February 18, 2007

I ran into SAM's doctor on my way back to his room and found out that he was being released within the hour. My mind raced as I tried to figure out where we'd go. Gibbs had been pretty clear that both of our homes were out. I found both Ducky and a uniformed officer chatting with SAM's family when I returned to his room.

He smiled when I came in, looked at the pile of clothes on his bed, to the room full of people then back at me and shrugged. I bit back a grin; they were all so focused on each other nobody thought about what had to happen next.

"Uh, I'm thinking everybody should maybe step out for a second and let Tim get dressed. The doctor says he's releasing him very soon."

Everyone filed out, still chatting animatedly. His mom raised an eyebrow at me when I moved to close the door behind her but his father ushered her along with an arm around the waist.

"You're really cute when you're taking charge."

"Glad you like it, think you might have to get used to it for awhile."

It was nice to just be alone with him for a few minutes. I helped him into a button front shirt and he took my hand and spoke quietly, "Hey." He leaned in for a soft and very careful kiss.

I explained that I didn't know where we'd go and he informed me that that was why Ducky was there, to take us back to his house. If I knew then what I know now I might have run away.

Sarah seemed less than thrilled with her fate. Gibbs had also decided that it wouldn't be safe for her to return to school so she would be staying with the parents until further notice. I'm not sure which of us ended up with the scarier end of the deal.

Ducky's house is beautiful, a dream in fact for SAM and I because it's filled with stunning antiques. I find it nearly impossible to keep myself from running my fingers over some of the more scrumptious wood furniture. The most frightening antique in residence however is Ducky's 90-something year old mother. She's quite nice when she remembers who we are, but remembering isn't exactly her strong suit. Ducky says she was a handful long before the dementia ever set in and I can believe him.

As we were being moved into the upstairs guest room Mrs. Mallard asked where my wedding ring was. Before I even had time to look panicked Ducky patted her reassuringly and told her that the kidnappers had stolen our rings.

There's nothing like lying about being married in order to share a room to throw a little old fashioned guilt into your heart.

I didn't have long to think about it though because getting SAM up the stairs proved a little more slow going than I had bargained for. His ribs were very sore and as the sedatives left his body the pain became very difficult to endure. It had been decided that for the first 48 hours he would be allowed Tylenol but nothing stronger. Tylenol wasn't going to do much to ease the aching nose or body my love had to contend with.

I got him as comfortable as possible, though he complained about being stuffed into bed now that he was wide awake and took Ducky up on his offer of use of the kitchen. I made SAM some toast and grabbed a glass of milk, thinking that anything more adventurous would have to wait, but knowing he was bound to be hungry.

Hungry he was, he seemed to forget his pain as he swallowed half a piece of toast almost without chewing and moaned his thanks.

When I had cleared his dish away I crawled into the bed beside him. It took some convincing but he finally made me believe that my head on his chest didn't cause any extra pain so I relented and rested against him. In no time I was sound asleep for the first time in days.