Rescuing Mary

by Susan Stoker

  “I appreciate you asking, and not making up some lame excuse or resorting to theatrics to get your way.”

  Mary simply nodded and left, not telling the other woman how close she’d come to doing just that.

  As she headed quickly for her car, Mary couldn’t help but think about what her friend was going through. Driving like a bat out of hell toward the hospital, she called Truck.

  “Hey, Mare,” Truck said as he answered.

  “Hi. Emily’s at the hospital. She started bleeding this morning and Fletch called an ambulance.”

  “Shit. Where are you?”

  “I’m on my way.”

  “Slow down.”

  Mary blinked in surprise. “How do you know I’m speeding?”

  “Because I know you. Just take a deep breath and try to relax. You getting there three minutes faster isn’t going to change anything. I’d rather you slowed down and got there safely.”

  Now Mary was blinking back the tears that had formed in her eyes. How like Truck to be more worried about her than Emily. Sure, Rayne and the others cared about her and wanted her to be careful, but Truck’s caring was different. “Okay. Are you coming?”

  “Of course I’m coming,” Truck said, sounding exasperated now. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “I just…all the women are going to be there. And Annie’s already there. I know it’s all still kinda weird for you, and I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable being around everyone at the same time.”

  “Are you going to be there?”

  “Uh…yeah. I already told you I was on my way.”

  “Then I’m going to be there,” Truck said with conviction.

  His words settled in her stomach and spread throughout her body with a warmth she’d never felt before.

  She wanted to tell him that she loved him. That no one had cared about her as much as he did in her entire life, but she couldn’t. She physically couldn’t say the words. Saying them opened herself up to being hurt, and Mary wouldn’t do that. Couldn’t.

  Clearing her throat to try to push away the urge to cry, Mary said, “I know you don’t like hospitals. I’ll be okay.”

  “I need to jump in the shower real quick,” Truck said, ignoring her attempt at giving him an out. “I was working out when you called, but I’ll be there in half an hour or so. If something happens, call me.”

  “I will,” Mary said, happier than she could put into words that he was coming.

  “Drive safe, baby. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ve missed you.”

  Mary smiled. “It’s only been like a day and a half since we’ve seen each other.”

  “A day and a half too long. Later.”

  “Bye, Truck.”

  Mary clicked off the Bluetooth on her steering wheel and shook her head. She missed Truck too. It was crazy. She was independent, had always lived by herself. But she’d gotten used to having him around before his accident. His presence in her life made her feel calmer, less defensive about the world in general. They used to sit together in the same room and not even talk, which was peaceful, and Mary would catch herself looking up every now and then, just to make sure he was still there.

  He was comforting. Generous. Relaxing. But more than that, he made her feel safe. Growing up, she’d hadn’t felt that way. She never knew if the uncles would try to get in her room and treat her like they did her mama. Once she was eighteen and kicked out of the house, she didn’t feel safe because she didn’t have a place to live. And even after finding space of her own, none of her apartments had ever felt completely safe. Maybe that was a result of her upbringing, maybe it was because she was a single woman. But she’d gotten used to the feeling.

  Being with Truck made her feel as though she didn’t need to look over her shoulder. She didn’t need to get up and check to make sure the door was locked, because he’d already done it. She didn’t need to worry about pulling the curtains, because Truck closed them as soon as it got dark outside. He slept on the side of the bed that was closest to the door, putting himself between her and anyone who might enter.

  He had his faults. He was too bossy. Too used to getting his way. He hogged the remote and had a habit of blowing his nose in the shower, which was just disgusting. But those were all little things. Everything else he did more than made up for his quirks. Besides, Mary knew she had way more annoying habits than he did…and he put up with all of them.

  Ten minutes later, Mary pulled into the hospital lot. She hurried toward the entrance and took a deep breath before entering. After all she’d been through, she really didn’t like hospitals. They brought back so many bad memories, but she pushed through them, knowing Annie was inside and worried about her mom and her little sibling.

  Without bothering to ask the receptionist where she should go, Mary headed for the elevator. She remembered where the obstetrics waiting room was from when she’d come here after Kassie had her baby, but this time she was alone in the elevator.

  After arriving on the correct floor, Mary strode toward the waiting area. This time it wasn’t filled with happy, laughing people. The second she entered, Annie popped out of the chair she’d been sitting in and ran over to her, throwing her arms around Mary’s waist and burying her face in her belly.

  Mary rocked back on a foot, but immediately clamped her arms around the little girl’s shoulders. “Hey, Annie.”

  She mumbled something in her belly, but didn’t raise her head.

  Looking around, Mary saw Rayne, Beatle, Wendy, and Harley.

  “You call Truck?” Beatle asked.

  Mary nodded. “He was going to jump in the shower then come over. He said about thirty minutes about fifteen minutes ago.”

  Beatle nodded.

  “Truck’s comin’?” Annie asked.

  Mary ran her hand over the little girl’s mussed hair and nodded. “Yeah, he’s on his way.”

  “Good.”

  Mary shuffled over to one of the chairs with Annie still holding on to her. She sat on a chair that didn’t have any arms and lifted Annie so she was sitting sideways on her lap. It was a little awkward, as Annie wasn’t exactly a tiny thing anymore. “Any word?” Mary asked Rayne as everyone sat back down.

  She shook her head. “They took her back to do a C-section a bit ago. Fletch is in there with her.”

  Mary wanted to ask more. Wanted all the details. But wouldn’t while Annie was there. The last thing she wanted was for the little girl to hear something scary about her mom.

  As the minutes went by, the room filled up. Ghost and the other guys got there, obviously having finished with their meeting on post. Hollywood was there, even though Kassie was still at home. When Truck entered the room, he made a beeline for Mary and Annie.

  Crouching down in front of them, he put one hand behind Annie’s back and he palmed the side of Mary’s neck with the other.

  Mary felt surrounded by him. His fresh, clean scent wafted up to her nostrils and she inhaled deeply.

  “How’re my girls?” he asked softly.

  He’d come straight to them. Hadn’t said hello to his teammates first. Hadn’t stopped to greet anyone else. His gaze had swept the room looking for her and he had come straight over when he’d found her.

  “Hangin’ in there,” Mary said in a shaky voice.

  “Why’s it takin’ so long?” Annie asked, her lower lip trembling.

  Truck stood then reached down and took Mary’s hand in his. He helped her stand, and sat down on the seat where she’d been. Then he tugged Mary down onto his lap. She was still holding Annie, and she wobbled a bit trying to get situated. But she wasn’t going to fall, no way. Not while Truck was near.

  He held her steady and Mary leaned back against him, trusting him to keep both her and Annie safe. Annie curled into a little ball in Mary’s lap.

  “Having babies is a long process,” Truck said softly. “And the doctors are taking the best care they can with your mom and your new baby si
bling.”

  “Brother,” Annie said defiantly. “Baby brother.”

  Truck chuckled and Mary felt it rumble through her.

  “Sorry. Brother.”

  Annie fell silent, and Mary couldn’t think of anything to say to Truck that wouldn’t upset the girl. So the three of them sat curled up together in silence. Ten minutes later, Annie was snoring slightly in Mary’s lap.

  “Is she heavy? Do you need me to take her?” Truck asked quietly in her ear.

  Mary shook her head. “She’s okay.”

  “What’s going on? Any new news?”

  “No.”

  “This feels familiar, but not,” Truck said out of the blue.

  Mary lifted her head and stared at him. They were practically nose to nose now. “How so?” she asked.

  “Being here in this room with all the guys…and even the women too. But it’s different somehow.”

  “You were here when Kassie had her baby,” Mary said softly, not sure she was doing the right thing, but forging ahead anyway. She’d been sharing little things like this with Truck over the last two weeks, and he hadn’t seemed to be any worse for the wear as a result. “But everyone was laughing and happy that Kate was born healthy. Hollywood was passing out cigars, and even Annie was here.”

  “Hmmmm,” Truck mused. “I’m not sure that’s what seems familiar.”

  “Then what?”

  “I think it’s the smell of this place. It doesn’t bring back good feelings. It’s as if I’ve spent a lot of time here, and the second I walked into the hospital I felt a sense of dread.”

  Mary’s stomach lurched. Could he be remembering the times he came with her to get chemo and radiation? She bit her lip.

  “Mary?”

  “Yeah?”

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Now isn’t really the time or place.”

  “This isn’t because of my amnesia, is it?” Truck asked with crazy insight.

  Mary opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a doctor appearing in the doorway. “Are you all here for Emily Fletcher?”

  Choruses of “yes” responded and the doctor held up his hand. Mary wanted to wake Annie up, but didn’t want her to hear bad news from a doctor…if it was bad news. She’d break it to the little girl later if she had to.

  “Emily is fine.”

  “And her baby?” Rayne asked, wringing her hands.

  “Also fine. He’s a bit premature, so we’re keeping him in the NICU for monitoring for now as a precaution. But he’s big, which was part of the issue, so we think he’ll be all right.”

  “I knew it was a boy,” Mary said, smiling up at Truck.

  As everyone began talking at once around them, Truck didn’t take his eyes from Mary’s. “A boy,” he said softly.

  Mary could only nod.

  Then Truck leaned toward her slowly. Mary licked her lips in anticipation. When his lips touched hers, Mary melted.

  She leaned toward him, trusting him to keep her safe on his lap, as she couldn’t hold on because her hands were full with a sleeping Annie. She felt the arm around her back tighten as he tilted his head and deepened the kiss.

  Right there in front of all their friends, Truck claimed her. That was the only way to explain it. He didn’t seem to give one shit that everyone could see them. He devoured her mouth as if he’d never have it again, and Mary reciprocated. She’d always been a bit reserved with him, not wanting to lead him on, but right then, Mary didn’t care. She loved Truck. Loved him as she’d never loved anyone before. As she’d never love anyone like this again. She wanted this man by her side for all time.

  After a long moment, Truck pulled back abruptly. He was breathing heavily, and if Mary wasn’t mistaken, she could feel his thick, hard cock under her ass. She licked her lips again and tasted Truck there. She felt her libido return with a vengeance. She wanted this man. Was desperate to feel him deep inside her.

  “What’s going on?” Annie asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

  Mary jerked in surprise. She hadn’t even heard the noise around them, she’d been so focused on Truck.

  He smiled at her obvious befuddlement and ran a hand over Annie’s head. “Looks like you have a new baby brother.”

  “Really?” she asked, sitting straight up and almost clipping Mary’s chin in the process.

  “Really,” Truck confirmed.

  Annie leaped off Mary’s lap, almost sending her tumbling to the floor. Only Truck’s hand on her back kept Mary from falling.

  “Yipee!” Annie yelled, jumping up and down. “IknewitIknewitIknewit!”

  Mary smiled at the little girl’s enthusiasm.

  “When can I meet him? I want to show him my Army man. Oh no, I left him at home! Rayne, I need to go home and get my Army man so I can show him to my brother!”

  “You’ll have time to do that later,” Rayne said, grinning from ear to ear.

  “A brother,” Annie said a little more sedately. “I’m so happy.” Then she burst into tears.

  Rayne gathered her up in her arms and beamed at Mary.

  “I have no idea how I could’ve forgotten that beautiful little girl,” Truck said into her ear. “But more importantly, I have no idea how I could’ve forgotten how it feels to have my mouth on yours. To feel you squirming in my lap like you were earlier.”

  Mary knew she was blushing, but she had to be honest with him. “It hasn’t been like that between us before.”

  Truck didn’t respond verbally, but instead raised one of his eyebrows in question.

  “It’s…complicated,” Mary finished lamely.

  Truck’s hand ran up and down her arm in a gentle caress. “It doesn’t feel complicated now.”

  Mary shook her head. “No, it doesn’t.”

  She would’ve said more, but just then a voice rang out above the boisterous celebration in the room.

  “Mary?”

  Mary turned toward the voice—and froze. Literally every muscle in her body clenched.

  “What’s wrong?” Truck asked urgently, obviously having felt the tension in her limbs.

  “Nothing, I’ll be right back.”

  Mary awkwardly climbed off Truck’s lap and made her way toward the nurse standing in the doorway to the waiting room. “Hey, Donna. How are you?”

  “I’m good. The question is, how are you?”

  “Fine.” She gestured toward the room. “I’m here because my friend just had her baby. There were complications and she had a C-section, but the doctor just told us that she and her baby are fine.”

  “Awesome,” Donna said. “You missed your appointment.”

  Mary grimaced. She knew she had. She was supposed to come back and talk to her doctor about the reconstruction surgery. She had to make a decision on what to do, but she’d skipped the appointment because of everything happening with Truck. If she was honest with herself, she’d been glad to have an excuse to ditch it. She had no idea what to do and didn’t want to even think about it.

  “What appointment?” a deep voice asked from behind her.

  Mary pressed her lips together in annoyance and spun around to face Truck. “Nothing.”

  “Doesn’t sound like nothing if you skipped an appointment with a doctor,” he said, frowning.

  “I’ll call to reschedule,” Mary told Donna, then turned her back on her and grabbed Truck by the arm and towed him away from the other woman. The last thing she wanted was Donna blurting out what the appointment was for, or anything else about her cancer. She hadn’t gotten up the courage to tell Truck about that yet, and she didn’t want him learning about it now.

  “Mary, talk to me,” Truck said as he allowed her to move him away from the doorway and off to the side of the room.

  “It’s not important.”

  “Everything about you is important,” Truck said in an intense voice, leaning closer to her.

  Mary didn’t know how to respond. She simply stared up at him.

 
“You’re not going to tell me,” he said in surprise after a moment.

  Mary shook her head.

  “Out of everyone, you’ve been the most honest with me from the start. You got on Ghost’s back for keeping shit from me. You’ve told me bits and pieces here and there, giving me my life back, and now you’re keeping something from me?”

  “It has nothing to do with you,” Mary told him, knowing the bitch was creeping back into her tone, but she couldn’t help it. This was too soon. She was enjoying being normal with Truck. She didn’t want that to end. Not yet.

  Truck took a step back at her words. “Nothing to do with me? Everything that affects you has to do with me,” he said, sincerity lacing his words.

  “You’ve only known me a few weeks,” Mary said lamely.

  “Bullshit,” Truck fired back. “We’ve known each other a hell of a lot longer than that. I might not remember details, but I know it here,” he said, putting a hand over his heart. “Talk to me.”

  “Now’s not the time,” Mary told him.

  “Then when is?”

  “I don’t know!” Mary yelled—then paled when the conversation in the room died down. She looked around and saw that everyone was looking at them. Great, just great.

  Feeling trapped, Mary fell back to her old ways. She did what she always did when things got too intense. She retreated behind the shields she’d put up and spoke without thinking.

  “I’d think you have enough to worry about with your own health issues,” she said. “Your headaches aren’t going away. In fact, they’re getting worse. Have you talked to your doctor about that, huh? What about your commander? You can’t go back to work if your head feels like it’s gonna explode, can you?”

  She could see Truck’s jaw flexing as if he was grinding his teeth together. She flinched, realizing that she probably shouldn’t have outted him like she had. No, she didn’t want to talk about her missed appointment, but she also didn’t want to throw him under the bus in the process.

  “Your head’s been hurting?” Beatle asked.

  “Shit, Truck. That’s not good,” Ghost added.

  “The last thing you want is to lose any more of your memory,” Coach added.

  Truck glared at Mary before turning to his friends and holding up his hands. “Easy, everyone. I’m fine. The doc said I’d continue to have some pain for a while. It’s not as bad as Mary’s makin’ it out to be.”