Chapter 307
Mamie and Dorothea had their own little hot spring to themselves, while the guys hung out in another pool. Latham wanted everyone to relax, so he rented out the whole place. No one was going to bother them tonight. Still, Garth kept whining that he was bored.
Dorothea didn’t soak for long before she suddenly remembered something she read online. Apparently, if you’re trying for a baby, you shouldn’t spend too much time in hot springs. She turned to Mamie. “You chill here a bit longer. I’m going to find Latham.” She paused, thinking. “It’s not just women, you know. Guys shouldn’t soak too long either p>
Mamie smiled. “Go ahead. I’m fine, really.” Dorothea still looked a little guilty as she left. “I’ll be back soon p>
The place was so quiet after that. Mamie let herself relax, letting the heat turn her cheeks pink. She stayed in the water for another twenty minutes, letting all her stress melt away. Finally, she stood up and headed for the steps, but as soon as her foot hit the wet stone, she slipped. Her knee slammed hard against the step.
She let out a sharp gasp, the pain stealing her breath and bringing tears to her eyes. A pair of warm hands caught her at the waist. Scott’s voice came close. “Are you okay p>
Mamie tried to pull away, a little embarrassed. “I’m fine, I can do it myself p>
She tried to take another step but her knee just wouldn’t cooperate. The pain was blinding.
Scott’s face clouded over. Without saying a word, he bent down and scooped her up, holding her tight against his chest. Her cheek pressed right into his bare skin, and she could feel the warmth of his body, the outline of his muscles. For a moment, the throbbing in her knee faded away.
He gently set her down on a chair and crouched in front of her, checking her leg. Her swimsuit was still dripping, making her feel awkward and exposed.
“My bathrobe is over there,” she mumbled, cheeks burning.
Scott’s eyes met hers, then dropped to her bare skin. His gaze lingered for half a second longer than usual. “I’ll get it for you,” he said, his voice suddenly husky.
He walked over to fetch it, taking his time, then helped her slip it on. The thick robe made her feel safe again. “Thanks. I think I can walk now,” she said quietly.
Scott looked at her knee, which was already swollen and red. He arched an eyebrow. “You sure about that? It’s probably just a bruise, nothing broken. But I should’ve been watching you p>
Mamie shook her head. “No, I just wasn’t paying attention. It’s my fault p>
Scott stared at her knee for a
second, then leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to the spot where she’d hit it. The cool brush of his lips caught her off guard. She held herit breath, startled.
“You p>
Before she could finish, a little voice called out.
“Dad! Mom!” Garth came bounding over, dragging a staff member along. His eyes widened as he saw the scene. “Dad, are you kneeling to propose to Mom p>
Mamie’s face went bright red. “No, sweetheart, you’ve got it wrong. Your dad slipped and fell p>
Garth looked at Scott with big, sympathetic eyes. “Really? Poor Dad. He’s getting old, huh p>
Scott shot Mamie a pointed look. “Yeah, I fell. Made your mom fall too. Come on, I’m carrying her back to the room. Watch your step, it’s slippery p>
Garth hadn’t seemed too concerned when he thought only his dad had fallen out hearing his mom was hurt.
got him running over, worried nurt
“Where did you get hurt, Mom? Let me see p>
His little hands reached out, but Scott gently blocked him. “Easy, buddy. If you make
your mom cry, you’re the one who has to cheer her up p>
Mamie didn’t know whether to laugh or hide her face. Garth just blinked at them, speechless.
Scott bent down, offering his back. “Come on. I’ll carry you p>
Garth jumped in right away. “Mom, let Dad carry you! It’s his fault you fell anyway. Make him carry you p>
Mamie hesitated for a second et
with Garth egging her on, she
climbed onto Scott’s back, arms
wrapping around his shoulders,
Thank you,” she whispered.
Scott’s lips curved into a soft smile as he stood up, feeling her warmth against him.
“Let’s get you back to the room p>