Page 18 of Mr. McHunky

I get to work with the fire, thankful that I’d thought to stock wood in here last week. After I get the embers burning, I turn back to my girl. Her teeth are still chattering and her whole body is shaking.

“Okay, baby, you’re going to be okay. I promise.” I strip myself, kicking my boots off first, then go my sweatpants and shirt. I take a second to consider my boxers, but everything I’ve ever heard about the body heat thing is that you have to be skin to skin. So off they go too.

Then I turn to Emory. “I’m going to take your clothes off, Peaches. I’m not going to lose you so close to when I found you.”

Rosie has jumped off the bed and curled herself up in front of the fireplace.

I pull off Emory’s sweatshirt, then the two shirts she has on underneath. She was trying to keep warm, layering up.

Again, I mentally kick myself for not waking up sooner and getting to her immediately. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to her. Next, I pull off her two thick pairs of socks and sweatpants, then her panties. I don’t even allow myself a moment to enjoy the plump curves on her body. Her skin is so cold to the touch.

I pull back the covers and place her in the bed, pulling the heavy quilt up over here. Then I pad to the chest against the wall and pull out two more blankets and spread them over her.

I crawl in next to her, pulling her flush against my skin. We’re face-to-face so I can wrap myself around all her delicate parts. I even maneuver her feet so her frigid little toes are trapped beneath my legs.

“Nothing is going to happen to you, Emory. I won’t let it. I’m here now. It’s my job to take care of you.” I wrap my arms around her body and kiss the top of her head.

And then I do something I haven’t done since my parents died, I pray.

I beg God to keep this woman whole and safe so I can love her for the rest of her days.