Page 86 of Petite Fleur

"A lot of seasonings and some oils have trace amounts of gluten." She explains to me.

I don't see how that would make her sick. It's not a big deal to have a little gluten. Unless it's been that long since she's had any? I don't know if that's a thing. "Okay, but not enough to make you sick. I can grab you a test on my way home from work tomorrow, okay?" I tell her.

Maeve rolls her eyes at me and scrubs a hand down her sweaty and pale face. "It's enough for me! My celiac is very sensitive, and my tolerance is very low for gluten." She says with a rough sigh.

She rubs her hand over her stomach, and I'm just now noticing how bloated she is.

Celiac?

"Do you have celiac disease?" I ask her calmly.

The glare she gives me tells me that I fucked up. I thought her avoidance of gluten was a dietary choice, not a necessity.

Fuck!

If I had known that, I would have scrubbed the entire house clean. I would have made sure everything was certified; I would have been more careful. "I screwed up, I'm so sorry. Please tell me how to fix this. What can I do to help you?" I beg of her.

I can't believe I didn't piece together how obsessive she was about her diet.

I followed her for six months and didn't pick up on this.

Maeve finally makes eye contact with me and the look on her face breaks my heart. "Please leave me alone…" She begs.

I don't want to, but I don't want to upset her more than I already have. “Let me help you.” I beg.

My promise to take care of her goes much deeper than just pregnancy. It's everything.

I'll do anything for her. Anything she could ask or need, I'd do it.

All this goddess would need to do is stare up at me, one look in those angelic brown eyes and I'd fold like lawn furniture for her.

Maeve sighs, holding her face in her hands. I know she's struggling; she looks so uncomfortable sitting here, but I won't move her until she's ready. I don't care how long I have to stay at her side.

“No.” She whispers.

I don't want to leave her. I don't want her to think that she's alone to suffer, but I don't want to hurt her, and right now, I've hurt her.

I'll give in to this request, praying she calls out for me in a little while.

I wince when I stand up and give her a kiss on the forehead. “Please call out for me if you need anything. I'm here.” I promise before heading back into the bedroom.

I know I'm going to sleep like shit, but I have to try. I have to be rested so I can help Maeve tomorrow if she needs me.

Chapter 32

Maeve Henderson

My joints hurt, my stomach hurts, my throat hurts from throwing up, and my butt and legs are asleep from being on the toilet nonstop all night.

I tried to lie down several times, but I never actually made it out of the bathroom.

I'd make it to the sink to wash my hands, and I'd start to feel sick all over again.

By the time I'm able to lie down, the sun is starting to rise.

I still don't feel well, but I feel good enough to hopefully get some sleep.

I really hope this isn't as severe as last time, last time I ended up in the hospital. I don't know if Leon would even let me go if I needed it.