
“That memory appears to be coming back.” He lowered her head to the pillow.
“I’m better now.” She struggled to keep her eyes open, but the exhaustion that paled her face made it clear the virus that had depleted her strength would cling to what energy it could drain from her until her body recovered.
“Not by much, and the evidence that the virus has weakened you is obvious.” Unwillingly, he slipped his hands from around her and set the glass on the nightstand.
A muscle worked in his jaw as he watched her. Even as sick as she was, she was still feisty.
“Give it up, Rachel.” The compassion in his heart made him wish the virus had attacked him, not her. “Relax and rest. That’s the only way you’ll feel better.”
As he said the magic words, a soft breath escaped her lips. The slight movement of her chest beneath the afghan showed she’d let sleep take over.
“Finally.” He released a soft, humorless laugh.
She was every bit as stubborn as he’d been as a child and a teen.
He dropped into the armchair set next to the bed and watched her. There was something calming and soothing about watching her sleep, but he didn’t want her to wake and find him staring at her. He rose and moved to the door. His hand on the knob, he took one last look at her relaxed face filled with peace. He stepped into the hallway and let out a rough breath.
Thankfully, business in his San Francisco office and ranch chores would keep him occupied while she slept. That should make the time pass quickly. If she hadn’t roused by the time he finished, he’d check on her.
Dragging his mind away from Rachel and onto the calls he had to make, he moved down the hallway.