by Red Phoenix
“Hello?”
“Miss Jefferys?”
She giggled. “Yes.”
“This is Thane Davis. I just received your letter.”
“You did?”
“Yes, and I would like it if you and your mother would come for a visit.”
“Yay!” she cried happily.
He heard Lucinda tell her mother. “He said yes, Mommy!”
The little girl told Thane, “I have a picture I made. I saved it for you.”
“I look forward to seeing it. Can you put your mother back on the phone? I would like to talk to her.”
“Okay. See you soon!”
Thane explained to Dorothy his wish to include Viola’s family. “I feel it will help them reconcile her loss by meeting the young lady she assisted.”
“Of course. We owe her for sitting Lucinda next to you so, by all means, invite them to join us.”
“Excellent. I want to assure you that there will be no press allowed in the room, and I have arranged for you and your daughter to be escorted to and from the hospital. Your privacy and well-being are important to me.”
“Thank you, Mr. Davis,” she said. “I deeply appreciate that.”
“I will speak to Viola’s family and make the arrangements, then.”
After he finished with the call, Brie voiced a concern she had. “Sir, you can’t know the outpouring of support and prayers you received from the entire community. While I agree that no one should be present for Lucinda’s visit, would it be possible to give a statement to the press afterward?”
“I do not want Lucinda or either family to feel uncomfortable by fielding questions. That is not what this is about.”
“I completely agree, but what if you were the only one to speak? You wouldn’t have to take any questions, either. Only offer to give them a general statement.”
Thane thought about it for a moment. “It would allow me to preserve the personal aspect of this gathering while acknowledging the help we’ve received.”
“Yes, that sounds perfect. You may not believe this, but I think the community needs closure as well, Sir.”
He nodded to her. “Frankly, I cannot fathom the extent of the community’s involvement in my recovery, but I’m sincerely grateful for it.”
Brie pulled out the huge album she’d created that included every newspaper clipping, card sent, and email message received which she had printed out. “This is the reason I believe it is necessary.”
Thane flipped through the album, scanning each page. He found himself stopping at notes written by children, and the cursive penmanship of older citizens. He was thoroughly overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy and well wishes found between the pages.
He closed the book, waiting a few seconds as he took it all in. “I agree with you. It’s important I thank everyone for their concern and prayers.”
Brie took his hand and placed it against her cheek. “I was not alone in helping with your recovery. There was a whole city behind you.”
“You weren’t alone, but…” He grasped the back of her neck and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. “…you were the only one with me every moment.”
“I love you, Sir, and couldn’t bear a life without you.”
He crushed her against his chest, grateful for this second chance he’d been given. His suspended time in his pseudo Hell had changed him. The emotional barriers he’d constructed to protect himself had no place in his new life.
Life was too short to live behind walls.
Extra security was put in place as Lucinda, her mother, and Viola’s parents and siblings, gathered together in a large room located in the center of the hospital.
Thane had asked Brie to shave him before helping him to dress in a white button-down shirt with a tie. Although he was still gaunt and bed-ridden, he wanted, as much as possible, to look like himself for Lucinda.
Viola’s family was the first to arrive. Thane had wanted to speak with them alone before they met Lucinda. He understood there would be justifiable tears when he talked about the crash and wanted to spare the little girl from any discomfort that might cause.
“I’m grateful to meet you all,” Thane told them when the family of five entered the room.
“It is good to meet someone who knew Viola, and was one of the last to see her,” Mr. Horne told him somberly. “It has been difficult for us these past few months.”
“We still can’t accept she’s really gone,” Mrs. Horne said with pain in her eyes.
“That’s why I asked you to come. We’re here to mourn her loss together and celebrate Viola’s good heart.”
Mrs. Horne stared at him, asking with a hint of anguish in her voice, “You said you would tell us about my daughter’s last moments?”
“I’ll tell you everything I remember. But before I begin, I want you to know that although Viola and I were only acquaintances, she stood out as an exceptional young woman and was well respected among our circle of friends.” Thane was unsure if her family knew about Viola’s BDSM lifestyle, so he kept the details general.
When Mrs. Horne started crying, her older daughter grabbed her hand, both women letting the tears fall as they waited for Thane to speak.
One of the young men told him, “Please, go on.”
Thane nodded. “I was unaware that Viola was on the plane until she seated Lucinda next to me.” He looked at Viola’s father with sympathy. “That decision saved Lucinda’s life.”
Thane turned his attention to the mother and sister. “Viola was especially attentive to the child and seemed happy that morning. As for me, it was an unexpected pleasure that she was on my flight to Dubai.”
Thane shook his head, remembering those last frightening moments as the plane went down. “Being a professional, Viola expected a successful emergency landing, as I did.
“I can assure you that the end came quickly. I trust her experience those last few seconds was similar to mine—a calmness that settled over her, followed by acceptance before she blacked out. There would have been minimal suffering, if any.”
Mrs. Horne let out a gasp before she started sobbing on her daughter’s shoulder.
The father nodded his head slowly, taking in Thane’s words.
Thane focused his attention on the two brothers. “She often shared with her friends the pranks you played on each other.”
The two men chuckled sadly, holding in emotions that had yet to see release. It was hard to see the devastation in each of their faces, knowing nothing would ever be the same for this family.
“I am deeply grieved that she did not survive. Viola was an admirable young woman with a lifetime ahead of her.”
Her mother nodded her head vigorously, trying to stifle her sobs in a handkerchief her husband had given her.
“I’m certain Voila would take great comfort in knowing that she had a hand in saving Lucinda’s life. She lives on through the child. I hope you can find solace in that.”
Mrs. Horne sighed deeply as she dried her tears, blowing into the handkerchief several times before speaking. “We do, Mr. Davis. Just as we take comfort in your survival. It is as you say. Part of Viola lives on in both your lives.”
“She does,” he affirmed. “And it means a lot to meet you today, even though the circumstances are tragic.”
“Part of me died that day,” she admitted.
Brie spoke up, her voice quavering. “I understand, Mrs. Horne, and I am so very sorry for your loss.”
The mother only nodded, but Viola’s sister walked over to Brie and gave her a hug. Lightening the heavy moment, she asked, “When is your baby due?”
Brie looked down at her bulging stomach. “We have three more months.”
“I’m glad your child will have a father,” Mr. Horne stated, glancing at Thane.
“Yes, that makes me happy, as well,” the mother agreed, smiling through her tears.
“As you may already know,” Thane explained, “Lucinda walked away from the plane cras
h with only a broken arm. She does not remember the crash itself and, since the accident, her mother and father are reconciling. I was told he is looking at moving back to the States.”
“That’s seems promising,” Viola’s sister said. Her voice sounded so similar to Viola’s that Thane felt a momentary twinge of pain.
Thankfully, Lucinda and her mother arrived, providing the youthful exuberance they all needed.
Lucinda walked in with a huge smile on her face, swinging the picture she’d made in her hand, but as soon as she spotted Thane, she stopped, grabbed her mother’s hand, and hid behind her.
Brie whispered to Thane, “She was shy with me, too, in the beginning.” Thane turned his attention on Dorothy so the child wouldn’t feel pressured and held out his hand to shake hers.
Dorothy moved over to him, ignoring his outstretched hand, choosing to hug him, instead. “Mr. Davis, how can I ever thank you?”
Thane was surprised by the hug but handled it in stride, looking past her at Lucinda to give the little girl a wink.
“I did nothing more than any other person would,” he assured Dorothy.
She laughed softly, shaking her head. “Most men would demand another seat if a child sat next to them—especially on such a long flight.”
Thane gestured to Brie. “As you can see, we will soon be in the family way. I was honored to have Miss Jefferys as a seatmate.”
Lucinda peek her head out, responding to his formal title for her.
Thane glanced at Viola’s family and remembered something. He asked Dorothy, “Does Miss Jefferys still have the airplane pin that the stewardess gave to her?”
“I do!” Lucinda cried out, grinning. “Mommy put it in a special case so it won’t get lost. She’s says it’s my lucky pin.”
Thane could see that Mrs. Horne was holding back her tears as the entire family smiled at the little girl.
When Brie noticed the child staring nervously at the five strangers, she stepped in. “Lucinda, did you know the nice lady who gave you that pin was named Viola? Her mommy came to say hi to you, and so did her daddy, sister, and two brothers.”
Lucinda stared at the five of them but didn’t make a peep.
Brie added with a giggle, “I heard that Viola’s brothers liked to do silly things to make her laugh.”
Lucinda broke into a smile and waved shyly at the two young men.
The entire family waved back, the lightness in their expressions letting Thane know that this arranged meeting was proving beneficial.
Lucinda finally turned to face Thane, looking up at him from the edge of the bed.
He glanced at the paper in her hand and asked, “Is that the picture?”
Her shyness seemed to melt away as she held the picture out to show him and said proudly, “I made this.”
The drawing was of one tiny stick figure with yellow curls and one bigger one with a straight line of brown on top of the head. There was a giant rainbow above them.
Thane tried to keep his emotions at bay, remembering those last seconds when he covered her with his body as the plane went down.
“That looks just like us.”
She thrust out the paper to him. “It’s for you.”
Thane took it from her and looked the drawing over, appreciating the miracle of this picture and the fact they had both survived. “I will put it in a frame and hang it up in my house.”
“Good,” she answered. “I got a pink cast. What did you get?”
Thane gave her a sad look. “I didn’t get a pink cast.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t mind because I got this pretty picture instead.”
Lucinda broke out in delightful giggles that filled the room, providing the healing salve all of their hearts needed.
Afterward, Thane was wheeled back to his hospital room. Once he was ready to give his statement, reporters from various news outlets were invited in. Once the cameras and sound equipment were in place, the lights were turned on. Thane was suddenly blinded, and felt the heat of the lamps on his face.
He nodded that he was prepared to give his statement and gestured Brie over to him, holding her hand.
“I want to take this moment to thank every person who has reached out to me through letters, emails, positive thoughts, and prayers. I fully believe your compassion made a difference in my recovery. But it wasn’t just me that you helped.” Thane kissed Brie’s hand before continuing. “Your support meant the world to my wife, making a difficult time easier for her. I thank you for that.”
He looked directly into the lens of the middle camera. “When tragedy strikes, that’s when the real heroes make themselves known. To all of you out there, we give you our sincerest thanks.”
Brie bowed her head slightly and smiled at the camera. “Thank you, everyone.”
After the lights were turned off, Thane turned Brie’s head and kissed her on the lips. “I love you.”
Unbeknownst to him, one of the cameramen was still recording and caught the moment. Although Thane’s formal statement was played on all the local networks that night, it was that intimate moment afterward that the internet grabbed onto and replayed.
Thane shook his head when Brie showed him the next day. “Remind me to never make a statement again.”
Brie reviewed the ten-second short and smiled. “You know, I will never get tired of seeing you kiss me and tell me you love me.”
“You don’t have to watch it, babygirl. I’m right here.” He grasped her throat and kissed her deeply, enjoying the sound of her stifled moans against his lips.
Romancing Her
The elation Thane felt knowing that Durov was safe needed release, and there was no better place to do that than in Brie’s arms.
“Babygirl, I would like you to dress up for me tonight,” he mentioned causally as if it were an afterthought.
Brie smiled at his suggestion. “Would you like me to look fancy or sexy?”
“Dress however you feel inspired, my dear.”
Brie blushed, looking at him bashfully. “It’s been a long time since I’ve dolled myself up.”
“Far too long.”
Her eyes sparkled as she considered what to wear. “Oh, the possibilities…”
“Why don’t you go now? You can even buy a new outfit, if you like, and meet me back here at…” Thane looked at the clock, pretending to think about it. “How about seven?”
“Would you like me to bring dinner, too?”
“No, babygirl. I just want you.”
She leaned down and kissed him on the lips, grinning as she did so. “That’s all I want, too, Sir.”
As she was leaving, Thane commanded in a low, sultry voice, “Bring the Magic Wand.”
Brie turned around to face him, biting her lip. “Oh, my…” she purred. “You’ve just made me all tingly inside.”
Thane was hungry to take on the role as her Dominant again. Although he was limited by his physical condition, it did not affect his desire for that power exchange. The expression on her face as she left out the door let him know how much she longed for it as well.
While some Dominants relied on their skills with particular tools, he’d always relied on the mental and emotional aspects of Domination. It was fortunate, considering his physical limitations now.
Nurse Abby knocked on the door to let him know she was there before walking in. She had a large canvas bag with her. “I made sure to wait until she was gone.”
“I appreciate your assistance with this on your day off.”
Abby set down her bag on a chair and smiled. “I’ve admired your heroism from the moment you were put into my care.” He was about to protest, but she put up her hand. “Little Lucinda and I are entitled to our opinions, Mr. Davis.”
He chuckled.
“I have also watched your wife all these months and consider her a hero in her own right. The love and devotion she’s shown through all this has been truly inspiring to me. I think highly of you both, and
…” Her cheeks suddenly colored with a pink hue. “I feel honored that you asked me to help.”
“You are a kind person.”
She laughed self-consciously, charming in her humbleness. “Would you like me to show you what I bought with your credit card? You can let me know where you want me to set them in the room.”
“By all means.”
Reaching into the bag, she pulled out a glass jar. “Since candles aren’t allowed, I thought some fragrant potpourri would be nice when added with this…” She pulled out a box and opened it, lifting out a black platform that had a glass pyramid on top. She inserted several batteries into the bottom of the base, then turned on the switch.
Warm orange and yellow holographic flames flickered and danced on the base.
“It will give you the romantic glow of candlelight…”
He held out his hand, fascinated by the device. “May I see it?”
Abby handed it to him.
Thane stared at it, transfixed. “Isn’t it amazing what we can do with technology these days?”
“I’m so glad you like it, Mr. Davis. Where would you like me to put it?”
“Place it on the tray, along with your aromatic jar. Did you remember to get the speakers, as well?”
“Of course,” she answered, taking the set out of the bag, along with a tube of lubricant.
Thane smirked, not one bit ashamed to take the lubricant from her hand. He tucked it under his pillow and asked her to place the speakers on the tray.
Abby arranged them behind the hologram on either side, and then asked for his cell phone. Connecting the phone to the speakers, she set it down on the tray and smiled. “I call it ‘Romance on a Tray’.”
“I quite agree.”
“I also have your suit hanging in the employee lounge. Would you like me to get it and dress you?”
“Yes, thank you. I want to look presentable when I seduce my wife, and this…” he picked at the thin material of his hospital gown, “…simply won’t do.”
She grinned. “Let me get that suit for you, then, Mr. Davis.”
Abby quickly returned with his suit and began the task of dressing him. She was efficient and professional, but the gentleness with which she handled him spoke to the care she put into her duties as a nurse.