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Okay, so this is nothing at all like that, but I want to set his mind at ease.

“Yeah. Want to watch a movie? We can snuggle. That makes me feel better.”

I kiss his head and wink at Carson.

“Heck yes, I do. I need to go upstairs for a few, and I’ll meet you in the theater, okay?”

Yes, my stupidly rich husband had a whole theater put into this house. The seats are reclining leather chairs, so I should be fine in there.

“Can we have popcorn?”

“Yes.”

“Can we have M&Ms?”

“Maybe.”

“Can we⁠—”

“Go away,” I say with a laugh as I gently push him off, making him chuckle with me. “I have to pee, you little needy person.”

“Okay. I’ll get you blankets and stuff, so you’re comfortable.”

Charlie goes running off, and I hold my hands out to Carson so he can pull me off this chair.

“Help.”

“How are you really?” he asks as he tugs me up and waits close by so I can get my bearings.

“Hip hurts like a fucking bitch. I need meds.”

“We’ll get you some.”

He helps me walk up the steps, and I hate that it takes me forever, but my husband is patient as he stays next to me.

Carson doesn’t even flinch when I head straight for the bathroom, and he helps me with my sweats and holds my hand as I gingerly sit.

“Okay, go away. I don’t want you hovering while I pee.”

His look says Really?

“Go away.”

“You’re my wife. I can listen to you pee.”

“Go get me some clean clothes, please.”

He shrugs and turns to walk out of the bathroom, and I finally relieve my overfull bladder. When Carson returns, he helps me up and strips me down, and together, we take stock of my injuries.

My hip is a riot of purple, blue, and yellow.

“My arnica cream is by the bed.”

Without a word, Carson moves out of the bathroom, and then he’s back with the tube in his hand.

His eyes are like glaciers as he watches me rub a good amount over the bruise, and then he helps me pull on some clean underwear, sweats, and a T-shirt.

“Mildred’s going to entertain the boys today,” he says quietly. “I want you resting. Sleeping would be better.”