A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(68)
“A hardship, I know.” I rummaged manically through the drawers in my bedside table. Seriously, where did I put that f*cker? I needed to find my international adopter as well.
“If you’re looking for your sanity I don’t think you will find it in there.” Alex strode in, shirtless and covered in sweat. The ear buds from his iPod were still draped around his neck and he gave me a smile I would have walked through fire for.
“Hey baby.” Alex kissed me, pressing his glistening torso against me and I felt the dampness of his chest seep through the thin t-shirt I was wearing.
“Hey,” I completely forgot I still had the phone in my hand as I returned his kiss.
“If you two are about to get busy the least you can do is say goodbye.” Sydney didn’t attempt to hide the smile in her voice.
“Hi Sydney.” Alex laughed into the receiver as he wrapped his arms around my waist and kicked off his runners.
My phone beeped demanding attention for an apparent incoming call.
“Listen Syd, I’ve got a call on the other line. I’ll chat to you later. Call me later if you need me, if not see you in a few months.” I knew Sydney would not need me and the only calls I would be getting from her would be social ones but I wanted to reassure her that while she’d been left behind she would not be forgotten.
“All good here. Chat later.” Sydney said he goodbyes and as I flicked over to the other line.
“Lexi Reed,” It was my usual greeting and so deeply ingrained that I forgot the call had gone in on our private phone line.
“Lexi,” I could hear from the warble in her voice, Hannah had obviously been crying.
“Han, what’s wrong?” I reluctantly peeled Alex’s arms from my waist as I sat down on our bed. Sharing my concern, Alex stopped his amorous advances and joined me on our bed. Hannah (other than while pregnant) was not one for emotional exaggeration so whatever it was that had upset her, you could bank on it being a valid concern.
“It’s Noah, Lexi. My poor little man is so sick. He’s been battling this cold for a few days and I’d taken him to the pediatrician but they told me he was fine. I was trying to not be a neurotic mother but then earlier today he started running a fever.” She took a quick breath before continuing. “He’s never had one before so of course I raced him to the emergency room. You can’t mess around with fevers.” Hannah voice faltered as she took another pause.
“And my poor little Noah has an ear infection, he’s so sick Lex. I feel terrible. How could I have missed it?”
“Hannah, do you need us to come over? Have they prescribed him antibiotics?” Not knowing what actual assistance I could offer.
“No, thanks Lexi but that isn’t necessary. James is here and my folks. They gave him meds and he seems to be sleeping right now but there is no way we can get on a plane tomorrow. Lexi, I’m going to have to miss the flight, Noah is just way too sick to fly.” Hannah was torn, overwrought with worry for Noah and facing the reality that she was going to be facing her son’s first real illness without her husband by her side.
“Han, it’s fine. You can rejoin the tour when he gets better, it will be no big deal. Are you sure you don’t want me to come over?” I wanted to do something tangible to console her. This was such a shitty situation.
“No, no. I’m just disappointed. I’m sorry. I know I’m overreacting. I’m just worried about Noah and was really looking forward to leaving with you guys.” I could hear the disappointment in her voice.
“Well what about if I stayed here for a week or so, until Noah got better and then we fly out together?” It was the only thing I could think of that would make the situation any more bearable for Hannah. I was sure that the prospect of having to take a long haul flight with a baby by herself was also weighing heavily on her mind.
Alex gripped my hand and squeezed, his lips gently pressed against my forehead knowing that while I posed my proposition to Hannah as I hypothetical, I would not be boarding a plane with him tomorrow. While our separation would be painful, there was no way I could leave Hannah and Noah behind.
“No, that’s silly. I couldn’t ask you to do that. There’s no reason for you to stay.” Hannah half-heartedly attempted to change my mind.
“What’s a week or two? In that time little Noah will be better and we get on the plane and head to where they are in the schedule. Easy. Matt will be with them and he can handle the tour on his own ‘til I get there. Plus it will give me time to get things sorted with the new apartment.” My mind had been made up and I would not be easily swayed. Given the level of love and support I had received in recent times it was the very least I could do. This was my family and after all these years, I finally understood what that meant.
“Lexi, I know how much you want to be with Alex. You don’t have to stay here on account of me.” Hannah’s voice wavered again as she fought back tears.
“I’m not staying here on the account of you. I’m staying because I want to. Alex and I will survive a couple of weeks separation. Besides I will get plenty of uninterrupted Noah time cause I won’t have to share him with his Uncle Alex or his dad.” I reached for Alex, gently pulling his face into my hands. I need for him to look at me, to know why I had to stay. I would hate every minute of our separation but this was the right thing to do. He silently nodded, acknowledging our wordless exchange.