Saving Sam (The Wounded Warriors Book 1)

by Beaudelaire, Simone

  “No,” Amy said. Her head had cleared enough for her to know the answer to that question at least.

  “Are you sure?” Janie shot back. “Just how many times did you and Sam have unprotected sex?”

  Amy blushed. “Three.”

  The doctor shook his head and sighed. “Well, in that case we have to perform a pregnancy test. We'll wait for the results before we proceed. Though no single diagnostic test has enough radiation to cause adverse developmental effects on an embryo or fetus, it's not recommended that you undergo them unless you have to, and since we have to perform multiple tests, I want to be certain. That being said, what kind of timeframe are we talking about here; days, weeks, months?”

  He looked at Amy but received no response, so he turned to Janie.

  She shrugged. “A couple of weeks?”

  “Okay,” he replied. “No need for a blood test. A urine sample will tell us everything we need to know.”

  He stalked away.

  Amy glared.

  “Knock it off,” Janie snapped. “If you're knocked up, don't get mad at me. I swear, sometimes, Amy, I don't know what the hell is wrong with you. Did the fall make you stupid? Having an x-ray or CT scan might hurt the baby… or you could even have a bad reaction to the dye they use.”

  “What baby?” Amy kibitzed.

  Janie looked cross. “The one we're making sure isn't there.”

  “You're right; I'm sorry,” Amy replied, her jaw tightly clenched. “My head hurts bad and my wrist is killing me. Don't expect anything like sensible behavior any time too soon.”

  Janie's gaze softened. “Yeah, I guess I can understand that. I just… I'm worried and I want to be sure you're okay.”

  “Thanks, Janie,” Amy squeezed the chef's hand to help emphasize her words.

  Janie gave the younger woman a loving, motherly gaze before she kissed her forehead. “Any time.”

  A nurse walked up to the pair, confirmed she had the correct patient and then asked, “Are you able to walk so we can collect a urine sample?”

  “I, ah, I think so,” Amy responded, but when she went to move, a dizzying wave of nausea overcame her and she immediately fell back onto the gurney.

  “Amy!” Janie gasped and she and the nurse both rushed to assist her.

  “Okay, I'll clean catch your urine using a catheter,” the nurse determined.

  The nurse then stepped beyond the curtain briefly and returned quickly with a sealed, sanitized pouch containing the necessary items. She made haste, handling her business in an efficient manner, trying to minimize the discomfort to Amy as best she could. Amy felt a bit embarrassed, and the catheter felt terrible, but she cooperated.

  “It won't take long to get the results. As soon as I have them, the doctor will return to speak with you so you know what to expect next,” the kind nurse told them, and then she left the room.

  “This is stupid,” Amy complained, rolling to her side. “I'm not pregnant.”

  “Amy, you don't know that. It's better to be safe than sorry,” Janie reminded her.

  “Don't you think I'd know if I were pregnant? I mean, wouldn't there be signs by now?” Amy continued stubbornly.

  “Not necessarily,” Janie replied. “Every pregnancy is difference.”

  “Ugh!” Amy groaned in irritation. “I can't believe this is happening.”

  “I know,” Janie acknowledged sadly. “I'm sorry.”

  “Is Sam okay? I heard him hollering when they wheeled me out of the room,” Amy demanded, suddenly feeling panicked.

  “Yes, he's fine,” Janie cooed. “Just relax.”

  “Where is he? Is Dusty with him?”

  “Dusty is with him… well, he's still on the unit, but the doctor gave Sam a sedative so he's resting comfortably in his room,” Janie informed her, not sure how the younger woman would take the information.

  “Is Dusty… is he mad at me?” Amy wondered, anxious that her boss might blame her.

  “Heavens no, Amy! What would make you think that?” Janie exclaimed, flabbergasted.

  “I just… well, if I wasn't here then this wouldn't have happened.”

  “Your thoughts are so convoluted,” Janie scoffed.

  Just then, Dr. Ramos returned with the results. “Well, first of all, let me congratulate you.”

  “What?” Janie exclaimed.

  “I beg your pardon?” Amy looked at the doctor as if he'd spoken in another language.

  “You're test was positive,” the doctor chimed with a smile. “You're going to be a mother.”

  “No, I'm not,” Amy denied the diagnosis. “That's impossible.”

  “Ah, but it's entirely possible. Besides, I have the test results that prove it,” the doctor reaffirmed, waving her chart in the air.

  “But…” Amy said weakly and then trailed off.

  Janie looked at her friend with concern, but then left her to her own thoughts while she asked, “So what now, doctor?”

  “Well, I definitely don't want to do a CT scan. I don't think it's worth the risk to the baby and honestly, I wouldn't change my recommendations to her; either way, I would tell her to rest with limited physical activity over the next week. However, I do need to get her wrist x-rayed. I need to see exactly what's going on in there so I can set it properly, if it is indeed broken.”

  Janie nodded. “Okay. Did you hear him Amy?”

  Amy still looked stunned. “I'm pregnant.”

  “Yes, dear, I know. But did you hear what he said about the x-ray?” Janie tried to focus Amy on the vital matter at hand.

  Tears began to stream from Amy's eyes. “Janie,” she said in an anguish-drenched voice. “What am I going to do?”

  Janie's patience had reached its limit. “I do declare! You're going to stop that whimpering and get your wrist x-rayed. After that, you're most likely going to get a cast and then I'm taking you home.”

  “No,” Amy corrected. “I mean about the baby?”

  “Well, that's simple too, now isn't it?” Janie rolled her eyes. “You're going to grow up and take responsibility for your actions. Your life isn't about you anymore; it's about that baby in there.”

  Amy nodded as she struggled to control her emotions. “You're right.”

  “Damn straight I'm right,” Janie replied. “And I know that you can do this. A baby is a blessing, so quit all this fussing and let's move on.” Then softer, leaning in towards Amy, she added, “You're going to be a great mother.”

  “Thanks,” Amy gave a chuckle and smiled through her tears.

  * * *

  Sam drifted slowly into consciousness, groggy and feeling hung over. He opened his eyes slowly, taking a moment to recognize where he was. Looking around, assessing his environment, his eyes stopped when they locked with hers. She's so beautiful, with the light from the window behind her, all lit up like a Christmas tree angel.

  “Hi,” she said softly.

  “Hi,” responded nervously. “I… I didn't expect to see you, especially here… in my room.”

  “I know, but Major Hansen said I could wait here for you to wake up.”

  “Why?” Sam asked bluntly and then, realizing his faux pas, he amended his statement by saying, “I mean, I'm glad you're here, but I thought… I thought no one was allowed in patient rooms.”

  “Well, your roommate was discharged today and I… I have something important to tell you,” Amy licked her lips nervously.

  “You do?”

  “Uh-huh,” Amy bit her lower lip.

  Sam still felt a little out of sorts and, looking around again, he asked, “Where's Dad and Janie? I thought they were here too.”

  “Ah, yeah, they're ah… they're waiting outside… in the hallway,” she told him. “They were waiting with me, but when you started to wake up, they left so we'd have some privacy.”

  “Why? Amy, what's going on?” Sam had a strong sense of trepidation overcome him and then he saw the cast on her wrist. “Oh, God, did I do that to you?”

 
“Sam, it's -”

  “Don't! Just don't say it, Amy, okay?” Sam sat up on the edge of his bed, dropping his head into his hands. “You're going to say 'it's okay' and 'you're fine' just like you always do, but I can't… I can't stand to hear that right now because it's not, you're not. Look, this has to stop.”

  “What are you talking about?” It was Amy's turn to appear overcome. “What are you saying exactly, Sam?”

  “I'm saying I don't want to see you anymore,” Sam snapped, jumping to his feet. “I'm no good for you and every time you're around me, you get hurt. I need… you need to just… stay away from me, okay?”

  “No!” Amy jumped to her feet. “No, I can't do that, Sam!”

  “Is everything okay in here?” Janie sounded alarmed as she entered the room. Dusty and Major Hansen followed close behind her. “I heard raised voices.”

  “No,” Sam complained loudly. “Everything's not okay. I want Amy to go and I don't want her coming back!”

  “You don't mean that!” Amy cried.

  “I do!” Sam stormed.

  “But… but what about?” Dusty looked between Amy and Sam, uncertain what to say or do. “Did you tell him?”

  “No,” Amy barked at Dusty, sounding bitter and harsh. “He wouldn't let me talk.”

  “So tell him now!” Janie ordered.

  “No,” Amy decided abruptly. “No. You heard him. We're done.”

  Amy dashed from the room, sobbing. Janie immediately took off after her, trying to calm her while Dusty stood rooted, staring at his son with an unreadable expression. Major Hansen watched the two men pensively, waiting to see what was to come.

  “What?” Sam demanded from his father. Dusty just shook his head in response, his disappointment becoming his most prominent expression. “What?!”

  “She's pregnant,” Dusty blurted.

  Sam's mouth dropped open. He wanted to speak, but no sound came out. Instead, he dropped to his bed as though his legs had given out beneath him, no longer able to support his weight. Dusty regarded his son for a minute longer and then he simply turned and walked away, leaving Sam in stunned silence.

  “Sam?” Major Hansen tried to talk to him, but Sam closed his eyes, lifting his hands in surrender.

  “Please,” he whispered. “Please, just… go.”

  The doctor sighed deeply, nodded and turned to go. Before he reached the doorway, he called back to Sam, “This is a turning point, Sam. The only question remaining is what direction you plan to take now.”

  Sam looked up at the major. “I don't understand.”

  “You're at a crossroads. Will you succumb to your disease or will you rise above it, embracing the woman you love and the child she carries? You have a chance to correct this and to be happy, if you're willing to work hard and take the risk.”

  Sam averted his gaze from Major Hansen, unwilling to respond.

  “Just think about it,” the major ordered and then he left too.

  * * *

  Amy wiped angrily at the stinging tears burning her eyes. He's not worth it. Stop crying, you fool!

  Though Janie was following her, pleading with her to stop so they could talk, Amy stubbornly ignored her, pushing forward blindly. People openly gawked at Amy. Some scowled at the rush of activity while others peered curiously. Amy remained oblivious, lost in her internal pain.

  “Amy, stop!” Janie ordered, finally reaching the young woman, grabbing a hold of her arm, halting her progress.

  “Let me go!” Amy demanded, trying to push Janie's restraining hand from her.

  “Amy!” Janie huffed.

  “You were right,” Amy fumed. “You always are, so I don't know why I thought things would be different!”

  “I'm not right,” the chef insisted.

  “You are!” Amy was panting from her flurry of activity as much as she was from her sobbing. “I was stupid to think things could have been… Ugh!”

  Janie was still trying to catch her breath from chasing Amy. “Don't, Amy, don't give up!”

  The young woman scoffed and yanked away from her friend, resuming her flight from the hospital. Janie ran after Amy yet again, her pink boots clattering on the floor tiles.

  “Amy!”

  “What?” Amy snapped, stopping to face her friend.

  “You just need to give him time, honey. He… he was feeling…”

  “I don't care!” Amy bellowed, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand.

  “You don't mean that,” the chef gently chastised.

  “I do! Didn't you hear, we're over,” Amy choked on the last word, a fresh wave of pain flooding over her.

  Janie sighed, wrapping her arms around the distraught girl. “You're not. I see that now.”

  “I'm glad you do because I sure as hell don't!” Amy sobbed, shaking the older woman off, too tense to be held.

  “You both just need some time,” the older woman soothed, petting Amy's hair in an attempt to provide comfort.

  It was at that point Dusty finally caught up to the duo. He paused a moment, as though unsure whether or not he wanted to join them. Even in her grief, Amy noticed he looked stressed and uncomfortable with the emotional display before him. That's right, Mr. Wallace. Everything will be better if we just pretend people don't have feelings.

  “Let's go home.” Dusty cleared his throat, eyes darting about, taking in the onlookers.

  “I don't think I can,” Amy announced.

  “What does that mean?” Dusty's shoulders grew tense and his face froze.

  “I don't know if I can stand to be at the ranch. There's too much of him there,” Amy tried to explain.

  Dusty shot Janie a look of dismay and she shook her head her expression annoyed. “Hogwash! The ranch is as much your home as it is his. Besides, you can't run away from your problems, which is why I think you should go splash your face with cold water and then go back up there and speak to Sam.”

  “What?!” Dusty and Amy shrieked simultaneously.

  Amy looked indignant. “My mother abandoned me and no amount of begging convinced her to stay. It was humiliating and it's left me ragged and empty. I may tolerate a lot from people – especially Sam – but this… I can't… I won't ask him to stay when he doesn't want to; I won't do that again because I know now, begging never works.”

  “Look, you need to resolve this,” Janie stated firmly. “Besides, you need to tell him about the baby.”

  Dusty cleared his throat anxiously. “I, ah, I sort of already did.”

  “What?!”Amy exclaimed and began crying harder.

  Through her veil of tears, Amy could see Janie gave her lover a look of disapproval. “What did you do?”

  “Nothing, I swear!” Dustin defended himself.

  “Then what do you mean you 'already did,' Dusty?” Janie eyed him critically.

  Looking a bit like a child being scolded by their mother, Dusty replied, “I just… happened to… mention it.”

  Janie sighed in exasperation and then she readdressed her friend. “Amy, you can't leave without talking to him. If not for Sam, then for you. We both know you won't have a minute's peace until you hash this out.”

  “She's right,” Major Hansen interjected.

  No one had seen him walk up, so they all gave a little start at his unexpected comment. Janie had her back towards the building and was too focused on Amy and Dusty to hear his approach. Amy had been crying too hard to notice more than what was taking place around her. As for Dusty, he was just trying to blend in, so as to not upset the women any more than they already were.

  “Oh, doctor,” Janie held her hand to her chest. “I didn't know you were there.”

  The major smiled humorlessly. “Sorry if I startled you, but I wanted to be sure Amy was okay.” He turned his attention to the younger woman, “Are you? Do you want to lie down for a moment?”

  Amy shook her head.

  “Amy,” the major continued, “I agree with Janie that you ought to speak to him again before you leave
. Perhaps take some time to calm down first and then I can take you back upstairs.”

  Sniffling, Amy turned to her best friend. “Do you really think it'll help?”

  Janie glanced at Major Hansen, who nodded at her, and then replied, “I do.”

  Amy drew in a choppy breath, a tremble passing through her body. “Okay.”

  “So we're not going home?” Dusty demanded, alarmed. Janie shot him a look of derision, hitting him in the arm.

  “Good,” the doctor clasped Amy's upper arm in a gesture of comfort and encouragement. “Whenever you're ready, Amy. There's no rush.”

  * * *

  Major Hansen led the group into the inner sanctum of the psychiatric ward. After a brief tap on the door, the doctor announced their arrival and they all filed into the room in silence. Arrangements had already been made in advance to ensure Sam was ready to receive visitors, so no one was surprised to find him alone, looking remorseful as he sat on his bed. Amy tried to avoid eye contact, still overly sensitive and unsure how long she'd be able to hold her tears at bay.

  “Sam, as you know, I asked Amy to come back to speak with you,” the doctor restated the situation. “I think it's important for both of you to discuss things now that you've had time to calm down.”

  “I don't know what to say,” Sam confessed, his voice grief-stricken.

  “Why don't you start by apologizing?” Dusty barked, clearly upset by his son's behavior.

  Chagrined by the reminder, Sam found his manners once again. “Amy, I'm so sorry… for everything.”

  “Everything?” Amy questioned, abruptly confronting him. “Even… even the baby? Are you sorry you're going to be a father?”

  Sam jumped to his feet. “No! That's not what I meant.”

  Sam's taut stance paired with his wistful expression showed wanted to run to Amy, embrace her tightly and ease her sorrow.

  “What do you mean?” Janie hissed with a warning visible in her stance as well as her voice.

  “Amy,” Sam ignored everyone else, focusing solely on the woman he loved. “I'm thrilled we're having a baby, it's just… I've hurt you so much and… well, I just don't want to hurt you anymore – or the little one.”

  Sam's body language expressed his sincere feelings; he looked defeated and exhausted, but everyone could see his love for the girl was real. His appearance melted the hastily erected walls around Amy's heart and gave the doctor an opening to try to encourage more dialogue; not just between the couple, but amongst the entire group.