Page 27 of Loving Lizzy

“See, he can be reasoned with,” she crooned, instantly reminding Michael of Victoria. Kassie apparently took lessons from the best.

Chase leaned down and kissed his wife, he envied the obvious connection between the two.

“I’ll pick you up in the morning, call if you need me,” he murmured before addressing Michael. “Do what she tells you, man. These women don’t take the word ‘no’ graciously. Save yourself the time and frustration.”

Kassie playfully elbowed him. Chase grinned as he turned and closed the door quietly behind him.

“Give me a report, then I want you to take a shower and head straight to bed. You can’t help her if you’re dead on your feet. Catherine will take the shift tomorrow night and Carol, the day after. We’ll continue until she’s on the mend and you can rest. In the morning, I want you to eat a good breakfast and get some air. Go for a walk on the mountain or around the town,” she ordered.

“I’ll admit I’m tired and I appreciate you filling in tonight. Once I get a good night’s rest, I can handle it from there. Catherine’s pregnant and I don’t want her driving down the mountain at night and Carol’s watching Jake,” he argued.

Kassie sucked in a deep breath. “Catherine prefers to work at night because the baby moves and keeps her up. Carol moved back home and Jake’s doing better. I assure you we can handle nights. When you worked at the hospital did you tell the nurses working the graveyard shift, they needed to stay home because they took care of their families and that pregnant women don’t work or drive in the dark?”

“You’re twisting what I’m saying,” Michael complained.

Sighing, she took him by the arm. “You live in Serenity now; we care for each other. Let us help you,” she pleaded.

“I’ll take a shower and get some shuteye. We’ll see how the morning goes and talk about the rest then. I’m too tired to fight you and somehow, I know I won’t win anyway,” he grumbled.

“Get used to it, I like my newfound superpower,” she quipped.

He shook his head as he walked over to a sleeping Lizzy. He checked the drains and made sure she felt warm enough. Pointing out the logbook to Kassie, he showed her the medication times. Satisfied, she seemed comfortable, he nodded to Kassie, who settled herself on the couch and pulled out a baby blanket and two large needles. Once in their bathroom, he turned on the shower and undressed. He stepped into the steam and let the water glide off his back. Weariness filled him as he thought over the day. Hopefully after the test results came in, his anxiety would calm down. He took the bar of soap and scrubbed off the grime of the hospital and admittedly began to feel better. Having Kassie stay might give him a moment of respite.

He stepped out of the shower and dried off. His body felt sluggish as he pulled on a set of sleeping pants in case Kassie called for him. He rolled the blankets down the bed and slid in. The space next to him, void of Lizzy’s presence, made his heart ache. He let his body float and his last thoughts remained on the woman in the next room. Lizzy deserved a chance at a happy life after living in foster homes, dealing with his abduction and the death of their son. If only life were fair…

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Kassie held the glass while Lizzy took a sip of water and swallowed the pills.

“When Michael wakes, we’ll head to your bathroom, and I’ll help you wash up. We’ll check the bandages and slip into something more comfortable,” Kassie informed her while she adjusted the tray in front of her. A plate of scrambled eggs, toast and a smoothie. “Don’t feel pressured to eat everything. I know some things don’t go down after surgery.”

“Thanks, it smells delicious. How did you talk Michael into sleeping? I hoped if he thought I slept soundly he might at least doze on the couch. I almost gave up when I heard you knock on the door. I appreciate you coming to the rescue.”

“Our men worry about us. As annoying as it feels sometimes, I try to remember how alone I felt before Chase. I can do everything I did before, but it’s nice to know he watches over my well-being. He gives me room to grow, and sometimes we struggle with him accepting my newfound independence with protecting myself. He’ll get there eventually; I know I scared him a ton of times and he won’t forget it anytime soon.” Kassie moved about the room straightening the items in her bag and folding blankets.

“Did he forgive you for pushing him away? I imagine he did since you two seem inseparable,” Lizzy questioned.

“As soon as I ran into his arms. He cared more about me finding my way back to him,” she confessed.

“Do you think it bothers him though?”

Kassie paused as she considered Lizzy’s question. She shook her head. “No. My experience traumatized me and even though my body healed, my mind took more time. It didn’t happen overnight, and I still attend counseling if things start to overwhelm me. Chase remains my constant person, and knows without a doubt I’ll never leave again. Why do you ask?”

“I left Michael after Conner died, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. Something inside of me snapped when the military informed me they’d arranged his flight home. I knew I didn’t want him to suffer any more than he already had with Conner dying and from his injuries. I let my fears tear me from the only person I loved,” Lizzy regretfully told her.

“Oh honey, he doesn’t hold any doubts, he insists on caring for you by himself. I considered coming over earlier yesterday. I knew by the way he hovered that he needed the time alone with you. Ever since Michael watched over me and Em, he’s always busy with his practice. This move will give him time to settle and enjoy life. Finding you and getting a second chance seems like fate to me.”

She smiled and finished her eggs. “I hope so.”

“Good morning, ladies,” Michael greeted them.

Inspecting him from head to toe, she assured herself he’d gotten some rest.

Flashing a smile her way, he walked toward her and leaned in for a kiss.

“There’s scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in the kitchen with fresh coffee,” She greeted him.

“I smelled the bacon. Did you get any?” he inquired as he went to the kitchen.

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