" Claire, you know my mom Anne, and this is our father Henry Sr., dad this is Claire, Henry's ah...friend and personal assistant", Sebastian murmured. He still had his arm around Claire's shoulders.
Henry Sr.'s eyes softened and warmed as he stood to greet her. He started forward, his hands outstretched, " So this is the girl that finally stole Henry's heart, huh?", he said, his voice warm and loving.
Claire frowned as he took her hands and kissed her knuckles. Sebastian snorted behind her and mumbled something like " Yeah, but the idiot never told her".
" You're beautiful, no wonder Henry loves you so", Henry Sr. smiled softly, bringing a gentle hand up to cup her chin. " Don't worry sweetheart, everything will be okay", he whispered, brushing away the tears that started to fall.
Claire didn't know what to say. But she loved the man instantly. And now she knew where his sons got their handsome good looks from. Henry Sr. was gorgeous for an older man. His gentle smile and the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes just added to his charm. His hair was white and he was probably as tall as his sons.
" Come in and sit with us sweetheart, Henry tells me you have a son?", Henry Sr. asked, leading her over to the couch, sat her down then sat next to her.
Claire cleared her throat, " Um yes, Ethan, he's two"
" Henry loves him to death, talks about him all the time", Henry Sr. smiled, showing off his dimples that matched Henry's.
Claire nodded, getting choked up again. " Yeah, they really have grown close over the past few months"
Sebastian went over and sat with his mother, who was watching Claire. Claire had no idea what she was thinking because she hid it well. But the last time they'd been in the same room, they hadn't gotten along.
" Where is your son now?", Anne asked, her eyes narrowing on Claire from across the room.
" He's with my father, who watches him every Monday, Wednesday and Friday", Claire answered.
" What about Tuesday and Thursday?", Anne asked, eyebrow lifted in challenge.
" Daycare, he needs socialization time with other kids", Claire snapped, she now understood where Anne was going with the line of questioning. She was trying to find out if Ethan's father was in the picture. But now was not the time for it.
" Darling please, don't start", Henry Sr. chided his wife, giving her a sharp look.
Anne glared at him for a moment before pursing her lips and turning away. Sebastian gave Claire an apologetic look. What the hell was her problem? Did she not want her sons to have any women in their lives. Good thing Claire didn't give a shit about what she thought. But she could see how other women would just walk away, not wanting to be with a man because his mother was a bitch.
A phone rang, cutting through the tension like a knife. Sebastian jumped up and ran for the cordless phone, snatching it off the end table and smashing the call button. " Hello?!", he answered, panicked.
His eyes darted around, landing on each person in the room while he listened. Quinn and Christian came rushing in from the kitchen, both looking anxious. Claire watched as Sebastian asked " Are you sure it's him?", then whatever answer he got make him burst into tears. He pressed his fist to his mouth. Quinn gripped his shoulder as Sebastian dropped to his knees.
Claire covered her mouth and nose with her hands. She hated seeing Sebastian like that. Was it bad news that brought him to his knees? Or good? Sebastian choked out a "Thank You", then hung up. He dropped the phone and covered his face with both hands as he sobbed. Quinn bent over him, now holding Sebastian by both shoulders.
" Sebastian?", Quinn prompted, wanting to know what was going on.
" They found him, he's alive", Sebastian cried.
Relief smashed into Claire. Her whole body started to shake as the rest of the room erupted into cries of joy and tears. Henry Sr. wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze and a kiss on the temple. Then he got up and went to his wife.
After everyone calmed down some, Sebastian relayed what the police told him. They found Henry clinging to his seat/floatation device floating about a mile down the river, the current having swept him away. Other then a mild concussion, some bruised ribs and being wet, he was fine and once he finished his statement, they were going to bring him home. The police were utterly dumbfounded that he wasn't killed or at least seriously injured. It was a miracle.
Chapter 10
Henry's ribs protested as the police cruiser came to a stop out front of his house. He stifled a groan and waited for the police officer to come around and let him out. He thanked the guy and shook his hand before starting up the walkway. He could make out the walkway but it was blurry since he lost his contacts during the crash. He was about halfway to the front door when it opened and his family poured out. His mother reached him first, of course. His mother refused to let his hand go as he hugged his father and brothers. All of them with tears in their eyes.
Henry blinked away his own tears. He just had the most horrendous experience of his life and it had shaken him to his core. He wanted to get inside his house and call Claire, who was probably a mess. He just let go of Christian, who moved to the side, revealing a blurry Claire who was standing behind everyone, tears streaming down her gorgeous face. Henry started forward but was stopped by his mother's grip tightening on his hand.
Henry turned to look at her, " Mom, let me go", he said, frowning.
His mother stared at him for a moment, glanced at Claire, then back at him before slowly releasing his hand. Henry clenched his jaw. He didn't want to be mad at his mother right now. Why did she have to be so difficult? His father slipped his arm around his wife's shoulder and gave Henry a nod.
Henry spun back around and went to Claire, who let out a heart-wrenching sob before flinging her arms around his neck. Henry ignored the pain in his ribs and enveloped her in his arms. He tucked his face into her neck and just cried, unable to hold it back anymore. He had been so scared that he was never going to see her again. As the plane was going down, she was the only one he could think of. And Ethan. Oh god, that little angel's face had flashed before his eyes and Henry swore that he was the only reason that he was alive. He had been spared for a reason. To take care of the one woman and child who meant everything to him.
Henry lifted his head to look down at Claire, tears making his vision even blurrier. He couldn't stop the wince. His ribs were really painful. He refused to go to the hospital. The paramedics had checked him out, said that he had a mild concussion, some bruised or cracked ribs on his right side and that was it. They gave him some scrubs to change into and had him sign a release form.
Claire released him with a gasp. " Oh Henry, your ribs! I'm sorry!"
Henry shook his head and thrust his fingers into her hair, cupping her head, " I don't give a shit about my ribs", he said roughly before lowering his mouth to hers.
Claire sucked in a sharp breath through her nose when their lips met. Yeah, she felt it too. The connection. The electricity. The love. Her lips parted, letting him deepen the kiss. Just like the last time they kissed, the world fell away and it was just the two of them standing there. Henry's heart pounded. Claire tasted so sweet and she kissed him with such passion. Her hands clutched the front of his shirt.
Henry used his hands that were tangled in her silky hair to tilt her head. Their kiss turned desperate and needy. He never wanted to let her go. Distantly, he heard someone suggest they give them some time alone before he heard the click of the front door shutting.
Too soon, Henry had to end the kiss. He couldn't breath good to begin with and he couldn't keep kissing Claire without passing out from lack of oxygen. He kissed her softly on the lips a few times before pulling back to gaze down at her. Being this close, he could see her blue eyes were puffy and red from crying.
" I thought I lost you", She whispered, swallowing hard.
Henry closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers, " I was so scared", he breathed.
" I can only imagine", Claire breathed, her
hand coming up to touch his face.
" Will you stay with me tonight?", Henry croaked, feeling like a pussy for not wanting to be alone. Sebastian had found a job and an apartment a couple weeks ago, so he wouldn't be there.
" Of course", Claire said softly, her hand cupping his cheek.
" Does you're dad have Ethan?", Henry asked, opening his eyes and pulling his head back to look at her. She was so beautiful.
Claire nodded, " Yeah, I'm sure he will be fine with staying overnight"
Henry nodded.
" I need to call him anyway to tell him you're okay", Claire said softly, her eyes never leaving his.
Henry nodded again then leaned down and kissed her again, just a tender meeting of lips. This changed everything. Henry's whole perspective on life. He had so much to say to Claire, but he wanted them to be completely alone.
Henry took Claire's hand and led her into the house. His family was sitting in the living room, waiting patiently. Sebastian handed him his glasses, somehow knowing he needed them. Then he gave him a smile that pretty much said "It's about damn time". Henry just rolled his eyes. His mother was eyeing Claire like she was a nasty cold sore that she couldn't get rid of. Something was going to have to be done about that. But again, that would have to be addressed later.
Henry's father on the other hand had nothing but love in his green eyes, for both Henry and Claire. Quinn sat on the couch with Christian and Sebastian looking relieved. As did Christian. Although he looked a little green around the gills. Christian always did have a weak stomach. Every time he got overly worked up about something he was either puking or shitting. Mostly puking. Anxiety was not his friend.
" I don't know about all of you, but I really don't want to talk about what happened right now", Henry sighed, raking a hand through his hair.
" That's alright sweetheart, you talk when your ready", his mother said immediately, rushing to him and taking his face in her hands. " We're just so relieved that you're okay", she said, then pulled him down to kiss his forehead.
Anne turned to his father and brothers, " Why don't you guys go on home, I'm going to stay with Henry and make sure he's comfortable", she said, turning back around to stare at Claire.
" Thanks mom, but I'm fine. I need to get a shower and take something to ease the pain in my ribs, I'm probably just going to crawl in bed and watch some tv, and Claire is going to stay with me", Henry said, silently begging his mother not to argue.
Her eyes snapped over to his. And they were angry. Shiiiit. " You're MY son and I almost lost you today! How dare you ask her to stay over me!", she squawked.
Henry reeled in his temper, not wanting to upset his mother more then he already has. " I understand that mom..."
" Obviously you don't!", She snapped.
Christian muttered something about he was gonna be sick and fled from the room. Sebastian was standing by the window, arms folded over his chest, shaking his head. Henry could see that he was annoyed. Quinn's face was unreadable as he sat quietly on the couch, watching. His father was also still sitting, taking in the whole situation like he always did. And he remained silent, like he always did.
" I gave birth to you! I have been here your whole life! I should be the one to take care of you after almost loosing you! Not her!", Anne shouted, pointing at Claire, who was standing wide eyed at Henry's side.
Henry pinched the bridge of his nose. How could he explain this to her without hurting her? Jesus Christ. It was impossible.
" That's it Anne! I've had enough!", Henry Sr. snapped as he shot up from the couch.
Everyone turned to stare at him in shock, including Anne. " Henry?", she asked, confused.
" For Christ's sake Anne, can't you see the man wants the kind of comfort from Claire that he can't get from you! You need to let these boys go. They can take care of themselves and they don't need you to kiss their boo boo's anymore. I've sat quiet for too long...", Henry Sr. sighed, shaking his head, looking at each of his sons, " I'm sorry for that".
Anne stood there gaping at him. Henry Sr. stopping in front of her.
" I've had enough of you interfering in their love lives. It stops now. Henry wants Claire to stay, not you, so just accept that and lets go", Henry Sr. said, his voice low and full of warning for her not to argue.
" But he's my son", Anne whispered.
Henry Sr.'s eyes flashed angrily, " He's my son too, woman! You think I don't want to just stay here and be by his side all night just to make sure he's really alive?! Believe me, I do! But I can't and neither can you, so let's go and give the man some time to wrap his head around what happened today", he snapped.
Henry stared in awe at his father. For years, his dad hadn't said a word to their mother about her behavior when it came to the women they brought around. Henry wasn't even sure if he had even noticed it. Apparently he had and was fed up. Claire must have been the breaking point. Henry had always known his father would love Claire.
Anne opened and closed her mouth a few times before just spinning and storming out the front door, slamming it behind her. Henry Sr. sighed heavily and moved in front of Henry and Claire. He took Claire's hand and kissed her knuckles.
" Take care of him, sweetheart", He said, flashing her a smile and a wink.
Claire blushed slightly, " Absolutely", she replied quietly.
His dad then pulled Henry into a hug. " I love you son", he murmured, kissing Henry on the cheek.
" Love you too dad"
" Sorry about your mother", Henry Sr. said as he pulled back, " I should have stepped in a while ago, maybe it would have changed some things", he said, sending a glance at Sebastian.
Sebastian shook his head and moved to put his arm around his dad's shoulders, " Victoria would have still left me, don't think that was your fault"
Henry Sr. nodded. " Henry, call me tomorrow", he said and started for the door.
" Will do", Henry replied, walking him to the door.
Claire hung up her phone. She had just called her dad who was more then willing to stay with Ethan for the night. She was sitting on Henry's couch waiting while he got a shower. He said he smelled like the river and couldn't take it anymore. Sebastian, Quinn and Christian only stayed about a half hour longer after their father left. And Henry had jumped right in the shower as soon as they were out the door.
Claire was staring off into space when Henry walked into the living room in a t-shirt and sweatpants. His glasses couldn't hide that he was exhausted and in pain. He sat down next to her and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He slid his glasses off before he rubbed his face with his hand and let out a heavy sigh. Claire placed her hand on his back, moving it in slow circles.
" How you doing?", She asked quietly.
Henry placed his glasses back on then laced his fingers together then rested his forehead on them. " I don't know. My head is a little foggy from the concussion and my ribs are killing me and every time I close my eyes, the crash flashes through my mind", Henry whispered.
" Why don't you call your doctor and ask about getting something stronger for the pain?", Claire suggested.
Henry shook his head slightly, " No, he'll want me to come into the office so he can check me out"
" Maybe you should", Claire frowned. She didn't like that Henry hadn't gone to the hospital to get a full check. What if he had internal bleeding?
Henry sighed and shoved both hands into his hair, " Maybe tomorrow, I just need some time to process what happened today"
Claire glanced at the clock on the cable box. It was only 6pm. " Why don't you go lay down for a while? I'll make dinner"
Henry glanced at her over his shoulder, his eyes showed just how vulnerable he was at the moment, " Will you lay with me instead?", he asked softly.
" Of course", Claire whispered, smoothing a hand over the back of his head.
So Claire and Henry went up to his bedroom and crawled into bed. Claire had laid down on her back. Henry put his glasses on the nightst
and then Claire got a surprise when Henry snuggled up against her. He rested his head on her chest, just under her neck. One arm went around her waist and one leg got tucked between hers. There was nothing sexual about it. Henry needed to be held and comforted. Claire wrapped her arms around him. It only took a few minutes for Henry to fall asleep. His body grew heavier and his breathing evened out. Claire fell to sleep shortly after him.
Claire was jolted awake by Henry's terrified scream then cry of pain. Claire bolted up, looking through the darkened room to see Henry curled on his left side on the bed, left hand clutching the battered ribs on his right side. He groaned in pain. Claire reached over and touched his shoulder.
Henry (The Beck Brothers) Page 11
