I insert a finger inside of her while I lick her bud. I sense she is about to lose control so I make my way back up to her. Kissing her, she wraps her legs around my waist again and I thrust inside of her. It goes in easily and she moans until she lets the ecstasy take over. It doesn’t take long for me to explode.
After exhausting ourselves, we shower once more and crawl into bed for sleep. The nightmares don’t haunt me tonight. The dreams are peaceful.
In the morning I feel super refreshed.
As Maura lies on the bed still asleep, I kiss her on her cheek and head to the kitchen to put the coffee on.
Forty minutes later she joins me. “Thanks for last night. The party was fantastic and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. The after party was nice too,” she grins.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Two months later
It’s Saturday morning and I let Maura sleep longer than even she would like. She still has to go into work today, but I’m off the rest of the weekend. With the engagement party already out of the way I think I will just kick back maybe read the paper or a book, maybe even chill out on the deck.
An hour later Maura joins me in the kitchen for coffee. “Hey sleeping beauty,” I say. She is already dressed for work.
“You think you’ll be home early today?” I ask.
“Most likely I will be home by noon,” she says.
“Good, I will see you later then.” I kiss her as she leaves for work.
These past few months have flown by. My nightmares still remain but are not as vivid. I can separate real from fiction and it feels good. I still go to therapy twice a week and it continues to help. I remain on my meds and that helps with the depression a great deal. I have some bad days, but that is a given. I have even taken an extra step on my road to recovery by meeting with other surviving soldiers once a week. We are able to discuss our experiences in a controlled setting and it allows us to express the emotional traumas that our families don’t understand. This group of people listen as we talk and offer any support that is needed.
The wedding preparations are under way and everything seems to be coming together. The invitations are already mailed out and Ruby is starting to show. Maura has yet to make a decision on a dress. She has tried on a few, only to be more confused about what she's looking for. I asked Trevor to be my best man and my mom is taking on some of the responsibilities and helping us plan the big day. We decided on October fifth. We agreed to wait on the honeymoon until our one year wedding anniversary. Paying for a wedding by ourselves is not cheap.
Two months before the wedding and I already have my tuxedo. The tie and cummerbund is in the light green the color that Maura chose. It is almost a mint green color and it makes my eyes look darker.
In other news, Trevor has asked Ruby to marry him. They agreed to wait until after the baby is born. She is due in February. With the wedding plans and Ruby’s pregnancy, things have not slowed down at all.
With a paper in one hand and a glass of lemonade in the other, I sit out on the secluded back deck to enjoy the view. I still can’t believe Maura agreed to marry me and that we are actually planning our wedding. It is very surreal. She makes me smile every day. The simplest glance or grin that she casts my direction makes me melt every time.
After reading the paper, I take a drive to the cemetery where my dad is buried. Maura's parents are also buried there. On the way I stop and grab two bouquets of flowers. Pulling in, I don’t see anyone else around. I steady my legs as I get out. It has been a long while since I last visited.
I make my way over to my dad’s grave and kneel down, placing one bouquet against his headstone. I place one hand on his chiseled name and talk to him for a while. I tell him about getting married to the girl I dated in high school, and that I hope he is proud of the man I have become. I have to clear my throat to keep from crying. I miss him so much and he was the one person I looked up to and wanted to be like. He was a tall man and he always had a stern look on his face. His appearance alone was intimidating to people who didn't know him, but I did. I promise to visit again soon and I make my way over to Maura’s parents’ gravesite. I kneel in front of the stone and place the other bouquet against it.
“I hope you can hear me. I know you didn’t like me back in the day and you were probably right to worry. I didn’t deserve your daughter and I still don’t, but she means the world to me. I hope you can see that she is happy, we are happy. I will do everything I possibly can to keep her smiling and her heart filled with joy. She deserves it. I hope I have your blessing to marry her. Because of your daughter, I am a better man today than I was when I came back. I don’t know where I’d be without her. I just hope you can accept me into your daughter’s life.”
Patting the stone, I start to walk away when a butterfly flies right in front me. I wonder if that’s a sign. As silly as it sounds, I hope it is. I smile the entire way back to the truck. Once inside, I see it is a little past noon. I put the truck in gear and make my way home. I forgot to leave a note for Maura so I hope she's not too worried. I rush through traffic. I didn’t realize I would be gone this long.
Sitting at the traffic light outside of town, I breathe a sigh of relief. I'm nearly home. If only the light would switch to green so that I could go. I can't stand the thought of Maura worrying. I impatiently tap my fingers against the steering wheel. "Finally," I exclaim as it switches. I push down on the gas to go and the sound of squealing tires reaches my ears just before impact.
I see white lights and I can hear voices and sounds. The light is so bright. I struggle to open my eyes only to wish that I hadn't. My truck is smashed on one side and I'm lying on the ground. People are calling my name, but their faces are a blur. The pavement feels cool against my body. I’m trembling from the coldness of it. I try to get up, but can't. Pain shoots through me in waves, thwarting my attempt. Was I in an accident? Am I in shock? Is this another nightmare or am I dying?
I'm being lifted into an ambulance, now. I try to talk, but no one can hear me. I can't give sound to the words in my mind. Finally I manage to give voice to one single word, "Maura."
Inside the emergency room I hear the doctors talking about my condition but I can’t make out what they are saying, something about bleeding. I remember my jeans being cut off me. I must be going in and out of consciousness. I think the nurse is looking over my body for internal and external bleeding. Somebody help me. Please, let this be a nightmare.
I come to in a hospital room. I feel warmth from a hand wrapped around mine. I try to open my eyes but find it difficult. I squeeze the hand holding mine. It’s Maura, I can tell from the feel of her hand. “Did you think you were going to stand me up at the wedding?” she asks, I let out a laugh but it hurts my stomach. “Thank god you’re okay.” She leans in to kiss my cheek.
“What happened?” I ask groggily. My head feels heavy and my body is weak.
“You were in an accident. Someone ran a light and crashed right into you. The doctors say that you’re lucky and you should make a full recovery.”
“I don’t feel lucky. What about the other driver? Are they okay?”
“Yes, there were no fatalities. The nurse said you sustained some cuts and bruises and you lost some blood. They are keeping you overnight to monitor you. When I came home to an empty house, I got worried. Ruby was at the house with me when I got the call.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t leave a note. I went to the cemetery at the spur of the moment. I didn’t realize I was gone so long. I stopped at my dad’s grave and then I went over to your parents’ grave site.” I tell her, barely choking out the words.
“Shhh, don’t talk. Get some rest. I will still be here when you when you wake up,” she says, tears streaming down her face. She never lets go of my hand as far as I remember. It is comforting to have here with me.
Chapter Thirty Eight
Maura POV
I have not left Pierson’s side since he was admitted into the hospital. With
my head resting on the side of the bed, I feel movement. Waking up with a jolt, I see Pierson staring at me. “Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yes, I’m okay. My body is a little sore from the impact but other than that, I think I’m okay.”
“Your mom was here last night to see you but you were asleep. She said she would be in today to check on you. Ruby and Trevor were here as well. They send their love and wish you a speedy recovery. I wouldn’t be surprised if she decked you one for scaring the living shit out of me,” I say. Looking him over, I make sure he is okay.
“I’m just glad you’re here with me,” he says, squeezing my hand.
“I’m glad you’re okay. I would have died if anything happened to you. You left me once, Pierson. You can't leave me again,” I say. I give him a half hug, making sure not to hurt him any more than he already is. I need his touch, to feel him, even if it is brief.
The nurse enters the room to check his vitals. “You’re a very lucky young man. The doctor wants you to stay one more night for observation. You should be released first thing tomorrow morning,” she says before turning to leave the room.
“I can’t wait to get you home where you can rest and be more comfortable,” I tell him.
“Me too. The nurses come in all hours of the night. Oh crap. I have to call Doris!” He yells.
“It is already taken care of. I called her yesterday. Don is back to work and Doris is keeping a close eye on him. This was just the excuse he needed to go back to work.”
“I feel so bad since I was running the shop and this happens,” he says, flinging his arms in the air.
“Oh, Pierson. How are you feeling?” his mom asks as she enters the room. She leans in to kiss him on the cheek. “You scared the living daylights out of me, son. Here, I brought you some word puzzles to keep you busy. Lying in a hospital can be boring.”
“Thanks mom. I appreciate it. I am feeling a lot better today than yesterday.”
“Well you sure look a lot better too. I was so scared.”
“I’m fine now. The doctors are keeping me another night for observation. I should be released tomorrow morning,” he explains.
“Well, that's good news. I think I will let you rest, but I will definitely call you later to check on you.” His mom leans down, kissing him once more. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks again,” he says as she leaves.
I remain with him most of the day until he insists that I go home to shower and change clothes. I go, reluctantly.
“Make sure you get some rest while I’m gone.”
Two hours later I am back only to find Ruby sitting by his side. I stay in the hall to give them a few private minutes. “Hey, how are you feeling?” She asks, resting her arms on the bed.
“Better. I’m glad you came.”
“I wanted to come by to see how you’re doing. Trevor told me to tell you hi and to get better.”
“Thank you. Tell Trevor I said the same.”
“I’ll let you rest.” She squeezes his hand and bends down to hug him goodbye.
Ruby sees me as she enters the hall.
“Thanks for coming. I appreciate it and I’m sure he does too,” I say, standing close enough to her that no one hears us.
“You didn’t say anything did you?” I ask.
“Maura, I think it is a bad idea that you’re keeping this a secret from him. He can handle the truth. I don’t see why you can’t tell him that someone died in that accident,” she says with a concerned look on her face.
“Ruby, you don’t know what he has been through. The war caused him a lot of grief. He lost friends and comrades in the war, including a best friend. He still blames himself for his death. I won’t let him suffer any more than he already has. He has been through enough and I just want to protect him and help him recover. You are just going to have to go with me on this,” I say firmly.
“Fine, I get your point,” she says crossing her arms across her chest. I see she is hesitant to go along but she knows I’m right. I hug her as she leaves.
I greet Pierson as I walk in the room. “Hi, love,” I say as I hug and kiss him. He wraps his arms around me as best as he can.
“Hey. That Ruby sure is showing,” he says.
“She is getting big, but don’t tell her that. Did you get some rest?” I ask.
“Yes some. I was happy to see Ruby when I woke up. I suppose you will be throwing her a baby shower pretty soon.”
“Yep, it is in the works. She is going to die over all the stuff she gets,” I say excitedly.
“I’m sure she will.” He laughs.
The rest of the day passes the same as earlier, the nurses check his vitals throughout the day and I keep him company until he insists I go down to the cafeteria to eat something. He can't possibly know this, but I haven’t eaten since yesterday.
Later on, Pierson’s dinner is served. Afterwards he flips through the channels on the TV but finds nothing of interest. Pierson and I decide to play cards, silly card games like go fish.
Chapter Thirty Nine
Pierson is finally home from the hospital. He can manage to move around on his own but I insist on waiting on him anyway.
“You’re going to lie in bed all day and let me do everything for you,” I say.
He holds his arms out for me to come to him and gives me a huge hug. “Thanks for taking care of me babe.”
“You would do the same for me,” I say, bending down to kiss him.
He has magazines, word puzzles and the TV remote to keep him company. I put on my lounge clothes and join him in the bed. I read while he flips through the TV channels.
The doctor said no work for one week. That just might drive him crazy, but he will follow the doctor’s orders like a good boy. He calls Doris and Don and then calls his therapist to let them know he won’t be in for the week. Everyone is making a fuss over him and he doesn’t like it.
“I went to the cemetery the day of the accident,” he tells me. “I got some flowers for my dad’s grave and I got some to put on your parents’ as well. After I was done talking to my dad I went over to visit with your parents. I had a talk with them and told them that I hoped they would be happy for us. Right when I walked away, a butterfly flew right by my face. I thought that was a sign until I got in the accident. Maybe that was the sign,” he says sadly.
“Pierson, you can’t possibly think that. I believe the butterfly was the sign. You have changed so much and grown as a person since they last knew you. I strongly believe they would welcome you into the family if they were alive today. You have to believe that too,” I argue with a reassuring tone.
“Maybe your right,” he says continuing to flip through the channels.
It saddens me for him to think they wouldn’t accept him. Surely they would see how happy he makes me. I mean, wouldn’t they want their daughter to be happy and have the life she wants? I think to myself. I think back to the letters I never got to read until recently. I wonder how things might have changed had I been able to read them when they were sent. We might already be married now and probably had a family. I guess it’s better late than never. I push the thoughts out of my head. No reason to dwell on it now.
“Did you take your meds?” I ask
“Yep, got them right here.” He shakes the bottles on the nightstand.
He falls asleep soon after. I gently pull the remote out of his hand and cover him with the sheet. I slump down to get comfortable and read.
*****
The next morning I wake to the sounds of birds chirping. I lightly pad to the shower, trying my best not to wake Pierson. A quick hot shower later, I come in the room with a towel wrapped around my hair. The smell of coffee is roaming through the house. It is the best smell on Earth.
“Hey, how’d you sleep?” I ask, greeting him as he wakes in the bed. I change into a pair of yoga pants and a tank top.
“Great. It was wonderful to be back in my comfy bed.” He stretches his body as far a
s it would stretch and then smiles. “My body is practically back to normal. There is no way I’m staying in bed all day as comfy as it is.” He swings his legs over to the side and heads straight for the coffee.
“What are you doing? I could have gotten that for you,” I tell him, following him to the kitchen.
“I know. I wanted to do it myself. I feel perfectly fine. Don’t worry. You will be the first to know if something is wrong,” he assures me, kissing my temple.
Chapter Forty
The day of the wedding approaches. I managed to finally make a decision on a dress. It is a silk taffeta strapless ball gown with a rouched bodice. I thank my lucky stars for having saved my grandmother’s shawl that was in storage. I will use that as something old. For my something blue, I have on a blue garter belt. I’m wearing a pair of simple earrings that Ruby let me borrow; I have all the traditions covered. I’m getting ready at the house I lived in with Ruby. It seemed the most logical since the gazebo is straight across the lake.
Ruby insists on doing my hair. It is simple yet elegant with beading strung through.
“You’re the most gorgeous bride I have ever seen,” she says, taking a step back to admire the view.
“And you’re most glowing pregnant person I’ve ever seen.” I admire her in her maternity dress. The dress is a silk fabric in the color of mint green. She looks absolutely adorable. Of course she had to go with flats since her feet are already swelling.
Coming Back to You Page 12
