Her eyes filled up again. “I want to go outside and sit but I can’t. The light hurts my eyes and the chairs are uncomfortable. I’m afraid if I got into one, I’d never get out,” she sobbed.
I let her cry, rocking her. Dr. Sue had told me this might happen. Rabbit was only allowed up for a very limited amount of time every day and usually by the time she had a shower and got dressed, her time was up until later in the day. The past few days after a walk around the porch in the evening she was so tired that was all she did. I knew she missed being outside. She was used to being busy and active, so I knew the imposed resting was getting to her. I spent most of my time at the desk I had setup in the bedroom, not wanting to be away from her and leave her alone in our room for hours at a time. I had her help me with edits to distract her, played board games with her to pass the time, and when her head was aching, I sat beside her, rubbing her back and reading to her. She said the sound of my voice soothed both her and the babies. But today, there was no soothing and I knew she was reaching her limit. Even Bear and his antics hadn’t made her smile the past couple of days.
I looked down and smiled sadly. She had cried herself to sleep. It didn’t take much to exhaust her these days and her emotional outburst would certainly do it. My hand stroked her hair that was still damp from her shower and I leaned forward and kissed her cheek. She burrowed into her pillow, facing away from me, and I sighed. I did miss her burrowing into me. But the swell of her stomach prevented that at the moment. And, sex was off the table, which frustrated both of us. There had to be something I could do to make her happier.
An idea formed in my head and I gently disentangled myself from Rabbit and went to call Cecilia. An hour later my idea had been bought and purchased and would arrive the next day. I grinned as I hung up. Rabbit would love it.
“Oh, Joshua!” Rabbit’s voice was filled with delight and her hands clapped with excitement when I carried her outside the next afternoon.
I grinned down at her, being gentle as I laid her down in the soft hammock. A pre-made gazebo complete with bug screens had been set up, providing shade and comfort while giving her the freshness of being outdoors. The large hammock was plush and filled with pillows and a blanket, in case she got cold. A couple of chairs and a table were close where I could sit and use the laptop while she rested in the hammock. Leaning down, I kissed her tenderly. “I should have thought of this sooner. I know you’re still lying down, Rabbit, but at least it’s a change of scene and the fresh air will do you good. I made sure it was all Dr. Sue approved.”
She sighed and looked around her. Her hand reached up and I grasped it in mine. I let her pull me down for a sweet kiss. “Thank you,” she breathed.
I smiled down at her. “Anything. Anytime. Always, Rabbit.”
“It’s lovely.”
I nodded. “I’ll have a more permanent structure built next year. It’ll be good for Jack and Elly in the summer. It’ll be a great place to sit in the evenings. But for now, this will let you be outside, but not in the bright light.”
“You’re so good to me.”
I laughed and knelt beside her, my hand going to her tummy where I could see rapid movements happening through her shirt. “I think they like it out here.” I looked at Rabbit, pleased to see her looking happier today than yesterday. “I like to be able to look after you, Rabbit. You mean everything to me, my pretty girl. Everything. All I want is for you to be happy.”
“I am.” She smiled at me. “I’m happier with you than I ever imagined I could be. I love you so much, Joshua.”
I kissed her softly. “You have given me so much, Rabbit.” My hand pressed tenderly on her rounded stomach. “You’ve made my dreams come true; ones I had long since given up ever hoping for. You complete my life. You are my life.”
“Oh, Joshua.” Rabbit’s arms wrapped around my neck, drawing me down to her mouth. I lost myself in the sweetness of her kiss, my desire suddenly raging, and I groaned roughly when I pulled away.
“Want to join me on the hammock?” Rabbit looked at me, waggling her eyebrows.
I smiled down at her, shaking my head. “I’m not sure that’s advisable at the moment. I’m rather tempted to break Dr. Sue’s rule.”
She looked up at me from under her lashes, smiling. “Just rather?”
I groaned, dropping my head onto her shoulder, struggling to calm my body and my breathing. “Don’t, Rabbit,” I pleaded quietly.