They rode in silence for a few minutes before Gabby spoke, "Do you want to head to my place?"
"I know you hate my apartment but I need to stay there. I don't know if the hospital has my home or cellphone info and I can't miss any calls"
"I don't 'hate' your apartment honey"
"You don't? Well I sure do!"
They both giggled, "Are you okay Danny?"
"I'm better Gabby. Its always worse not knowing. The Doc seemed pretty optimistic though. I'll be a lot better once I can see him"
"Do you mind if I stay with you tonight?"
"Do I mind? Sweetheart I would love if you stayed with me tonight. I need to just hold you, and to have you hold me"
She reached over and grasped his hand, "I'm here for you Danny"
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, "Do you mind if I stop by Headquarters so I can pick up my car first? There's no reason for you to get up at the crack of dawn to drive me to the hospital"
"Okay sure"
"Also, would you mind terribly if we pass on our Italian dinner tonight? I don't have much of an appetite"
"Of course not. I'll fix up something quick later"
"I don't have much in the freezer, I think I've got Gracie's favorite, corn dogs and french fries. BUT, I know I have her other favorite, DOVE Ice Cream bars"
Gabby smiled, "What more could a girl ask for!"
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Once they arrived at Danny's he checked to make sure that there were no messages from the hospital and then he excused himself to take a shower. As the hot, almost scalding water beat on his head and neck and rolled down over his body his thoughts turned to his partner and Danny prayed. Danny Williams didn't pray much but Steve needed prayers right now and as he pleaded for his partners' recovery, he also thanked God that Steve was alive. When he exited the shower twenty minutes later he felt relief and comfort. Steve would walk again, he just knew it.
He threw on sweatpants and a t-shirt and grabbing the same for Gabby he placed them on the bathroom counter along with a clean towel.
He found her sitting on his couch sipping a beer and scrolling through the cable listings for a movie.
He sat next to her draping his arm across her shoulders, "Anything good on?"
His eyes turned to the screen as she said, "No..."
"Do you want to go shower?"
"Is there any hot water left?"
"Was I in there that long?"
She leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips, "I'm teasing. A shower would feel wonderful. Can you finish this for me?" She handed him her beer.
"I think I can handle it. There are clothes and a towel on the counter for you. Hurry back..."
"I will"
As soon as the bathroom door closed Danny moved quickly and when Gabby exited the bathroom half an hour later she found a candlelight dinner waiting for her of corn dogs, complete with ketchup, mustard and relish, and french fries with Danny Williams secret seasoning salt. This gourmet meal was accompanied by beer served in wine glasses.
Greeting her at the entry to the 'dining room' was Danny smiling broadly, in his sweats and t-shirt and he couldn't have looked any sexier!
Her hand went to her mouth, "Oh Danny, this is wonderful" Tears filled her eyes and he reached out pulling her tightly to his chest. After several seconds he separated from her and taking her face into his hands he spoke softly, his voice shaking with emotion, "I could have lost you today Gabby and I was so scared. I've known for quite some time now, but after today...oh God Gabby I love you, I love you so much"
She moved to him and kissed him gently, tenderly and then looking into his beautiful blue eyes she said, "I love you too"
They kissed again and then Danny added, "Dinner's getting cold and I slaved over a hot stove you know"
"I can see that. Well, let's eat" After one more kiss they moved to the table and after sharing a wonderful meal topped off with chocolate covered DOVE bars they made their way up to bed.
Danny called the hospital to check on Steve one last time for the night and after being told that he was resting comfortably and his vitals were stable, he made sure they had his phone number and then he hung up.
He placed his cellphone on the night stand and then he laid next to Gabby, both of them still fully clothed and he pulled the covers up over them. He did not want sex tonight, in fact he was afraid he wouldn't be able to perform even if he wanted to. His body was here, with Gabby nestled lovingly in the crook of his arm but his mind was at the hospital, with his partner. He was very grateful that this beautiful lady seemed to understand that and they simply held each other, not speaking until the exhaustion of the day quickly overtook both of them.
******** It's a shorter chapter but a good place to stop - I hope you're still enjoying it ! **********