He stirred slightly as I began to wipe his brow with the damp cloth. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at me. He gave me a small smile. "I love you." He whispered.
A lump grew in my throat. Here my husband had a raging fever and probably was quite miserable, yet he still finds strength to tell me he loves me.
"Oh Eric, I love you too, so much. Eric…" I began to say and then decided now wasn't the time to tell him.
He just looked at me, so lovely eyes he had. His love shown deeply in those eyes and I could stare into them forever. He then broke into another coughing fit.
"Eric, I'm going to send for the doctor." I said worriedly.
Eric tried to catch his breath but he just kept coughing for a couple more seconds. When he finally was able to stop and catch his breath he just looked at me. "Ariel, you worry too much. I'll be fine. This happens once in a while. Didn't you ever get sick?"
"Well yeah. But Eric, you're really sick. You're fever is much too high and you can barely breath without coughing. That's why I'm so concerned. I hate seeing you not well and I want to help you get better."
"You are just by being here." He said with a smile.
I smiled back. "It's just it would give me comfort if a doctor could look at you. For my own peace of mind and sanity."
"Listen if I'm not any better by lunch, I'll send for Doctor Peters from town. Deal?"
"Deal. Now close your eyes and get some rest." I said.
Thankfully Eric didn't argue the resting part. He gave me a slight smile and reached for my hand. I lifted it up to where he could take it. He then brought it up to his lips and kissed it. "I'd give you a real kiss, but I don't want you to get sick."
I smiled. "Get some sleep." I then stood up to leave the room.
As I was about to open the door I heard Eric softly say, "I love you Ariel."
I turned to him, he was watching me still. "And I love you. Now rest." I smiled and then left.