Page 18 of Courageous Yearnings

This was a feminine gift designed specifically with her in mind… and she smiled as she pulled each item out, looking it over. The lotion was lavender scented, and while she normally like sweet scents like cookies or apple pie, this was almost like a liquid sigh, packaged neatly within the bottle. It was relaxing and soothing to her soul.

Pulling out the socks, she chuckled because the bottom had white dots on there, mimicking toe beans just like a cat would have. It was adorably cute and thoughtful of Lance. She pulled out the notebook and casually opened it, only to draw in her breath quickly… starting a coughing spell.

He wrote her a note?

She stared at the masculine, scrawled handwriting, completely stunned. This was the sweetest, most thoughtful thing he could have done. The flowers were breathtaking, but this touched her deeply. It was a gift selected with care and meaning behind it.

The card on the flowers was sweet, but this?

Hey Betty Boop,

I didn’t want to wake you, but I had to go to work. Try to rest your voice today. You are improving already, and I want it to stay that way. I left you my phone, so if you need something – text Justin (my boss). His number is saved in my ‘Favorites’ and he’ll get me the message. We’ll get you a cell phone on Friday, too.

See ya, girlfriend!

Lance

Reaching beside her, she withdrew the tiny card she had been hanging onto and smiled. It meant a lot to see those words at the time because it was the first time he’d really made an effort or noticed her without being prompted or being pushed.

I’m so glad you are okay - Lance

But this?

It almost made her wonder if he’d got hit on the head. He had once told her he didn’t want a relationship, yet he signed the note affectionately – even calling her his girlfriend. He’d asked her out, they were going on a date, he even offered up the use of his apartment if she got released while he was on call… and these were all things that a person involved did. It certainly wasn’t offered casually on a whim.

Sighing happily, she texted Justin from his cell phone and noticed the battery was halfway gone.

Hello – could you please tell Lance that Blythe said THANK YOU for the gift. He forgot to leave his house key, as well as a charging cord for the cell phone. I appreciate it, sir.

Will do.

It was a simple, terse response, and she really didn’t expect much other than that. Looking up, she saw the hospital door widen as the doctor came in with a nurse to check her over, and then she was taking another nap. She was bored, exhausted, and still sore – even though it was getting better.

Lance was right. She needed to rest while she could. Reality would be hitting her soon enough. She had ‘daily life’ that would need addressing quickly. Clothing, contacting the insurance company, and her boss because she was going to need her job more than ever before but once she was discharged, that would begin. Until now, she was going to close her eyes and allow herself to wish and dream of impossible things.

Blythe had no idea what time it was, but something wasn’t right. Moving her hand instinctively to scratch her nose, she heard a man’s soft chuckle. Jumping in fright, she scrambled back, only to realize it was Lance.

He was standing there, beside her bed, wearing his protective pants for work and had suspenders over his dark blue T-shirt. His face was streaked with soot, and his hair was all matted down in places, she assumed from sweat. He looked so worn out.

“Lance…” she began hoarsely and winced.

“Shhh…” he smiled wanly. “I’m sorry to wake you, but I didn’t want to miss your smile again. I’m kinda selfish. How are you feeling?”

She gave him a thumbs-up – and he chuckled.

“We’ve got to work on your communication skills. Why is it when we see each other that I either get the thumb or the finger,” he joked – and they shared a smile, remembering the day at the dealership. “I can’t stay, but I wanted to bring you my key and give you my address. Oh, and I brought a charging cord for the phone.”

She was reaching for her notebook, hurriedly scribbling, and then showed it to him.

I get out tomorrow – thank you for everything!

“Of course,” he replied easily – and then reached for the notebook and her pen, writing in it. “That’s my address, and if you call Mrs. Justin, she’ll come pick you up… or Maya can. I don’t know Mrs. Justin’s real name, but she answers to it and is the captain’s wife. Maya is Chad, our engineer’s wife. Both are really sweet…”

Blythe looked at him sharply, and he chuckled.

“Not my type,” he smiled, handing her back the notebook. “They’re married… and simply not you, my little Boop.”

She scribbled on the paper again, turning it so he could see it.

---