she might to hold it in, the tears trickled down her cheeks. Defeated, Cara put her face in her hands and let go a gush of tears. Crying was a testament to how low she’d fallen. Cara hated to cry, was embarrassed to reveal that weakness. But cry she did. Great, blubbering sobs, like a baby. She couldn’t stop.
Suddenly she felt arms encircle her. Cara choked back a cry and, looking up, saw David’s face, so close to hers for the first time in nearly a month. Her gaze devoured him, though she was still in shock. His face was pale though not sickly. His eyes were no longer glazed with fever but alert and full of concern. She sniffed and slowly reached up to wipe her eyes, then moved her hand to cup his jaw, rough with the beginnings of a pepper-and-salt beard.
“David,” she managed to get out, barely coherent, “what…”
He brought his hand to the back of her head and guided it to rest against his shoulder. He smelled fresh and soapy, like he’d just emerged from a shower.
“My darling, don’t cry.”
The feel of his hand against her skin brought her to a place of security, safety, contentment. Cara closed her eyes and let her body melt against his. Sometimes a touch, a hug, the feel of an encircling arm—more than words—had the power to restore one’s faith that all would be well.
She moved her head back to look at his face again, sure her own was blotched and swollen. She stared at him in wonder. “But what are you doing out of your room?”
David took a tissue from his pocket and gently dabbed at her face. Cara reached up to take it and quickly wiped her eyes and nose, then, feeling more composed, looked again at his face. “Tell me.”
“It’s been twenty-four hours since my last fever. And that was a low-grade fever.”
“I know. But you didn’t tell me your fever was gone.”
“I didn’t want to get your hopes up.” He smiled. “My symptoms are gone. I feel stronger, clearheaded. No headaches.”
“I can’t believe it,” she breathed out.
“I only wish I had flowers to give you, to thank you for being so good to me these past weeks. You held this family together. Cara Rutledge-Wyatt, you are the strongest woman I know. I don’t like to see you cry. Unless they’re tears of joy.”
Cara felt a fresh batch of tears building up. “Now, these are tears of joy. I can’t believe you’re standing here in front of me. Real flesh-and-blood you.”
Then, for the first time, and it still felt somehow illicit, David lowered his mouth to meet hers. The kiss was tender and brief. More a connection than passion. It was, she thought, perfect.
“Let’s get Hope,” David said.
She laughed, and the sound of it filled the room. “David, be serious. It’s late and she’s probably getting ready for bed. Let’s fix up something to eat, have our first meal together in ages, and catch up. Then tomorrow morning, first thing, we will pick up our little girl.”
“And the dog?”
Cara laughed again, and patted his chest with affection. “That’s a long story.”
* * *
DAVID LOADED THE last of Hope’s belongings into the back of his Range Rover. All with the notable exception of the puppy. A spring storm was rolling in, kicking sand into the air and sending their hair fluttering about their heads.
Cara said, “I’m sorry to leave you with the dog.”
“Not at all! I’m thrilled to keep her. I’m just sorry it didn’t work out for Hope. And you. You fell in love with her too,” Linnea said.
“I’m so happy to have my daughter back, and David well again.” Cara glanced over to where her husband was buckling Hope into her car seat. “Nothing else matters. Besides, I can always try another breed, one that is hypoallergenic.” She paused and said wryly, “Someday. At the moment, Hope doesn’t seem very upset to be leaving Luna behind.”
“She never really bonded. The dog kept jumping up on her, licking her face. She didn’t like that.”
“Perhaps”—Cara wiggled her brows in amusement—“you were right. She was too young for a pet.”
“As long as you’re sure.” Linnea’s smile was wistful. “I don’t think I could give Luna back if she stays.”
“She’s all yours.”
“Really?” Linnea was taken aback. The pricy, pedigreed dog was an extravagant gift. “I was hoping for maybe a discounted price. That I could pay off in time.”
“Don’t be silly.” Cara put up her hand. “And if you try