Nick glanced over at Sean, who was fiddling with a Lego piece. "Did you tell your mom about Maddie?" Nick asked, trying to keep his voice calm despite the worry gnawing at him.
Sean shook his head, not looking up. "Maddie didn't want Mom to know. She said Mom's been really busy and didn't want her to worry. Mom's been sad lately."
Nick sighed, running a hand through his hair. He could understand why Sean and Maddie didn't want to burden Amelia, but it wasn't right to keep something like this from her. "Sean, you still need to tell an adult when something like this happens, okay? Even if you think you're helping, it's more dangerous to keep quiet."
Sean nodded slowly, still avoiding eye contact. "Yeah, I get it."
Nick's thoughts raced. Maddie needed to take her medicine, and clearly, Amelia had a way of getting her to do it. "How does your mom usually get Maddie to take her medicine?" Nick asked.
Sean finally looked up, his eyes serious. "Maddie never says no to Mom. If Mom tells her to take something, she takes it. No questions. I think… only Mom can get her to do it."
Nick grumbled under his breath. He'd tried calling Amelia and Aiden a dozen times but they weren't picking up. He dialed Amelia's number again, but no luck. His phone's battery icon blinked red, warning it was about to die.
Frustrated, Nick turned back to Sean. "What does Maddie like? Besides sweets."
Sean snorted. "She's silly. She loves candy."
"Hey, don't talk about your sister like that. She's a kid," Nick snapped, more protective of Maddie than usual. Sean's comment, though, sparked an idea in Nick's mind. She's sil—a kid… which means maybe there's a way to trick her into taking the medicine.
"Sally!" Nick called out to the nanny. "Give me a lollipop!"
Sally, always prepared, rummaged through her bag and handed Nick a colorful lollipop. "Thank God for you always having candy on hand," he muttered with a small grin.
Nick took the lollipop and the bottle of medicine from Sally. He approached Maddie gently, sitting beside her and stroking her hair to wake her. "Hey, baby girl, how are you feeling?" he asked softly, his voice almost sing-songy, like a kindergarten teacher.
Maddie stirred, smiling weakly up at him. "I'm okay," she whispered, her small voice strained but sweet.
Nick smiled, relieved she was still her bright self, even though she was clearly exhausted. "You've been so strong, so I have a little reward for you," he said, showing her the small cup of syrupy medicine and the lollipop. He dipped the lollipop into the syrup, holding it up to her like it was the best treat in the world.
Maddie giggled softly, her eyes lighting up. "Is that for me?" she asked, reaching for the lollipop.
"It sure is. All yours," Nick said, watching as she happily took the lollipop and licked it, along with the medicine. He held his breath, praying she'd swallow it without a fuss.
To his relief, she did. "Thanks, Nick," Maddie mumbled, clearly pleased with the little trick.
Nick gently picked her up, cradling her against his chest. "Let's go sit in the garden for a bit, okay? Get some fresh air," he said softly.
Maddie nodded, resting her head on his shoulder as he carried her outside. They sat in the quiet garden, the evening air cool and calming. Nick looked down at Maddie, brushing a stray hair from her face. "You know, sometimes people get sick. But you've got to fight it. You can't just ignore it," he told her.
"I had a dad who got real sick 'cause he kept ignoring his illness and wouldn't get treatment. After a while, it just got worse," Nick said, his face looking sad.
"Is that why your dad's sick? 'Cause he didn't fight it?" Maddie asked, her little voice carrying a weight that seemed far beyond her years.
Nick swallowed hard. He hadn't expected her to make that connection. "Yeah, baby. He didn't take care of himself like he should have. And now he's really sick," he admitted softly.
Maddie snuggled closer to him. "I don't wanna get that sick."
"You won't. That's why you need to take your medicine, okay? Even if it tastes bad, it'll help you get better," Nick explained, his voice gentle but firm.
Maddie nodded again, her little fingers gripping his shirt. "I know you're trying to get me to take my medicine. But it's okay, I'll do it. If you give it to me, I'll take it," she said with a tiny grin.
Nick chuckled softly. "You've got to trust—"
"I can't trust everyone. Only Mommy and Aiden. But now, I trust you too," Maddie interrupted, her voice soft but certain.
Nick felt a pang of jealousy at the mention of Aiden. "Aiden?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light. "Why?"
"'Cause he's always been there. For me, for Sean, and for Mommy," Maddie said.
"You really like him, huh?" Nick asked.
Maddie nodded. "He's super nice. One time, I overheard when he told Mommy … if he'd kept himself under control back then, mom's life wouldn't be so hard," Maddie explained, her words hitting Nick like a punch to the gut. "That's why he's always been there for us. Too bad he had to move for work. I miss him so much."
Nick's chest tightened. "If he'd kept himself under control back then, Amy's life wouldn't be so hard?" he mumbled. Was Aiden… the twins' father?
His jealousy flared, but he kept it buried deep. Maddie didn't need to see that. There was something more important than his jealousy. "You want me to read you a story later?" he asked, trying to shift the mood as Maddie yawned.
Maddie smiled, her eyes drooping. "Yeah. After dinner and medicine."
Nick smiled back, relieved. "You got it, cupcake."
***
Later that night, Amelia rushed home, her heart pounding with guilt. She couldn't believe she'd spent so much time with Aiden when Maddie had been sick. She practically ran through the door, nearly crashing into Sally outside the kids' room.
"Sorry my phone's—"
Sally pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for Amelia to keep quiet.
Amelia crept into the room, her breath catching in her throat when she saw Nick fast asleep with Maddie resting on his right shoulder and Sean curled up on his left. Her heart swelled with emotion as she watched them.