Jon looked up at Rick who nodded. “I would love a hug.”
Jon drew Michelle onto his lap and as he hugged her tight Michelle looked up at Rick, realizing how devastated she’d be if anything ever happened to him. He gave her a look filled with love.
One cup of coffee and a cup of tea later, Jon stood up to leave. He ran a hand over her hair.
“Bye Shelley, hope to see you again, soon.”
She smiled and waved at him. When Rick returned from seeing him out, she raised her arms at him.
“Daddy?” Michelle asked.
“Yes?”
“I’m ready to be a big girl now.”
Rick helped her stand and stripped off her diaper before giving her a deep, full kiss.
“God, I love you, Rick,” she told him.
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
“Don’t ever die on me,” she told him desperately. Her heart couldn’t stand losing him.
“I’ll try my best, sweetheart. But only if you do the same.”
*****
Addy was going insane. Bad enough she couldn’t use the TV, computer or phone or see her friends, but she couldn’t even leave the house.
She’d gotten the sniffles and her husbands were nothing if not overprotective when it came to her health. The day she’d woken with a blocked nose and sore throat, they’d gone into smothering mode. Vitamins, lemon and honey drinks as well as strict orders to stay in bed had been forced upon her. When they’d found her outside getting some fresh air on day two of the cold, she’d found herself back in bed, wrapped up tight with a very hot bottom to keep her company.
By day four she’d been feeling fine but tired. It was now day six and she was going completely insane. She only had to get through today and tomorrow and her punishment would be over. But right now it seemed like such a long time to wait. Just as she was pondering the likelihood of getting outside for a walk without one of them finding out, the house phone rang. She moved quickly, expecting it to be Eliot. When she was sick he tended to ring more often and check that she was okay.
“Hello,” she said.
“Hello, trouble,” Michelle’s voice drawled back.
“Hi Michelle,” she greeted her friend, even as she looked around to make sure no one could overhear her. Silly, she knew she was alone. “What’s going on?”
“Want to go shopping?” Michelle asked.
Addy sighed. “I wish I could but I can’t leave the house.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve got a cold,” she explained.
“Oh, I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Shall I bring you some soup?”
“That’s really nice, but well, I’m okay now. It was only a small cold. But you know how the guys are. They won’t leave me let the house.”
“But surely it will be okay if you’re feeling all right?” Michelle wheedled. “I promise we’ll stay inside at all times.”
“I’m not supposed to leave…” Addy trailed off, her resolve dissolving. What could it hurt?
“Please, I’ve got a dinner this weekend with Rick’s snobby workmates, I need a knockout dress. Pleeeasssee, Addy.”
Addy relented. Going shopping sounded like fun and she was so bored.