LUCIEN

"Dinnertime," I announce as soon as her finger drops from mine.

"Oh, okay," she says, taking a step back. "I will go change and meet you at the table," she says, looking down at her body. I shake my head, and her eyebrow goes up in a questioning manner. "What?"

"I am going down to bring dinner up for you," I say, and she shakes her head.

"I am strong; I think I want to..."

"Nope, you aren't strong, and no movement until the doctor clears you, so..." I stop and lift her off the floor; when I stop at the bed, I lower her gently onto it. "Stay...