The timid voice of Jax came through the handset, "It's nothing, just missing you! Baby, what are you doing?"
"I'm, of course, missing you too. Have you eaten? Carol and I have finished our meal." Remembering Carol was beside her, Lacey quickly changed the topic.
Understanding the hint, Jax also shifted the topic to Carol, "How is sister-in-law Carol recovering?"
Lacey chuckled inwardly, 'My husband is really on the same wavelength! Managing to keep up with me.'
She turned on the speakerphone and spoke seriously, "Repeat what you just said; we were in the middle of a conversation!"
Jax admired himself at that moment, able to guess precisely what Lacey wanted without any hints. His emotional intelligence was off the charts!
"Sister-in-law Carol, are you feeling better?" He asked with genuine warmth.
Carol pouted and glared at Lacey yet felt comforted being addressed that way.
"Much better; thank you for your concern, Jax! Did you go back with your aunt and uncle?" Surprisingly, she didn't object, defaulting to Jax's address.
"Yeah! We're about to prepare for the wedding. Sister-in-law, you must come with my brother to the wedding! Lacey can't be without you. It would be best if you recovered quickly. Whatever you want to eat, let her buy it for you." Jax took on the family head role, with Lacey becoming the supportive spouse.
"Jax! Although what you said is correct, I am the head of this household; don't overstep your bounds!" Lacey playfully scolded.
"Alright, alright, baby, I listen to you." Jax quickly lowered his stance, trying to please Lacey.
"That's more like it!" She said proudly, "Okay, you've been driving for a while; you must be tired. Rest early! I still need to chat with Carol. Love you so much!"
"Baby, I love you too much!" The two cooed for a while before Jax reluctantly ended the call.
"I can't stand you two; listening to this gives me goosebumps. Can you not show off your love in front of me?" Carol said helplessly, closing her eyes.
Lacey laughed heartily, "If I don't tease you like this, you won't hurry up and think about your lifelong matters."
"Oh! Speaking of which, has Jax proposed to you?"
This question made Lacey also realize that this crucial step was missing. This was key and couldn't be overlooked. She decided to subtly remind him without embarrassing him.
While Lacey and Carol were still asleep the following day, Rick arrived at the hospital.
He prepared a healthy breakfast for Carol and brought Lacey's favourite, eggs. Setting down his things, he quietly sat by the bed, watching Carol without disturbing her.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
About ten minutes later, Carol was the first to wake up. She slowly opened her eyes to see a bunch of fresh flowers with droplets of water on the petals, filling the air with a new and fragrant aroma.
"Rick, you're here early!" Carol happily accepted the flowers, her mood brightening.
"How are you feeling, Carol? Any better?" Rick asked caringly.
"Much better, brother. My head doesn't hurt much anymore, but my body still feels sore." After a night's rest, Carol's headache had eased, but the impact on her body left her feeling like she had fallen apart.
"That's good. A few days of rest, and you'll be fine." Rick opened the lunchbox, "Let's eat first. You must be hungry after only having some chicken soup last night."
The hot breakfast sparked Carol's appetite. She placed the flowers on the bedside table near Lacey and started eating little by little.
The scent of the flowers and breakfast wafted into Lacey's nose. She turned over and lifted her eyelids, yawning and saying, "Brother, you're here!"
"Wow, such a big bunch of flowers!" Seeing the bouquet on the bedside table, Lacey immediately perked up, her eyes shining, "Brother, you've finally come to your senses, bringing flowers for your girlfriend!"
Her comment instantly caused Rick and Carol to blush and awkwardly turn their heads away.
"Oh, come on! Why are you two so shy? You've been sweethearts for so long. Brother, can't you be a bit more proactive?" Lacey was anxious for her brother.
"Lacey, stop it; you're making Carol uncomfortable. Come on, get up and eat. I brought your favourite eggs." Rick stood up and pulled Lacey to her feet.
"Eating can wait; serious matters are more important." Lacey sat on the edge of the bed, unusually solemn.
"Lacey!" Carol blushed, not wanting her to continue.
But Lacey's straightforward nature didn't allow her to hold back. She looked at Rick seriously and asked, "Brother, do you like Carol?"
This sudden question stunned Rick for a few seconds. He looked at the shy Carol and affirmed without hesitation, "I do!"
"There you go, Carol has feelings for you too. It's a mutual affection! Since that's the case, I've decided. Brother, you two should get married with us!" Lacey's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at them.
"No, I'm not ready yet. Let me think about it." Rick immediately refused.
"Brother, what's there to think about? Last night, I talked with Carol; she has no demands; do you still have objections?" Lacey was dissatisfied with her brother's response.
Rick looked at Carol as if to verify Lacey's words.
Carol shyly turned away, thinking, 'Lacey, you say everything. I have nowhere to hide my face now.'
"Alright, stop making a fuss. Carol needs to rest quietly and shouldn't be constantly agitated. You go home and take a shower!" Rick ignored Lacey's endless chattering and pushed her out of the room.
With Lacey gone, the room became quiet, but the atmosphere was awkward. She neither dared to speak for a while until Rick broke the silence.
"Um, Carol, you rest for a while. I'm going to step outside for a smoke." He found an excuse and quickly left the room.
Carol covered her face with her hands, both shy and secretly laughing. Although Lacey was over the top, hearing Rick's heartfelt words made her heart flutter with joy.
"Lacey, are you still at the hospital?" Just as she entered her home, Lacey received a call from Jax.
"No, I just got home. I'm about to take a shower and relax. Are you driving?" Lacey heard her ringtone playing on the CD in the background.
"Yeah!" Jax chuckled.
"Where are you going?" Lacey asked curiously.
"I'll be at your place in half an hour." He said proudly.
"Ah! Why are you back so early? Shouldn't you spend more time with your aunt and uncle?" Lacey revealed her surprise, flashing a row of small white teeth.
"I'm lovesick! I can't sleep without you, feeling anxious. I wish I
could fly right to you." Jax felt the flame in his belly burning to his brain.
"Stop it! So slick. Drive carefully and not too fast."
"My car isn't even started yet! I'm just itching to see you!"
Lacey's face turned red with embarrassment and anger, "What are you thinking? You're so bad; I'm not talking to you anymore. I'm going to take a shower!"