He studied my face. “You’ll heal. But you’ll need to take it easy.”

The bed was as oversize as he was, with a black comforter that was obviously custom made and black pillowcases. The mattress was high off the floor. He pulled back the covers and helped me get into the bed. Once I was adequately propped up, he pulled the comforter back onto my lap.

“I think I need a nap,” I told him.

“I’m not surprised. Want me to pull the shades over the window?”

“No, I actually like seeing the mountain. Something so majestic. It makes you feel small, and that’s … comforting.”

“I’m glad you like it. I framed the window around it. By the way, I laundered all your clothing. The long stuff is hanging in the closet. All the rest is in drawers. Do you want pajamas?”

I was wearing a loose, long dress. “The elastic on the waistband still hurts my ribs. I’m okay.”

“Bathroom’s over there, but don’t get out of bed unless I’m around. I’ve got a thick, high mattress and don’t want you falling.”

“Right.” I waited a second before I spoke. “Don’t you have a bathroom next to your refrigerator?”

“I do.”

“Why do you have two bathrooms?”

“Because I can. And aren’t you glad that’s the case now that you’re here?”

I laughed. “Who cleans everything?”

“Well, since there are no such things as housekeeping fairies and I’m the only one who steps foot into this room, it means I clean everything.”

“I’ll do it for you,” I blurted out. “After all, I know how you like it.”

He sat down next to me. “I don’t need a maid, Teresa. I need for you to get better.” He touched my cheek. “God, you are lovely! Even in this state it’s easy to see how gorgeous you are.”

“Right!”

“You never really got it … how the boys slavered over you in high school. The way men looked at you when you got older …” He raised his white eyebrows. “Get some rest.” He went to the closet and took down a blanket and pillow from the top shelf. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Why don’t you let me sleep there?”

“Because I work all night. Sometimes I don’t even bother to use the bed. I’m very comfortable on it. It was custom built to my size.” He smiled. “There are things I have to take care of now that I’m back. You’re okay being here alone?”

“I’m fine.”

“If I leave you alone for a couple of hours, don’t get ambitious, please. I know you. You don’t like help, but you need it. Just wait until I come back. Promise?”