Ryan stared down at Josie in sympathy. She looked so adorable curled up with the blanket wrapped tightly around her small form. If it wasn't for the clammy skin and the flushed cheeks, one would almost believe she had accidentally fallen asleep on the couch but his baby girl was sick with the flu.
He had come home from work and discovered her fast asleep on the bathroom floor, her skin hot to the touch, and when he woke her, she had wasted no time in complaining her tummy was upset and then promptly emptied what was left of its contents into the toilet for the third time that evening. He'd held her hair back like any good boyfriend would have done and then convinced her to have a fairly cold shower in attempt to ward off the fever that was burning her skin.
Afterwards, he carried her into the living room where he settled her, with her blanket, pillow, a bucket and a large bottle of ginger ale, where she had swiftly fallen back asleep and stayed there for the following two hours.
Ryan rested his hand on her forehead, relieved to find that though she was still warm, the temperature no longer sat at such frightening heights. Josie stirred at his touch and smiled up at him when she opened her eyes and met his gaze.
"I love you." she told him groggily.
He met her smile and leaned towards her. "I love you too, sweetie."
"Don't kiss me!" she cried, turning her face away from his advancing lips. "You'll get sick."
He laughed and landed his kiss on her forehead instead and perched beside her on the couch with his arm draped loosely across her.
"How is your tummy feeling?"
"Better," she told him after a big yawn. "But I hurt all over."
Josie raised a hand to her eyes and attempted to rub the tiredness and sickness out of them, all at the same time.
"Ryan," she whined dramatically. "I hate being sick. Make me better." she pleaded, a smile playing on her lips as she shut her eyes again. He gathered her hands and brought them both to his lips. "Can I get you anything? Want to try eating something yet?"
Josie shook her head. "No, I'm not ready for food yet."
"Alright." he settled against her, resting his head on her tummy.