“I’m so nervous. What if something’s wrong?”
“Oh honey, stop worrying. You get to see your sweet baby. Everything will be alright.”
After we finished the normal check-up routine, it was time for the ultrasound. The guys are hoping to video chat with us at the same time tonight so we can do the gender reveal.
As we stare at the screen, the technician smiles and says, “It’s a boy! Congratulations. He looks perfectly healthy.”
“We were right, Harper! Look how cute he is.”
Harper let out a big sigh of relief and smiled from ear to ear. “Oh Thank God. I was so worried.”
“Stop worrying. He’s perfect.”
We planned to pick up lunch for everyone and meet them at the park. I should have made sandwiches and picnic sides last night, but I didn’t even think about it. I picked up my phone to call Blake and let him know we were coming, when his name flashed on the screen. “He must be psychic, Harper. He called just as I was clicking on his name.”
“Are you psychic, Blake?”
“Ember, Dalton is injured. They flew him to Germany and he’s in surgery now.”
“What! No. What happened?”
“A RPG went off in a building they were in and the roof collapsed on top of him and a few other guys. Everyone made it out, but not without injury, some more severe than others.”
Harper reached over, put her hand on my shoulder, and gave it a light squeeze. I needed to feel that sense of comfort. “What is going to happen now? When will we know how the surgery went? Can I see him? What…”
“Take a deep breath, Em. I won’t know anything else for a while. Why don’t you and Harp head back to my house, okay? Stay with us tonight so I can keep you updated more easily. Piper and I will pick up lunch and stuff to cook out with. I’ll be home soon.”
The phone fell from my grasp and landed in my lap. It’s like déjà vu. The memories of hearing about my dad being in an accident come flooding back. I told Harper what happened and we cried together. Once the tears had stopped enough to safely drive, we made our way to Dalton’s house.
Blake and Piper got back about an hour after we did. I immediately hounded him with questions, none of which he had answers for. We ate lunch and put a movie in for the girls. I kept trying to tell myself that no news was good news, but I didn’t believe it.
After dinner, Blake and Piper started a small bonfire outside while Harper and I bathed the girls and put them to bed. Harper went to change so I headed downstairs alone. Piper was standing in the kitchen, gathering items to make s’mores. She held up the package of chocolate and shrugged, “I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but I can’t. What I can do, is make a mean s’more. Would you like one?”
“Thank you, Piper. I really don’t know how I would make it through this, or the last four months for that matter, without you, Blake, and Harper. Thank you for being so sweet and understanding of this entire situation. I’m sure it’s weird having me around so much, but I really appreciate it.”
Piper set the candy bars down and hugged me, “Are you kidding? You’re my friend too, you know. It’s not weird at all. I knew that you would be around a lot when I started dating Blake, and it never bothered me. Plus, I love that we have each other to help with the girls. Harlee and Madison have become inseparable. I wouldn’t want it any different.”
I hugged her tighter as Harper walked into the kitchen, “Are we having a girl moment?” We smiled and pulled Harper to us.
“This is every guy’s fantasy right here.”
Breaking apart, I turn toward Blake and roll my eyes, “Dream on, buddy. That’s as much action as you will ever get to witness.”
We headed outside and sat by the fire. The night air was exceptionally cold, but the heat from the fire made it feel amazing outside. We took turns telling random stories, working hard to keep our minds busy so we didn’t sit and worry. A little while later, Blake’s phone rang.
“Hello?”
“You had us so worried, bro. What happened?”
“Shit dude. Yeah of course.”
I could only make out one side of the conversation, but my heart started beating erratically when I knew he was talking to Dalton. He’s okay. He. Is. Okay! Blake smiled and handed me the phone, “Dalton?”
“Hi, babe.”
“I was so worried! How are you? Are you okay? Are you in pain?” The words came out so quickly, that he didn’t even have time to respond before I asked another question. The sweet sound of his laughter made my stomach flutter and I stopped talking to soak it in.
“I’m a mess, Em. When the roof collapsed, I was pinned underneath it. I broke a lot of bones and needed surgery to repair the damage to most of them, but they said with extensive recovery and a lot of physical therapy, I should be back to normal in no time. It’s so good to hear your voice. Fuck, I miss you.”
“And I miss you. So much. How long will you be in Germany?”
“I’m not sure. A few weeks probably, but then I’ll come home for the rest of my recovery and therapy. I cannot wait to see you. The doctor just came in. I’ll call you soon. I love you.”
“I can’t wait. I love you, too.”
We hung up and I breathed a huge sigh of relief, “He’s coming home. He said he’s beat up pretty badly and has a lot of broken bones, but he’s okay!”
To say that I was relieved, would be an understatement. We spent the rest of the night worry free. We stuffed our face with s’mores and when the temperature dropped even more, we made our way inside to play cards. I feel like a giant weight is lifted off me, and I’m so ready to have Dalton home.
Leaving my guys behind is not something I’m proud of, but I can barely even fucking walk yet. The doctors said it was a miracle that I even survived, and they were more than shocked that I wasn’t paralyzed. I know my recovery will be brutal, but I’ll have my girls to help me through it.
This plane ride sucks. I’m on pain meds, but it doesn’t help as much as I wish it did. It’s a challenge to half ass sit here, and an even bigger challenge to shuffle around from plane to plane. Two other guys who were in the accident with me are heading home too. We look like the crippled version of the three stooges, but at least we all made it out alive.
We finally land and if I could run off this plane and throw my arms around Ember, I would. I am so anxious to see her and touch her. It seems like hours before we are finally off the plane and being rolled toward the building. If I thought I could get the guy that’s pushing me to run, I would ask him, but he doesn’t seem to enthused about life, so I don’t.
“Peaches!”
“Moose!”
Harlee takes off in a dead sprint toward me. Ember tries to grab her, the look of horror plastered on her face as she realizes that I’m about to get tackled, and it will hurt like hell. When Harlee makes it to me, she slams on the breaks. I lean my head toward her and smile as she reaches up and wraps her arms around my neck. I scoop her up and set her on my lap, careful to avoid any unnecessary pain.
“You have lots of boo boo’s, Peaches.”
“I got hurt pretty bad, but I’ll heal fast now that I get to be with you and your mommy.”
I look up to see Ember grinning from ear to ear as a few silent tears pass down her face. When I wink at her, she bends down beside me, takes my face in her hands, and presses her lips to mine. I slide my hand behind her neck and pull her closer to me, savoring our kiss for as long as I can. I finally feel whole again.
“Seems like you may have missed me a little bit.”
Ember smiled, and it made me feel so full of love, “Maybe a tiny bit, or a whole hell of a lot.”
The ride home was worse than the plane ride. Ember was careful to avoid bumps, but it was inevitable. Every time we hit a bump, I winced, and concern flashed across Ember’s face, “I’m so sorry. I’m trying to be careful.”
I reached over and grabbed her hand, “I know you are and I appreciate it. These roads
suck. The gravel driveway should be fun.”
As we pulled up to the house, Blake came running outside to greet us. After Ember unbuckled Harlee, they carefully helped me out. I put an arm around Ember and Blake, and they slowly guided me inside and onto the couch.
“I set the guest bedroom up so we can stay downstairs and all of your stuff is in the bathroom down here as well.”
“Thanks, baby.”
We sat around and talked for a while. Piper was over and it was great to finally meet her. She and Blake are perfect for each other.
I took another dose of pain meds when I got home, and they were kicking in full force, “I really missed you guys, but I’m so tired. These pain meds are kicking my ass.”
Blake lightly tapped my shoulder and looked at Ember, “Why don’t Piper and I take the girls out to dinner and you can stay with Dalton.”
“Thank you. That would be great.”
Blake helped me to bed and Ember went to tell Harlee about her dinner plans. When they left, she finally made her way into the bedroom and crawled up next to me. I took her hands in mine and she kissed my forehead, “I’m so sorry you got hurt.”
“It’s okay, babe. It could have been a hell of a lot worse. We all survived, that’s all that matters. I feel bad though.”
“Feel bad about what?”
“I had to leave my guys behind. I hate it, and now, I’m pretty damn worthless. I can’t even walk by myself.”
“Hey, stop. This isn’t your fault. Besides, I love that I get to take care of you. I’ll help you through this the best I can, okay?”
I’ve never been good at depending on others. It’s not something I enjoy, nor do I look forward to being a burden to Ember and Blake. I smile, gently kiss her lips, and pull her close to me.
“Get some rest, Dalton. I’ll make you something to eat when you wake up.”
“Can you lay with me for a while?”
“Of course. There’s nowhere else I would rather be.”
I woke up to the smell of coffee and the sound of voices. I rubbed my eyes and glanced at my watch, 0700. Holy shit. I slept straight through the night. I tried to sit up, but the pain was slightly less than grueling this morning. I made another attempt when Ember walked in.
“Good morning, handsome. I brought pain meds and coffee, plus orange juice to get the meds down.”
“You are amazing, baby!”
“I heard you stir and figured you would be in pain. You slept a long time.” Ember set my meds and the cups down on the side table. Leaning over, she kissed my cheek, “I’ll make you some breakfast. What would you like?”
Grabbing her arm, I pulled her into bed with me, “Are you on the menu?”
“Well, well. Someone is feisty this morning. All that sleep did you some good.”
“I just missed you.”
Cupping my face she pressed her lips to mine, “I missed you more. I’ll make you an omelet, then Blake can help get you out of bed.” She winked and left the room.
Between recovering and therapy, I have a lot going on. Plus, we still have to discuss Ember’s living arrangement, and Austin of course. We had little interaction while we were gone, but when it came to the mission, we stayed focus and worked as a team. Last I heard, he hasn’t contacted Ember once, so I don’t know what he is up to.
The pills finally kicked in and I desperately needed to go to the bathroom. Ember peeked her head in, witnessing my failed attempt at independence, “Are the meds working? Do you want to eat in the living room?”
“Yes and yes. Also, I’m trying not to piss myself…”
“Oh damn. I didn’t even think about that. You haven’t gone in hours. Hold on.”
Ember got Blake and they helped me to the bathroom. Once I was finally on the couch, I propped my leg up and gorged on the awesome omelet Ember made.
The physical therapist is going to come to the house until I become more mobile. I didn’t even realize they did that, but I am grateful. Getting around is a challenge. The main source of my pain is coming from my tailbone fracture. I fractured by hip, pelvis, fibula, ankle, and all the bones in my foot too, but my tailbone is killing me. It’s almost like sitting on one hundred rusty nails. I think I would be able to get around just fine if my tailbone wasn’t fucked up.
“Awesome breakfast, babe. It tasted amazing.”
“I may have a chocolate cherry cheesecake in the fridge. Maybe.”
I just fell in love with her all over again, “And that is why I love you.”
“Because I feed you?”
“Because you’re perfect.”
We didn’t do much the rest of the day, obviously, but it was nice to be around everyone. Blake threw some hamburgers on the grill for dinner and Ember made enough mashed potatoes, potato salad, greens beans, and deviled eggs to feed a small army. Piper helped Ember clean up, and I finally had a chance to talk to Blake one on one.
“Thanks for looking after the girls, man. It put my mind at ease.”
“Anytime. Family looks out for family. She’s helped us a lot too with keeping Madison. It actually works out perfectly that none of us have to pay for child care.”
“Look at us. Family men. Did you ever think you would see the day?”
“Definitely not. We were always too career focused, but when I met Piper and Madison, I knew where I was meant to be.”
“I feel the same way, Blake. Piper’s great. She and Ember seem to get along really well.”
“Yeah man, they clicked right away.”
I’m about to sound like a total pussy, but I need a damn shower and he needs to help get me into the tub. I have a walk in shower upstairs, but down here, I actually have to lift my leg to step in, and it’s not exactly easy right now.
“So, I need a favor. Can you help Em get me into the shower tonight? You don’t have to wash me, fuck no, but I can’t get in myself.”
Laughing, he said, “I know you’re independent, but I’m here to help. Don’t worry, I won’t try to wash your balls for you, but I’ll gladly help get your ass in the shower.”
“Thanks, man.”
I have come a long way in physical therapy the past month, but I still have a long way to go. Ember took off work the first week I was home to help. She has been back to work for three weeks, but between her, Blake, Piper, and Harper, there is always someone around to help. Harlee hasn’t left my side since I got back. She said that she has to take care of me.
Ember is worried that Harlee is becoming too much of a homebody, so she is having a sleepover at Madison’s tonight. It’s the perfect opportunity for Ember and me to spend some alone time together.
“Alright, Harlee. Are you ready to head over to Madison’s with me?”
Wrapping her hands around my arm, she said, “No Unkey Bake, I hafta stay with Peaches.”
“But I’m picking up pizza, ice cream, and I rented some awesome movies.”
Before she could turn him down again, I added, “Moose, take the night off. Your mommy will take care of me tonight. I’ll be fine, I promise. Madison is really excited to have you stay over. You’ll have so much fun.”
“Ooookay.”
Ember came downstairs with Harlee’s overnight bag. After saying our goodbyes, Harlee and Blake left. Ember closed the door and turned toward me, “We have the entire house to ourselves. Whatever will we do?”
“Binge watch shows on Netflix and eat takeout Chinese food until we burst?”
“It’s scary how well you know me, Mr. Bates.”
Ember ordered food while I looked for something to watch. I think now is a good time to discuss a few things, before the food gets here. “Come sit down, Em. Let’s talk.”
Ember sat next to me and crossed her legs Indian style so she could face me, “I want to talk to you about something first. Just a minute.” Ember jumped up and ran upstairs, when she came back down, she was holding a file in her hand. “I filed for divorce. I know that filing for divorce while he is deployed makes me a horri
ble person, but you know that if I try to do it in person, my life will be in danger, so...”
“Why are you justifying your actions to me, babe? You did the right thing. This isn’t about us; this is about your safety, and Harlee’s.”
“I know, it just looks bad when I women sends a Dear John letter with divorce papers attached. What will everyone think?”
I took the file from her and set it on the coffee table. Taking her hands in mine I said, “Who gives a fuck what anyone thinks. You are not his wife, you’re his damn punching bag, Ember. That is no way to live. It isn’t good for you or Harlee. I’m proud of you. A few months ago, you were terrified to leave him, but now you’re finally ready to get your life back.”
“You’re right. I have you to thank for helping me get my confidence back. I know divorcing Austin isn’t about you and me, but if we are going to be together, I don’t want any ties to anyone else. What did you want to talk to me about?”
“That, actually. You read my mind.” I also wanted to ask her to officially move in, but I didn’t think now is the right time. The doorbell rang and Ember jumped up to answer it. “I think someone is a little excited to eat Chinese takeout tonight.”
“Oh hush. You know I love me some General Tso’s.”
After all the superficial women I have dated, it’s nice to be with someone who is happy just sitting around watching Netflix and eating takeout. Before Ember, I never pictured myself having a family, but now, she and Harlee are my future.
Dalton has been home for two months. Physical therapy has been extremely stressful for him, as his recovery is taking longer than he anticipated. I try to encourage him, but he is just too hard on himself. Blake took Dalton out for a much-needed guy’s night, so Piper and Harper are coming over to hang out.
As the girls pull up and make their way inside, my phone rings. “Hello?”
Ember Skies Page 15
