Chapter 60
Eileen sighed, "Mommy's probably bonding with Seven right now. Guess I'Il have a little sister soon."
Zachary didn't hold back, "Nah, it'll be a brother. I want a smart brother.Sometimes you're just toosilly."
Kyle jumped in, "We'll have both a brother and a sister. Stop arguing."
After Kathie finished scolding him, Jonathan felt like his bones were about to break. He regretted his moment of indulgence; it was his body that paid the price.
Kathie took off his clothes and helped him into the bathtub. Her cold hands touched Jonathan's back, making him shiver.
"Your hands are freezing. Go take a hot bath," Jonathan said.
"Oh, so you do care about me," Kathie said with a sarcastic tone.
They were so busy bickering that they forgot her clothes were wet.
Jonathan surrendered, "It's all my fault. Go quickly."
Kathie prepared a towel and clean pajamas. Watching her busy back,
Jonathan felt a warmth in his heart.
He knew that no matter how fierce Kathie seemed, she had a soft heart.
Kathie suddenly sneezed. Jonathan urged, "Stop fussing and go take a bath.11
Kathie put down what she was holding and left, feeling a bit dizzy.
At dinner, Kathie had no appetite.
The three kids watched Kathie and Jonathan, their eyes full of unspoken words.
Kathie knew her children too well and smiled wryly. "Just say what you want to say."
Eileen spoke first. "Mommy, when are you going to give me a sister?"
"I already said it'll be a brother. I want a brother," Zachary said, afraid Eileen would get her way first.
Kyle gave them a look, and Zachary and Eileen fell silent. As the oldest,Kyle still had authority.
Seeing this, Jonathan couldn't help but laugh. Kyle was like a mini version of him.
If only these three kids were his.
Kathie took a deep breath. Seeing their high expectations, she decided to set things straight. "Seven and I are just doctor and patient. We won't develop any other relationship. Don't get your hopes up and end up disappointed."
"What?" The three kids were visibly let down.
Kathie thought she'd feel relieved after saying it, but she felt strangely uncomfortable.
Jonathan wanted to say something, but Kathie cut him off, "Don't make promises to the kids you can't keep."
She didn't want Jonathan to say things on a whim and leave the kids waiting in vain.
."I'm full. You all take your time," Kathie added.
She then got up and went back to her room. The others exchanged glances,
the atmosphere heavy.
Seeing the kids' disappointment, Jonathan leaned in. "Don't listen to your mommy. My relationship with her will only get closer."
Kyle asked directly, "Seven, do you want to be our daddy?"
Jonathan knew this was no joke. After serious consideration, he nodded."I do!"
That simple statement reignited the kids' spirits. Zachary said happily,"Fine,we can help you."
Eileen was enthusiastic. "I know all of Mommy's hobbies. I can tell you."
Kyle nodded. "We'll help you win Mommy over. Just be good to her, and if you occasionally act a bit spoiled, she won't be able to resist."
Jonathan smiled awkwardly. "'Kyle, acting spoiled won't work with your mommy."
Kyle thought for a moment. "You're right. Sorry, I forgot you're an adult.Just try other ways. Buy her flowers, give her gifts she likes. Make her like you."
Eileen said seriously, "I can tell Mommy likes you. She's just too shy to admitit."
Jonathan rubbed her little face. "I love hearing that. She's just stubborn. I'll find a way."
Eileen extended her small hand, determined. "Let's form an alliance.We have to get Seven and Mommy together."
.Zachary put his hand on top. "We won't give up until we succeed."
Kyle added his hand, his face serious. "We'll do whatever it takes to make
Seven our dad."
Jonathan was momentarily speechless.
He was genuinely touched, but hearing such vows from the three little ones made him want to laugh.
But in this solemn moment, with the kids watching him, he placed his hand on top, gripping their small hands. "Thank you. When I become your dad. I'll take good care of you."
The four of them formed an alliance, and Jonathan listened to the kids'suggestions, finding them both amusing and endearing.
That night, after Kathie put the kids to bed, she felt her head getting heavy and her body weak.
She went to the living room to get a glass of water, but her legs gave out,and she collapsed to the floor.
Jonathan heard the noise and rushed out, seeing Kathie trying to stand up,holding onto the door frame.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" he asked with concern.
Kathie held her forehead. "I think I have a fever."
Jonathan approached, grabbing her arm and pulling her close. He felt her forehead,which was indeed burning.
"You must have caught a chill. Do we have a thermometer? Any fever medicine?" he asked.
Kathie nodded. "Yes, in the medicine cabinet under the TV."
Jonathan held her hand and maneuvered his wheelchair, guiding her to the couch. "Sit tight. I'll get you some water." Jonathan fetched her water and found the medicine box, taking out the thermometer to check her temperature.
He felt guilty, knowing it was his fault she got soaked and caught a cold.
Kathie lay on the couch, sighing. "I haven't had a cold in years, and now I have a fever."
Jonathan looked at her with concern. "Everyone gets sick sometimes.Just rest. We'll deal with everything else tomorrow."
Kathie worried. "The kids have school tomorrow."
Jonathan took out his phone. "I'Il call Ben to come over. He can take the kids to school. Don't worry."
Kathie looked at him, surprised at how reliable he was in this moment.
Jonathan made sure she drank more water. When the thermometer beeped,it confirmed shae had a high fever.
"We should go to the hospital. Your fever is too high," he said.
Kathie smiled weakly. "Did you forget I'm a doctor? Get my acupuncture needles from the bedroom. I have fever medicine in the box. I just need to sweat it out."
Jonathan was still worried but followed her instructions, seeing the determination in her eyes.
Kathie took the medicine and performed acupuncture on herself. Jonathan watched her forehead break out in a sweat,feeling both anxious and concerned. "How do you feel? If it gets worse,we're going to the hospital."
.Kathie took a deep breath, and Jonathan could feel the heat radiating from her. "My head feels heavy. I want to sleep," she said weakly.
"Tll take you to bed. You've taken care of me all this time. Now it's my turn to take care of you."
Jonathan's gentlesmile made her feel at ease, but also a bit sad.
If only he weren't Jonathan, she would keep him. But there were no ifs.
Jonathan helped her lie down, tucking her in. Kathie curled up into a small bal, looking so vulnerable and pitiful.
Her forehead was still hot, her body like a furnace. Jonathan didn't know if he should take her to the hospital immediately or wait for the medicine to work.