Healing Hearts
A/N #1: This is not the light-hearted story I set out to write; however, once I settled on the title, it seemed Wyatt had other ideas, and then Lucy wanted to share her feelings, and well, here we are...
This is the 9th story in the "Hearts" series. In chronological order, they are:
A Mother's Heart
Summer Hearts
An Impulsive Heart
Her (Soft-Hearted) Tough Soldier
Holding Their Hearts Forever
Another Heart to Hold
Holiday Hearts
Hearts of Hope and Courage
Healing Hearts
Early May 2026
Peeking around the corner of the living room after lunch, Lucy shook her head fondly at the now familiar sight of Wyatt sitting in his recliner watching a baseball game while their son slept soundly in his lap, his tiny fist holding tightly to Daddy's tee shirt. Probably should've put him in his crib to nap before going downstairs to get that load of towels out of the dryer, she realized a bit too late. Unfortunately, if Ethan woke up now, it was doubtful he'd go back to sleep-which meant their normally sweet-natured toddler would be a total hellion before bedtime. Lucy shuddered at the thought.
Of course, to be perfectly honest, it wasn't only the youngest Logan who wanted to cling unashamedly to Wyatt since his return from Syria. Take a number, little ones, Lucy thought wryly, fully aware of her own strong feelings concerning her husband's frightening, 'pulled back into the service out of the blue' temporary deployment to the other side of the world last month.
It had been a little over two weeks since an injured Wyatt had come home in the middle of the night after ten long, anxious days away from his family, and life was gradually returning to normal in the Logan house. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was proving to be a somewhat difficult period of adjustment for their young family, especially those intense first few days.
From the time Flynn and Amy woke up in the morning until bedtime (unless they were in school), the twins practically glued themselves to him, wanting only Daddy to help with bath time and read bedtime stories, despite his injured shoulder. As for the smallest member of their family, every time Wyatt sat down for more than a minute, their youngest struggled to climb into his Daddy's lap and then stubbornly refused to move no matter how Lucy coaxed or eventually scolded.
As for her, knowing how susceptible Wyatt was to feelings of guilt, she tried her very best to give him space and not smother him during the day, to remain as calm and loving as possible. Lucy had no doubt their children's open possessiveness was more than enough of a reminder to him how much he was missed by all of them during his absence. Only in the darkness of their bedroom at night was Lucy able to shed the deliberately cheerful (but secretly exhausting) manner she slipped on every morning like a worn sweater and gratefully reach for her husband.
Thankfully, as far as she could tell, Wyatt didn't seem to notice how tightly his wife clung to him night after night or how eagerly her hands caressed him in the darkness...or the silent tears of joy and relief Lucy couldn't seem to control once she knew he was asleep. Even their lovemaking seemed to her to have a rather desperate edge to it. In her mind, she knew her compulsive behavior when it came to her husband was bordering on scary, but her bruised heart just couldn't seem to accept that Wyatt had come back to them. And she despised herself for feeling so needy when he was trying to recover from his ordeal in Syria and work through his own issues. She wondered pensively how long it was going to take for their lives to become normal again...for her and the children to overcome their deep fear of losing him...or if that was even possible?
Although he pretended to be engrossed in the ball game, Wyatt was fully aware of his wife's quiet presence just outside the doorway. While she'd not said a single word of complaint, he knew Lucy well enough to understand how truly difficult the past month has been for her and the kids. Pressing a gentle kiss on Ethan's baby soft chestnut hair that was the color of his own, Wyatt tightened his grip on the sleeping toddler. Even though it was probably a bad idea to let the little guy fall asleep in his lap most days after lunch, he just didn't have the heart to say no. His young son's clingy attitude after his father's absence for ten days was only to be expected, he supposed. The twins were just as possessive, grudgingly leaving for school every weekday morning and then rushing to Wyatt's side when Lucy brought them home.
While he had every confidence in the world their mother had faithfully kept up the usual daily routine during the ten days he was gone, it still touched Wyatt's heart deeply to know how much his children loved and had missed him. Same went for his wife, too, though he could tell she was struggling not to appear too needy or insecure–like that was even possible, silly woman. Always, always physically affectionate with him, since his return, Lucy was much freer now with her sweet kisses and gentle touches. That part he certainly didn't mind, but Wyatt was also sadly aware of her troubled gaze following him every time he left a room. And hell, that was just during the daylight hours.
Every night, she instinctively reached for him when they were in bed as if to reassure herself it wasn't a dream, that he really had come home to her. While of course Wyatt's brain logically knew their separation hadn't been his fault, his heart ached at the thought that the circumstances of him abruptly getting dragged back into military service–even for such a relatively short amount of time–seemed to have really done a number on every member of their little family...leaving the door wide open for his old pal guilt to creep in...
Gratefully wrapping himself around Lucy every night, he couldn't help but notice she had yet to regain any of the weight lost from her naturally slight frame during his absence, and the lingering shadows under those expressive tawny eyes weren't easy for Wyatt to deal with. Eventually, it occurred to him that his hard-working, undeniably stressed-out wife was probably long overdue for a well-deserved break.
His sweet Lucy was a true force of nature, to be sure (and one of the strongest women it had ever been his privilege to know), but she had also been taking care of the kids and stuff around the house practically 24/7 since the awful day he'd been selected out of the blue to lead a dangerous mission on the other side of world...and returned injured. Naturally, Wyatt helped out as much as his shoulder would permit, but his wife uncomplainingly continued to do the lion's share of work around their house, and with twin first graders and a toddler, it was a hell of a lot of responsibility on her narrow shoulders.
Short of hiring someone to come in and do various household chores for them--an idea immediately shot down by the proud over achiever he was married to–there wasn't much else Wyatt could do...and already chafing at his physical limitations for the time being, that didn't sit right with him at all. Damn, but he absolutely hated feeling helpless like this.
After brooding about the situation for most of a whole day, he eventually hit on the idea that it might be a special treat for the two of them if they were able to have a long, relaxing weekend together before he returned to work and her leave of absence from the university was up. Although Wyatt's injury was still healing in spite of having PT sessions three times a week, there was no doubt in his mind that he and his brilliant, sexy wife could find some creative ways to get around the disadvantage of his bum shoulder and still enjoy themselves...
Once Wyatt decided on a plan of action, he happily got to work on Monday afternoon, settling at the kitchen island with a cup of coffee and his phone while Lucy was in the basement doing some laundry after lunch. First up was figuring out where they could get away to. Knowing his wife, there was no way she'd be comfortable leaving the city (and their three little ones), which meant it'd have to be somewhere in San Francisco, so that's where he started looking. Luckily, the fancy B & B they stayed at for their fifth wedding anniversary, the Petite Auberge, had a last-minute cancellation for this very weekend...almost like this trip was meant to be.
Hastily putting away his phone when he heard Lucy coming up the basement steps, he alternated between excitement and anxiety until the second she left the house around an hour later to pick up the girls at school while Ethan was napping. Grabbing his iPad and wallet, Wyatt headed upstairs to their bedroom so he'd at least have some advance warning when his three favorite ladies returned. To his great relief, mere minutes later, he managed to snag the (luckily) still available reservation. The first step of his plan was complete. Perfect...
Next on his agenda was finding someone they could leave Flynn, Amy, and Ethan with for a day and a half. Unfortunately, a call to Michelle Christopher proved to be a non starter. Their regular go-to sitter, Olivia, was going to be away on her senior school trip this weekend. Not only that, but her moms were taking advantage of the temporary empty nest and leaving for Napa Valley after work Friday. Dammit. Now he was 0 for 2, and probably out of luck finding someone to watch the kids.
Just then, Wyatt's phone chimed with a text from Rufus.
Rufus...
His best friend...
The guy his children affectionately called "Uncle" Rufus...
Good old reliable Rufus Carlin...
Impatiently tapping the text icon, Wyatt couldn't believe his eyes. It was like the man had read his mind. His hopes rising, he re-read the message again. Yep. Looked like Fate or the Force or whatever agreed that a weekend away was just what the Logans needed and was helping to make it happen.
Hey, you and Lucy wanna get together this weekend? Jiya and I don't have any plans, and we were just saying this morning how we haven't really seen you since your return from the big, super top-secret mission to Syria and thought it might be fun to hang out...
Wow. Mindful of his young son sleeping in the room next door, he settled for a fist pump and fiercely whispered, Yes! Could the man have any better timing? Of course, Wyatt was very much aware there was a huge difference between four adults spending a few hours together on a Saturday night and asking a couple without children to take care of three under the age of seven for most of a weekend, but hey, Rufus and Jiya were practically certified geniuses. And even more importantly, aside from the Christophers, there was no one he and Lucy trusted more.
Wyatt carefully considered how to phrase his request before deciding on...
Rufus! Great to hear from you. We've definitely missed seeing you guys, too. Funny you decided to text me because I was actually just getting ready to text YOU 'cause I have a really big favor to ask...
Watching his screen closely, Wyatt was pleased when a response bubble appeared almost instantly–but his satisfied smile faded when it seemed to take forever for the actual message itself to appear. Damn. Probably shouldn't have led off with the word, favor...or big, he lamented, relieved when the alert finally chimed.
Um...sure, okay, even though I will probably regret this...let's hear it...
He smirked at his phone. Despite his friend's understandable reluctance, an amused Wyatt had no doubt Rufus and Jiya would step up in a big way–which naturally, they agreed to once he shared his plans with them, promising to be at the Logan home around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Step Two of 'Operation Getaway' accomplished, Wyatt contemplated whether or not to surprise his wife.
On the one hand, if Lucy knew ahead of time they were going away for the weekend, she'd have time to make sure Rufus and Jiya had everything they might possibly need to take care of Ethan and the twins.
On the other hand, if Lucy knew ahead of time they were going away for the weekend, she'd have time to dig in her heels and come up with a reasonable (to her way of thinking), predictably lengthy list of reasons why it was a bad idea. Sometimes it was frustrating to be married to a woman who was way smarter than you...
In the end, he decided to keep the trip a surprise, and working in stealth mode the rest of the week whenever Lucy was occupied with their little ones or household chores, managed to pack a small suitcase for them (including a couple pieces of her lingerie he was especially fond of). Actually wasn't that big of a chore since Wyatt intended for the two of them to spend more time in bed than out–which, in his expert opinion, really cut down on the number of clothing items necessary. Hey, he was retired Army, and the military's idea of packing was a clean pair of boxers and a toothbrush.
Wyatt woke very early on Saturday morning filled with anticipation for the next two days. He loved his children with all his heart, but was very much looking forward to a little 'Wyatt and Lucy' time. Cautiously extricating himself from his peacefully slumbering wife, he showered and dressed in record time before quietly retrieving the packed suitcase from the back of their closet. Leaving it sit beside the door on his way out of the room, he peeked in the nursery first, smiling at their little man sleeping soundly, chubby arm wrapped snugly around his favorite stuffed dinosaur. Next stop was the girls' bedroom, where he found the six-year-olds cuddled up in Amy's twin bed. Wyatt wondered idly when his daughters would outgrow this habit they'd had since he and Lucy moved them out of their cribs into toddler beds.
Satisfied that the other members of his family would probably not wake up for a little while yet, Wyatt headed downstairs and began to start breakfast. Careful not to get his healing left shoulder riled up, he managed to fill a baking sheet with strips of bacon and put it in the oven to bake. Twenty minutes later, coffee was brewed, the kitchen table was set, and the scrambled eggs were almost done, although Wyatt just about dropped the skillet when he was startled by a husky voice from the doorway.
"Wyatt? What are you doing up so early? It's barely light outside. And you shouldn't be putting any stress on your shoulder," his wife reminded him, shuffling into the kitchen and sitting at the table with an adorable yawn. Now that the time has come to spring the surprise on Lucy he'd so carefully planned, Wyatt suddenly felt a pang of uncertainty. Maybe it would've been better if he'd talked to her first before asking Rufus and Jiya to watch the kids...not to mention paying a deposit on the room. What if she truly doesn't think this is a good idea?
Instead of responding, he reached in the cupboard for a mug proclaiming, 'If you want to understand today, you must search yesterday' and busied himself with pouring her a cup of coffee. Setting the steaming mug in front of his wife, Wyatt couldn't help grinning affectionately at the way she swiftly wrapped both small hands around the mug and closing her eyes, inhaled deeply. He'd learned early on in their relationship that his Lucy was seldom her usual brilliant self until after that first invigorating shot of caffeine.
Grateful for the tiny reprieve, Wyatt turned his attention back to finishing breakfast, checking on the bacon and stirring the eggs before covering them and turning off the stove–all the while uneasily aware of Lucy's speculative gaze on his back even as she sipped her coffee contentedly. Damn...he really did suck at keeping things from his wife.
While on the surface, she might've seemed to be about half asleep, Lucy was actually multi-tasking by openly staring a hole in her husband's back as she savored her life-affirming morning coffee. After seven years of marriage and three children together (not to mention a couple years of time traveling early on in their relationship), Lucy was quite confident she knew Wyatt Logan inside and out...and he was keeping something from her.
"You might as well spill it, soldier, because I've known you for nearly ten years now and can always tell when you're keeping something from me," Lucy observed calmly, hiding a smile when her husband's broad shoulders stiffened in surprise. Gotcha, silly man. It wasn't easy to keep her expression blank when the man turned around to face her, guilt written clearly all over his handsome face.
"Uh, why would you say that?" Wyatt asked, not quite meeting her eyes. When she continued to drink her coffee in silence, he sighed and dropped into the chair beside her. Scooting close and taking one of Lucy's hands in his, he took a deep breath and went for it.
"I've been feeling kinda bad, sweetheart, about how hard you've been working to keep everything together for our family during and after my mission to Syria," he said earnestly, rubbing his thumb gently across the back of her hand, "and thought you might enjoy a little break from taking care of the kids and the house, just me and you–you know, a quick getaway. Guess I should've asked you first, but I made plans for us to spend tonight at that really nice place we stayed at for our fifth anniversary. I already packed a small suitcase and even got Rufus and Jiya lined up to stay here with the kids because none of the Christophers were available this weekend..."
Wyatt's voice trailed off, a slight frown creasing his brow when Lucy abruptly set down her mug with a thud and stared at him in shock. Okay, that was definitely not what she was expecting. "This weekend? As in...today? Tonight?" she stammered. When her husband nodded solemnly, his dark azure eyes watching her intently, the practical part of her brain immediately dismissed the idea as impulsive, impractical, and definitely out of the question in the circumstances. Before Lucy could offer any kind of objection, though, the man who knew her so well put a finger against her lips.
"Now, Lucy, you know I'm not a demanding husband...well, at least I don't consider myself to be that kind of guy," he teased sweetly, "But in this case, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to put my foot down and insist, sweetheart. Yes, our family has been through kinda a rough time, both emotionally and in my case, physically, but I think we will all heal that much faster if you and I take a little time–not even a day and a half-to ourselves. Maybe you think I haven't noticed how hard you've been working to keep on top of everything around here by yourself, caring for the girls and Ethan 24/7 on top of all the household stuff like cooking and cleaning and laundry and groceries, but I have, and while I am so proud to be your husband and truly appreciate your efforts, this situation we're in right now also worries me, Lucy. Because of how well you've been holding our family together, I have no doubt we're going to be fine, but I don't want you sacrificing yourself any longer. Please let me take you away for just a little while to celebrate that I'm here, I'm safe, and I'm never going to leave you again."
At her husband's sincere words, the hard, agonizing knot of fear that had taken up residence in Lucy's chest the day he left for Syria began to splinter and crack before shattering completely. Throwing her arms around Wyatt's neck, she at last let down her guard for good and wept-painful sobs that shook Lucy's whole body while he murmured soothingly in her ear and rubbed her back. What a tremendous relief it was to lay down her self-imposed burden and just let him take care of her.
At last, the flood of tears dwindled away to a few sniffles and a hiccup or two. Drawing away from Wyatt, she self-consciously swiped at her damp cheeks and offered him a shaky smile. "Gee, I guess I've been holding on to those scary feelings for a while now. Good thing I have the best husband ever looking out for me, huh?" Lucy sniffed and managed a weak giggle when he winked and answered confidently, damn right. Oh, how she loved and needed this man who made every single part of life better...thank God her prayers had been answered and he'd come home to her...
A/N #2: Haven't decided yet if there will be another chapter of this story covering Wyatt and Lucy's little trip (which would probably include at least one angsty heart to heart conversation, I imagine), or if I'll just leave it here. If you have a preference, hit me up in a review :) Thanks! Was looking back through my archive here on FFN, and I'm rather pleased to note this story is my 10th new fic of 2021, in addition to periodic updates of the story I can't seem to finish, "First Steps." Writing for Lucy and Wyatt has become a real passion of mine, something I truly enjoy and take a great deal of pride in. Finally, I'd like to wish all my fellow Timeless fans a Merry Christmas and thank you for your support and encouragement this past year :))