Operation Get Her Back

by Claire Kingsley

  I take a seat and try not to fidget too much. I keep glancing up at the door, and at the clock.

  After what feels like an eternity, a doctor comes in and everyone stands up. He shakes hands with Cody.

  “How is he?” Cody asks.

  “He did very well,” the doctor says. “I set the bone, and he needed three pins to keep it in place. Those will come out in about six weeks. His forehead definitely needed stitches. But he’s young. It will heal up so well that he might not even have a scar.”

  “Thank you,” Cody says. “When can we see him?”

  “He’s still waking up,” the doctor says. “But I can bring one or two of you back now.”

  “Great. Mom, how about you and I go see him first.”

  Maureen gets up, and she and Cody follow the surgeon through the double doors.

  I sit back down and wait, wishing I could have been the one to go back first. I’m overwhelmed with the desire to be there when he wakes up. Which doesn’t make sense. These people are his family now. They should be the ones taking care of him. But I can’t get the image of his little broken body lying at the bottom of the stairs out of my mind. I need to see his face. I need to see that he’s okay.

  After a while, Cody and Maureen come out.

  “He’s sleeping,” Cody says. “Mom hasn’t eaten, so maybe we should all get some food. He’ll be pretty sleepy for a while.”

  Everyone gets up and moves toward the elevator. I’m not sure if I should follow. I clutch at my purse, feeling awkward.

  “Do you want to go see him?” Cody asks, his voice quiet.

  “Can I?” I ask.

  He nods. “Yeah. I’ll take you back.” He turns to Clover. “I’ll catch up with you.”

  I follow Cody through the doors and down a long hallway. He brings me into a wide room and pulls back a blue curtain.

  Isaac is on a bed with metal rails on both sides. His left arm is bent at the elbow, with a cast that goes almost to his shoulder, and his forehead has a bandage over it. His little fingers twitch, and his eyes are closed.

  Cody gives me a small smile. “He’s pretty groggy. He might not wake up for a while.”

  “Okay.”

  I pull up a chair next to the bed. One of his feet is sticking out of the bottom of the blanket, so I cover it back up again. I put my hand on his leg and watch him breathe.

  Footsteps approach behind me and I hear the curtain draw back. “Emma?”

  I gasp at Hunter’s voice.

  He comes around to the other side of the bed. “Do you know what happened? They said he fell down the stairs?”

  “That’s what Cody said. He had a compound fracture and he needed stitches in his forehead.”

  Hunter stares at Isaac, his brow furrowed, and places a gentle hand on Isaac’s chest. “Fuck, I can’t believe this happened.”

  “I thought you were gone,” I say.

  He looks up at me. “I was. I was at the airport, waiting to board my flight. Cody called and I came back as fast as I could.” He scoots a stool over so he can sit down and takes Isaac’s other hand in his. “Damn it, buddy. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

  I can’t help but stare at Hunter, and the tears that have been threatening to spill over for the last few hours finally do.

  He’s here. I’ve been so afraid to believe Hunter had it in him to stay, I’ve done nothing but push him away. Every time he tried to get close, I balked. He was so patient with me. So careful. After all that we’ve been through, he gave me every chance to see the man he’s become. And I was too clouded by fear to see him clearly.

  I see him now.

  I see a man who’s willing to give up everything for someone else, who’s so committed to becoming a father to a child who isn’t his own that he’s making what must be agonizing choices, and putting Isaac first.

  I swipe my fingers across my cheeks, hoping Hunter doesn’t notice. “Well, I’m glad you were able to get here. I’m sure he’ll be fine, but he’ll be glad to see you when he wakes up.”

  Hunter looks at me again, like he’s only just now seeing me. “How did you know?”

  “I was at the restaurant with Clover when Cody called,” I say.

  “And you came?”

  “Yeah,” I say. “I didn’t know what happened or if he was okay. And Clover said you were out of town on business. I guess it was silly of me to come, though. Of course your whole family would be here. It’s not like Isaac needed another person to sit in the waiting room.”

  I stand, suddenly overwhelmed. Here I am, intruding on this intensely personal moment that I have no right to see. I shouldn’t have come.

  “I’m sorry, I should go.”

  I turn and move the curtain aside.

  “Emma,” Hunter says.

  I glance over my shoulder.

  “Thank you for coming,” he says. “It’s good to see you.”

  I nod. “You too.”

  I walk back down the hallway, fighting back tears. I make it as far as the elevator when I stop in my tracks.

  It’s good to see you.

  Every time we see each other, Hunter says those words. My breath catches and my chest feels tight. Holy shit, he’s been pulling a Princess Bride on me this entire time. He hasn’t been saying It’s good to see you. He’s been saying I love you.

  And now I’m the one leaving. I’m the one trying to disappear.

  I turn around and rush back to the recovery room. Isaac is still asleep, Hunter’s big hand holding his small one. Hunter’s eyes lift when I come around the curtain.

  “I love you, too,” I say. His mouth drops open, and I have no idea what I’m saying, but I plow ahead anyway. “You’ve been trying to tell me you love me from day one, haven’t you? It’s okay that you didn’t say it. You were probably afraid of pushing me away. But I felt it. I felt it every time we were together and it scared the shit out of me. How could you love me? If you’d loved me ten years ago, you wouldn’t have left. But you did love me then, and you still do now, and goddamn it Hunter, I love you too. I’m so scared, but I’m an idiot for denying it for so long. I’m so sorry.” I stop and take a trembling breath. “I want in, Hunter. I love you and I want this. I want you, and Isaac. I’m so terrified I can barely breathe, but the only thing that scares me more than this is the thought of losing you forever.”

  I wait a beat for the crash. He’s going to tell me it’s too late—he’s sorry, but I lost my chance.

  Instead, he surges around the bed and wraps me in his thick arms. “I do love you,” he says, his voice low. “I never stopped. Not for a moment.”

  I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him tight. He’s solid and steady. “I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult.”

  “You haven’t,” he says. “You’re worth it, Emma. You’re worth everything.”

  I lift my face, eyes drifting closed, and his mouth finds mine. His lips feel exquisite. He holds me tight, pressing my body against his, kissing me softly.

  “Uncle Hunter?”

  He breaks the kiss and moves to the side of the bed.

  “Hi, buddy,” he says.

  Isaac blinks hard. “I fell down the stairs.”

  “I know, bud,” he says. “You’re going to be okay.”

  Isaac nods and his eyes start to close again.

  “Just rest,” Hunter says. “I’m here.”

  “Is that Emma?” Isaac asks. He doesn’t open his eyes.

  I come closer and touch his hand. “Yeah, sweetie. It’s Emma.”

  “Good,” he says. He squeezes my fingers and lets out a little sigh.

  Epilogue

  Hunter

  Emma stands in the kitchen with her hands on her hips. The cupboards are all open and she’s surrounded by half-unpacked boxes. Stacks of plates, glasses, pots, pans, and mugs cover the counters. I walk up behind her and slip my hands around her waist.

  “Why don’t you leave this for now?” I say, and trail a line of kisses down her neck.


  “I can’t just leave it,” she says. “We need a functional kitchen. It’s one of those things you have to do when you move. Beds to sleep in. A kitchen to cook in. The rest of the unpacking is what can wait.”

  We got a house on the same street as Cody and Clover’s. It’s a two story with three bedrooms upstairs and a big backyard. I already have plans to build a playset in the back for Isaac.

  I wrap Emma’s ponytail around my hand and gently pull her head to the side. I slide my tongue across her skin, from her shoulder up to her ear, then nip her earlobe with my teeth.

  “Take a little break,” I say. “I’ll help you later.” I reach around to cup her breast and kiss harder down her neck.

  She sighs, her body relaxing into me. “We need to be able to make breakfast tomorrow.”

  “I’ll make breakfast,” I say into her ear. “Come upstairs and help me make the bed.”

  “We have that thing at Isaac’s school. And you already made the bed.”

  I spin her around and kiss her mouth, firm and demanding. “Then help me mess it up. We have time.”

  She nods, her eyes half closed. I take her upstairs into the master bedroom, and close the door.

  We’re undressed in seconds, falling onto the bed in a tangle. I grab her hips and thrust my cock inside her, moaning into her neck. Her body yields to mine. She’s hot, breathless. I love making her feel this way. I could do this forever.

  I take us both to the brink and slow down. I want to stretch this out, savor every moment, every movement, every sensation. She feels better than anything I can imagine. When I speed up, thrusting into her harder, she calls my name. Her pussy clenches, so hot, throbbing around me, and I’m undone. I pour myself into her, coming with fury, with passion, with intensity that drowns out the world.

  When we both finish, I lie next to her. She rests her head on my shoulder as we both catch our breath.

  “There’s a little something I need to talk to you about,” she says, running a finger down my chest.

  “Yeah?”

  “Although, things have been so hectic lately, with the move and everything,” she says. “Maybe this isn’t the best time to bring it up.”

  I prop my head up on my hand so I can look at her. “It’s okay, Ems. What do you need to talk about?”

  “Well, I know we haven’t really discussed having a baby yet—”

  “Wait.” I put a finger to her lips. A jolt of adrenaline runs through me, making my limbs tingle. “You want to have a baby with me?”

  “Well, yeah—”

  I shouldn’t keep interrupting, but I can’t help kissing her. I put my hand alongside her face and caress her lips with mine. I need a moment before I can speak again.

  My mind is reeling. We’ve been living together for months, but I haven’t proposed yet. She moved into my old place with me and Isaac just a few days after his surgery. And even though tonight will be our first night in this house, it already feels like home. It’s our home. Our family. The three of us.

  And we can make it four.

  I kiss her again to buy time. This isn’t what I was planning, but maybe it’s the right moment. I’ve had her ring for a week.

  Should I give it to her now?

  It’s in my coat pocket, downstairs. I check a hundred times a day to make sure I haven’t lost it. If I get up to get it now, the moment might be lost. But I could ask her without it, and tell her I have it. This isn’t the grand proposal I was envisioning, but she just said one of the most amazing things anyone has ever said to me in my entire life.

  “Are you okay?” she asks when I pull away.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. That made my heart race a little. But I really, really want to have a baby with you.”

  “You do?”

  “Definitely.” She smiles and I know it’s time. I swallow hard, my heart pounding. “Emma—”

  My phone rings.

  Shit.

  I think about ignoring it, but Isaac is at school. I should at least check.

  “Hold that thought,” I say.

  I grab my phone, but it isn’t the school. It’s my mom. I roll my eyes, but decide to answer. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hunter, are you and Emma coming to Isaac’s school?” she asks.

  “Yes, we’ll be there,” I say. “Why? Wait, what time is it?”

  “It starts in five minutes,” she says.

  Oops. I guess my little diversion took longer than I thought. “Damn it. Sorry, Mom. Yeah, we’ll be right there.” I hang up. “We’re late.”

  Emma and I throw the covers back and jump out of bed. I yank on a pair of jeans and a dark green shirt while Emma runs into the bathroom. A few minutes later, she comes out wearing a long striped dress with a little white sweater, her long hair hanging down around her face.

  “You look beautiful,” I say.

  She smiles. “Let’s go.”

  We drive to Isaac’s school and find a spot among the other cars. It’s the end of the school year, and the kindergarten is putting on a program. Isaac has been practicing the song they’re supposed to sing for the last several weeks, singing at the top of his lungs all day long.

  We hurry inside to the gym. There’s a stage set up with rows of chairs in front of it, and Isaac’s class is already standing there. I see him on the end, his hair sticking up in the back. His arm healed well and there’s only a hint of a scar on his forehead where he needed stitches. He sees me and grins, showing off his newly missing front teeth.

  Emma and I find seats in the back. My mom and dad are already here, sitting near the front with Elaine. We moved Elaine to an assisted living home in Jetty Beach a few months ago, so she can get the care she needs, and see Isaac regularly. It’s expensive, but it’s worth every penny.

  Isaac’s teacher stands in front of the class and talks about the things they’ve learned this year. The kids fidget behind her until it’s time for them to sing their song. Isaac belts out the words proudly, along with the rest of his class. It’s hard to believe he’s the same shy little guy who came to live with me. He’s done well in school and made friends. He’s still a bundle of energy, but Emma and I do our best to give him a lot of time to run around.

  I glance over at Emma, and my mind is filled with thoughts of growing our family. Isaac is going to love being a big brother. It makes me want to gather her up in my arms and kiss her until neither of us can breathe. But we’re in a gym full of people, so I settle for grabbing her hand and twining my fingers through hers.

  After the program, Mom insists we all go out for an early dinner. Emma and I are still getting our stuff moved into the new house, and would have probably grabbed takeout anyway, so I agree. I stick my hand in my pocket on the way out to my truck, feeling the box I’ve been carrying around with me. I keep thinking I’ll find the perfect moment, the perfect words. I was so close before my mom called—although I’m glad she did. I would have felt terrible if we’d missed Isaac’s program.

  I’m distracted through dinner. I’m grateful Emma asks for a table with a wall behind us so I don’t have to sit with people walking behind me. It isn’t always a problem, but I’m already edgy. I feel like everyone can see the truth written all over my face. Emma asks me several times if I’m okay, and I assure her I’m fine. Mostly I just do my best to stay calm.

  When we get home, Isaac wants to go outside and play. I make sure he keeps his coat on, and send him to the backyard. Emma goes into the kitchen to finish putting things away. I stand for a long moment, looking out the back door, fingering the box in my coat pocket.

  “Are you staying?” Emma asks.

  “What?”

  “You’re still wearing your coat.”

  I look down. “Oh, right.”

  Glasses clink as she starts putting them in a cupboard. “Were you going to say something before?”

  “When?”

  “Before your mom called earlier,” she says. “I thought maybe there was something you were going to say.”

>   I meet her eyes. She’s so beautiful. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.

  “Are you okay? You’re kind of worrying me,” she says. “You seem tense.”

  “No, I’m fine.” I walk over to her and brush my fingers across her lips. I take her hand and hold it against my chest. I’m flying blind here, no mission parameters to guide me, but I know it’s time. “I did have something to say before. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

  Her lips part and her eyebrows lift. “Yes?”

  “Emma, I was wondering … will you marry me?”

  She gasps and covers her mouth, tears springing to her eyes.

  I reach into my pocket and bring out the box. “I’ve loved you since we were kids, Ems. I want you to be with me, always.”

  I let go of her hand and open the box.

  “Of course I’ll marry you.” She looks up and meets my eyes. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  I laugh. “I didn’t want to risk asking you too soon.” With careful fingers, I take the ring out of the box. A tear trails down her cheek as I slip it on her finger.

  I pull her close and kiss her, taking in her scent, reveling in the feel of her against me. She threads her arms around my neck and I hold her tight, kissing her deeply.

  “Should we tell Isaac?” I glance out the kitchen window. He’s running around in the grass, pretending to beat up bad guys.

  “Yeah,” she says, swiping a tear from her cheek. “Although…”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No, it’s just that…” She pauses. “I was trying to tell you something before, but you wouldn’t stop kissing me.”

  I smile and plant a kiss on her sweet lips. “It’s hard. I love kissing you.”

  She laughs. “When we were talking earlier, I wasn’t trying to ask you if you want to have a baby. I was trying to find the right moment to tell you that we’re going to have a baby.”

  My heart thumps hard and instinctively, I draw her closer. “Emma, you’re…?”