TITLE: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – "Lost"
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: When Assistant District Attorney Alex Cabot is forced into the U.S. Marshal's Witness Protection Program, she doesn't handle her new life according to plan and struggles to let go of the feelings she has for the woman she was forced to leave behind in Manhattan.
PAIRING: Alex Cabot & OFC.
RATING: M for Mature Readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story comes from the imagination. I, along with other Fanfic writers, do so for fun and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of Wolf Films Studio, NBC Television or USA Television. This entertainment does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone with you and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will, hence you have no one to whine to expect yourself!
A/N: Please take the time to review.
Chapter 11
Eklutna Park Drive
Eagle River, Alaska
1159 hours Monday 9th January, 2006
Chung chung
Penny looked up from her desk when the door opened and grinned devilishly at the visitor, "Well good morning Sheriff Taylor."
"Morning Penny, how was your festive holiday?"
"A lot of fun and Joe actually enjoyed himself for a change."
"Las Vegas does have that effect on most people. Is Madam Magistrate in her chambers?"
"Yes she is and I'm going for lunch. I'll be back in an hour." Penny winked then collected her bag and overcoat.
"Thanks Penny, I owe you one."
"You can by me a drink at the dance Saturday night."
"You got a deal."
"Don't forget to lock the door behind me."
Erin walked the bubbly clerk to the exit then secured the lock. Seconds later she knocked on Alex's office door before opening it.
"Oh hello sweetheart," said a surprised Alex. "I wasn't expecting to see you."
"Hello babe, I have a spare hour and thought I'd drop by for fantasy number six." Erin took off her all-weather coat and draped it over a chair. She removed her parka and placed it on top of the jacket.
Anticipation caused Alex to gulp, "Oh honey, are you planning on making love to me on my desk?"
Erin's voice lowered, "Yes and in your chair followed by your filing cabinet."
"Good god Erin, I really do like your spontaneity and imagination."
"I'm happy to hear you say that because I have several more ideas."
Alex pushed back her chair and started to unbutton her silk shirt, "I love you, now come here Sheriff Sexy."
-0-
By the time Lewis arrived in Eagle River, Erin and Alex had managed to work their way through twenty listed fantasies. Lewis brought a DVD of messages from Tyrone, Joseph and Millie as well as a letter from Tyrone. Erin cried when she read how much Tyrone and Joseph missed her and laughed when Tyrone wrote how he had asked his father for a puppy to help him get over his sadness.
Alex held Erin's hand the entire time and suggested, "Why don't you go back for a few days and visit. I'll be fine and you are supposed to be on a break."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes sweetheart. I want you to go have some time with the boys and Millie."
Erin caressed the side of Alex's face and lovingly confided, "I love you and thank you for understanding."
Lewis cleared his throat and made a point, "Hello, I'm still in the room and it's about time you two sorted things out."
Erin turned to her best friend, "Sorry about that Lew, we've been on our own for so long we forgot you were here."
"You're forgiven and I'll organise a flight for tomorrow for you."
"Thanks and I'll stay for a week."
"You got it and the boys will be so thrilled to see you. That wife of mine will be pretty excited too."
-0-
Once Erin returned from New York and Lewis had left, she fell into a contented domestic life with Alex. When Valentine's Day arrived, Erin took Alex out to dinner at the local Italian restaurant followed by a speedy dash home to bed.
Two hours went by before Erin sprang out of bed and disappeared into the closet.
Alex was sitting up and propped up in front of her pillows when Erin came back, "What are you up to?"
Erin handed her a gift wrapped box and beamed, "Happy Valentines love."
Pursing her lips, Alex chided, "I thought we agreed on no presents."
"We did, but I owed you this one."
Alex's smile broadened when she unpacked a jewel box. She leaned into Erin and enquired, "You bought me an engagement ring?"
"Open it and find out."
Lifting the lid on the blue velvet case from Tiffany's, Alex's jaw dropped at the sight of two thin gold wedding rings and a three diamond setting ring, "Oh baby, they are wonderful."
"The bands are for when we officially wed." Erin removed the engagement ring and took hold of Alex's left hand, "I think it's time you wore this." She slipped the ring onto Alex's wedding finger and her next words were stifled by Alex's mouth claiming her lips.
-0-
The following morning Alex passed Penny a file and explained, "That's the Ferguson case due at ten."
Looking at the outstretched hand, Penny gasped, "Holy crap! That's a gorgeous ring. How come you've been hiding such a magnificent piece of jewellery?"
Alex blushed brightly, "Erin gave it to me yesterday."
"Why didn't she give it to you after you proposed?"
Alex answered with the lie Erin had told her to use, "She did, but I lost one of the stones some time ago and Erin finally had it replaced while visiting her father."
"Well she did a marvellous job. That's some serious chunk of stone."
"Three carats combined," bragged Alex without a hint of shame.
"I better get Joe to hang out with Erin more often and learn something about what women really want."
Alex giggled and patted her friend on the shoulder, "My wife is an expert in that field."
"Are you two planning on having children?"
"We hope to start in the next couple of years."
"You'd be awesome parents."
"Thank you Penny. What about you and Joe?"
"We have a five year plan, so hopefully they'll be an O'Hara offspring in two years' time."
"That sounds perfect."
After a brief conversation on motherhood, an ecstatic Alex returned to her office and prepared for the next court appearance.
-0-
Erin entered Arby's with a lunch order from the station and spotted Jack Gibson's wife in line at the counter, "Afternoon Julie."
"Hey Sheriff, I'd like to thank you for what you did for Jack back on Boxing Day."
"It was nothing."
"You saved his job, so that's something. His skipper told him he was on his last chance this shore leave and by not arresting him, he's finally woken up to himself."
Erin grinned at the news, "That's awfully good to hear."
"One beer a day he's down to and the kids are seeing more of him."
"Jack's a tough working man and it's easy to see how he fell into the trap of playing hard."
"Well you and your Deputies have this town's respect and that can only benefit us all."
"Thanks Julie and I'll pass on your kind words."
Glancing outside, Julie passed comment, "Looks like we are in for another storm tonight."
"I think you are right Julie and you're up."
-o-
Erin dropped off lunch to Penny and Alex before going to back to the station. After eating, she checked the weather forecast then phoned Alex with an update.
"Magistrate Taylor speaking."
"Hello babe."
"Oh Erin, thanks for leaving lunch in the fridge."
"You're welcome love. Listen, a pretty fierce snow storm is heading this way in about four hours. Will you be done by four o'clock?"
"Yes sweetheart, my last hearing is at three. Do you want to get home early?"
"Yes, I'd like to remove the snow off the fence before the next fall."
"I'll give you a hand."
"I knew you would. Can you give me a call as soon as you are ready to leave?"
"Okay and can you pick up another bag of peanuts for our little family?"
"Can do and that little family now consists of ten squirrels, two porcupines and four snowshoe hares. The back porch is a proverbial zoo these days."
Alex chuckled, "Yes, but they are all so cute."
"You're the cute one. Oh, are we okay for fruit for the family?"
"Stocks are getting low, so you better grab extra."
"Rightio love, see you soon."
"Hey Sheriff Taylor."
"What?"
"I love you and you were so incredibly sexy this morning."
Erin laughed loudly into the phone, "I love you too, bye."
-0-
Erin continued to fall deeper in love with Alex every day and their bond grew stronger. The porch menagerie also grew in population as did the number of hutches Erin built as shelter for the smaller animals.
As winter was replaced by spring, the occupants disappeared and Erin found herself missing them. Alex ribbed her endlessly and suggested they get a puppy to fill the void. Erin agreed and they drove out to Mike Patterson's property on Side Hill Lane to take a look at his four week old litter of Malamutes.
Alex instantly fell in love with the smaller male puppy and after the sale was complete, it was agreed the pair would return in four weeks' time to pick him up and take him home.
The couple were discussing names when Erin suddenly pulled off to the side of the road when blinding pain hit her left temple.
"What is it sweetheart?" asked an alarmed Alex.
Grabbing at her skull, Erin cried out in agony, "It hurts Alex."
"ERIN," shouted Alex, now in a panic.
"Help me babe, please," beseeched Erin as a darkness misted over her.
"Erin my darling, please come back to me," pleaded Alex in an emotionally strained tone.
Struggling against the blackness that engulfed her, Erin crawled her way towards the sound of her beloved's voice. "Alex," she murmured as the dark slowly began to fade. "Alex love," she rasped painfully against the lump in her throat.
"Ssh baby, don't try to talk," soothed Alex's words.
Erin finally mustered enough strength to open her eyelids. Her body felt heavy and she couldn't move, but she did feel the soft caress against her brow and tears began to fall from the corners of her eyes as Alex's bright blue orbs pushed past the blurriness.
"Relax Erin; the doctor is on the way."
Erin's forehead furrowed in question.
"You've been in an accident darling, but you are going to be all right now."
The fuzziness ebbed and Erin looked to the side and recognised hospital furniture. She turned her head to glance at Alex when she heard a strangled sob. The blonde's face was awash with tears and Erin slowly lifted her right arm. She touched Alex's wet face and choked out, "Love you."
"Oh god Erin, I love you so much." Alex clasped onto her girlfriend's hand and the weakness in Erin's muscles forced the limb to drop.
Confusion clouded her mind as she yielded to the draw of sleep.
-o-
Room 6504
Mount Sinai Medical Centre
One Gustave L. Levy Place
Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
1245 hours Sunday 29th October, 2006
Chung chung
Erin woke to the sound of people chattering. She recognised two of the voices as Alex and Lewis. Opening her eyes, she realises she was now sitting up in bed and the discomfort in her throat was now replaced by a soreness. She looked at the two people she loved the most and tried to focus on talking.
"Alex," she said roughly. "What happened to me?"
Three heads turned towards her and Alex beamed while approaching the bedside.
"This is Doctor Blaine and he will explain everything to you."
Offering comfort, Alex held onto Erin's left hand as a middle aged, dark haired male stepped closer.
"Erin, I know this is all very confusing for you at the moment, but we need to take things slow."
"Is it possible to have a drink, my throat is dry?"
Alex picked up a plastic cup with a straw off the roll-away table and placed it to Erin's lips, "It's iced water honey, just take little sips."
Erin followed the direction until the scratchy sensation eased. Tilting her head back, she said, "Thank you babe. Why am I so weak and what are you doing in Anchorage Lewis?"
Lewis grimaced at the question, "Hey sweetness, let the doctor tell you."
"What's the last thing you remember Erin?" enquired Doctor Blaine.
Erin glanced down to Alex's hand and was relieved to see the engagement ring, but was mystified by the absence of her wedding band. Looking closer, she noticed Alex's hair was cut in a more feathered style in front and she was wearing rectangle shaped black rimmed glasses. Her mind wandered as she tried to recall the last time she had seen Alex wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
"Erin," repeated the doctor.
"Uhm, yes?"
"Did you hear my question?"
Erin closed her eyes and remembered the last words, "Yes, you asked me what my last memory was."
"Good, that's very encouraging."
"Alex and I were driving home from Mike Patterson's property after purchasing a puppy. I experienced a sharp pain in the left side of my head and pulled over. I asked Alex to help me and after that everything went black until I woke up before. Baby, where's your wedding ring?"
Alex stroked the back of Erin's hand with her thumb, "Sweetheart, just concentrate on what Doctor Blaine is saying."
"Okay sorry, I'm all over the place and finding it difficult to focus."
"That's to be expected under the circumstances."
Erin once again looked down at Alex's hands and saw how thin her own wrist was. Running her eyes along her arm, she noted her wasted muscles and panicked. She tried to get up, but her arms were unresponsive.
"Bloody hell, what's wrong with me?" she demanded in despair.
Doctor Blaine watched as the heart rate and blood pressure started to rise on the monitor, "Relax Erin, you need to settle down or I'll have to sedate you."
"ALEX!" screamed Erin before taking slower breaths in an effort to cease the questions bombarding her brain. "Am I paralysed?"
"No," replied the doctor in an encouraging tone. "You've been in a coma and your muscles have been inactive except for daily physiotherapy to stave off atrophy."
The news stalled Erin's thought process momentarily before she spoke, "Say what, a coma, for how long?"
"Nine months."
"Fuck," uttered an astonished patient before squeezing Alex's hand for reassurance. "Where am I?"
"Mount Sinai Hospital."
"New York?"
"Yes."
"Did I get transferred down here from Province?"
"No, you've been here the entire time."
Befuddled, Erin mumbled, "I don't understand."
Lewis placed a hand on Erin's shoulder, "You were in an accident and hit by a truck sweetness."
Panic was replaced by disillusionment, "What?"
Lewis continued with the explanation, "You were visiting with Millie and the boys when the four of you went ice skating in the park down from our house."
"I don't remember that."
"Tyrone was ahead of you on the pond when an out of control transport truck came crashing through the railings. You rushed to Tyrone and pushed him out of the way."
"Shit, is Tyrone all right? Please tell me he's fine."
"He is sweetness, but he's been worried about you. Millie's been bringing him and Joseph here every night to read you a bedtime story."
Tears dribbled down Erin's face, "I love those kids. So if I got hurt back in January, it must be October then?"
"That's correct," answered the doctor. "You suffered extensive trauma to your head when it struck the ice and the impact of the truck broke just about every bone in your body."
Erin looked to Alex and instantly cried harder.
The Neurosurgeon resumed his summary, "For the first three months you were in a full body cast while the fractures to your skull healed as did the other surgical procedures."
"There was more surgery?"
"Your spleen and appendix were ruptured and had to be removed. Your neck and spine sustained trauma and extensive bruising, but luckily, weren't fractured."
"What about my legs, will I be able to walk again Doctor?"
"With a fair amount of therapy, you should regain full mobility Erin."
"Blimey, there's something to look forward to. Why was I in a coma for so long?"
"Your brain wasn't ready to wake up your body until today. You had an awful lot of healing to do," explained Blaine.
"Mary Mother Margaret, so the past four months I've been dreaming about never occurred?"
"I'm afraid not Erin. I want to run a full series of tests on you, but it can wait until the morning. I think you've been through enough for today, so try to rest and I'll check in with you later."
With a smile of relief, Erin was full of gratitude, "Thanks for putting me back together Doctor Blaine."
"I had two teams of surgeons working alongside me and we can discuss it more in detail later."
"Okay, bye."
Once the doctor and nurse left the room, Lewis bent down and kissed Erin on the right cheek, "Welcome back sweetness, you've been missed."
"Shit a brick Lewis, I've so much to catch up on. Everything is just a bloody blur."
"You worry about that later; you just have to relax for a while."
"Who organised for you to be here Alex? Are you staying at a safe house?"
"Uhm no Erin, we'll discuss it after you have had a nap."
Rolling her eyes, Erin responded bluntly, "Babe, I've been asleep for nine bloody months, I'm not tired. Lewis, pull up a chair and tell me how you got the authority to have Alex brought here."
When Lewis was settled, he began with the particulars, "A month ago DEA Agent Hammond contacted Bradford."
"Hang on," interrupted Erin. "Alex, you've been here at the hospital for a whole month?"
With sparkling eyes, Alex replied, "Yes honey, I would have been here the entire time if allowed."
Erin smiled sweetly at the blonde, "Thank you babe. Go on Lewis, what does Hammond have to do with this?"
"He had news and paperwork for Alex. Nathan Willis was minding Alex at the time and was advised Agent Hammond was on his way to Eagle River."
"Not another bloody trial?"
"No," answered Alex. "It was better news than that. Velez had been shanked to death in prison and Connors extradited back to Ireland to face several counts of murder."
"Oh darling, I'd hug you if I could, that's just fantastic. So you've been out of WitSec for a month then?"
"Yes Erin and living in your apartment until I finalise the paperwork to have my money and apartment signed back over to me."
Erin turned to Lewis with a coy grin then back at her girlfriend, "I gather you discovered I rented out your apartment."
"Yes I did and I'm very grateful to you. I just need your signature to transfer ownership to me."
"I'll do it once I can manage to write."
Glancing at his wristwatch, Lewis checked the time, "I hate to leave, but I have to pick up Millie and the boys."
"I except to see them tonight," instructed Erin.
"I'll bring them by after dinner as per usual."
"Oh Lewis, is Bradford still in charge?"
"Yes and will be visiting you tomorrow."
"Right you are, see you later and I love you."
"I love you too, bye."
Lewis kissed both women farewell and Erin asked for another drink.
Once she was finished, she slowly reached for Alex's hand, "I bet I look ghastly."
"You are beautiful," answered Alex with fresh tears in her eyes.
"They shaved off my hair, didn't they?"
"Yes honey, Doctor Blaine had to perform a craniotomy to repair the bleeding and remove the splinters of bone embedded in your brain. Your hair is actually growing back nicely; it's at the sporty, spiky stage."
"Bloody hell, I probably look like a frigging butch truck driver."
Alex tittered for a second, "No you don't and I've never seen you look butch."
"What about when I wore a Sheriff's uniform?"
"Oh well, okay I'll concede that one."
"Do I still resemble Jennifer Garner or am I more like Rocky Balboa?"
Alex's laugh was one of pure delight, "Jennifer and the shattered bones in your face healed really well after surgery. You're still my gorgeous Erin."
"Thank you and I couldn't help but notice I am rather on the skinny side."
"We'll work on that together honey."
"Sounds like a good plan. What day is it babe?"
"It's Sunday the twenty ninth of October and the time is 1:35 in the afternoon."
"So we didn't buy a malamute puppy you wanted to call Gideon?"
"No baby."
"But we did have the native animal zoo on the back porch?"
Alex grinned at the question, "Yes that was real."
"Oh the poor buggers won't have us there to feed them this winter."
"Don't worry; Penny and Joe have been keeping an eye on the hotel for us."
"That's one less thing to think about. I'm really sorry for putting you through all this Alex."
"Erin, you saved Tyrone's life. If he'd been hit he wouldn't have survived. I am so proud of you and every moment I have spent here has been worth it. I'm just so pleased to see you awake and talking. When you regain some strength, I'll show you the drawings Tyrone and Joseph did for you."
"Thank you love, so if I didn't return to Eagle River, how did you end up with your engagement ring?"
"Lewis took it out of your property and gave it to me when he visited in March. Apparently you bought it the morning of the accident and it was in your coat pocket."
"Blimey, in my dream it was much more romantic than that."
"Do you remember all your dreams?"
"Darling, until today I thought that was my life."
Alex pressed her lips to Erin's hand, "Were we happy?"
"We were ecstatic Alex and we even planned on having children in a couple of years' time."
"Well that can still come true, so can the puppy."
"It was so real Alex."
"Did we make love?"
"All the time and we had my list of fifty fantasies to re-enact."
Chuckling, Alex scoffed, "That can happen when you are back on your feet and that may explain the spike in your heart and pulse rate."
"I'll look forward to that. Will you be here tomorrow for my tests?"
"I'm sorry baby, I'll be at work."
"Work, you have a job?"
"Yes I'm back at the DA's Office as Bureau Chief for Trials and Investigations. I started two weeks ago."
"Oh Alex I'm so unbelievably happy for you and a little more than proud."
"I couldn't have done it without you."
"It was a team effort. I like your hair and those glasses are as sexy as all hell."
Smirking, Alex tittered briefly, "Don't be going there, I've missed you terribly."
"Well I can't say the same thing because you and I were going at it like two little snowshoe bunnies were I was."
Groaning, Alex remarked, "Jesus I'm so glad to hear your humour again."
"I suppose you are now top shareholder of Duracell."
"Close to it sweetheart," answered Alex deadpan.
"You'll be able to toss out that vibrator when I regain full use of my limbs."
"Okay, now is the part where we change the subject."
"You could always lock the door and sit on my face. At least I can control my mouth and tongue."
"Good lord Erin, don't tempt me."
"I'm serious babe; I know how frustrated you get."
"You know, there is something totally wrong about the whole suggestion."
"Yes, but let me know if you change your mind. I'll be appearing here day and night with twice weekly matinee performances."
The laughter from Alex was raucous, "I'll get back to you."
"Have you spoken to Olivia and Elliot since you returned?"
"No, I've gone to pick up the phone a hundred times, but the thought horrifies me."
"Does it make you relive being shot?"
"Yes and all the crap that followed."
"What about us?"
"Sweetheart, you and I are the only good part of WitSec."
"Have you been open about who you're engaged to?"
"Of course I have. I made that promise to you and have held up my side of the deal."
Erin grinned devilishly, "I love you Alex and thank you."
"Role playing in Eagle River prepared me well."
"Speaking of Eagle River, what story was used to explain our departure?"
"You accident was a good cover and I left to look after you full time."
"You would have stayed even if I never woke up, wouldn't you?"
"Damn straight I would have and once my money was released, I would have called in the best specialist money could buy."
"That's very sweet, but I think the medical staff and doctors here have been pretty amazing. Just out of curiosity, how much is my future wife worth?"
"My trust account has around twenty million."
"Oh shit, I better organise your will."
"Don't make me laugh Miss Money Bags. My new Last Will and Testament lists you as sole benefactor until we have children."
"You didn't have to do that."
"Why not, you did."
"Of course, you would have checked when I was first injured."
"Actually I didn't, your boss James did. When it appeared like you may not survive surgery, he contacted me after speaking to your lawyer and informed me I was named as your next of kin and beneficiary of your estate."
"I did plan on telling you, but I've been a tad busy in my make believe world."
A giggled escaped from Alex's pursed lips, "You know it's very hard to be cross with you."
"That's a bonus love."
"I was curious about your obvious ready supply of cash and knew the U.S. Marshal Service wasn't handing out extra money. When that fabulous ring turned up, I did a little digging into your background."
"Oh no Alex, you found out about my time as an exotic dancer in Brunei."
"No smartass, I read a newspaper article from the London Times about an unnamed nineteen year old female whose family and friends were executed by Shawn McGill back in 1991."
"I swear I was going to tell you all about the media coverage when I gave you the ring, but apparently my plans were derailed by a wayward truck. By the way, what was the cause of the accident?"
"The hydraulic braking system failed on the truck and the driver lost control."
"What happened to the driver?"
"Wade suffered a few cuts and bruises. He visits you once a week to check on your condition."
"That's thoughtful of him."
"Yes and as to the previous matter, I'm not upset about you not telling me everything. I was however, surprised to read you had a huge compensation figure awarded to you by the court."
"A Barrister acting on behalf of my parents' and Nick's estates argued Scotland Yard, MI-5 and the FBI failed to protect me and the others once they learnt of McGill's release from prison. They fell short when they didn't act upon the threats made against dad and Nick during the trial and throughout his incarceration."
"They had a valid argument honey."
"Hence the reason nine million pounds were put into a trust fund for me."
"It didn't compensate for your loss though," reflected Alex with a frown.
"Nothing would ever come close to that as you well know."
The blonde nodded with understanding, "Would you like me to check if you are able to eat solid food?"
"That would be great and I assume I'm hooked up to a feeding tube of some sort."
Alex stood and let go of Erin's hand, "It's in your stomach. You also have a catheter, colostomy bag and a couple of cannulas attached to both arms."
Realisation hit hard as Erin's eyes brimmed with tears, "How close was I to dying?"
"Close enough that James had a plane on standby for me."
"Oh darling, that must have been hard on you."
"It was the toughest thing I've ever endured Erin. James snuck me down here two days after the surgery and I stayed by your bedside for three days wearing that black wig. Lewis doesn't even know about it."
"I must thank James tomorrow."
"He's been brilliant Erin. If he hadn't flown me down here, I would have driven myself."
"James is a smart man and would have realised that."
"I've become close friends with him and Renee throughout this ordeal."
"I'm glad you weren't alone."
"I always had you in my heart. I'll be right back."
Erin practiced lifting her legs and arms while she waited and was relieved when she discovered she had limited movement in each extremity. She was perspiring profusely by the time Alex returned carrying two paper bags and drink containers.
"The good news is you're allowed to eat, but you have to take it slow."
"I can to that and thanks."
Alex put the packages on the table and moved it over the bed, "I got you chicken and vegetable soup plus a banana and honey protein shake."
"No wonder I love you so much, you know how to look after me."
"Well you have looked after me for years, so now it's my turn. Why are you all sweaty?"
Erin raised her right arm, "I've been working out a little."
Grinning broadly, Alex noted, "Trust you not to lie around."
"I only do that when I'm in bed with you."
"Thank you for the reminder," quipped Alex as she held the straw to Erin's lips. "Slow baby."
Erin placed a hand under the cup, "I can hold it babe; you go ahead and eat."
Sitting down, Alex started on a sandwich, "I have more good news for you."
"Go ahead love."
"Doctor Blaine is removing the PEG feeding tube in the morning."
"Oh, I'm looking forward to more surgery," jested Erin with a roll of her eyes.
"It's a short procedure and I can be here for it before I go to the office."
"I like that news Alex. Can you swap the drink for soup?"
"Sure, how are you feeling?"
"I'm starting to tire a little."
"When you finish eating you can have a nap."
"Will you be staying?"
"Most definitely, I've a book to read."
-0-
Ten minutes passed and Alex was putting the empty containers in the trash can. Erin was struggling to move over to the edge of the bed and Alex looked at her sternly.
"What are you trying to do?"
"Babe, can you snuggle with me?"
"I usually do honey."
"Do you really?"
"I've slept here with you every night for the past four weeks."
"That probably explains why I dreamt of you."
"I'd like to think so Erin. Would you like me to help you brush your teeth?"
"That would be great considering I'm planning on kissing the stuffing out of you."
"There's all the incentive I need," taunted Alex with a giggle.
Once Alex was comfortably cuddling into Erin's left side and the lights turned off, Erin asked, "How often does the nurse check on me?"
"It was every two hours, but now you're awake that's been changed to four. Besides, you are hooked up to enough monitors to wake the hospital if anything goes wrong."
"I hope they don't come racing in when my heart rate climbs."
Alex kissed up along Erin's neck, "Why is that?"
"Because having you next to me is making my blood boil."
"Are you saying you're aroused?"
"Very much so and I want you to kiss me."
"Sweetheart, remember how hard it was for me to stop after our first kiss?"
"I do Alex, it changed my life."
"Well it's worse than that now."
Erin gave a quiet chuckle, "I get the picture, but you need to stop kissing my neck before I climax."
"Oh sweet Jesus," whimpered Alex. "I think I just did."
Erin laughed throatily, "Do I smell or something?"
Alex rose up on her elbow and looked down at her partner, "Of course you don't."
"Then bloody well kiss me woman."
The couple traded tender smooches and soft caresses for over ten minutes before Alex felt Erin tire.
"Go to sleep darling," she coaxed. "I'm ready to sleep too."
"Alex, I love you so much and thank you for standing by me through all this."
"I never contemplated leaving you," replied Alex before crying silently. "I can't express how happy I am to have you back."
"Shush babe, please don't cry. When I can stand on my own two feet will you marry me?"
"Yes Erin I will. Oh god, I love you." Alex laid her head upon Erin's chest and continued to weep.
Erin gently stoked her trembling fingers through blonde hair until exhaustion stole her away.
-o-
Erin began physical therapy in earnest two days after surgery to remove the colostomy bag and feeding tube. The catheter was also discarded and Erin felt less encumbered. She was keen to regain her strength and walk again.
By the time Alex arrived at five-thirty, Erin was receiving a pain killer injection to her hip area.
"Nice tush," declared Alex while putting her portfolio down on a chair. "Has the patient been behaving today Mary?"
Nurse Mary Stewart pulled Erin's boxers back over her left hip and rolled her eyes at Alex, "What do you think?"
"I'd say she overdid it and is now suffering the consequences."
"Good guess Alex; I'll leave you to it."
"Thanks. So what do you have to say in your defence Deputy Taylor?"
Erin gingerly raised the back of the bed, "I'm in a rush to walk and make love to my beautiful and very understanding fiancée."
Alex approached the bed, "Is that your final summation?"
"I want to go home and sleep in a real bed with the love of my life. How am I doing so far?"
"I think you are too cute for your own good."
Erin pointed to her lips, "So I'm out of the shit then?"
Alex kissed Erin slowly and thoroughly before answering, "Aren't you always?"
"Yes darling and hello my brilliant Chief."
"Hello to you, so beside the pain, how did therapy go?" Alex unbuttoned her suit jacket and draped it over the back of the chair.
"First session this morning was really painful, but bearable. I got a little carried away with the hip and leg exercises this afternoon."
"Sweetheart, Doctor Searest said it would be a slow process for your muscles and tendons to get into shape. I want you to take it easy tomorrow."
"I promise and how was your day?"
A scowl preceded the reply, "Same as yesterday."
"Jim Steele is still full of shit then?"
"Yes and much to his chagrin, I gave him a formal warning for going behind my back and ignoring my instructions."
"Way to go Chief Cabot. It sounds to me like he doesn't like having a female in the position he expected to get."
Alex pecked Erin on the head, "Your intelligence is showing again darling. I'm going to take a shower."
Erin grabbed Alex's retreating arm, "Can I have a request?"
"It depends on what it is."
"I want to see your body. I miss looking at all of you."
Alex smirked and played along, "Do I get to see yours in return?" She was taken aback by Erin's retort.
"Forget it," she snapped while letting go. "I didn't expect a trade-off."
Alex grimaced, "Would you like to explain that remark?"
"No, it's self-explanatory."
Sitting on the side of the bed, Alex curled her left hand around Erin's neck, "I don't care that you've lost weight and muscle tone. I love you for what is inside, not how you look. My reply to your question was a simple response meant to tease you, not upset you."
Erin lifted her hand to Alex's face, "I'm sorry sweetheart that was uncalled for. I don't want you to see my body, I look awful. It was stupid of me to ask you to get naked when we both know nothing will come of it."
"Stop beating yourself up honey and take a deep breath."
"Thanks for the pep talk babe."
Alex gathered a pair of beige linen pants, fresh underwear and a light blue singlet shirt then entered the ensuite.
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