Chapter 6
CHAPTER
SIX
Candy angrily stalked her way up to the hospital and headed toward Kassie’s office. The woman met her halfway down the hall.
“Hey, Candy. How did the move go?” she greeted.
“He’s a knucklehead,” Candy blurted. “He needs to see Dr. Hill and talk about his issues. I can’t stand seeing Archer give up.”
“He’s gone through trauma, we can’t even imagine. Then he’s endured several surgeries and an amputation. It’s bound to get anyone down. If anyone can bring him around, it’s you,” she encouraged.
“I’m meeting with Dakota. How long do we have before she goes back into the system?” Candy asked.
Kassie sighed. “I’m working to keep her here a bit longer. She has a temporary prosthesis and can return for the more permanent one. It’ll be a bit tricky unless I can find her another foster family.”
“We’re painting today outside on the patio. Archer needed time alone. I feel guilty taking your money when he’s my…friend.”
“Archer needs someone he trusts, who happens to work here. He’s cancelled his appointments with Dr. Hill. Maybe you can change his mind. It’ll help with his healing process,” Kassie said before entering the nursery.
Candy went to find Dakota, who sat alone in her room. “Hey, girlie. What’s up? Did you come up with some ideas for the posters?”
Dakota fixated on the floor. “Why bother? I won’t be here to enjoy them. The social worker came yesterday and told me about my foster parents' request for me to get placed again. I wish I could stay. I like it here.”
“Oh, girl, I know it’s rough. Let’s go outside and get some fresh air. Annie, Billy, and Kimberly volunteered to help us. You’re here now. Let’s focus on enjoying some time with friends. When the time comes, we’ll handle the rest.”
“Okay,” Dakota agreed, standing and grabbing her jacket. “Won’t it be chilly?”
“The veterans heard we planned to paint out there and set us up with patio heaters. It’ll be nice and cozy while we work,” she assured her.
They walked together until the other teens spotted Dakota. Chatting and giggling like kids their age, she lagged, letting Dakota enjoy the moment with her friends.
“Candace,” Archer called from behind her. She turned and waited for him to catch up. He appeared sheepish as he ran his hand along his jaw. “I apologize for earlier. Instead of holding a grudge, you put our past aside to help me and I threw it in your face. I’m sorry.”
She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “How sorry?”
“Excuse me?” he barked out a laugh.
“If you want to make it up to me, you can help me corral four teens and decorate for the fall festival,” she demanded.
Archer shook his head. “How many jobs do you hold here?”
“I volunteered. Dakota’s a special kid, and I want to see her succeed,” she said firmly. “The staff frequently gives their time because we want them to flourish.”
“Then lead the way.” He waved his arm. “Far be it from me to not apologize by slacking.” He grinned when he saw her visibly relax her shoulders.
They joined the kids outside while they picked the pieces they wanted to work on. Billy cut the shapes, while the girls picked out colors. They assigned Archer to make signs, and Candy helped put items together.
Randy, the kitchen chef, brought out mugs of hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn for them to enjoy.
Archer laughed with the kids as they told him what to write on the signs for the haunted hayride. Dakota scrunched up her sweet face when she messed up one of the projects. “I’m so stupid,” she said, setting down her paintbrush. “Now, I’ve ruined it.”
Archer leaned over. “It’s not. Come here. Let me show you a blending technique.”
Dakota scooted closer and their heads touched while he shaded the lighter color into the darkened area. “Now you try. Keep your strokes light,” he instructed.
Candy involuntarily shivered. She watched as he coached Dakota and then the other kids, who noticed the uniqueness of her piece. Four hours flew by, and she announced they must clean up for the day.
The teens grumbled but picked up. They went inside, ready for the teen movie night.
Dakota stopped and turned toward Archer.
“Thanks for helping me today. And from one stumpy to another, take your meds. If you don’t, the pain will only get worse.
I hate when my invisible foot throbs. I saw you wincing earlier, and you didn’t take anything for it.
Candy and Terry say they don’t give out any medals for stupidity. ”
Candy choked back her giggle and saw how Dakota’s statement affected Archer.
“Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind,” he said, placing the lids on the paint.
“Don’t give up, Archer. You can’t see it now, but it gets better,” Dakota advised with wisdom beyond her years.
When she went inside, he played it cool. “Tell me you didn’t sign up for movie night, too. I didn’t realize how much teenage girls talk. Do they even breathe?”
She laughed. “Come on. You earned my acceptance of your apology. Thanks for doing such a great job with Dakota.”
“She’s a sweet kid. What happened to her?” he asked.
“HIPAA laws require me to keep my mouth shut. Did you bring your meds? You’re past due for them,” she said, reminding him of Dakota’s advice while opening the door for him.
Archer scowled as he rolled down the ramp. “I’ll take it when I return.”
“Fine,” she said, walking the path to the cabins. “While you’re at it, you can reschedule your appointment with Dr. Hill. Once your meds kick in, we’ll do PT.”
“I did it with Terry already,” he scowled.
“Then, we can get you into a shower when we return to the cabin,” she said, ignoring him.
“I’ll wash myself,” he retorted, pushing his chair past her.
Candy smiled, seeing his anger. She planned to use it to her advantage, knowing from the past that the angrier he got, the more he’d try to prove her wrong.
They entered the cabin, and she went directly to the kitchen, removing his pills. Then Candy filled a glass of water and held it out to him.
“I don’t like taking this crap. It makes me woozy,” he grumbled.
“Archer, it’s only temporary,” she soothed. “It’ll help with your healing, and it allows you to move better. I’ll massage the area, and it’ll help with circulation. Do you want to tell me what’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “You’ll think I’m crazy.”
“Try me,” she encouraged, watching him fidget with his leg.
Archer hesitated. “My missing foot itches and throbs. Sounds stupid, right?”
“No. It doesn’t. Many veterans feel their missing limbs. I’ll be right back,” she said, leaving the room. A few minutes later, she returned with a mirror box in her hands and set it on the floor. She removed his socks and shoe and adjusted his feet. “Now scratch your foot,” she said.
He stared at the image of his limb and leaned down to scratch it, relieving the constant agony. “It works,” he said in wonder.
“It tricks your brain. See, you can do anything if you remember we’re a team,” she reminded him. “Now, we can get you into a shower.”
He glanced away. “I can’t do it alone. There’s no way you’re helping me.”
“Ahhh,” Candy said. “I recall you had no problem skinny dipping with me, but you’ve suddenly turned shy. I’ll call Patch to help you.”
“I don’t want a man to wash my junk,” he sneered. “I’ll wash in the sink.”
“Oh, you prefer another woman over me,” she goaded. “I get it.”
“Damn it, Candace. Can you drop it? You saw me as a whole man then, not like…this.”
“Like what?” she asked. “I assure you, I’ve seen everything. I won’t be washing your junk. Your foot’s gone, not your hands.”
“Do you know how difficult this is for me?” he demanded.
“You came here for a reason, Archer. You asked for me specifically, and now you refuse to let me help you,” Candy shot at him.
“It was before I…”
“Before you lost a part of yourself. Did you listen to Dr. Hill at all before the surgery? Do you recall him mentioning grieving or depression?”
“I didn’t think it’d matter to me. I made it out alive, and it feels ungrateful to bitch about a missing foot,” he whispered.
Candy knelt and pushed the meds toward him.
“The situation sucks, but I’m glad you’re here.
There’s no judgment on how you process this, but I’ll stay on your tail about the rest. Counseling will help you work through all your feelings.
These people know what they’re doing and I know how to get you on your… feet.”
He rolled his eyes at her pun. “You hate me.”
“Hate’s a strong word. Plus, you’re growing on me. Staying with you has reminded me of the fun times before my disastrous wedding,” she admitted.
His hand reached out, taking the meds, and then he cupped her cheek. “If I only knew how to earn your forgiveness for my part in it,” he murmured. Their eyes met, and he leaned in, smelling her sweet scent of jasmine.
“How about we get you into your bathroom?” she breathed.
He slowly wheeled backward, enjoying how she softened at his touch.
They entered his bathroom, and Candy moved to the shower, warming the seat. Feeling awkward, he unbuttoned his shirt and glanced at her. Her lips parted and her tongue darted out, nervously swiping across her lip. Archer wondered if she felt as unbalanced as he did.
Candy appeared calm while he undressed and transferred to the chair. She draped a towel over his private parts while she knelt and covered his stub. “Have you checked the incision today?”
“I’ll change the dressing when we finish,” he murmured.
“I’ll help you. You must be tired after this afternoon,” she said, stepping into the shower.
“You’ll get wet,” he argued, sitting in the shower chair.
“It’s a good thing I live here,” she teased, wetting his hair and squirting shampoo in her hand and rubbing it into his scalp.
Archer moaned. “I’m done fighting you, this feels too damn good.”
Candy glanced down at his closed eyes while she rinsed his hair, added conditioner.
She took the body wash and squeezed some into her hands.
The earthy scent filled the shower as she massaged it into his shoulders and down his back.
Admiring his muscles, she couldn’t resist running her hands down his arms.
Archer wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her closer to capture her mouth in a sweet, soft kiss. She shuddered and touched her forehead to his.
“Archer,” she whispered. “What are we doing?”
“Enjoying the moment,” he said gently. “It’s the first time I’ve felt alive since the accident.”
“It won’t be the last,” she promised, slowly withdrawing. “Let’s get started on getting you--”
“On my feet,” he finished softly.