Take Me Again

by Mackenzie McKade

  Dolan stepped through the door. “I picked him up at the airport."

  What? He knew about Sheldon?

  "Your mother is here, too.” He stepped further into the room as Sheldon ran up to the bed.

  "Mom?” she choked. Tears misted her eyes. The old saying that a daughter was never too old to need her mother was true. She bit her bottom lip, trying to restrain emotion as Lois Marx entered.

  Her mother was an older picture of Shelly and it made Tracy's chest constrict. Even Sheldon had their dark auburn hair and eyes like a chameleon that changed with the color of their clothes. Today her mother's eyes matched the army green shirt she wore with slacks. Sheldon's were more golden against his orange shirt.

  In a scolding but relieved tone, Lois said, “Don't you ever give me a scare like that again.” She moved forward and took Tracy into her arms.

  Burying her face into her mother's shoulder, she inhaled the light scent of roses. “I'm sorry, Mom."

  "Oh, honey.” She gave her a little squeeze. “As long as you're well."

  The bed moaned as Dolan set Sheldon atop it and he scrambled into their arms for a group hug. She kissed his forehead. “Have you been a good boy for Nana?"

  "Yep,” he chirped and then grew solemn. “Do it hurt?"

  Tracy nodded.

  "I sorry.” Sheldon was such a sweet child. It was easy to love him and she had missed him so much, her mother too. A wave of homesickness overrode the ache in her head. Maybe it was time to go home. She fought the weepiness that swept over her.

  From the corner of her eye she saw Dolan watching them. There was a heart-wrenching sadness on his face, reminding her that he had lost his family when he was very young. What was he thinking? Why had he retrieved her family when Uncle Carl could have? Why was he here?

  "Thank you,” she mouthed toward him as she pulled Sheldon into her lap. Her mother backed away as Dolan approached.

  "How are you feeling?” Fatigue, or was it worry, showed in his eyes. His ebony hair looked like it had been finger combed this morning. He needed a shave, but he was still the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on.

  "Better. I'm ready to go home.” She didn't know how a person stayed days on end in a hospital. The nurses poked and prodded her all through the night. Getting sleep was near to impossible.

  "Uh. Dear,” her mother said, taking a seat in the recliner. “Dolan and I were chatting."

  Dolan? Her mother had certainly warmed up to him.

  "I think it would be best for Sheldon and me to stay at Carl's house for a little while.” She added, “You know, long enough for you to recuperate."

  "Mom, it was a bump on the head. There's enough room for all of us at my house and I feel fine.” Well, maybe she was fudging the truth a little. But it wouldn't take long for her to be back on her feet. Amazingly, other than the wound from the horse's hoof, she was good as new. No lingering concussion symptoms. Well, except for the nagging headache. But even that came and went. The only reasons she stayed overnight was because the doctor thought it would be wise since she'd been unconscious.

  "Yes, but—"

  "You need someone to take care of you,” Dolan interrupted her mother.

  Tracy snapped her attention toward him. “I do not. Besides I have Mom.” Yes. It was true that her mother probably wouldn't be much help and it would be difficult to chase Sheldon, but they would manage.

  "Honey, the flight drained me.” Her mother's eyes reflected the truth. Not to mention, her face was flushed. “Sheldon can be a handful."

  Brows pulled inwardly, Sheldon looked up at her. “Handful of what, Auntie?"

  Tracy ruffled his hair. “A handful of mischief."

  "Nah-uh,” he replied, pulling away from her hand.

  "Did I ever tell you how much I like mischief?” Her words drew a smile from her nephew. She turned her attention back to her mother. “So what? Did you hire me a nurse?” For a headache? How humiliating.

  "Better.” Her mother grinned ear to ear. “A doctor."

  "Doctor? I don't understand."

  "Me.” Dolan pushed back her hair from her face. His touch sent chills across her skin. “You're coming home with me."

  "Oh no. Uh-uh.” Tracy was unwilling to drape her heart on her sleeve and leave it out there to be hurt. She had no self-control when it came to this man.

  "Darlin', you don't have a choice. Your mother and I have discussed it—end of discussion."

  Tracy snorted. The indelicate sound made Sheldon giggle. “The hell it is."

  "Ummm. Nana, Auntie said a bad word."

  "Yes she did.” Dolan shook his head. “If she does it again I'll spank her,” he threatened with a little growl in his voice.

  Sheldon's eyelids popped open and he shrank against her. She held him closer.

  "He's kidding.” Tracy rubbed small circles across her nephew's back to reassure him. But the slow rise of Dolan's dark brow almost made her think differently. “Tell him you're kidding."

  He leaned inward and pressed his mouth to her ear. “Don't test me.” Goose bumps raised across her arms. He eased back and smiled at Sheldon. “Of course I'm teasing.” He brushed the boy's head.

  Damn the man. Even injured her body reacted to him. Her nipples tightened. She craved pressing her lips to his, his arms wrapped around her. That is right after she slapped the shit out of him and that smug grin.

  Just then the door swung open and Uncle Carl and Laurie entered. Her cousin took one look at Dolan and melted into a puddle of teenage goo.

  "Hi, Dr. Crane,” she giggled, moving toward Tracy. Carl eased up beside her and she turned several shades of red. “Oh. Here.” She pushed a bouquet of wildflowers into Tracy's hands. “I hope you're feeling better.” She spoke not taking her eyes off of Dolan. The girl was quite smitten with the rake.

  Carl frowned but turned his gaze toward Tracy. He squeezed her hand. “Girl, what have you done to yourself?"

  "It's nothing, really. Just a scratch and bump on the head."

  Dolan rolled his eyes to the ceiling and she scowled at him.

  "Scared the dickens out of your mother,” Carl said before rubbing Sheldon's head. “Now who is this?"

  The child snuggled against her. Her uncle was a stranger to him.

  "Sheldon,” she introduced with pride. “My little boy.” She watched Dolan for any reaction, which didn't come. “He's come to live with me."

  "Uh. Of course he has.” Her uncle seemed confused. Everyone in the room already knew that but Dolan. He didn't even flinch with the revelation, pinning her with those dark eyes that made her warm inside.

  "Welcome to California, little man.” Carl jutted his large hand toward Sheldon. It took a moment, but the boy took it in his. After they finished shaking hands, Carl turned to his sister. “Lois."

  She pushed from the recliner and rose. He met her halfway and they embraced. “It's so good to see you.” Her mother's fragile body was swallowed up by Carl's much larger one.

  "You too.” There were tears in Lois's voice. “You said you'd keep her safe."

  "Not fair,” he countered. “She has a mind of her own and evidently a hard head."

  "Me?” Everyone in the room laughed but Tracy.

  Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, Carl hugged his sister. “Sis, I'd better get you home. C'mon little man.” Dolan helped Sheldon off the bed and he ran to his Nana and grabbed her hand. “Tracy, we'll come and visit when your mother has rested.” She didn't miss the concern in his eyes.

  Was her mother's health worse?

  Carl nailed Dolan with a heated glare. “Take care of my niece."

  Dolan appeared undisturbed by Carl's aversion. “I will,” he promised, taking the flowers from her hand and setting them on the table.

  Her uncle wrapped his arm around her mother, guiding her and Sheldon toward the door. He pulled to a halt. “Laurie?"

  "Uh, right.” The teenager looked to her dad and then back at Dolan. “Maybe I should go home with Tr
acy and help."

  "And maybe you won't.” Carl jerked his head toward the door.

  "Fine. Dr. Crane. Tracy, I'll come over later.” Laurie sulked after them, dragging the door closed behind her.

  The last thing Tracy wanted was to be left alone with Dolan. She pulled the blankets up around her like a shield. “Thank you for picking up my family.” She licked her lips. “It's unnecessary for you to do anything more. I'll call Rowdy to pick me up."

  "The hell you will.” She startled at the firmness in his voice. “Maybe I didn't make myself clear.” He drew closer making her body aware of his imposing presence. “You're coming home with me where you belong."

  Belong? “No. I'm n—"

  He gently pulled her into his arms, silencing her with a kiss. She wanted to fight him, but she didn't have the energy.

  "I see you're doing better this morning.” Dolan and Tracy jerked apart as the doctor strolled up to the bedside. Grinning, he pushed his glasses up his nose. “I'd say if you're well enough to do that then you're probably well enough to go home today. How's the head?"

  Heat swarmed across her cheeks. “Head's fine.” It was her lips that tingled, and her chest hurt with longing.

  "Let's take a look at you,” he said reaching for the stethoscope around his neck.

  As the doctor examined Tracy, Dolan stood silently beside her. He should have anticipated that she would fight him. She was probably still angry from yesterday's fiasco with Zach.

  Dammit. Why hadn't he reacted differently? Asked questions? Listened? Maybe killed the sonofabitch?

  She wouldn't be lying in this bed right now if he'd handled things differently. Images of her crumpled on the ground, covered in blood, made him tremble with self-reproach. He could have lost her due to his pride and stubbornness.

  "Now remember if you have any signs of dizziness, memory loss, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty concentrating or balancing, light sensitivity, feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason—” she glanced at Dolan and he thought he saw her frown as the doctor continued, “—or extreme tiredness contact your family doctor immediately. Other than that I think you're good to go home."

  "Alone?” she asked with a note of sarcasm.

  "I don't see why not,” he responded.

  Dolan flashed the doctor a help-me-out-here look.

  "You know it wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone around for the next couple of days,” he corrected. “But you should take it easy."

  Dolan got the hands-off message loud and clear. He wouldn't lie that it would be difficult, but all he wanted was to take care of her. Show her that he was sorry.

  "So will you be taking care of her?” the doctor asked him.

  "No,” Tracy said at the same time Dolan responded, “Yes."

  "I see. Remember, rest is the best thing for you."

  "I'll make sure she doesn't get out of bed,” Dolan promised. This time there was no doubt in his mind that she frowned at him.

  As the doctor headed toward the door, Tracy turned to Dolan. “Where are my clothes?"

  "Trashed."

  "What?"

  "They were covered in blood. I threw them away."

  "Dammit. Dolan, why are you doing this? Can't you just leave me alone?” Her voice shook as if she was close to tears.

  He closed the distance between them, pulling her into his arms even as she resisted. He held her at arm's length. “Darlin', I'm sorry about yesterday. I have no excuse other than jealousy. Seeing you in Zach's arms killed me."

  "Of course if you had waited half a second you would have realized the bastard was accosting me—for your benefit.” She batted wet eyelashes. “Oh by the way, thanks.” Sarcasm rang in her quivering voice. “Besides, you have nothing to be jealous about. There is nothing between Zach and me or for that fact you and me.” Her words were like a knife cutting straight to his heart.

  The magic between them couldn't be denied. Why was she trying to push away what they had? “Do you really believe that?"

  A sniffle held back the moisture in her eyes from falling. “Yes. You didn't believe me.” Her response was weak, as if she might shatter at any moment. There was a moment of tight silence, and then her resolve surfaced when she shored her shoulders and raised her chin defiantly. “I have to think of Sheldon. He's the only thing that matters, him and my career."

  "We'll raise him together.” The offer came so easily to him. He could raise Sheldon as his son. Emotion beat behind his eyelids. He wanted a family. Tracy. Sheldon. Lois. Somehow he would gain Carl's respect. With Cord and Cait they would be one big happy family.

  "What?” Disbelief sparked in her eyes.

  "I'll build a room to the house and your mother can move in too. Together we'll care for both of them."

  "Do you hear what you're saying?” Before he could answer, a nurse sashayed into the room.

  "You okay, Dr. Marx?” the middle-aged woman asked, carrying discharge papers in her hands and a pair of pajama bottoms and a clean robe.

  "I'm fine. Thank you."

  "I've called a transport.” She set the change of clothing on the bed. “I thought you might need these. Your old clothes disappeared.” Both women looked at him.

  "She won't need those.” Dolan released Tracy and went to the closet. He retrieved one of the boxes he had hidden in there earlier. “This is for you.” He handed the white box with a lacy ribbon around it to Tracy.

  She didn't open it, just stared at him with an expression of disbelief, until the nurse said, “Wonderful, something brand new to go home in. After we go through the doctor's instructions you're free to leave."

  It took only minutes for the nurse to relay the doctor's orders, and then she was gone, leaving them alone. With a brush of Tracy's hand she pushed aside the red bow and opened the box. A white satin and chiffon slip and matching cover-up slid through her fingers. “You shouldn't have.” As she shoved the tissue paper aside, a pair of slippers fell out of the box. “There's no panties."

  "Whoops.” He feigned innocence. The matching underwear was safely in one of his jean pockets. “Guess you'll have to go without.” His cock twitched with the thought of her bare skin beneath the flimsy material.

  "Or I could wear these pajama bottoms.” She held up the boring hospital garment.

  He hadn't expected that complication. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the satiny briefs and waved them like a white flag of surrender, which won him the first smile since this horrible incident happened. As he handed them to her, he said, “I'm sorry about Zach. Let me prove it to you. Come home with me and I'll take care of you."

  She closed her eyes briefly. “Dolan—"

  "Please, Tracy.” He heard desperation in his own voice. “Give me—us a chance. A couple of days are all I'm asking for.” He reached for her. “I love you."

  Her expression dropped as the color in her face drained. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

  She licked her lips. Nervous.

  Good or bad sign?

  He waited for her to say something—anything.

  "I really need some clothes.” Not quite what he expected, but he had that covered too.

  Walking back to the closet, he picked up a paper sack. “I hope you don't mind. I retrieved your purse from the office and found your house key. There's a couple of things in there for you to choose from."

  "Thank you.” Rummaging through the sack, she chose the sundress and matching sandals he had selected. Without asking for his assistance, she quickly donned the outfit. Silence lingered between them until the transporter came with the wheelchair.

  As he followed behind them, pushing a cart laden with her flowers, he realized Cait was right. It looked like there would be a helluva lot of apologizing, groveling and begging on his part before Tracy forgave him.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Nineteen

  A steady stream of well-wishers arrived shortly after Dolan settled Trac
y on the couch in his house. He fluffed a pillow, placing it behind her back, and followed it up with an afghan tucked snuggly around her. It was a sweet gesture, but she was still speechless from his previous avowal.

  He loved her. She couldn't quite get her arms around it.

  If that hadn't thrown her into a tizzy, then the fact that she was staying at his home, which let the cat out of bag about them, did. She didn't miss the curious expressions exchanged between Courtney and Beth or the pleasant smirk on Dr. Zimmerman's mouth as he swayed back and forth in the rocking chair near the fireplace.

  "Quite a goose egg you got there, dearie,” he said. “Nearly half a horseshoe by my reckon.” He was exaggerating, of course, since the tip of the horse's hoof connected with her forehead. He was correct about the swelling. Add the black and blue coloring and the knitted stitches across her forehead and she looked like she was preparing for Halloween.

  "Damn horse,” Dolan muttered more to himself than anyone else. “Are you warm enough?” He checked the blanket for the nth time, cocooning her. She pulled her arms from beneath to break the stifling feeling that began to surround her. Her mind was whirling, pulse racing with his nearness. There was so much they needed to discuss, but it would have to wait until they were alone. For now she focused on not allowing anyone else to know that there was more on her mind than a bump on the head.

  "How is Dawn's Break?” she asked, wishing Dolan would quit fussing over her. It bordered on embarrassment as he stood sentry next to her. Yet there was no denying his attentiveness touched her heart. The roguish rake had a domestic bone. Every woman's dream come true, including hers.

  Courtney walked toward the window seat and sat. “Her ankle swelled a little. She has some scrapes and bruises, but Dr. Zimmerman thinks she'll do just fine. Everyone was more concerned about you. You gave us quite a scare."

  "I'm so sorry. I looked away for only a second.” Dolan placed a warm palm on her shoulder and squeezed. She glanced up at him and saw guilt swimming in his eyes. It wasn't his fault, it was hers. Hell. This whole mess was due to her need for adventure. But what an adventure it had been. The peaceful sensation that swept over her vanished when the unthinkable invaded her mind.