"Achoo!”
Ryan poked her head out of the large walk-in closet she shared with her wife. "Bless you.” She chuckled at the unexpected sneeze.
“Thanks.” Sophie mumbled.
Ryan took a moment to take in her wife’s appearance. Sophie Moore was without a doubt a beautiful woman, however, there was something different about her today. Sophie’s usually glowing caramel colored skin tone was looking a bit sallow, and her eyes were glazed over and red-rimmed. The woman looked sick.
“I think you might be coming down with something babe.” Ryan said slipping on a pair of heels.
Sophie scoffed. “I’m not coming down with anything.”
“Are you sure? You’re looking a little green around the gills there, Soph.” Ryan said moving closer.
"Yes, I'm fine. It must be something in the air. Achoo!!"
Ryan stared at her skeptically. Sophie ignored the look.
"If you're not feeling well, you should just stay home. It’s not like you have to answer to your boss. You are the head of the division." Ryan said placing a kiss on her love’s forehead, secretly checking for a fever. Ryan noted that the skin was very warm.
Sophie knew exactly what her wife was doing. Ryan did the same trick with their daughter, Charlie.
"Nonsense. I don't get sick, remember?" Sophie said pulling herself away. She was hit by a sudden wave of nausea as she stood. She touched her head and leaned back against the bed. "I don't get sick... right?" she said to herself.
Ryan just shook her head and went about her business of dressing. She really couldn't argue with Sophie. She was right about one thing; Sophie didn't get sick. In all the years they had known one another, Sophie had never even gotten as much as a runny nose. Even when she nursed Ryan and Charlie through the flu and various stomach viruses, Sophie seemed to be immune to sickness.
"When did you say Charlie would be back?" Sophie asked changing the subject.
"My mom said they would be home Sunday. She also told me to tell you that she is following your security plan as promised and that the team you put in place was superb.”
“She’d better be. She has my kid with her.”
“Our kid.” Ryan playfully reminded her. “She’s supposed to call me back again later today. I still can’t believe my kid has been to Fashion Week before me.” Ryan finished with a pout.
“Do I hear a hint of jealousy in your tone, dear?” Sophie asked from the bathroom.
Their six-year-old daughter was on a mini vacation in New York with Jada to attend a few fashion shows and explore the city. The plan had been for all four of them to attend, but Ryan was in the middle of a huge merger and Sophie was dealing with a security breach of Jeturian’ s database system. Jada had talked them into allowing Charlie to go with her on a ‘Girl’s Trip’ with Grandma J.
“I told you I will take you next year, so your daughter doesn’t one up you forever. Achoo!!"
"Bless you. Soph..."
"Ryan, it's nothing. It's just.... allergies." Sophie said as she finished brushing her teeth.
"Since when do you have allergies?" Ryan walked over and gave her wife an incredulous look.
"Since now." Sophie winked at her through the mirror and began brushing her hair.
"Right..." Ryan said shaking her head. She leaned against the door and crossed her arms. She watched Sophie closely. She was still as beautiful as she was the day Ryan had first laid eyes on her in that interrogation room. She hadn't aged a bit. If anything, she had gotten even more lovely.
Sophie looked up and noticed Ryan watching her. She dropped the brush and walked closer to Ryan. She stopped just short of touching her. She could smell the unique scent of Ryan’s perfume.
"See something you like Mrs. Wilder-Moore?" She asked seductively.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Ryan pulled her closer by her belt.
Sophie was leaning in for a kiss when she suddenly pulled back and turned away quickly. "Achoo!!"
Ryan shook her head. "You know, you really should take something for that... allergy problem."
Sophie narrowed her eyes at her before exiting the bathroom. "Don't you have a meeting or something to get to this morning?"
Ryan looked down at her watch. "Oh, shit! As a matter of fact, I do." She eyed Sophie closely. "Are you sure you're alright. I can let Luke handle things and stay home if...."
"Ryan, I'm perfectly fine. Go to work. I need to get to the office for my own meetings anyway. So… Go! It’s not a good look for the CEO to be late." Sophie playfully smacked Ryan on the ass and pushed her towards the door.
"Alright, I'm going. I should be done around noon, so I'll be home early." Ryan planted and quick kiss on her cheek and headed to the door. "Love you, Crowphie."
Sophie laughed. "Love you too brat. Achoo!!"
Ryan turned to say something but stopped as soon as she saw Sophie giving her a knowing look.
“Fine. Be stubborn then.” Ryan mumbled as she made her way out the door.
Ryan's day went as planned. She finished up around mid-day as expected, so she packed up and headed home. Sophie, on the other hand, had not fared as well. She never even made it through her morning appointments. Her poor assistant had been on the verge of calling Ryan all morning. She was relieved when Sophie finally gave up after throwing up for the fourth time and headed home.
Sophie dragged herself into the house and fell face first onto the sofa. She had never felt so terrible in her entire life, and she’d been stabbed before. Every part of her body ached, and she was shivering uncontrollably. She rolled over and spread out across the sofa and quickly fell soundly asleep.
Ryan pulled in the drive and noticed Sophie's Mercedes SUV in the driveway. Every time she saw the car, she couldn’t help but chuckle. When Charlie had come into their lives, everything had changed. After Poison Ivy had totaled Sophie’s Subaru in the woods, the older woman had thrown caution to the wind and purchased a sleek sports car. Ryan had to admit, Sophie looked sexy as hell in it, but a toddler with a car seat didn’t go with that image. That car now sat in the side garage, used only on special occasions. The day after Ryan told her about fostering Charlie, Sophie went out and purchased the safest luxury SUV with all the bells and whistles she could find. She insisted she was too cool to be a traditional soccer mom with a minivan.
“Looks like someone came home early. I wonder why?” Ryan mumbled knowingly as she made her way inside and tossed her keys on the side table.
"Sophie... Babe, are you home?" Ryan walked through the house and got no answer in return. She finally spotted Sophie's leather clad foot hanging over the arm of the sofa. She smiled softly.
"Someone must have had a rough morning." She said making her way over to the sofa. Her smile faded as her eyes landed on a very sickly-looking Sophie.
"Oh, baby. Look at you." Ryan said sitting on the edge of the sofa. She leaned over and touched Sophie's sweaty brow. "God, you're burning up. I knew you were sick, but you just wouldn’t listen." Ryan grumbled.
Sophie's feverish eyes fluttered open. "I’m… not sick."
Ryan chuckled. "Of course, you're not."
"Achoo!!!" Sophie groaned and held her head pitifully.
"Okay! Enough of this. I'm taking you up to bed right now so I can take care of you. " Ryan said. Sophie began to resist, but Ryan held her hand up and silenced her. "Don't even think about arguing with me Sophia Grace. You are going. I am not playing with you. Understood?" Ryan said in a stern voice.
Sophie went to argue when she felt a wave of dizziness come over her. She fell back against the sofa and sighed. "Fine." was all she could say. She was far too weak to challenge Ryan on this.
Ryan watched the woman try to drag herself up. She shook her head and lifted Sophie’s arm over her shoulder. They stood and slowly made their way up to their bedroom. She guided Sophie down to the bed gently and quickly began removing her clothes. Ryan winced at the crisp button down that was drenched in sweat underneath her blazer.
“Hang tight. I’m going to get you a cool towel.”
A few moments later, Ryan returned and got Sophie cleaned up and into her favorite pj’s. Sophie leaned back into the pillows and sighed heavily as Ryan tucked her in.
"I don’t feel so good." Sophie said barely above a whisper. Her voice was even raspier than usual.
"I'm sorry baby." Ryan said softly touching her brow with the cool rag.
"You were right. I'm sick."
"Oh god! The balance of the multi-verse is about to shift. The great Sophie Moore not only admitted that I am right but that she is in fact sick. I'll alert the military!" Ryan kidded. Sophie finally cracked a smile. Ryan's heart melted when Sophie looked up at her with those soft hazel eyes. She looked like a little girl in that moment, so sweet and innocent. Ryan caressed her warm cheek.
"You just lie back and rest for a while. I'm going to go make you some soup and bring you some medicine. Okay?"
"Okay." Sophie said as she laid back and closed her eyes.
A half-hour later, Ryan returned with a tray of soup and medicines. She held the thermometer to Sophie’s forehead. She pulled it back when she heard the beep.
“One hundred and one.” She kissed her teeth and shook her head. “Here, take this.”
“You shouldn’t be in here. You’re going to get sick too.” Sophie tried.
Ryan just gave her a glare. Sophie signed then sat up and took the cold medicine. She complained about the awful taste and Ryan had to threaten her in order for her to swallow it. Sophie eyed the soup skeptically, having already thrown up several times before, she didn’t want a repeat performance. Ryan eventually convinced her to take a few bites and eat some crackers. The poor woman was so weak, Ryan ended up having to feed the soup to her. Sophie could only manage to keep down a small portion. She fell asleep shortly after.
Ryan sat and watched her sleeping for a few minutes before she decided to pick up around the house. She didn't know why. She lived with a neat freak, so their home stayed fairly clean all the time. She headed to Charlie's room first. She opened the door and went inside.
Charlie’s room was an explosion of colors. It fit their little girl’s personality perfectly. It was part princess themed with superheroes mixed in. The walls were filled with pictures of her little friends from school and the community center. She smiled as she noticed the picture of Charlie and Sophie on her little desk. It was a picture of the two of them sitting on a dock fishing. Ryan traced her fingers over their images. Ryan laughed softly as she noticed the worn-out stuffed Batwoman figure on Charlie's bed. Jada had it made especially for Charlie and the little girl refused to part with it, even though it had seen better days.
Ryan went about her business of folding Charlie's shirts and putting them away. She ran across a Point Rock t-shirt lying in the chair. She immediately recognized it as Sophie's. Charlie had now claimed it as her own. It completely swallowed her little body, but she loved to sleep in it because it was her mommy’s. Charlie had made it known that she wanted to go to a school like Point Rock one day because she wanted to be like Sophie. Ryan thought she’d feel jealous about it, but she actually couldn't have been prouder. She couldn't think of anyone else she would want her daughter to model herself after. Ryan placed the t-shirt back in the drawer and walked out.
After finishing up upstairs, Ryan went downstairs. She decided to bring Sophie a few of her books back up just in case she felt better later. Ryan knew she could keep Sophie in bed longer if she wasn't bored. She opened the door to Sophie's office and was quickly enveloped by her wife's scent. She took a moment and took the room in. Everything in Sophie's office was an indication of her personality. All over the walls, were her many degrees, awards, and recognitions. Sophie couldn't have cared less about any of them. Ryan had found them packed away in an old box when they moved. Ryan surprised her by having them all framed and hung along the walls.
She walked over to her desk and picked up the stray papers and tossed them. She knew that Sophie hated clutter. She smiled as she saw a picture of them on Sophie's desk. It was a black and white photo taken at their wedding reception. The photographer had caught them in a private moment. Sophie was kissing Ryan's hand as they stared at one another. It seemed to capture the love between them perfectly. Ryan took a moment to stare at the picture, remembering how happy and in love she felt at that moment. She still found it hard to believe how far they had come from the beginning. It seemed just like yesterday that she and Sophie were at one another’s throats, now they were married with a kid. She grabbed a few of Sophie’s books, switched off the light, and headed back upstairs.
When Ryan entered their bedroom, she was surprised to find Sophie up and attempting to dress.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Ryan practically yelled.
"I have calls to make and…and work to do. I can't be sick right now. I... whoa." Sophie couldn't finish. Her head started to spin, and she began to waver.
Ryan rushed to her side and caught her. "No! You don't. Face it, Sophie! You… are…SICK! Now, will you please get your stubborn ass back in bed?"
Sophie was too weak to argue. Ryan took her pants back off and put her back in bed. Sophie groaned and rolled over on her side so that she could see Ryan.
"Ry, I don’t feel so… Oh, god." Sophie said clutching her stomach. Ryan knew right away what was about to happen. She rushed to the bathroom and grabbed and empty garbage bin. Sophie doubled over and threw up into it. Ryan just held her hair back and rubbed her back as she heaved and shuttered.
"Better?" Ryan asked.
Sophie nodded.
"I'm going to get you a towel. Stay put and I mean it." Ryan said sternly. She walked away mumbling something about stubborn assed wives. When Ryan came back, she gave Sophie a towel and helped her clean herself up. Sophie’s stubbornness was annoying, but she felt so bad for her wife. She looked horrible.
Once she finally got her bearings back, Sophie went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. She took a sit of water and got back into bed.
"You gonna stop fighting me now?” she asked pulling the covers back up over her.
Sophie nodded. “I’m sorry."
"It’s okay, babe. I wish I could make you feel better. I know being sick sucks." Ryan caressed her cheek softly noticing her still feverish brow.
"You always make me feel better. You're my best medicine." Sophie said, voice already becoming hoarse.
Ryan sucked her teeth and shook her head. Even sick, Sophie was still loving. "Thank you, but you still have a fever, Casanova."
"I know. I’m hot.”
“That you are, Mrs. Wilder-Moore.” Ryan winked. “But this should help. Here, Mary said you should take this.”
Ryan handed over the medicine then passed her a bottle of Gatorade. “That should help a little.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
Ryan smiled. "You’re welcome. Now take two of these and call me in the morning." Ryan said playfully doing her best doctor impersonation.
Sophie chuckled. "And what two things am I taking now?"
"Two of these." Ryan leaned up and placed two soft kisses on Sophie's forehead.
"Mmmm.... I think I could overdose on that."
Ryan smiled softly. "I guess I'm going to have to monitor your case very closely then."
Sophie laid her head back and sighed. Ryan noticed her eyes fluttering.
"Tired?"
Sophie nodded. "That stuff makes me drowsy."
"Well, I'll leave you to let you get some rest then." Ryan said about to leave.
"Stay with me." Sophie said tugging on her hand. "Please?"
Ryan turned to see the sweetest, most loving eyes staring up at her. Her heart melted.
"I feel better when you're near me." Sophie mumbled.
Ryan chuckled. Apparently, Sophie turned into a big softie when she was sick. She leaned down and caressed Sophie's face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Okay." Ryan kicked off her shoes and climbed into bed, spooning Sophie from behind. She pulled her close and hummed softly until they both drifted off to sleep.
The next few days went by with little fanfare. Sophie stayed in bed and Ryan did her best to take care of her. Ryan hated that Sophie was sick, but she actually loved taking care of her wife. Believe it or not, that wasn’t something she had the chance to do often. Sophie was always the one taking care of them.
Ryan gladly took a few days off and turned the reigns over to Luke. She spent the day reading to her, binge watching Netflix, and just talking when she was up for it. Even though Sophie was sick, they both enjoyed each other's company. It was nice just being together without outside worries.
Ryan was putting the last load of clothes in the dryer when she heard the doorbell. She smiled when she saw Jordan standing there.
“Hey Jordan.”
“Hey Ry. How’s Soph? Is she any better?” Jordan asked shedding her jacket and shoes.
“She's better than yesterday. At least she's not throwing up anymore.” Ryan said as they walked farther into the house.
“Anything I can help with? You need me to go to the store or something?”
“Actually, if you could stay here while I run to the office to grab something that would be great. That is if you have a minute?”
“Sure. I’m completely free today.” Jordan answered.
“Cool.” Ryan was already grabbing her purse and keys. “She’s upstairs in the bedroom. She had some soup earlier so probably won’t need anything. I just don't want to leave her alone because I know her. She'll try to get up and go to work.”
Jordan laughed at how well Ryan knew her sister. “That's true. Well, I promise to keep her in bed until you get back.”
“Thanks. It shouldn't take long. I should be back in less than an hour.”
Jordan waved her hand. “Take your time. Is she asleep?”
“She was a little while ago, but she might be awake by now and up for some company, just don’t get her riled up.”
“Got it.”
“Alright. See you in a few. Thanks J.” Ryan said heading to the door.
Jordan made her way up to the bedroom and peaked inside. She smiled at what she saw. Sophie was lying in a ball fast asleep. She went inside and looked at her. She fought the urge to startle her awake but decided against it since she was sick. She also didn’t know if Sophie still slept with a gun under her pillow.
“Did my wife send you to play watch dog over me?”
Jordan was startled. She brought her hand up to her chest. “Jesus, Soph! You scared the shit out of me. I thought you were asleep.”
Sophie chuckled and sat up. “I can't sleep, but your sister-in-law won't let me get out of bed, so I just lie here.”
“You want to watch some television or something?”
“Nah. I've watched every reality show and tv series there is, and they’re all terrible. Everything is about cheating or killing people.”
“Oh, they're not all bad. You just have to find the right show.”
“Of course, you’d say that. You’ve always been the dramatic one in the family.”
“I think you're getting better, Sis. You're becoming sarcastic again.” Jordan said in an equally sarcastic tone.
“I certainly hope so. I feel like a caged animal.”
“I can only imagine. Being locked up in this beautiful house, with a gorgeous wife taking care of you while you’re sick must have been torture.”
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Okay. You’re right. Ryan has taken good care of me, and it's actually been nice spending all this time alone with her. It’s been a while since it’s just been her and me.”
“Leave it to you and Ry to find something romantic about having the flu. Y’all are some simps.”
Sophie laughed and laid her head back. “So... What’s up with you? What brings you here on your day off?”
“I can’t check up on my big sister who happens to be sick?” Jordan saw the knowing look Sophie was giving her. “What?”
“Ryan told me that you and Marquis have been hanging out a lot recently.”
Jordan sighed. “You know what? I love this family we have, but everybody is always up in everybody’s business. The shit is annoying.”
Sophie just gave her a patient look and Jordan sighed. “I guess…I kinda… like doing stuff with him.”
Sophie didn’t say anything which made Jordan roll her eyes. “Out with it. I know you have something to say.”
“You’re my baby sister. I love you and I’m always going to want to look out for you.”
“And?”
“And nothing.”
“Soph?” Jordan raised a brow.
Sophie chuckled. “Okay. Look, I want you to be happy. I like Marquis too. He’s… a lot, but he’s a good guy… now.” Sophie gave her a meaningful look. “He’s been through a lot, so have you. I just want you both to be careful.”
“We’re just hanging out, Soph!”
“Really? Because your face is telling another story and I judging by what I’ve heard, I think you might have his nose wide open, little sis.”
Jordan’s face brightened. “Did he say something to Ry?”
“I’m not getting in the middle of this. You’re my sister and he is my wife’s brother. I’m just saying… if you’re not serious about starting something, you need to be upfront with him so you’re both on the same page.”
Jordan sat down on the bed and played with a stray thread. “He’s not like I thought he’d be. He’s quiet and he… gets me.”
Sophie watched her sister for a long moment before she lifted her chin. She raised a brow at her in askance.
“I like him okay. I like him a lot.” Jordan snorted. “It isn’t like he isn’t easy on the eyes either.”
Sophie snorted then let out a long sigh. “And what did Ryan say about it, because I know you’ve talked to her.”
Jordan kissed her teeth. “Like she didn’t tell you?”
“She hasn’t said anything other than you two have been hanging out. I got the impression she wanted to give you the chance to talk to me first.”
Jordan shrugged her shoulders. “She said the same thing you just said basically. She doesn’t want either of us hurt. I think she was a little more protective of me than her own brother.”
“That’s not a surprise. Ryan has thought of you as a sister for a long time.”
“Look, we’re just hanging out and talking... for real. We haven’t… done… anything. We’re good.”
“Okay. You’re grown, as you’re always telling me, so I’ll leave you to it. Just understand that he and I are going to have to have a talk.”
“Soph.” Jordan groaned.
Sophie didn’t even pretend to budge. Jordan knew Sophie was going to put the fear of God into Marquis whether she liked it or not. She’d been that way with every guy she’d dated.
“Whatever. Can we change the subject now?”
Sophie laughed. “Sure.”
“How’s my little bug? When is she coming home? I’m in need of my Charlie fix.” Jordan whined.
Sophie smiled at the mention of her daughter. “They’ll be back Sunday.”
“I can’t believe that kid is at Fashion Week. I haven’t even been to Fashion Week.”
Sophie laughed. “You sound like Ryan.”
Jordan pulled back the comforter and crawled into bed next to Sophie. “This bed is gigantic. I don’t even want to know what you and Ryan get up to in this thing.” She suddenly froze. “Wait a minute. Is it safe for me to get in here? Have you two been doing the nasty in these sheets?”
Sophie rolled her eyes and shifted over. “Not today at least.”
Jordan groaned but still made herself comfortable next to her sister. It didn’t matter how old she got, she always felt better being near her big sister.
“How is it that you two are still at it like bunnies? Most people cool it after they get married.”
“Have you seen my wife?” Sophie said with a salacious smirk.
“Ugh! You’re gross.”
Sophie laughed. “Being married doesn’t mean you forget why you were attracted to each other in the first place. Haven’t you ever heard of the saying, ‘the same thing it took to catch them is the same thing that it takes to keep them’? You should be taking notes if you and Marquis end up hooking up.”
Jordan groaned. “You’re going to be impossible about this aren’t you?”
“You mean am I going to return all of the grief you’ve given me over my relationship with Ryan all these years… abso-fucking-lutley.” Sophie said deviously.
“Well, if you and Ry didn’t act like love-sick simps all the time, I wouldn’t have anything to tease you about. That’s all your fault.”
Sophie took her pillow and hit Jordan playfully with it. “I hate you.”
“No, you don’t. You love me, you sicko.” Jordan laughed and fought back.
Sophie and Jordan passed pillow licks back and forth until Sophie had to stop. She quickly ran out of energy and needed to rest. She flopped back against the pillows and held her head.
“Okay, that's enough playing for now, Sis. My sister-in-law would kill me if she knew I had you all tired out.” Jordan stood and tucked Sophie back in.
Sophie looked up at Jordan and smiled. “Oh, you really do care about me don't you?”
Jordan blushed and looked away. “Shut up, big head.”
“You do! You really love me, don't you?” Sophie continued to tease.
Jordan couldn't help it. She had to laugh. She grabbed the spare pillow and began hitting Sophie with it again. Sophie just laughed and held up her hands to defend herself.
“Jordan! What are you doing?! Stop hitting her. She's sick!” Ryan barked as she walked into the room.
“But Ryan, you don't understand. I was just....”
“It looks like you were hitting my sick wife. What were you thinking? Can't you see how weak she is?” Ryan said walking over to Sophie. She was rubbing her head and asking her if she was alright.
Jordan stood back and rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe how Sophie was playing up her illness all of a sudden.
“How are you feeling, baby?”
“My head hurts. I think Jordan hit me too hard.” Sophie said weakly.
Jordan's eyes and mouth shot open. She stood behind Ryan and mouthed threats to Sophie. When Ryan turned around, Sophie would smile devilishly.
“Well, I'm going to get you something for that headache. I'm sorry that I left you alone with your sister.” She turned and looked at Jordan and gave her a stern look. “I was under the impression that she would take care of you and not get you riled up while I went out.”
“Don't blame Jordan. She just wanted to cheer me up.” Sophie said sweetly.
“Well, hitting you is not the way to do it.” Ryan glared at the both of them. “Come on Jordan. I'll walk you out.”
“I'm leaving? Damn, that's cold, Ryan!” Jordan laughed.
“I'm not leaving you two alone again. You can’t be trusted. I need her to rest and she won’t do that with you here.” Ryan took her by the arm and pulled her out of the room. “Say goodbye, Jordan.”
“Bye Soph. Hope you feel better..... you little weasel!”
Sophie laughed. “Bye Jordan. I love you!”
After spending four days recuperating, Sophie finally felt well enough to get up and about. She showered and pulled on a pair of sweats. She sat down on the bed and bent down to grab her sneakers when a brief wave of dizziness hit her. She took a moment to get her bearings. This flu had really kicked her ass. Sophie finally just slid on a pair of flip flops and called it a day. She made her way downstairs and found Ryan in the kitchen.
Ryan heard her wife’s footsteps. She glanced up from the vegetables she was cutting. "Hey, look who's up and about today."
"I'm up, but I don't know about the about. I got a little dizzy a few minutes ago." Sophie said, taking a seat on the opposite side of the island. "So... what are you up to?"
"I thought I'd get an early start on dinner. Mom’s plane landed a little while ago. Charlie should be home soon."
Sophie nodded and propped her elbows on the counter. “I almost forgot that they were coming home today.”
Ryan eyed her wife and could tell that she wasn’t quite at a hundred percent yet.
"Still feeling bad?" Ryan asked concerned.
"No, not really. I just like watching you." Sophie smiled. "You look so cute when you’re being all domestic."
Ryan smiled and went back to cutting. "You are such a terrible flirt. What am I going to do with you?"
"Whatever you want." Sophie winked.
Ryan laughed and shook her head. Sophie kept watching her closely until Ryan stared back.
"What?! Why are you staring at me, woman?"
"Because I like looking at pretty things.”
Ryan kissed her teeth and kept preparing the food.
“Seriously though… thank you for taking such good care of me this week. I know I wasn't the easiest person to deal with."
Ryan’s eyes softened. "You don't have to thank me, Soph. You take care of all of us all the time. It was my turn to take care of you. I'm just glad you're feeling better."
"Well, I had a really great nurse with a great bedside manner." Sophie wiggled her eyebrows.
"So, you enjoyed my bedside manner, huh?" Ryan put the knife down and wiped her hands on a towel. She slowly made her way around the island and moved into Sophie’s personal space.
"Oh, I enjoyed everything about your care, Dr. Wilder-Moore. As a matter of fact, I have an ache right here.” Sophie said touching the side of her neck."
Ryan’s eyes darkened as she placed her hands on each side of Sophie on the counter. She leaned in and began nibbling along Sophie’s collar bone, traveling up to her ear. Sophie’s breath hitched and Ryan smiled. “Is there anything else requiring my attention? Patient care is of the upmost importance.”
Sophie chuckled and nodded. “I seem feel an ache and uncomfortable tingling… here.” She tapped her lips.
Ryan grinned and moved in to claim Sophie’s lips, only to pause at a familiar voice bellowing through the house.
"Mama!!...Mommy!!!"
Ryan and Sophie looked at each other and sighed.
Ryan gave Sophie a quick peck on the lips before pulling away. “She’s back!” She said in a sing-song voice.
Sophie nodded. “Yes, and your mother still has the worst timing in the world.”
Ryan laughed before calling out, “We're in here!"
Within a matter of seconds, Charlie came barreling into the kitchen and into Ryan's arms. Ryan hugged and kissed her daughter until the girl fell into a fit of giggles. "Hey Bug! I have missed you so much. I’m so glad you’re home."
“I missed you too, Mama.” Charlie said smiling.
Ryan grinned when she saw her little eyes roaming around the room as if looking for someone. Charlie’s eyes landed on the spot just over Ryan’s shoulder. Her face lit up when she finally caught a glimpse of Sophie.
Ryan cringed at the loud scream next to her ear. "Mommy!" She released the wiggling body and watched her scurry across the kitchen.
Sophie bent down just in time to catch the little ball of energy that flew into her. She laughed softly and kissed her cheek.
“Welcome home, Chuck! I missed you.” Sophie said, trying not to get choked up. She felt a little silly. Charlie had only been gone a week.
Ryan and Jada shared a knowing look as they watched from a few feet away.
“I missed you too, Mommy. Oh, guess what? I have something to tell you.” She said quickly moving on.
Sophie blinked at the sharp transition but listened intently. “What?”
She leaned in and cupped her hands over Sophie’s ear and whispered.
Ryan and Jada looked on in bewilderment.
Sophie chuckled and bit her lip. Ryan could tell she was trying not to laugh. She was curious.
“Umm… you two keeping secrets from Mama, now?” Ryan asked, pointing between them.
Sophie shook her head and laughed. She shifted Charlie in her lap and tilted her head in encouragement. “Go on. You can tell her.”
Charlie smiled. “I changed my mind about what I want to be when I grow up.”
“Oh, you did, huh? So, what do you want to be now? I bet it’s a fashion designer. Grandma J took you shopping, and you lost your mind, didn’t you?” Ryan teased.
Charlie laughed and shook her head. “Nu uh.”
“No, so what is it then?”
“I’m gonna be a Boss Bitch like you and Grandma J and have my own police officers like Mommy.” she said proudly.
Jada’s eyes widened while Sophie was biting her lip trying desperately not to lose it.
Ryan blinked in surprise for a moment. She cleared her throat. “Umm… baby, where did you hear that word?” She and Sophie tried their best not to use inappropriate language around Charlie.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Uncle Marquis said it. He told me that I was smart, and I was going to be a Boss Bitch just like Grandma J and my mommies.”
Just then Marquis rounded the corner. “Yo, Half-pint, where do you want me to put the little nugget’s luggage. Why does a kid have this much luggage anyway?”
Ryan glared at him. “First of all, stop calling me that. And secondly, of course, you would be the cause of this.”
Marquis looked around in confusion. “What? What did I do?”
Ryan shook her head and redirected her attention to her precocious daughter. “Although I appreciate what Uncle Doofus over there said…”
“Umm… Mama and I think that’s awesome and very cool, right Mama?” Sophie interrupted to prevent the beginning of another Ryan-Marquis rant.
“Right, but how about we leave out the B word when tell people that. That’s not a word we want you using.” Ryan added gently.
Charlie little brow frowned in concentration. “You mean Boss?”
“Uh… no, the other one.”
“Bitch?” Charlie asked innocently.
Marquis snorted. Ryan shot him a glare as Jada smacked his arm.
“Yes, baby. That’s a word that little kids shouldn’t use.”
“Oh. Okay. But I can use it when I'm a big girl?” Charlie asked curiously.
This time Sophie snorted. This kid may not have been theirs biologically, but you certainly couldn’t tell by her personality. She was inquisitive, smart, witty, with a dash of deviousness all wrapped up in a cute little body.
“Sophie, dear, is there a reason why you have not come to great your mother-in-law?” Jada asked unknowingly rescuing the couple.
Ryan lifted Charlie down from Sophie’s lap as her mother approached. “Sophie has been a little under the weather the past few days, Mom. She’s still a little weak even though she’ll deny it.”
Charlie’s head tilted and she gave Ryan an odd look. "But Mommy doesn't get sick."
Ryan smirked. This kid didn’t miss a thing. "She does now. She even pukes! She puked everywhere!"
Charlie and Ryan laughed, and Sophie rolled her eyes. "Great Ryan. Great vocabulary you're teaching our kid. You’re as bad as your brother."
“Hey, why am I always in trouble when I come to this house?” Marquis said throwing up his hands.
Jada ignored them and made a path to Sophie who was still seated. She immediately went into mother mode, taking Sophie's face in her hands, fussing over her.
"Let me look at you. You look a bit flushed and tired. What are you doing up if you are sick? Shouldn't you be in bed?"
Ryan and Marquis stood back and laughed. Knowing the past these two shared, no one would have ever foreseen the relationship they now had. Even though Sophie always looked embarrassed, she allowed Jada to mother her. Though she had never admitted it out loud, Ryan knew it was because Sophie missed having a mother in her life.
Sophie rolled her eyes. "Hi Jada. It's good to see you too, but I am fine. Ryan took good care of me this week, so you can stop fussing." Sophie said, trying to push Jada's hands away.
Jada turned to Ryan with Sophie's face still in her hands. "Ryan are you sure she's doing alright? She looks a bit pale."
"Yes, Mom. I actually managed to take good care of my wife in your absence.” Ryan said over a laugh. “She's been resting the last couple of days, and she took all of her meds. I personally made sure of it. Mary came over and checked her out. She said she should be back to her old self in a few days." Ryan winked in Sophie's direction.
"Oh, well alright, but you really should take it easy, dear. You know what it is? You work too hard." Jada said moving back.
Sophie scoffed. “I work for you.”
Jada frowned. “You’re point?”
Marquis laughed. “Enough with fawning over Soph. What’s up, Legs?”
Sophie held her hand out and completed their intricate handshake. “Hey, Marquis.”
Ryan shook her head at them. Sophie and Marquis got each other in a weird way. They really had nothing in common, but they got on great. She hoped this new development with Jordan and Marquis didn’t change that.
“Mommy?”
“Yeah baby?”
“What’s a Gabby?”
Sophie frowned. “A Gabby?”
Charlie nodded. “Uncle Marquis was on the phone, and he said Auntie Jordan was a total Gabby.”
This time around, it was Ryan trying not to laugh while Marquis looked like he might pass out. Jada was completely clueless.
Sophie’s heavy gaze landed on Marquis who was trying to slowly inch out of the room.
“Well, sometimes people say Gabby when they’re talking about a girl that’s really pretty and funny.” Ryan explained trying to keep it simple.
“Oh.” Charlie filed the information away. “Why didn’t you just say that Auntie Jordan was pretty, Uncle Marquis?”
“Yeah, Uncle Marquis, why didn’t you just say that?” Ryan asked deviously.
Jada blinked trying to catch up to the conversation going on around her. Sophie’s eyes held Marquis in place daring him to move.
“Hey, Marquis. There’s something I’d like to talk to you about. Why don’t you join me in my office so we can have a little chat.” It wasn’t a request and Marquis knew it.
Sophie ruffled Charlies curls and pecked Ryan on the cheek as she headed down the hall to her office without even so much as a backwards look.
Ryan snickered and Marquis glared at her. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”
“Oh, you have no idea, big bro. She’s been cooped up in here and bored for an entire week. You’re about to be her personal form of entertainment. You should hurry. She doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Marquis swallowed and slowly made his way down the hall.
Jada put her hands on her hips and huffed. “Would anyone like to fill me in on what is going on with my children?”
Ryan and Charlie looked at one another and smiled. They both began to sing. “Marquis and Jordan sitting in the tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”
Ryan high-fived Charlie and laughed out loud. God, she loved her kid.
“Come on Mom. Let’s have a seat in the living room and I’ll fill you in.” Ryan said, leading the way. “And I’ll be able to hear Marquis’ cries if Sophie tries to kill him.” She mumbled.
“What was that dear?”
“Oh, nothing.” Ryan said, giving Charlie a wink. “Nothing at all.”
"Mama?"
"Yeah, bug?"
"What's a dime piece?"
Ryan looked at the ceiling and prayed for patience. "Hey, Soph?" Ryan called out loudly. "Have all the fun you want."
FIN.
Thanks for reading. I hope you liked it. Let me know if you'd like to read more of these.