Bayou Christmas (Cypress Cove #2) - Suzanne Jenkins Page 0,59
saw her eyeing her computer bag. The day after the accident, she’d asked Gus to bring her computer, and she’d started working again for a short period each day. When Justin went back to work the second week, she begged the doctors to release her, but they weren’t satisfied that her scans had showed enough recovery, and asked her to just be patient.
“Go ahead and work,” they’d said. “But do it while we’re monitoring you.”
“I’m determined to make you relax tonight,” Justin said. “I can see you over there, dying to get your hands on your laptop.”
Frowning, she hated it that he could read her mind.
“If you won’t let me, I’ll get into my own shower and put my PJs on.”
“Okay. Climbing these stairs might be a bit much, but I’ll stand behind you in case you need to fall backwards.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said, finally laughing.
He flirted with her going up the stairs, making comments about her buns.
“My buns of steel are now buns of cotton,” she said, laughing.
“When can we do it again? I’m about ready to explode back here.”
“I think I can manage a gentle one,” she said, turning around on the steps.
Falling against him, they kissed like they hadn’t kissed in weeks.
“Gentle I can do,” he said, swooping her up in his arms while she squealed. “Don’t hit your head!”
The sound of their laughter ringing out put Brulee to sleep, but not before she jumped up on the couch.
Magically, on Christmas morning the grass and Spanish moss hanging from the trees had a thin layer of dew that looked like frost.
“Maggie, quick, before the sun hits. Look.”
Justin stood at the window in the back of the cottage, holding out his hand for her.
“Wow, look at that! It’s so beautiful. And it’s so cold!”
Justin had a fire in the fireplace, and it gave off just enough heat to keep them from freezing. The temperature rarely went below forty, but that was cold enough for Maggie, who wore flannel PJs, a hoodie and furry slippers. Brulee was in front of the fire, hogging the heat.
“How do you feel this morning?” he asked, concerned.
“I’m just glad to be home. I want to see the skiff.”
“Honey, Gus said there wasn’t much to look at. It might be upsetting.”
“Well, okay, but I still might want to. I can’t believe I missed the boat parade!”
“You can do that next year. And we’ll have a boat parade for Mardi Gras. It’s better than the one in the city because we don’t have as many people. Also, more families, less alcohol.”
“Ha!” She sat on the couch and covered up with an afghan.
“Do you want coffee?”
“I should try some. It might help my headache. I had caffeine withdrawal on top of getting my head whacked.”
“I’ll get you a cup. Miss Spencer sent over pastries yesterday, too.”
“Am I allowed to cook? I want eggs and toast and some kind of smoky meat fried until it’s almost burnt.”
“Ha! You can have that, but I’ll cook. You can chill out a little longer.” He walked into the living room with her coffee. “When you’re done with this, think about getting dressed. I feel like taking a walk, and it will be good for you to get out a bit. We can see the horses. I know they’re still around because Bubba said they’ve had more manure than usual, probably because it was so quiet and dark around here at night. Except for the tree, of course.”
“The solar panel really keeps that thing lit up. I can still see it shining.” She took the coffee from him. “I’ll get dressed, then. I’m not sure about walking the whole perimeter though. Maybe just back to the rescue site.”
“Oh! That’s a great idea,” he said, nodding his head.
“I’m dreading it in a way. Having to see that nothing’s been done for weeks will bring everything back.”
“I’m so sorry,” he replied, bending over to kiss her head. “That’s not my intention at all. I’m hoping you’ll be inspired again.”
“I am inspired. I need to get a home ready for Johanna and her pups.”
“They are getting so big; you won’t recognize them. They are almost ready to be weaned.”
“Aw, I’m definitely taking one of them.”
“Great idea. I’m going to go cook.”
Maggie sipped her coffee, watching Brulee and the fire. So many thoughts swirled through her head. The accident had removed the urgency that she felt for everything except the rescue. Hearing Justin banging around the kitchen, he’d proved his loyalty a thousandfold, and