The doctor left the room, and I wrapped my arm around her. “I’ll get you home, and you can have your bath, Beaker. And sleep in your own bed.”
She pressed her lips to my ear. “Your bed?”
I kissed her. “Our bed,” I promised.
She drew in a shaky breath. “Will there, um… Will there be…” Her voice trailed off, but from the nervous tone and the way her hand clutched mine, I knew what she was worried about.
“We’re going out another way,” I assured her. “Cassidy has called a press conference for later this afternoon. It’s at the front of the building.” I grinned. “They’ll all be gathered there, waiting. What a shame when they realize I’m not showing up. Just Cassidy. But by then, we’ll have gone through the tunnel and out the back service entrance. You’ll be home before they know you’re even awake.” I pulled her closer. “No crowds, my darling girl.” I crooned in her ear. “No one will get near you.”
She looked up, her eyes wide and scared. “You promise?”
I hated the fact that now she was as nervous as I was about what waited outside the door. Those fucking wankers. All of them. I wanted to hurt all of them.
But I only nodded and held her close. “I promise.”
“Can I see Ryan before I go? I want to thank him.”
I had told her what I’d done for him and Lesley, but of course, she would want to thank him herself. “Yes. I’ll take you to him.”
“Will he be okay after we go?”
“I’m leaving him security. He’ll be fine.”
“And then we’ll go home?”
“Yes, Shelby. Home we go.”
Escaping the hospital had been easier than I anticipated. After Shelby saw Ryan and Lesley, the discharge papers were signed, and we left. They allowed us to use a staff elevator that led right to the parking lot underneath the building, and flanked by Everett and Mark, we were ready in case we ran into any press, but our departure went unnoticed. I held her all the way home, strapped in and safe. The gates were clear of everyone; no doubt, any stragglers were still at the hospital waiting for the press conference.
Mum was waiting when we got home. She stood in the entranceway, a small figure, dressed in her usual cardigan and skirt, her white hair a cloud around her face. Her green eyes were bright with tears as she watched me carry in Shelby and carefully set her on her feet. Mum wrapped her in a gentle hug, swaying side to side.
“Ooch, lassie, all ye been through. Oh, let me see ye.” When I heard the sound of Shelby’s muffled sob, I saw my mum’s arms tighten. “There, there. I’m here now.”
Shelby eased back, unable to talk when their embrace broke, her eyes misty.
Watching Mum hug Everett and Mark made me smile. They both loved her and looked forward to her visits. Mark bent low for his hug, but Everett picked her up off her feet.
“Liz,” he said. “So good to have you here. Maybe you can keep Liam in line for a while.”
She turned to me, a smile only she could offer lighting her face. She held out her arms.
“Laddie.”
Her embrace was home. Lavender, Mum, and tea. She wrapped her arms tight around me, and despite the fact that I towered over her, for a moment I was a lad again, seeking the comfort of her touch. I felt the tears gathering behind my closed eyes at the wave of comfort her embrace brought. I was grateful to Douglas for bringing her to me.
Then she stepped back and cupped my cheek. “Ooch, yer too thin. Do they not feed ye here?”
I met Shelby’s tender glance, and I cleared my throat, needing to lighten the moment. “Shelby only gives me bird food, Mum.” I shuddered. “And yogurt.” I bit back my grin at her horrified expression. “I ordered in some roasts and such.” I gazed at her imploringly, ignoring Shelby’s snort and Everett’s muffled “bullshit” he coughed into his hand. “I was hoping you’d cook for me.”
“Ah, laddie, yer mum is here now. I’ll look after all ye.” She turned and clapped her hands. “Let’s get this lassie up the stairs and settled. Everett,” she called. “You come back tomorrow. I’ll have dinner, ye poor soul. All ye been through.”
“I will, Liz.” He grinned.
“I’ve done stuff,” I mumbled as I lifted Shelby. “Lots of stuff. I have lists too. Lots of lists. I deserve dinner too.”
Shelby looked at me, fighting a grin. “You have.” She assured me. “You’ve been the best.”
“I know,” I assured her. “I’ve been awesome.”
She agreed, “Awesome.”
Everett was laughing as he bent and kissed Shelby’s cheek. “I’ll check on you later, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He and Mark left, and my mum indicated the stairs with an impatient sigh. “Are ye daft? What are ye waiting fer? Take her up, Liam. She needs to rest.”
I didn’t argue. There was no doubt who was in charge now.
Lily was waiting upstairs, and they both clucked in understanding when Shelby begged for a warm bath, insisting she didn’t want to get into bed before she got the smell of the hospital off her skin. The gauze was gone from her head, leaving only the thick bandage over the stitched skin, the dark bruising visible around the area. Lily assured me she could clean Shelby’s hair without hurting her, or getting the site wet, since one of my instructions said that wasn’t supposed to happen for a few days. I showed her the list.
I had many lists. I had asked questions of every doctor who came into her room and even hounded the nurses for information. I had written everything down and made sure I was well prepared to care for Shelby. I had never cared for anyone before, and I wanted to make sure I did it correctly. I was grateful Mum was here, though. She was much better at all this than me. She had chuckled when I showed her all the lists. I had one for Shelby’s list of medications, her bandages, what to expect, various instructions, doctor’s numbers, coma recovery websites. I had them all. I was determined to be the best caregiver possible for Shelby.
Steam billowed around us as I helped Shelby off with her clothes. She was too shy to strip in front of my mum, so she was giving us some privacy and letting me help her get in the tub. Shelby was still shy in front of me at times, which I found rather endearing. She had no reason to be shy because, to me, she was the loveliest woman I’d ever seen. OJ agreed, although we knew today wasn’t about getting her naked for the usual reasons. I had ordered him to stand down for the next while. I only hoped he listened. Shelby naked was usually a good day in our books.
But that thought vanished when I saw Shelby’s leg, hip, and arm where she had fallen. Her damaged skin was a mottled mass of blue, purple, black, and green. Several areas were chafed, scraped, and sore-looking. I was amazed she could walk, given how painful it had to be. Caring for her became the only idea in my head. Both of them.
Gently, I touched her as I looked into her weary expression. “Are you sure you should get in the bath?”
She nodded, the movement slow so she didn’t cause any pain in her head. “Your mum put on this waterproof cast cover.” She motioned to her arm. “I won’t get the cast wet. Lily will help with my hair. If you lift me in and out, I’ll be fine. The doctor said it was all right.”
“I’ll be sure she’s fine, love,” my mum called out behind me. “She’ll feel better with a soak.”
Still, I hesitated. “Maybe I should check the lists one—”
“Liam Reginald Wright, pick up the wee lass, put her in the tub, and get out! When she’s ready, I will call ye back. Stop hovering!”
Shelby widened her eyes, and she tried not to giggle as my mum gave me shit. I rolled my eyes at the use of my full name but did as she instructed, lifting Shelby and gingerly setting her in the tub. Her eyes shut as she sank under the water, and a small gasp escaped her lips. I froze, not letting her go. “Beaker?”
“It’s okay. I’m fine. It just stung a little. Let me go, Liam.”
I loosened my hold but not before I found her ear. “Never.”
My mum walked in and tugged o
n my shoulder. “Get out, you silly prat. Go make me some tea and be useful. I’ll call when we’re done.” She smiled at Shelby, picking up the towel I had dropped on the floor. “Let’s get you clean and into bed, lass. Maybe my daft son will relax then.”
I glared at Mum, and she pushed my shoulder. “Out, lad. Let me look after your girl.”
With a final look, I left them to their devices and stomped down to the kitchen, grabbing Thor, who was waiting for me on the edge of the bed, and placing him on my shoulder. My little mate had missed me, and judging from the feel of him, Lily had been feeding him far too much. He wouldn’t fit on my shoulder much longer.
I put the kettle on, grateful for something to do, then sat at the table, Thor purring in my ear as I stroked his head, glad to have me home. I was glad too, but I hated being pushed out of the bathroom. I was used to Shelby needing me, and I kinda liked it.
Thor jumped to my lap then to the floor, and I watched, amused, as he thumped his way over to his food bowl, squatting down and loudly munching on his kibble. From the amount in his bowl, I knew why he felt so heavy.
The kettle boiled, but I knew it was too soon to make the tea. My stomach growled, and I realized I hadn’t eaten all day. I rummaged through the refrigerator and made a quick sandwich, eating it standing at the counter. It was nowhere near as good as one of Shelby’s, but it would do. Figuring Mum might be hungry, I made her a plate of some cheese and crackers, thinking that would please her. By the time I was done, I heard my name being called and hurried upstairs to help Shelby out of the tub. I met Lily in the hall.
“She’s all ready for you. I’ll be back in a couple of days, Liam. I’ll let Shelby rest tomorrow.”
Grabbing her, I pulled her into a tight hug. “Ta, Lily. You’ve been smashing.”
She giggled. “Your accent gets heavier when your mum is here. You know that, right?”
I shrugged sheepishly.
She ruffled my hair. “It’s cute, and I’m sure Shelby loves it. I’ll let myself out.”
Grinning, I went in to help my girl out of the tub. She looked much happier than when I left a while ago. After my mum slipped out of the room, I lifted Shelby from the water and set her on her feet, wrapping a fluffy towel around her.
“I got you wet,” she sighed, bunching my T-shirt in her hand.
I stepped closer, grazing my lips to her ear. “That’s usually what I do to you, isn’t it?” I bit down gently. “Beaker?”
She blushed, and I stepped away, chuckling as I pulled my shirt over my head. I picked up another towel and awkwardly started patting her dry the way I had seen her do so often. “I missed your blush.”
“Stop it,” she giggled.
“I missed that sound too.” I kissed her, suddenly serious. “I don’t want to be without it again.”
“You won’t be. I’m right here, Liam.” She wrapped her hand around my neck, pulling me close, her breath wafting over my face. “Right here.”
I nodded, unable to speak. I looked up to see my mum watching us with a gentle smile as she handed me one of my loose T-shirts Shelby liked to sleep in. “Bring yer lass, and let’s get her settled, love. She needs her rest. And I need some tea.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll get ye a fresh shirt, too.”
I was quiet as I tugged the shirt over Shelby’s head, pulling away the towel. I helped her into bed and tucked the blankets around her, making sure she took some pain medication.
“I’m right downstairs. I’ll be up soon to check on you.”
She captured my hand with hers. “I’m right here,” she murmured.
Closing the distance between us, I kissed her deeply, burrowing my head in her neck, breathing her in. She smelled like Shelby again—light and floral, and like home. I kissed her, showing her without words how happy I was she was home.
“I love you,” I murmured against her lips.
She lay back on the pillows, her smile one of understanding.
“I know.”
Mum’s eyes were warm as I handed her the cup of tea. “Ta, love.”
I sat heavily beside her, suddenly exhausted.
“Maybe ye should go have a wee nap with your lassie.”
“You sound like Nan.”
She winked. “It’s the Scot coming out, yer da would say.”
I nodded as I shut my eyes. I was tired. A contented sigh escaped my mouth as I felt my mum’s fingers stroking my head.
“You love her so much. ’Tis a lovely thing to see.”
“Truly, I do.”
“I’m glad ye finally saw it. I told ye before, it took ye long enough. Ye were blind, love.”
“I wasn’t that bad,” I insisted.
“Oi, Liam, ye’re daft. Ye’ve been in love with her from the start. I saw it when I was here last. Ye simply weren’t ready to admit it. I thought ye’d finally come to yer senses when I saw the picture of the two of ye together and noticed her wearing Nan’s bracelet. I knew she meant something special for ye to let her wear that jewelry.”
I snorted. “Yeah, okay, it took me a bit longer to figure it out.”
She huffed a sigh. “Well, ye always took after yer father in that department. I love that man dearly, but he is rather slow at times.”
I barked out a laugh as Mum sipped her tea and nibbled on the crackers and cheese I gave her. She set the empty plate and mug on the table.
“Good cuppa, son. Ta.”
I sighed as she once again ran her fingers through my hair. We sat in comfortable silence for a while. Then she spoke up.
“Yer doing a good job, Liam.”
I opened one eye and peered at her. “Yeah?”
She smiled as she kept stroking, her voice approving. “I was teasing earlier, but I see it. Ye’ve changed, my boy.”
“How?”
“Ye’ve grown up. ’Tis a good thing to see.”
“I want to be what she needs, Mum.”
“Ye are, love. Yer exactly what she needs. And her, ye. Yer good together. I thought as much last visit.”
I swallowed and looked at her. “I was so scared.”
Her eyes were filled with understanding. “But still, ye handled it well. Shelby told me what all ye did.” Her voice softened further. “That’s what we do for those we love, Liam. We put them first.”
“I want to give her Nan’s ring. I want to marry her.”
“Ooch. That’ll be grand. I’d love her for a daughter.”
“She still thinks she’s too old for me.”
“Nonsense. I’m older than your da. It’s never meant a thing. It’s only a number.”
“That’s what I told her.”
“Keep telling her until she believes ye.”
I sighed and Mum grinned. “Her age is perfect fer ye. She is mature and loving. I love ya dearly, laddie, but ye are such a git. She brings out yer age in ye. Makes ye better.”
I chuckled. Even my mum thought I was a wanker. But she was right—Shelby made me a better man. More responsible.
“I’ll talk to her for ye. Give her me thoughts.”
“Ta, Mum.”
The room was silent for a moment, then I spoke.
“I want to marry her at home. In England.”
“Your da and I would love that.”
I grinned sheepishly. “She has to say yes first. To both things. Marrying me, and doing it in England.”
Leaning forward, she kissed my cheek. “She will, love. She will.”
“I hope so. I want it more than anything.”
“Liam—”
“What?”
“What if she wants to leave here?”
“You mean this house?”
“No.” Mum paused. “This…life. Go somewhere quieter.”
There was no hesitation. “Then it’s done. Whatever she needs. Here, England, somewhere else—as long as it is with her, I’m good. She matters more than anything.”
Mum smiled and sighed. “Then I’m happy as well.”
I left Mum nappi
ng on the sofa, Thor curled beside her. She insisted she was too comfortable to move, muttering something about sending her one of these sofas as I left the room. Upstairs, I opened the door, smiling at the sight of Shelby in my bed.
Our bed.
She was tucked in, sleeping on her uninjured side, her arm propped up on a pillow. Mum had gathered her dark hair up in a ponytail on top of her head, and she looked comfortable and peaceful. Not wanting to disturb her, I began to back out when her eyes opened, and she smiled sleepily. “Come here,” she murmured.
“Do you need something?” I asked quietly, caressing her head.
“You beside me.”
That, I could do.
Toeing off my sneakers, I crawled in, gently easing the pillow out from under her arm and resting the cast on my hip. “Better?”
She snuggled closer. “Much.”
I nuzzled her head, breathing her in.
“Where’s Liz?”
“Napping with Thor.”
“Ev?”
“He’ll be over tomorrow with Cassidy. They were both tired, and I told them to go get some sleep.” I yawned. “We all are.” I kissed her head. “And you should be resting.”
She sighed. “I will now you’re here.”
“I’ll always be here,” I murmured drowsily.
“Good. Me too.”
It was the best thing I could hear before I fell asleep.
“Mum, that was brilliant,” I praised, pushing back from the table.
“Ta, love.”
Shelby stood slowly. “I’ll make tea.”
I opened my mouth, then shut it quickly as she glared at me. She’d improved a lot in the few days she’d been home and was tired of me “fussing.” In fact, yesterday she took great delight in shredding my printed lists while I watched in abject horror. I worked hard on those damn lists.
I decided not to tell her I had digital ones. God knew what she’d do to my phone.
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