You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 798

At eleven, a car engine echoed through the quiet courtyard at Cloud Peak.

Sara was still up, a cooling face mask on her skin. When she heard the sound, she peeked out from behind the curtain. In the distance, she caught sight of Oliver, steadying Patricia as they got out of the car. Her eyes grew huge with surprise. She yanked off her mask and sprinted to her parents’ bedroom, banging on their door. “Mom, Dad…”

Jaxon’s voice came from the other side, irritated by the urgent knocking. He pulled the door open, frowning. “What’s going on?”

Sara pointed downstairs, breathless. “Uncle Oliver and Aunt Patricia are back!”

Selara had just scooped out some face cream, but at Sara’s words she simply smeared it onto her hands, abandoning her routine. She stepped past Sara, still in her pajamas, and headed straight downstairs.

Patricia was the first to greet her. “Hi, Selara.”

Selara’s concern showed right away. “Why are you back so late? Did Oliver wake you up?”

Patricia shook her head. “No, I was already awake.”

Selara took her hand gently, giving her a careful once-over. “You’ve lost weight. And you look a little pale.” She gave Patricia’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “The first trimester can be rough, but hopefully the baby will be easy on you.”

While Selara and Patricia chatted, Jaxon caught Oliver’s eye and motioned him into the dining room. As he poured some water, he looked over. “So, did you two make up?”

Oliver shook his head. “Not really.” He knew that just because Patricia had come home, it didn’t mean everything was fixed.

Sara nodded right away. “You’re right. Aunt Patricia, get some sleep.” She tugged her mom upstairs with her.

It had been nearly a month since they were last home, but someone had switched out the master bedroom sheets for Patricia’s favorite set, soft pink cotton. Oliver never liked the feel of cotton bedding. He always preferred silk, partly because it was what he’d grown up with, partly because he didn’t like the feeling of being wrapped up too tightly.

Patricia was different. She needed softness, especially now.

Usually, if someone slept all day, it’d be impossible to fall asleep at night. But when Oliver stepped out of the shower, Patricia was already fast asleep. Strands of damp hair clung to her cheek. Oliver leaned down and gently tucked them away. Before turning off the light, he pressed a feather-light kiss to her cheek, careful not to wake her.

For the past two weeks, Oliver hadn’t had a single peaceful night. Tonight, though, he felt like a leaf that had been floating in the air, finally settling down. He slid his arm around Patricia and she instinctively rolled over, nestling close against his chest.