Page 82 of Choosing My Happiness
Jim’s body stiffened. I paused. “Daisy,” he hummed, “why do you have one of my shirts at your place?”
Bear snickered. I looked at Jim, who was trying very hard to hide a smirk, his eyes twinkling again. I rolled my eyes at his teasing and started to scrub his shoulder.
Bear chuckled again. “Remind me never to tease the woman who is cleaning my wounds. Although, I’m pretty sure I knew that already.”
Jim grunted.
“It helps me sleep,” I admitted quietly, checking that the wound was clean. Jim turned his head slightly.
“Your shirt,” I clarified. “It helps me sleep. I feel safer in it. I’m going to get you a blanket and see if there are any spare scrubs I can borrow for you.”
I slid out between the curtains and went to grab those things I mentioned, plus some additional dressings, and a blanket for Bear. I also grabbed my car keys. When I came back, both men were dozing, but both opened one eye each at the sound of the curtain being moved. I flicked out the blanket over Bear. He grunted his thanks and closed his eyes again. I cast my eyes overhim, assessing. There was a tension there, a slight stiffening at the sounds coming from behind the curtain. He needed to be somewhere else. I pressed my lips together and turned to Jim.
Both of his eyes were watching me, with probably the same look I’d been giving Bear.
I gave a quick smile. “Let’s get you cleaned up so you can take baby Bear home and let him sleep properly,” I told him, as I flicked the blanket over his upper body to keep him warm while I attacked his hip and leg. He gave me the chin-up acknowledgement nod, and then braced himself for me to clean out his wounds.
I slipped my keys into his hand and arranged the blanket so he was as covered as I could make him. Then I got on with the job of making sure his wounds were as clean as they could be, and could heal without infection.
58
Chapter 58: Daisy
I walked out of the hospital after my shift. There were some nerves. I hoped that Jim and Bear had managed to get some sleep, but mainly that Jim had woken in enough time to pick me up. I had no other way of getting home.
I shouldn’t have worried. He was leaning against my car, like he had after I’d said my final goodbye to Dad. I paused to appreciate the view, and he looked up and saw me.
“Holy crap, who does he belong to?” My coworker sighed appreciatively.
I smiled as my heart danced its happy dance. “Me,” I told her, keeping my eyes on Jim. I heard the hiss of appreciation.
“Girl, you’ve been holding out on us. He’s fiiine.” I have no idea who said that, and I didn’t care.He is fine, and he’s all mine.I preened at the compliment, and walked towards the man who was once again proving he loved me.
“What’s that smile for?” Jim asked as I got closer.
“Just thinking how amazing this feels,” I replied.
He pushed himself straight and winced, before collecting himself and holding out his arms.
“You’re hurting. You should have sent Bear,” I told him, accepting the hug.
He growled against my lips, then lifted his head and frowned at me.
“You may not have accepted it yet, but you’re my ol’lady. And no one looks after my ol’lady but me.” His voice rumbled against me.
“Aren’t you supposed to ask first?” I started to lean back in his arms.
He winced and I froze. “Maybe,” he groaned, and moved his injured arm from supporting me, “but are you going to say no?”
“Fuck no,” I breathed.
He chuckled. “Good to know, little Queen. Should we get you back home so you can sleep?”
“You’d better give me the keys then, and scootch that ass of yours into the passenger’s seat.”
His eyes squinted at that comment. “Daisy,” he growled. I felt for his hip pockets, and he squeezed me tighter. “I’m driving. No arguments. You’ve worked all night and I’ve had some sleep.”
He was right. Despite his obvious fatigue, he did look more rested than me. I sagged and let my head drop against his chest. It felt good. This moment was the life that I was fighting for. Jim hurt, but he still put me and my needs first, as he always had done.
