Page 99 of Wilde Flame

Caden appeared again, this time carrying a tray. I sat up and leaned against the headboard after adjusting my pillow.

“What is all of this?” I asked, as he set the tray over my lap.

“The day of your appointment, I googled what foods help with morning sickness. This is what I found.”

I glanced down at the tray, my eyes widening. There were bananas, applesauce, plain toast, peanut butter toast, cucumbers, watermelon, an orange, slices of avocado, a hard-boiled egg, and crackers.

“Caden…I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I figured I’d bring you a sample of each and you could decide which one helps the most. I’ll ask Mrs. Harper about the peppermint.”

I picked up a piece of orange he’d peeled and arranged in slices on a small plate.

“Yeah, I was surprised by the orange, but it said citrus fruits.”

I popped the slice into my mouth and closed my eyes. It was so good. “Did you fly this in straight from Florida?”

He laughed. “My grandmother has a huge greenhouse, and she grows oranges, lemons, and limes all year long.”

“Are you serious? I didn’t know Nellie had a greenhouse.”

“I’m surprised she never told you.”

“Well, if I’m being honest, I don’t think we’ve ever talked about gardening. I’d love to, though. That’s a dream of mine.”

“To grow orange trees?”

Laughing, I shook my head. “No, to have a garden. I want a huge garden, one that has a table and chairs so that if I want, I can read in the middle of my garden.”

He smiled, and I loved how it made the corners of his eyes crinkle. “You want a garden, huh?”

I nodded as I took a bite of a cracker. “Someday. When I get my own place. I’m hoping to grow flowers, as well, that I can use in the perfumery. I can mix the flowers with my veggies and fruits.”

“I’ll definitely have to show you my grandmother’s greenhouse then. You’d love it.”

Glancing down at the tray, my stomach lurched when I focused on the boiled egg. And it was as if Caden could read my mind. He took the bowl of crackers and handed it to me, then whisked the tray away.

“I’ll get you some water. I might have ginger ale if you think that would help.”

Staring at him, I couldn’t help but wonder where the jerk of a cowboy I’d met last year had gone. This man was so completely different. Yes, I’d gotten a taste of his softer side during the storm, but this nurturing side of him was dangerous. This side, I could fall head over heels in love with even faster than any other part of Caden I’d met so far.

“Water’s perfect. I think I just need a few more minutes and some crackers, then I’ll be fine.”

“Coffee?”

I quickly shook my head. “No. The smell makes me sick.”

“Noted, no coffee for Lilibeth.”

“You don’t have to sit here. I’m sure you have things to do.”

“Today is a work-from-home day. I’ve got to get caught up on some paperwork.”

I nodded, nibbling on a cracker.

“So…are we going to talk about what’s next?” Caden asked.

Drawing in a deep breath, I exhaled. “If I move in here, I don’t want the master bedroom.”