Zander_Heroes at Heart

by Maryann Jordan

  “Where are all your flowers?” Zander looked around the stark hospital room, seeing Rosalie perched on the edge of the chair. Her hair, neatly plaited in a long braid, was lying across her shoulder. Today, along with the yoga pants, Chloe had provided her with a pair of light blue slippers and a white t-shirt.

  She smiled and said, “I had Chloe give them to other patients who didn’t have any flowers. I don’t want anyone to feel alone.”

  His heart twinged, but forging ahead, he asked, “So, what do we need to get?”

  She lifted her shoulders delicately. “Just me. It’s not like I’m encumbered with a lot of possessions,” she joked.

  “Come on, you,” he said, reaching his hand out to her, gently assisting her from the chair.

  Chloe walked in, pushing a wheelchair. “Hospital rules, my dear. I get to wheel you when you bust out of this joint.”

  Once outside, Rosalie looked up in surprise, as Cael was parked out front in a nice SUV.

  Zander explained, “My truck’s not so nice, and Cael volunteered to take us to my place in his vehicle. He’s got a niece that he hauls around sometimes, so he wanted a safe SUV.”

  Cael smiled and opened the back door. “Good to see you, Rosalie. I can’t promise that the back seat is completely void of graham cracker crumbs, but I’m happy to get you to Zander’s place.”

  “I’m sure it’s fine,” she grinned, standing. Turning back to Chloe, she threw her arms around her, feeling the sting of tears hit her eyes. “Oh, Chloe, thank you so much for all you did for me.”

  “Rosalie, I’m proud to have been able to be your nurse. Please take care of yourself and let me know what all you find out.”

  “I will,” she promised.

  “Remember, honey,” she whispered, “heroes come in all shapes and sizes. And I think Zander is truly one.”

  Squeezing Chloe’s hands, she smiled, “I agree.” Cutting her eyes toward Zander, where he stood next to Cael, she said, “I’m lucky he found me. In more ways than one.”

  With a final goodbye, she allowed Zander to lift her into the back seat. Careful of her ribs, he settled her in next to him as Cael drove away from the hospital.

  Zander noticed she twisted her head around to peer at the hospital one last time. “Whatcha thinking?”

  She sighed and said, “I just realized that, for right now, the hospital is the only home I remember.”

  He threw his arm around her protectively, pulling her tight to his side. “Then let’s go get settled into your new home.”

  Zander stood in his kitchen, stirring tomato soup and flipping grilled cheese sandwiches, trying not to think about the woman in his bathtub.

  As soon as they had entered his apartment, he showed her to the guest bedroom, explaining that the only person who had recently been there was his friend, Rafe, and he had washed the sheets since then. He had stood in the room, suddenly seeing how spartan it was and wondering what she thought about it. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked around, a smile on her face as though he had brought her to a fancy penthouse.

  Next, he showed her where the bathroom was and that was when she squealed that he had a bathtub. Turning to him, she had grabbed his arm and pleaded, “Oh, do you mind if I take a bath now? I so want to soak in a tub of hot water.”

  Relieved he had scrubbed the bathroom that morning before heading to the hospital, he gladly agreed. And now, she was soaking some of her aches away while he fixed lunch.

  Just as he plated the sandwiches, she appeared from the end of the hall. Her pale skin glowed and her cheeks held a rosy tint. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a few damp tendrils curing around her face. She smelled like the bargain soap he always used, but no longer had the scent of hospital clinging to her.

  “Hey, there,” he said, unable to think of anything else to say.

  She smiled as she walked to the short counter between the living room and small kitchen. “Hey, yourself.” Looking down, she blushed as she wrapped her arms around her waist. Swimming in his t-shirt, she said, “Thank you for the clean shirt. And for letting me take a bath. I know most people take showers, but I love soaking in a tub full of water.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she gasped. “Zander…I remember. I love baths!”

  The look of joy on her face shot straight to his heart. Setting the plates down, he rounded the corner as she rushed into his open arms. Nestled under his chin, she felt right. No, more than right…perfect.

  Leaning back, he said, “How about lunch?”

  “It smells good,” she said. “Anything but oatmeal, Jello, chicken, and rice!”

  Laughing, he served up the plates and bowls on the small table in the corner. “I don’t usually eat here, so it’s kind of messy,” he apologized as he moved some bills and papers.

  “Where do you eat?”

  “I guess in typical bachelor style…over on the sofa in front of the TV.”

  She glanced behind her at the living room, complete with a comfortable looking sofa, two chairs, and a large, flat screened TV. “We can eat over there if you’d like. I want to do whatever makes you comfortable.”

  “Nah,” he said, dipping his spoon in the soup. “Miss Ethel would skin me alive if she thought I was serving company in front of the TV.”

  Giggling, she said, “Well, we certainly don’t want that.” Chewing her sandwich, she sobered, adding, “But Zander, I don’t want to put you out. You're so generous to me…” She laid her sandwich back on the plate with an audible sigh.

  “Hey, now, none of that,” he admonished, lifting her chin with his knuckle. “I want you here. And I want you to have anything you need.”

  Looking back down at her apparel, she said, “I suppose the first thing is to get some clothes that fit!” Suddenly, eyes wide, she said, “But money. How will I know if I have any money and, if so, where it is?”

  “I’ve been working on a plan. I just need to go to my workplace this afternoon and settle a few things and then we can start on the Find Out All About Rosalie Plan.” She tilted her head in question so he explained. “Okay, we know you lived in Baltimore and had an apartment there. Pete talked with your landlord and I got the name from him. We also know the name of the restaurant where you worked. We can drive there tomorrow. Your landlord will have copies of your checks and we can find out what bank you use. Then we can talk to your co-workers and boss at the restaurant to find out more information.”

  “Are you serious? Oh, my God, Zander. That would be amazing!”

  Glad to see the sparkle back in her eyes, he nodded toward her plate and said, “Eat up. Then I want you to rest while I check in with my work.”

  They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, each to their own thoughts. He knew his heart was now fully involved. She smiled at him just then, her look saying how lucky she was that he had found her. No princess, I’m the lucky one.

  19

  Rosalie wandered about Zander’s apartment after he left to go to work. She shook her head, thinking back to how he made her promise to not leave his place while he was gone. She had looked at him, incredulously, tugging on his large shirt and said, “Where do you think I’m going to go dressed like this?”

  Now, he had been gone for three hours and she was bored with channel surfing on the TV. Hating to snoop, she nonetheless decided to explore…at least that sounds better than snooping! She started in the kitchen, finding his refrigerator well stocked, and wondered if he bought the food because she was coming or if he kept it that way on his own.

  Making her way to his bedroom, she hesitated at the door, feeling like an intruder. The room was not large, the furniture consisting of a large bed, chest of drawers, closet, and nightstand. Seeing their book on his nightstand pulled her into the room, her fingers itching to touch the abridged classics.

  Picking it up reverently, she sat on his bed, thumbing through the familiar tales. She loved the feel of pages underneath her fingertips. So much better than an eReader. Jolting, she rem
embered she had an eReader, but preferred printed books. Excited to have another memory to share with him, she continued to look at the titles.

  Closing her eyes for a moment, she listened, hearing his steady voice as he read to her. The comfort in his words…his tone. She smiled, looking back at the pages. Coming across Sleeping Beauty, she hesitated. I remember…

  “ ‘And when he saw her looking so lovely in her sleep, he could not turn away his eyes; and presently he stooped and kissed her, and she awaked, and opened her eyes, and looked very kindly on him.’

  “Is that what you’ll do with me, Rosamond? Look upon me kindly?”

  Sucking in a quick breath, she remembered hearing him ask that question when he read the passage. Hugging the large book to her chest, she squeezed her eyes shut, a smile curving her lips. Yes, Zander…I look upon you kindly.

  Setting the chairs down from the tabletops, Zander moved through the bar, making sure it was ready for opening. Two days a week they did not open until mid-afternoon and he knew his staff would be in soon. Zeke was already in the back, working on the stock order. He had talked to Zeke about needing to be gone for several days as he took Rosalie to her former residence and Zeke had been more than excited to step into the manager role while he was gone.

  “Boss!” Lynn called out as she and Charlene came through the door, both carrying plastic bags.

  He watched as they walked over, huge smiles on their faces, plopping the bags onto the nearest table. Digging in, they began to pull out several pairs of yoga pants, numerous shirts, packages of underwear and socks, a pair of tennis shoes, and pajamas. Before he had a chance to process what he was seeing, they dumped a bag of toiletries on the table. The items included hair products, deodorant, razors, lotion, makeup, and tampons.

  Eyes wide, his jaw dropped as he looked from the table to the women’s beaming faces. Roscoe and Joe walked up behind them, their smiles radiating as well.

  “What is all this?”

  “We pitched together and bought Rosalie some things…you know…to get her by until she gets on her feet.”

  “You…you all bought all this?” At their continued grins, he dropped his chin to his chest, breathing deeply for a moment. Lifting his head, he walked over, hugging each one in turn. “This means a lot…she’ll be thrilled. But how did you know what sizes to buy?”

  “When you told us last night what you know about her, and how you want her with you as she learns more, we got together and wanted to help,” Roscoe explained.

  “So we called the hospital and talked to her nurse, Chloe, and she told us what sizes should be good. I also talked to Jayden and he said he and Jaxon were going to fill your refrigerator so she didn’t get there and just see bread and beer,” Lynn added.

  “I don’t know what to say, other than, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

  Charlene stepped up and said, “Zander, none of what happened to Rosalie is your fault and, at first, I thought you were just acting out of guilt. But, we’ve all watched how visiting with her has made you happy. Really happy. And we think you deserve that.”

  As the first customer came through the door, he cleared his throat, adopting his normally taciturn demeanor, and said, “Let’s gets ready, everyone. Time to sell some drinks.”

  Lynn and Charlene repacked the bags and took them into his office, winking at him as they headed onto the floor.

  Zander watched his employees hustle about as more customers came in and, for the first time in a long time, his heart felt light as he thought of his Grimm family.

  Zander hurried up the steps to his apartment, anxious to see Rosalie. As he put his key in the lock, he hesitated for a second, wondering if she would still be there. Where else would she go?

  Hustling inside, his eyes immediately found her, asleep on his sofa. Setting the bags down carefully, he walked over, his eyes riveted to her slumbering face. Her blonde hair was waving across her shoulders. The facial bruising was fading and the patch of shaved hair was growing back over her scar. Her pink lips were open slightly, her breathing steady.

  Standing there, looking down at her sleeping on his sofa, his heart tightened again. Kneeling, he almost stepped on his classics book, lying on the floor next to her. Glancing down, he realized she had been reading Sleeping Beauty. Bending over, he kissed her forehead gently.

  Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused for a few seconds, before she smiled widely. Sitting up with assistance, she scooted to one side so he could sit next to her. “I didn’t mean to go to sleep before you got home.”

  “You should have tucked yourself in bed. Remember, you just got out of the hospital today. You’ve got to take care of yourself.”

  “I was terribly lazy, Zander,” she admitted. “I finally stole your book and read myself to sleep.” Her face brightened, as she said, “And, I remembered hearing your voice read to me.”

  Smiling in return, he said, “I’ve got a surprise for you. My employees got together and bought some things for you.” As he stood, he turned and offered her his hand. She allowed him to lead her over to the door where he had dropped the bags.

  “What’s this?”

  “Open them and see.”

  She squatted and began opening the bags, squeals of delight ringing out. “Clothes! Bath oil! Oh, my goodness.” Pulling out a pair of soft drawstring pajama bottoms and a matching top, she looked up at Zander’s pleased face and said, “I feel like taking a bath all over again.”

  “You can do whatever you want, babe.”

  Standing, she said, “That would be silly, but I’ll definitely take one tomorrow. For tonight, I’m claiming the pajamas.” Rising on her toes, she kissed his cheek before moving into the bathroom. A moment later she emerged, dressed in the soft nightclothes. She approached him, hesitation in her steps as she peered up, eyes shining. “This was kind of your friends. They’ve been so generous.”

  “They were glad to do it…truly.”

  Holding his gaze, she added, “That tells me a lot about you…to have people in your life who care that much for you.”

  Embarrassed with her assumption, he began, “I don’t know about that—”

  She stopped him with her hand on his arm. Pale against dark. Blank against tatted. Small against muscular. He looked down at their slight connection and the thought hit him…opposites and yet, so right.

  “No, Zander. I know. I know what kind of man you are. And your friends are right.” With a slight squeeze of her fingers, she said, “Thank you…for being everything to me.”

  He felt the air seize in his lungs as he covered her hand with his own. “You look beautiful,” he admitted, then chuckled. “But then, I liked seeing you in my shirt.”

  With a soft giggle, her face softened. They piled on the sofa, his arm wrapped around her, loving the way she felt in his arms. No longer bound by the entrapments of the hospital room, having her in his home was just where he wanted her to be.

  Rosalie snuggled into his side as Zander turned the ballgame on the TV down low. His body wrapped around her, cocooning her in warmth, and his steady heartbeat’s cadence underneath her cheek lulled her to sleep. She had no idea what tomorrow would bring, but for tonight, at this moment, she felt safe...and happy.

  It did not take long for Zander to feel the heaviness of Rosalie’s body as sleep claimed her. Shifting around, he picked her up, careful of her still bruised body. Carrying her into the guest bedroom, he managed to get her in bed and under the covers without her waking up. Bending over, he kissed her forehead. He partially closed her door, not wanting her to awaken in the night and be frightened, and turned out the lights.

  Climbing into his bed after a shower, he smiled, thinking of the woman across the hall…and hoped one day soon she would be in his bed where he could be assured she was safe all night long in his arms.

  20

  Zander glanced sideways, noting the tension radiating from Rosalie with each mile they came closer to Baltimore. Reaching over, he took her hand,
linking fingers and pulling them over to his thigh.

  She offered a tremulous smile, as she admitted, “I’m nervous.”

  “Then talk to me,” he said. “Tell me what you’re thinking. Let’s get it out there and then we can deal.”

  Snorting, she said, “I can’t decide if you’re practical or bossy.”

  He barked out a laugh, “Probably both.” Giving her fingers light pressure, he prodded, “Come on, out with it.”

  “I’m excited, but this is scary, Zander. Part of me wants to see and remember who I was. Part of me is terrified of finding out.” She sighed heavily, confessing, “You know, right now, I can pretend I was this nice person that people really liked. Successful. Happy. But what if I wasn’t? What if we find out that I was a bitch? Or a horrible student? Or maybe didn’t really have any friends. Or—”

  “Babe, stop right there,” he commanded.

  “Bossy,” she grumbled under her breath.

  Ignoring her comment, he plunged ahead, “I don’t think we’re going to find out any of those things. You might have forgotten a lot of your background which, I remind you, is coming back, but you wouldn’t have just woken up a really nice person if you had been the evil queen beforehand.”

  At that, a smile slipped out and she lifted her free hand to stifle a laugh.

  Continuing, he added, his voice now warm, “Having said that, I get that this is hard on you, babe. And, I know it’s scary. That’s why I’m here. No matter what we find out today, I’m here.”

  Zander’s words soothed her and she felt the tension slip from her body as his fingers flexed against hers once more. She leaned back in the seat, nodding silently. He’s here. Right with me. He’s here.

  An hour later, they pulled into the parking lot of an apartment complex. She leaned forward, looking out the window, taking it in. The apartments were located in long, brick buildings, old in style, but the outside was neat and well kept.