Page 100 of Stolen Kisses

She says her goodbyes, taking her leave through the double doors where she entered. The three of us return to our seats, breathing easier, as we wait for a nurse to collect us. This time when the nurse comes through the doors, I’m the first one stepping up to him rather than lagging behind as though I don’t belong. Iknowfor certain the only place I belong is by Emma’s side with Kenny, Lachlan, and Austin.

Stopping beside Emma’s bed, I lean down slowly to press a gentle kiss on my girl’s head. She’s still not quite with us. I stand at the end of the bed, allowing Sally and John to have the chairs on either side. Lifting the sheet and blanket, I begin to rubEm’sfeet and calves so I can have my hands on her; to reassure myself she’s here and she’s okay. I’ve been giving her regular massages, mostly to help her, but also so I can justify having my hands on her again. It started when I was rubbing the cream into her scarswhich thenmoved on to other parts of her body—her lower back, shoulders, legs, and feet. I would have loved to have massaged more intimate areas, but I didn’t want to press her. I also felt her body and mind probably weren’t ready. That’s why I was so surprised last night when she dropped to her knees in the shower.

Sally and John speak quietly to Emma as she wakes slowly. As she listens to her parents, her eyes land on me, locking me in place. She gives me a tired smile as her eyes begin to close again. I can’t believe what a jerk I was the last time she came out of surgery. She was barely conscious when I laid my personal grief at her feet, begging for her forgiveness.

Sally stands, coming closer to me. “We’ll get going and leave her to rest.” She hugs me. “You’ll watch over our girl, won’t you?”

“Of course. I don’t plan on going anywhere. Dad’s got Kenny for the weekend and he’ll keep her longer if I need.”

They both kiss their sleeping daughter goodbye. “Tell her we love her.” I nod as Sally hugs me again, followed by John taking my hand and pulling me into a manly hug.

“Thanks, Son.” He slaps me on the back in much the same way as my own father does.

I swallow down the emotion at their ready acceptance of me into their daughter and grandsons’ lives. “No problem.”

They leave and I carefully coverEm’slegs and feet with the sheet and blanket. I guess I may as well make myself as comfortable as possible in the rock-hard chair. Pulling it in close, I hold Emma’s hand in mine as I check to see if I have any messages or emails. I answer a few inquiries one-handed because I’m not prepared to let go of my girl.

Finally, she stirs. Tilting her head in my direction, she licks her lips. “Hey,” she whispers, her voicea little rough.

Grabbing her glass of water, I guide the straw to her lips. “Hey.” I smile down at her, and follow with a kiss on her forehead. “You need me to get the nurse for you?”

She nods carefully, as though it pains her to do so. “Feeling really sore.” Those three whispered words are enough to move me into action. Standing, I release Emma’s hand so I can get her the help she needs. Two steps into the hallway, I see the nurse that brought me to her room.

“Excuse me. Emma’s just woken up and she’s in pain.” I gesture over my shoulder to her room. “Can you please help her?” I feel helpless that I can’t do anything for her. I have to rely on the staff here to look after my girl.

He nods. “Sure.” I follow him as we both head back to Emma’s room.

I step off to the side to message Emma’s parents while the nurse checks on my girl.

Me: Hi Sally.Em’sawakeagain. The nurse is with her now

It only takes a few moments before my phone alerts me to a response.

Sally: Oh, thank you. Give her a careful hug from us.

Me: I will

Sally: Thank you, Theo. X

Glancing across, I seeEm’sstill busy with the nurse. I quickly call Dad, so I can speak with Kenny.

“Hello, Daddy.” Kenny’s sweet voice comes across the phone straight away.

“Hey, Munchkin. How was school today?” My heart swells and I can’t stop the smile breaching my lips as she goes on to tell me about her day, in detail. Kenny likes to make sure she doesn’t leave anything out.

“Can you hug Mommy for me? But don’t hurt her, okay?”

“Of course, Munchkin. Be good forPappoúsand have sweet dreams.”

“I will. Love you, Daddy.”

“Love you, too, Munchkin. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye, Kenny.” The line goes dead and I take my seat besideEm’sbed as the nurse leaves the room.

Her almost-brown eyes are looking heavy again. “Sleep, Peaches. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I brush her bangs out of her eyes, running the backs of my fingers along her cheek to her jaw. “Rest. It’s what your body needs.” Kissing the back of her hand, I give her a wink.

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