âCome on, get up.
You need to go see Rosalynn, remember?â Tilda urged, her tone gentle yet insistent.
Lyndon grunted in acknowledgment, tossing aside the covers with a brisk motion before swinging his legs out of bed.
Tilda hesitated briefly, then added, âDo you mind if I come along to visit Rosalynn?â
âOf course you can come,â Lyndon replied without hesitation as he fetched the clothes his mother had set out for Tilda.
He laid them neatly on the bed, then tenderly brushed her hair back from her forehead and planted a soft kiss there.
âAs long as you promise not to get jealous,â he whispered teasingly.
Tilda bit her lip.
âDo you really think Iâm that petty?â
Lyndon chuckled, his eyes crinkling with affection.
âNot at all.
My wife is the most generous woman I _ know, he assured her, his tone light and flattering as he helped her out of the covers and began helping her dress.
â
The warmth of his fingers as they brushed against her skin soothed Tildaâs initial unease.
This wasnât their first such morning.
She had grown to appreciate his caring gestures.
As Lyndon made a move to lift her from the bed, Tilda quickly slipped out on the other side, asserting her independence.
âI can walk by myself, thank you.
â
Lyndon raised an eyebrow playfully.
âAre you sure you donât need me to carry you downstairs?â
âNo, Iâm fine on my own,â Tilda insisted firmly.
A mischievous glint appeared in Lyndonâs eyes.
âCareful, or youâll make me doubt my own strength.
â
Tilda glared at him, her cheeks tinged with pink.
âThereâs no need for doubts.
Iâm quite certain your strength is perfectly sufficient!â
âIs that a compliment I hear?â Lyndonâs grin widened.
âI love hearing your compliments, honey.
â
Ignoring his teasing, Tilda blushed deeper and hurried into the bathroom to freshen up.
They then headed downstairs together.
Downstairs, Brea was having fun with Sheldon.
Upon seeing Tilda and Lyndon descend, Brea greeted them with a warm smile.
âDid you have a good nightâs sleep?â
A wave of discomfort washed over Tilda.
âIâm sorry for waking up late, Brea.
â
âItâs alright, dear.
Youâre injured.
More rest is better for you,â Brea reassured her, completely unconcerned.
Tilda felt a pang of guiltâ her tardiness wasnât due to her injuries but rather the passionate night she shared with Lyndon.
She avoided Breaâs eyes, feeling undeserving of her understanding.
âYou must be hungry by now.
Thereâs food still warm in the kitchenâgo ahead and eat,â Brea encouraged, her voice filled with maternal warmth.