8. Jason
I couldn’t leaveher here, alone. It was too soon, the wounds still too raw.
I’ve been here for two days and a night, watching Roni lay in the hospital bed, tubes and wires going all over the place. She’d made it through surgery. She’d lost a fair amount of blood, had some muscle damage that had to be repaired, and the knife tip put a nice nick in her femur.
All in all, her injuries were not as bad as they could have been. The asshole missed major arteries which means we didn’t lose her. I was grateful for that.
Thanks to the doctors, she would make a full recovery. Though that recovery was going to be rough. They’d already mentioned physical therapy to aid her through the healing process. I’d take her to any appointment, any doctor—as long as she was able to be herself. To be the woman that I fell in love with.
Yes, I said the L word. Sad that it took a tragic event to admit the feelings were there—real.
I took her hand and brought it to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles before resting my forehead against our clasped hands. I wasn’t sure what to do next, other than be here, show her with my actions and tell her with my words what she meant to me.
A soft knock on the door had my head coming up. The nurse came in, her cart taking up the doorway. She and I shared a few words while she worked. Taking vital readings, checking and changing saline bags.
This would be our life for another day or two, until they could regulate Roni’s pain meds. Seemed she’s needing too much of them which makes her a zombie, but if she doesn’t use enough, then she’s in so much pain that her BP spikes, and they have to dope her up again. It hurt to watch her suffer. It’s tearing me apart, and there is not a damn thing I can do to help her.
“Daddy…” The small whisper had my head coming up. Kenzie and Cora slipped around the nurse’s cart, Bones on their heels. They both looked at Roni lying in the bed, and their frowns deepened.
“Hey, come here, girls.” I hugged them to me for a moment then let them take a seat. Cora climbed up on the bed beside Roni, taking the hand I had released. Kenz got in my lap, laying her head against my shoulder.
“She’s going to be okay. Don’t let the scary wires and the IV’s worry you none,” the nurse said, giving them both a genuine, kind smile.
“What’s her mood today?” Bones smiled. “Grumpy with a side of snark? Or better yet, a little sass and a lot of snark?” His teasing had the girls giggling. I was grateful.
“How about,” Roni started, her eyes slowly opening, “grumpy with a side of starving.”
“Aunt Roni!” Cora laid against her chest and hugged her.
“Hey, sweet girl. I’m okay, like the nice nurse said. I can’t wait to get out of here and sleep in my own bed. And eat all the good foods; I could eat a horse.”
“Would you settle for just a piece of the cow and a few potatoes?” Bones held up the big bag in his hand.
“I’ve never been so happy to see a Whataburger bag in my life.” She chuckled slightly. I reached for the cup of water on her tray and held it out to Cora. She knew what to do. She helped Roni take a much-needed drink.
“All looks good here. I’ll update the doctor, and he’ll be around to see you in a few hours. If you need anything, hun, just press the blue call button.”
The nurse left, and I helped Bones put the food out on the tray and then got everyone settled with a burger. This was what family was for. When you were down, worry and guilt swamping you, they came in with cheeseburgers, fries, and free entertainment.
But having Roni here, awake, alert, and ready to start her healing journey—that was simply priceless.
Two weeks ago, I thought my life could be over. I was outnumbered, under-gunned, and simply put, up shit creek without a paddle or a boat.
Thankfully, I had guardian angels with me. I never would have imagined that I’d owe my life to quick-thinking eight-year-olds.
When trouble struck, they knew enough to get themselves away, call for help, and then to stay out of the way. I’m lucky—blessed—and so overjoyed to have these girls in my life. Kenzie and her quick thinking are the reason we all made it out of the park alive. She held a piece of my heart before the camping trip from hell, and now, she owned the whole thing.
I’ll never be able to repay what Jason and his—our—friends did. They’d come in, put the situation to rest, and got us all home. I may have a busted-up leg, needing to walk on crutches and in pain, but I’m alive. That’s the best feeling in the world.
As I got ready for an awards ceremony at the school for the girls, my heart was so beyond full.
A few nights after the incident in the park where I was stabbed, I was cleared and released from the hospital. The pain management was tough, but to be honest, I’d lied and said it was managed when in reality, it wasn’t. I was ready to go home—it was a simple lie. It only hurt me in the end. I knew in the long run that after a day or two at home, it would be fine. And it was.
I’d come expecting to go in and straight to bed, but I found a yard full of friendly faces ready to greet me with hugs, food, and love.
Cora, Kenzie, Bree, and Gwen were the first that I hugged super tight. They’d been so brave with everything that had transpired. My worry and guilt—even though I was told they were fine—had eaten away at me. I’d taken them out into the wilderness for a simple camping and learning experience, and it had ended with me bleeding and passed out. For going through something like that, they seemed to be adjusting. They were smiling, running around, and being kids. Being themselves. That’s all any of us could ask for. I was sure they would all relive that night in their nightmares though; I sure as shit was.
But we had family close to help us through it. I’ve never been more grateful for that.
Today, the girls were being honored for their quick wit and outstanding bravery on the night of the incident. The Governor, the Park Rangers, and the General on base were surprising them at the school. They’d be honored before their classmates, teachers, and family.
The teachers and staff had been more than willing to help set up the assembly. It was a way to remind everyone that something good came from something bad. My little heroes would forever have this day to reflect on and know they’d truly made a difference in someone’s life. A life they’d helped save.
It also meant I got to see Jason and his team in their dress uniforms. Bonus. Talk about a girl’s wet dreams coming true. Rawr! There was nothing on God’s green earth sexier than a man in uniform. Not one damn thing. Fight me!
Strong arms wrapped around me from behind, and I melted into his warm embrace.
“Almost ready? We don’t want to be late,” he whispered, pressing soft kisses along my neck.
“Hmm…if you keep that up, we will be late.” Just like we had been two days ago for my doctor’s appointment. It had only been a make-out session and light petting, but let me tell you, that man…he would probably kill me in bed.
I think on some psychotic level, I was more than ready for it to happen. Don’t judge me, I’m weak for him.
“Don’t tease me with a good time.”
I chuckled, pushing back against him. “Enough of that. It’s the girls’ big day, not the day you get in my panties.” I turned on my good foot, wobbling slightly.
“Whoa, what do you need, other than your crutches?”
“My top…” I motioned to the fact that I was only in a bra and skirt.
“Oh yeah, guess that would help.” His wicked grin came out to play, and I had to ignore it. This man. “Too bad. I kinda like this view. Those perfect tits, your lean body…”
“And so would every other male in the school. That’s not happening, tiger, gimme my top.”
His scowl made me grin. It was his own fault. He’s been unstoppable since I got home. Bossy, bossy, and oh yeah, bossy. But all in a good way. He’s all but carried me where I need to go. Helped me around the house. The man does laundry, cleans, and he’s an amazing cook. Total package, ladies, and all mine!
I’d pretend that any of this bothered me, but it would be a complete lie. We’ve been fighting feelings for so long, it’s a relief to finally have them out in the open. Kenzie and Cora are over the moon that we’ve taken this next step. Their united “it’s about time” sealed the deal.
We were moving slowly in the intimacy department; sore leg aside, I needed to wrap my head around all of this. Being in a relationship in general is hard at times. I didn’t want to do something to screw this up. Good thing was, he already knew my good side, the bad side, and the PMSing side. He’s not run for the hills yet, so there’s hope.
I just couldn’t imagine my life being any different right now. I was happy, in love with the sexiest man alive, and best of all, I didn’t have to ever let that change.
He’s mine—signed, sealed, and delivered.