Loving Lizzy (The Serenity Mountain Series Book 6)

Chapter Fifteen

Kassie held the glass while Lizzy took a sip of water and swallowed the pills.

“When Michael wakes, we’ll head to your bathroom, and I’ll help you wash up. We’ll check the bandages and slip into something more comfortable,” Kassie informed her while she adjusted the tray in front of her. A plate of scrambled eggs, toast and a smoothie. “Don’t feel pressured to eat everything. I know some things don’t go down after surgery.”

“Thanks, it smells delicious. How did you talk Michael into sleeping? I hoped if he thought I slept soundly he might at least doze on the couch. I almost gave up when I heard you knock on the door. I appreciate you coming to the rescue.”

“Our men worry about us. As annoying as it feels sometimes, I try to remember how alone I felt before Chase. I can do everything I did before, but it’s nice to know he watches over my well-being. He gives me room to grow, and sometimes we struggle with him accepting my newfound independence with protecting myself. He’ll get there eventually; I know I scared him a ton of times and he won’t forget it anytime soon.” Kassie moved about the room straightening the items in her bag and folding blankets.

“Did he forgive you for pushing him away? I imagine he did since you two seem inseparable,” Lizzy questioned.

“As soon as I ran into his arms. He cared more about me finding my way back to him,” she confessed.

“Do you think it bothers him though?”

Kassie paused as she considered Lizzy’s question. She shook her head. “No. My experience traumatized me and even though my body healed, my mind took more time. It didn’t happen overnight, and I still attend counseling if things start to overwhelm me. Chase remains my constant person, and knows without a doubt I’ll never leave again. Why do you ask?”

“I left Michael after Conner died, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. Something inside of me snapped when the military informed me they’d arranged his flight home. I knew I didn’t want him to suffer any more than he already had with Conner dying and from his injuries. I let my fears tear me from the only person I loved,” Lizzy regretfully told her.

“Oh honey, he doesn’t hold any doubts, he insists on caring for you by himself. I considered coming over earlier yesterday. I knew by the way he hovered that he needed the time alone with you. Ever since Michael watched over me and Em, he’s always busy with his practice. This move will give him time to settle and enjoy life. Finding you and getting a second chance seems like fate to me.”

She smiled and finished her eggs. “I hope so.”

“Good morning, ladies,” Michael greeted them.

Inspecting him from head to toe, she assured herself he’d gotten some rest.

Flashing a smile her way, he walked toward her and leaned in for a kiss.

“There’s scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in the kitchen with fresh coffee,” She greeted him.

“I smelled the bacon. Did you get any?” he inquired as he went to the kitchen.

“I decided on scrambled eggs and toast. Kassie thawed a smoothie for me and it’s delicious. I’ll be up and pushing your wheelchair around in no time,” she shot him a grin.

Playfully wagging his finger at her, he made a face before disappearing around the corner.

“Michael’s using a wheelchair?” Kassie asked.

“No. I attempted to make him relax yesterday and I succeeded in making him feel uncomfortable,” her voice turned sad.

Kassie rubbed Lizzy’s knee. “Give him time. The woman he loves is hurt and he’s worried. Once he sees you’re on the mend, he’ll relax.”

“I’m ready to head back and get washed up when you’re set.” Lizzy slowly removed the blanket covering her and prepared to get up with Kassie’s assistance.

A loud thud on the coffee table made her jump as Michael rushed to her side.

“What do you think you’re doing? I’ll help you,” he chastised.

Kassie rolled her eyes behind him, making Lizzy stifle a grin.

“She will help me freshen up and wash off. Eat your breakfast while it’s still hot,” she ordered.

“I can help you bathe and dress,” he argued.

Lizzy hesitated. “Kassie’s here and you’re eating. I want to enjoy the all-season room for a bit. After you finish, can you please add pillows to the couch and bring my blanket? And I can’t find my e-reader either.” She searched around her chair as Kassie aided her to a standing position.

Michael stood with his hands on his hips, wearing a frown. “I packed it in the overnight bag. I’ll take it to the sunroom.”

Kassie hung on to her as she crept like an old lady from the living room to their bedroom and finally into the bathroom. Lizzy sat on the vanity chair, completely exhausted.

Giving her a minute to catch her breath, her friend gathered towels and turned on the water to warm. She pulled the body wash from the shower and set it on the sink. She held a special shower cap in her hand.

“Oh, I can’t shower yet,” Lizzy told her confused.

“Samantha made this for you. We put it over your head and massage it. It cleans your hair and smells like tea tree. She’s experimenting.”

“Oh, how lovely, I already resigned myself to dealing with dirty hair. I washed it the night before surgery.” She took the hat and examined it while Kassie filled the sink with hot water. She wet Lizzy’s face and applied a facial cleanser and wiped it off with a cloth. Then she placed the shower cap on her head and began rubbing it.

“I already feel better,” she moaned.

Pulling out a top from a bag and a pair of comfy leggings, Kassie explained, “I’ll give you a few minutes of privacy. Samantha sent these over. She’s an expert at picking sizes and the top buttons in front for access to your drainage tubes, fits loosely and feels soft.”

“You sold me at soft. Do you think they’ll present a problem?” Lizzy asked as Kassie led her over to the toilet.

“Nope, they’re super stretchy. I used them while my leg healed. You’ll want a pair in every color,” she assured her. “I’ll step out. You holler when you’re done. Don’t get up without me. If you need help, I do this for a living, so don’t be embarrassed,” Kassie used her mom voice.

Lizzy rolled her eyes, “Yes, mom.”

She shut the door behind her. When Lizzy finished, she called for her friend. The door immediately opened, and Kassie walked to her side. They made their way back to the vanity.

“I’ll check your bandages and rewrap them if needed. Don’t try to lift your arms, let me do the work,” she instructed.

In no time at all, Lizzy found herself clean and the leggings felt like a dream. She let Kassie slip her arms through the sleeves of the blouse and button it. “This material feels amazing,” she marveled as she rubbed the sleeve with her other hand.

“Samantha has a knack for these things. Ready for some sunshine?” Kassie strolled next to her offering support as Lizzy held the support pillow to her chest.

When they made it to the sunroom, her mouth dropped open in surprise. Michael had moved the second recliner into the area.

“Since the guys gifted us the reclining bed, I figured you might enjoy the chair out here while recuperating. We can always get another one for our room or put this back once you’re healed.” He stood sheepishly in the room with his hands in his pockets.

“I love the idea. If you can grab my computer, we can furniture shop online. This room turned out lovely and I want to search ideas for something comfortable and soothing to keep the vibe.” She scanned the room with a critical eye.

Once settled, her energy felt sapped. Her eyes started to close. “I guess I wore myself out, excuse me.” Lizzy stifled a yawn.

“Rest, your body’s recovering. Chase is on his way down to pick me up,” Kassie adjusted her head pillow and kissed her cheek. The warmth of true friendship like Lizzy had never experienced before, spread through her.

“Thanks,” she murmured as her eyes closed of their own accord.

* * *

Michael greetedChase and let him inside. He picked up Kassie’s bag sitting by the door.

Kassie focused her gaze on him. “Edie sent over chicken salad for lunch. I gave meds at oh seven hundred. She woke up twice and used the bathroom. She drank the smoothie and ate the eggs. Her throat still feels scratchy, keep offering her drinks and ice pops,” she reported.

Michael grinned, “Can’t keep the NP out of ya, huh?”

Giving him a hug she gave last minute instructions, “She’s already asleep, take it easy today and Catherine will show up at eleven. Leave your door unlocked to keep us from knocking.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he agreed as he pulled her into an embrace and squeezed his thanks.

Chase led Kassie out the door and helped her into the truck. Putting away the rest of the breakfast dishes, he checked on his patient. He smiled down at her as he took in the comfortable clothes and her socks peeking out from her blanket. Walking to the edge of the recliner, he stifled a chuckle. ‘If you’re reading this, I kicked cancer’s ass, what’s your superpower?’ was written on the bottom of her feet. Lizzy had found her friends and the tribe surrounded her in support.

Chase remained his best friend after the kidnapping. Now, he maintained a good rapport with the team. Michael wondered what it felt like to have the team of men behind him as they did with Chase. After Kassie and Em’s rescue, he didn’t travel to Serenity like before. He heard bits and pieces about Catherine and Samantha from Chase. Hopefully, this move gave him an opportunity to work on becoming their friend as they had with the love of his life. Right now, she was all that mattered.