Ivyâs eyes crinkled into a tired smile as Balfour gave what sounded like a veiled promise.
She still looked exhausted, nearly dozing off again after their brief exchange.
âGo ahead and sleep. Iâll stay right here with you,â Balfour murmured soothingly, gently stroking her hair. His usually firm gaze softened, a rare occurrence, as Ivy, struggling against the drowsiness, prompted him to check in with their grandparents.
âIâll give them a call in a bit.â
âDo it now. They must be worried sick.â
Only after Balfour agreed did Ivy allow herself to drift off into a peaceful slumber.
As Ivyâs breathing steadied in sleep, Balfour couldnât help but lean in to make sure her chest rose and fell as it should. He feared that Ivyâs breath might be as feeble as it was previously. According to the doctors, Ivyâs breathing was practically negligible when she was initially brought in. He couldnât even imagine his reaction if he had witnessed it.
Heâd never considered how vital Ivy had become to him until the stark realization that he couldnât lose her hit home-just the thought was unbearable.
âGet well soon so you can go back to driving me nuts, okay?â he murmured affectionately, watching over her a moment longer before stepping out to make the call.
âGrandma.â
âOh, Balfour, has Ivy woken up?â
It was the time of day when Alyssa and Dean would usually be resting, but their concern for Ivy had kept them on edge, unable to sleep.
âYeah, sheâs awake. We talked a bit, and now sheâs asleep again. The doctor says sheâs going to be fine, just needs plenty of rest. Donât worry.â
âOh, thank goodness sheâs awake! Make sure she rests, and you take good care of her at the hospital.
When youâre both back, Iâll make her favorite chicken noodle soup-a proper pick-me-up for you both,â
Alyssa said, her voice shaking with relief, while Dean chuckled in the background.
âDonât worry, Iâm with her. You and Grandpa should get some rest. Youâve been at the hospital all morning. Ask Emily to light some sage for you.â
âEmily already did that when we got home. Weâll head to bed as soon as we hang up.â
With Balfourâs reassurance, the elderly couple felt a weight lift from their shoulders. They had been so worried about Ivy.
âAlright, then. Get some sleep, and Iâll be back soon.â
âOkay, Balfour. Take care.â
After hanging up, the joy was still evident on Alyssaâs face.
âI always said Ivy has a guardian angel looking out for her. Nothing bad could happen.â
Dean nodded in agreement. âBalfour and Ivy, both blessed. Theyâre a match made in heaven, haha.â
âLetâs go rest now. Youâve been yawning away. Alyssa said, not forgetting to look after her husband.
They had to take care of themselves if they wanted to be around for many more years to come.
âRight you are!â