Chapter 47 – Brother's Keeper
Edward
I didn't used to hate the nightshift as much as I did now. That was before I had Bella's warm arms to look forward to at home, so it hadn't mattered as much. I had to confess, I was spoiled now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I was glad this painfully long week was almost over. This last evening had been a fairly quiet one, with only a few minor injuries and a couple of flu cases coming through the ER. I took my break around midnight and headed for the Sanctuary to get in some time at the piano, so I could finish working on Bella's Christmas gift. I had been playing for about half an hour when I heard the door at the back of the Sanctuary open and close quietly.
"Good morning, Edward," Father Lebuteur said brightly from the front pew, as I finished the song I was playing. "That was beautiful. Did you compose it?"
"I did. It's a Christmas gift for my fiancée," I smiled back at him. "She's the inspiration behind the lyrics."
"Ah, so the hospital grapevine is accurate. What joyous news! My sincerest congratulations. I understand she's quite an extraordinary young woman, from what everyone is saying about her," Father Lebuteur said, as he came to stand next to the piano. "So, when's the big day?"
"Valentine's Day. We've decided not to do a big production or draw out the engagement, just something small at home with friends and family." I couldn't help the huge smile on my face, as I talked about our upcoming wedding. "Bella's not the kind of woman who goes in for the big and elaborate. I'd be happy wearing flour sacks and standing in a muddy field, as long as I still got to give her my last name," I grinned. Father Lebuteur laughed with me, patting me on the shoulder.
"Sounds like true love, my son. If you haven't procured someone to officiate the ceremony yet, I'd be honored to do it as my gift to the two of you. You've given me more than you'll ever know, and I'd relish the opportunity to repay the favor, Edward."
We discussed the particulars, and I agreed to speak with Bella. However, I had no doubt she would be as happy with Father Lebuteur as I was.
I was making my way back toward the ICU and stopped to get a coffee when Dr. Stanley joined me in the empty breakroom. "Well, well, Dr. Masen, you're looking mighty acquiescent these days. Are the rumors true, then? Have you really decided to take pity on the Ugly Duckling and save her from a life of lonely dullness? That's very chivalrous of you, Edward. You know, marriage is all fine and good, but a man does need some excitement, and the little woman would never have to be any the wiser. Let me know when you get bored and are ready for someone more interesting," she purred suggestively, as she ran her hand down my arm before walking out of the breakroom.
I was so angry I couldn't move or speak, lest I unleashed on her something I didn't think I could control in that moment. That was the last time. If she ever approached me again, I would file sexual harassment charges. I suddenly felt the need for a shower.
I finished my shift and made it home in the early hours of the morning, only to find Emmett's car parked in front of the house. I immediately wondered what he had done to make Rose mad enough that he had to hide from her at our place. When I opened the apartment door, Emmett was suddenly in the doorway from the kitchen, in uniform, his hand on his revolver.
"What the hell, Emmett?" I asked in an alarmed voice.
"Sorry, man, there was a little drama here last night, and I wasn't expecting you to come in the backdoor," he said. Emmett could tell by the look on my face I was about to go into a full panic. "Calm down, Edward, Bella's fine. Nothing happened…well, not much…"
Emmett didn't get to finish his sentence, because I was halfway up the stairs before he could say anything else. Bella was sleeping fitfully when I entered her room. Her legs were on top of the covers, and the first thing I saw were the bandages covering them. My heart sank into my stomach, as I fought my emotions to stay calm and not startle her awake. However, when I touched her arm, she sat up screaming.
"Shhh, Bella, it's just me, you're okay, nothing's going to harm you now." I pulled her into my lap and wrapped my arms around her, and she clung to me, her chest heaving with fear. "I'm sorry for startling you, honey. You're safe now," I tried to soothe her, but I needed to feel her close to me as much as she needed me close to her. Once she calmed down enough to speak, she told me about last night, and why her legs were bandaged.
Emmett came in with a plate of toast, a glass of juice, and two more pain pills. While she ate, I checked her legs. They were blistered and sore, so after she finished, I insisted she lay back down and try to rest. Her night had been horrible, so she was exhausted. She fell back to sleep almost immediately. I kissed her gently and then went to find Emmett downstairs getting ready to head home.
"Thanks for taking care of her and for staying here last night, Emmett. Why didn't you call me, though?" I wasn't angry, just worried.
"I didn't call you because there was nothing you could've done at the time. Besides, it just happened a few hours ago, and I knew you'd be home soon, so I stayed and waited for you," Emmett shrugged. "Anyway, we've got patrols in the neighborhood, and if anyone as much as steps foot on the property, we'll know."
"Thanks again, Brother. You don't know how much I appreciate you." I hugged Emmett as he was leaving.
"Yeah, I do. I always have, and it's mutual."
