Ch. 31

Although Wyatt had dozed off almost as soon as they had gone back to bed, Lucy had too much on her mind to sleep. While a part of her appreciated how difficult, even painful, it had been for him to open up to her–and she loved him even more for it–Lucy wasn't naive enough to think that their problems were going to magically disappear just because they finally had a couple honest conversations. Yes, they loved each other very much, and while that was fundamentally important, she doubted they could have a "happily ever after" without some serious work on their relationship. However, Wyatt voluntarily going to therapy tomorrow was a good start, she reflected. His willingness to do so in spite of how uncomfortable it made him pleased Lucy.

At the sound of a faint chime, Lucy reached over and picked up her phone to see a text from Julie:

Hey, how's our favorite Texan doing? Takes more than a bump on the head to keep Wyatt Logan down, lol...Is he behaving?

Better, I think. Not gonna lie, it was a LONG night, having to wake him up every two hours :(

I bet. Was he super cranky? Most guys are. I hate it when Dave is sick, it's like dealing with a 6'3" 220 lb toddler, you know?

That particular mental image made Lucy grin.

Yeah, I get how that could be annoying. Wyatt was pretty grumpy by the 3rd or 4th time I had to wake him, but we got through it...

You know that he could have stayed here with me and the girls today, but I'm glad you decided to stay home with him. He's lucky to have you, Lucy.

Funny, but in spite of what happened, I still feel like I'm the lucky one.

Let's just say you're both lucky to have found each other :)

Thanks! How did Jamie do last night and this morning?

He was fine until bed time, and then he got a little upset and told us he knew his daddy needed him and he had to go home :( it was really sweet.

Aww, poor little guy...

Yeah, but Dave did a good job of reassuring him and he was fine this morning.

And that's why you love your husband :)

Yep, big lug with a heart of gold, that's my Dave, lol...hey Mom and I put together some supper for you guys and I wanna drop it off before we go pick up little man, ok?

You and Ruth didn't have to do that...but I can't pretend to be unhappy about it ;)

No worries. The girls and I will be there in about a half hour.

Oh, hey, would you happen to have a plastic shower cap? Wyatt's gonna want a shower sometime tonight and he can't get his stitches wet.

If I don't have one, Mom probably does. I'll bring it with me.

Thanks, you're the best :)

Duh ;)

Shaking her head, Lucy marveled at the force of nature that was their friend. While she had been texting with Julie, Wyatt had rolled over on his stomach with his arm flung possessively across her. "He can be so sweet sometimes, well, actually, most of the time," she thought. Yes, there were still some issues for them to work through, and they had a long road ahead of them, but their future happiness was worth it–he was more than worth it. Lucy sighed before painstakingly extricating herself from underneath his solid, muscular arm, smiling at the faint frown that creased Wyatt's forehead before he turned his face the other direction. Tenderly tucking the covers up around his shoulders, she bent and pressed the barest whisper of a kiss on the top of his head before heading downstairs.

After putting a load of Jamie's clothes in the washer, Lucy was at the kitchen sink washing their breakfast dishes when she heard the front door open. She smiled when, within seconds, a tiny blonde whirlwind was clinging to her legs, whispering fiercely, "Miss Lucy! Miss Lucy! We gots to be quiet 'cause Uncle Wy hurted his head, Mama says." Drying her hands, Lucy knelt and swooped Sadie into her arms and kissed her soft cheek as a laden-down Julie and Annie came in the kitchen.

Already familiar with Wyatt's kitchen, Julie went straight to the stove and setting down a large foil-topped pan, turned on the oven before opening the fridge and stowing a covered bowl inside. "Mom made you guys a pan of lasagna, and I got a loaf of Italian bread and put together a salad. That's the reason we stopped here first, because the lasagna needs at least an hour to bake, and then once you take the pan out of the oven, it takes a while to set up or it'll be runny. And after the night you two had, we figured you might feel like eating supper a little early. Annie, can you put the bread on the counter for Mama? Thank you, punkin."

Once everything was situated to her satisfaction, Julie went into the living room and turned on the television for the girls to watch until it was time to pick up Jamie. Returning to the kitchen, the blonde sat at the table and ran a critical eye over her friend. "Girlfriend, don't take this the wrong way, but you're looking a little rough around the edges."

Still holding Sadie, Lucy huffed and sank into one of the kitchen chairs before arranging the toddler securely on her lap. "You don't have to worry about hurting my feelings. I can practically feel the bags under my eyes," she admitted wryly. "It seemed like every time I shut my eyes, the alarm on my phone was going off. By around 4:00 this morning, we were both snarling like a couple of wild dogs or something. It's okay, though, I'm just extremely grateful he wasn't hurt worse. This was scary enough."

Nodding in agreement, Julie said lightly, "Yeah, even when our guys are stationed stateside permanently, being a military wife comes with its own special brand of stress. I do think this might be the first time Wyatt has been injured on the job though, which is pretty amazing considering he's been active duty since he was eighteen years old. Now, Dave, on the other hand..." and Lucy chuckled when her friend rolled her eyes in exasperation and shrugged.

"Alright, Sadie Jane, why don't you go sit with Sissy and watch Sponge Bob until it's time to get Jamie so Mama and Miss Lucy can talk grownup stuff?" Julie suggested, glancing hopefully at Lucy.

Neither woman was actually surprised when, as to be expected, the three-year-old scowled and shaking her head, said, "No, Mama," before nestling even closer to Lucy, who snickered at the matching frown on her friend's face.

"You do know she's you in miniature form, right?" Lucy teased. Leaning close to the little girl, she whispered something that made Sadie nod fervently and jump off Lucy's lap and march into the other room, much to her mother's astonishment.

Pretending to be somewhat disgruntled, Julie's green eyes widened as she declared, "I think maybe we should start calling you the 'Sadie whisperer' or something. I swear you've got that child wrapped around your little finger, Lucy Preston."

Lucy grinned sheepishly and admitted, "I told her she could stay here with me while you and Annie go to the school, as long as it's okay with you."

Leaning closer, the blonde waved a casual hand in response before fixing an intent gaze on Lucy, and replied, "That's fine. Okay, so, listen, it's none of my business, of course, but I'm dying to know if you and Wy have made up or at least talked some stuff out." As Lucy frowned slightly, Julie shrugged apologetically, "Yeah, I know, I'm totally being that person, annoying and super nosy, but here's the thing you should understand: he's been my good friend for years now, and naturally, I consider you a friend also, Lucy. And I've been worried about the two of you, praying that your relationship will survive this mess. You and Wyatt deserve every happiness, and personally, I think that is with each other."

Although she was reluctant to reveal every gory detail to her, Lucy was touched by the younger woman's obvious concern. "Yeah, we did talk through some stuff, not everything of course because Wyatt's had a terrible headache and we're both exhausted, but I think we got a few things off our chests, enough that I feel better now," she shared, hoping to satisfy Julie's boundless curiosity, while at the same time, keeping certain things private between her and Wyatt.

Julie's face brightened, "Well, that is the best news I've had all day. I'm happy to hear that, and Dave will be, too." Checking her phone, she said, "Yikes, look at the time. Annie and I better get a move on, or poor Jamie might think he's been forgotten." Grabbing her car keys, her friend stood, easily brushing aside Lucy's thanks before retrieving her older daughter and heading out.

Lucy peeked in the living room to see Sadie gazing raptly at the television, and decided to get the lasagna in the oven and finish the dishes before Jamie got home. This had been the first personal day she'd taken since school started back in August, and Lucy had certainly missed the little boy and all his classmates today. "Sadie, sweetie, can you sit there and watch Sponge Bob while Miss Lucy does the dishes?" Without taking her eyes from the screen, the toddler nodded eagerly, the motion making her blonde curls bounce. Shaking her head affectionately, Lucy returned to the kitchen.

Wyatt was dreaming about butterflies, which was weird since he wasn't normally a butterflies kind of guy. It was a sunny day, and he was in a park (maybe?) lying under a tree, and for some odd reason, looking up at dozens of blue and green butterflies flitting everywhere. He held his breath when suddenly, a bright green one landed on his face. He could actually feel its tiny feet. Gasping, Wyatt's eyes popped open abruptly to see little Sadie peering at him curiously. No butterflies. Just the toddler very gently running a small, chubby finger across his bandage. "Hey, there, Sadie bug, what are you doing here?" he asked hoarsely, clearing his throat.

"Uncle Wy, you gots a boo-boo," she solemnly informed him, and he winced slightly as the little girl awkwardly climbed up on the bed. Pursing her lips, she carefully placed a kiss on his bandage before stretching herself out full length on his chest, tucking her soft curls against his neck trustingly. His arms automatically wrapping around the child, Wyatt got a little emotional at the sweet gesture. "All better now, Uncle Wy," Sadie promised. He heard a loud sniff, and looking at the doorway, saw Lucy standing there with a hand over her mouth, dark eyes blinking furiously.

"Who's your friend?" Lucy managed a few seconds later, somewhat choked up herself at the three-year-old's compassion. She sat on the side of the bed, offering Wyatt a misty smile before running a gentle hand up and down Sadie's back.

"My little Sadie bug," Wyatt replied, leaning down and dusting a kiss on her blonde curls. "When did she get here?"

"Julie and the girls stopped by to drop off supper before they went to pick up Jamie. Ruth made us a pan of lasagna and there's a salad and bread, too."

Wyatt's dark blue eyes lit up at that piece of news. "That was really nice of them. Definitely saved us having to order a pizza or something. I know you're as tired as I am, in spite of all these naps." A slight frown appeared on his forehead. "Um, can you help me here, 'cause I have to go to the bathroom," he whispered, looking rather helplessly at the toddler sprawled across his chest.

Leaning forward, Lucy smiled and answered, "She's already asleep. Maybe it's her nap time? Here, let me see if I can pick her up without waking her."

Wyatt hissed in surprise when Lucy slid her hands under Sadie, "Easy there, sweetheart," and flashed her a dimpled grin when she froze, her face turning crimson.

"Wyatt, not in front of Sadie," she scolded half-heartedly as she gathered the little girl in her arms. "I'm going to take her downstairs. They should be back soon with Jamie if you think you're done napping for a while." He nodded before heading into the bathroom.

By the time Lucy had laid Sadie on the sofa and covered her with a fleecy throw, Wyatt came down the steps carrying a old Texas Longhorns sweatshirt. "Will you help me? I really don't want this to get stuck on my bandage." With Lucy's guidance, Wyatt wiggled into the sweatshirt before settling into his recliner and switching the television to ESPN.

Bending down and putting her hand on his scruffy cheek, she asked, "You need anything? I think it's too soon yet for your next dose of ibuprofen."

"Maybe some water? My mouth feels really dry..." and Wyatt gulped when without warning, Lucy swooped in for a deep kiss. "Wow," he whispered hazily when she leaned back with a satisfied smile, "What was that for? Not that I'm complaining, no ma'am, not me."

"Just a little something to tide you over," she sassed, pulling away when he clumsily grabbed for her and missed. Lucy laughed softly at Wyatt's petulant expression. "Sorry, soldier, now how about that water?" she promised, hurrying off to the kitchen, smirking as the sound of his grumbling followed her.

Just as she returned with a bottle of water, the front door opened. Annie immediately ran to Wyatt's side, accompanied by her mother, who grinned and stuck her tongue out at him. "Uncle Wy, are you okay?" worry shining in the child's green eyes.

"I'm just fine, Miss Annie," he answered, smiling encouragingly at the four-year-old. "Thank you for letting Jamie sleep over at your house last night."

She nodded solemnly before scooting closer and confiding, "He cried a little bit, but I pretended not to see."

Brushing his hand over her tangled blonde curls, Wyatt smiled gently at Annie and thanked her before telling his friend, "Julie, you and Bam are raising two very kind-hearted girls here."

An uncharacteristic blush rose in her face at the compliment. Clearly pleased by his unexpected praise, Julie allowed, "They have their moments." She glanced over her shoulder at the doorway where Jamie stood motionless, a troubled look on his face. When Wyatt and Lucy followed her gaze, Julie leaned in and shared, "He's hardly said a word since we picked him up. Poor little man needs some one on one time with his Daddy, I think."

She kissed Wyatt on the cheek before straightening up. "I'm glad you're gonna be alright, cowboy. I told Lucy it'd take more than a measly bump on that hard head of yours to keep you down," and grinned when he immediately glared at her while Lucy snickered.

Hoping to give father and son a little time by themselves, Lucy offered to carry the sleeping Sadie out to Julie's van. After a flurry of goodbyes, the living room grew quiet once the front door shut. Wyatt took a deep breath, and holding his arms out, motioned for his son. "Hey, buddy, can you come and sit with me? I missed you last night." Jamie's lower lip trembled, and his big blue eyes never left Wyatt's face as he slowly walked toward his dad.

The minute the five-year-old was within reach, Wyatt tugged him into his lap and cuddled Jamie against his chest. To his dismay, the little boy burst into tears. Rubbing his back slowly, Wyatt tried to comfort his son. As his tears gradually slowed, he began to open up to his dad in between sniffs and hiccups. "Daddy, I missed you a lot, and I tried to be a big boy for Aunt Julie and Uncle Bam, but I was scared when Miss Lucy said your head gots hurt, but I only cried for a minute. Is that brave, Daddy? Uncle Bam said you were brave. Does your head hurt bad, Daddy? I don't like you to get bumps on the head..." and began crying again.

"Hey, shh, it's okay, buddy, Daddy's here. I'm fine, just a bump on the head." His heart ached at Jamie's distress. He looked up to see Lucy hovering in the doorway, staring at the two of them uncertainly. "Help?" he mouthed, and quickly crossing the room, she sank to her knees beside them. Giving Wyatt a tremulous smile, she patted Jamie on the leg and began to whisper in his ear.

After a long moment, Jamie sat up and rubbing his eyes, asked anxiously, "Are you sure?" and gave Lucy a watery smile at her nod. "Okay, Miss Lucy, and wiping his runny nose on his sleeve, climbed off Wyatt's lap and said with a sniff, "Be right back, Daddy."

Amazed, Wyatt turned to Lucy and questioned, "What was that all about?"

She shrugged unconcernedly. "I suggested that you would get better faster if he shared his after school snack with you. Hope you like string cheese and goldfish," Lucy admitted with a mischievous grin.

"Quick thinking, 'Miss' Lucy," Wyatt said in admiration, pulling her close for a hasty kiss.

"I'm back!" Jamie announced. "Do kisses make Daddy better, too?" he asked innocently, trying to hold on to their snacks and climb into his dad's lap at the same time.

"Yes, son, they sure do," Wyatt answered, with a meaningful look at a red-faced Lucy. Deciding to give father and son a little extra time together, she softly kissed each of them on the cheek before leaving the room.

The rest of the evening passed quickly. While the lasagna was baking, Lucy helped Jamie with his homework, amused and faintly pleased when he volunteered that her sub, a Mrs. Ford, was a nice lady, but she didn't smell as good as Miss Lucy. She pretended not to see Wyatt give his son a thumbs up at that piece of information.

After they devoured the delicious meal, Lucy insisted that Wyatt relax and hang out with his son, who was still acting a little clingy. Once she cleared away the supper dishes, Lucy peeked in the living room and smiled to see Jamie curled up on his dad's lap, chattering away while Wyatt listened attentively. "He really was a wonderful father," she thought wistfully, but her smile dimmed as Lucy recalled Wyatt's horrified response when she asked if he'd ever lost his temper with the little boy. As terrible as she felt for even bringing it up, her need to know carried just a little more weight on her soul.

She sighed, mentally crossing her fingers that their relationship was moving forward in a mature, healthy manner (she had known for some time that she wanted forever with this man, no matter what it took). Lucy's thoughts were interrupted by her phone vibrating in her pocket. It was a text from Rufus. In all the drama of the past twenty-four hours, Lucy had been so focused on Wyatt and Jamie, she didn't even think to give her friend a heads up. She grimaced when that thought naturally led to Amy. Lucy wondered guiltily if her sister was still pissed off (knowing Amy, probably).

Sitting at the kitchen table, she responded to his text:

Hey, didn't hear from you today. Are you ok?

I'm fine, so sorry you were worried. Wyatt was injured at the base yesterday afternoon and I stayed with him last nite and today.

Damn, I hate to hear that. Is he ok? What happened?

Yeah, he will be. During a training exercise, there was a scuffle and he got hit above his right eye with the end of a rifle.

Jesus, Lucy–that sounds awful.

Took 10 stitches to close the cut :(

Bet he's got a bitch of a headache, huh?

Oh, yeah, but he's much better today. The worst part was yesterday, having to wake him up every two hours. It was a LONG nite for sure.

Well, your G.I. Joe is one tough dude, glad you're there for him. Are you gonna be at school tomorrow?

I don't think so. He has a dr. appt. in the morning, and his Jeep is still parked at the base since he wasn't allowed to drive. Actually, thx for the reminder, I need to text Principal C. Talk to ya later...

Ok, give Wyatt my best. G'nite.

Lucy quickly texted her principal, relieved when she replied that today's sub, Mrs. Ford, had already been called about covering for Lucy a second day. She thanked Principal Christopher, assuring her boss she'd be back on Monday.

Within an hour, Jamie was bathed, teeth brushed, and climbing in bed for his night time story. At the five-year-old's worried request, Wyatt had perched himself on the end of the bed while Lucy read. Although he struggled manfully, the little boy's bright blue eyes eventually closed as he drifted off, well before Lucy got to the last page of the book. She lovingly kissed the top of his blond head as she tucked him in securely. Lucy looked up to see Wyatt gazing at her with a tender expression on his face. "What?" she murmured, a self-conscious blush heating her cheeks.

"You're really good with him, you know, and take pretty good care of me, too." Holding out his hand, Wyatt led her out of the room. Once they were in the hall, he squeezed her hand and said apologetically, "I know you're tired, but I could really use a shower, and need your help."

His blue eyes widened as she impulsively leaned closer and inhaled deeply before crinkling her nose in pretend disgust. "Wow! You absolutely reek. We better hurry," she teased, enjoying the way his dark brows drew together in confusion. "Kidding! You smell just fine," Lucy assured him, giggling when Wyatt's mouth dropped open and his eyes narrowed at her decidedly flirty attitude.

"Are you messing with me, Lucy Preston? 'Cause you should know what the penalty for that is..." he warned, a slow dimpled grin growing on his face.

"Counting on it, Master Sergeant," she winked and sauntered down the hall to his bathroom. Supremely aware of his interested gaze on her, Lucy might have added a little extra sway to her hips.

"You are an evil woman," Wyatt hissed in admiration, easily catching up to her, "But not paying very close attention if you think a bump on the head and a couple stitches will keep me from enjoying a little, well, under the circumstances, let's call it 'physical' therapy." His determined expression made Lucy's heart jump with anticipation as he pressed her against the closed door and began kissing her neck rather persuasively. Closing her eyes, Lucy trembled and clutched his broad shoulders as the pressure of his warm lips made her knees go weak. Fumbling behind her, she managed to open the door and pull him inside the bathroom, leaning around him long enough to shut and lock the door.

Trying in vain to catch her breath, Lucy held up her palm and shook her head in warning, "Okay, timeout," and hid a grin at his growl of displeasure. Taking a thick towel from the shelf, Lucy thoughtfully draped it over the side of the tub before taking Wyatt's shampoo bottle from the holder hanging from the shower head. Kneeling down, she patted the floor, "Let's try this. Why don't you sit with your back to the tub and lean your head back as far as you can, and I'll wash your hair, alright?"

After pulling his tee shirt over his head and dropping it on the floor, Wyatt dutifully sat in front of the tub as Lucy turned on the water. Once she was satisfied it wasn't too hot, she picked up a cup and after ordering him to lean back and close his eyes, put her hand securely over his bandage and began wetting Wyatt's thick dark hair. Leaning farther across his bare chest to reach for the shampoo, Lucy froze when he tensed and inhaled sharply.

"I'm so sorry, am I hurting you?" she started to apologize until she felt his muscular arms wrap around her. Lucy's cheeks warmed when she glanced at him and saw the hungry look on Wyatt's face, not realizing how firmly she was pressed against him, especially her chest. Swallowing thickly, Lucy breathlessly warned, "I can't do this if you don't stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" Wyatt asked innocently, his heated blue eyes giving lie to the question even as he ran his hands up and down her back.

"You know very well, Master Sergeant. Now behave yourself, or I'll sleep on your sofa tonight," she threatened, trying her best to sound serious (but clearly failing miserably, judging by the grin on his handsome face).

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied obediently and shut his eyes. On his best behavior now, Wyatt sighed happily as she cautiously worked the lather through his short hair, gently scratching his scalp with her fingernails. His muffled groan of pleasure surprised both of them.

"You like having your hair washed by someone else?" Lucy murmured softly in his ear, her warm breath making him shiver.

"Yes, Ma'am," he managed, still holding on to her, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. Wyatt jumped when her lips (accidentally?) grazed his earlobe. In spite of the strain sitting this way put on his back and a persistent dull headache, he was in heaven. As Lucy's slim fingers worked their magic, Wyatt felt content for the first time in almost a week. It had been a crazy twenty-four hours on top of an awful week, but in the end, his injury probably jump started their way back to each other. Sure, his discomfort at discussing his feelings had escalated to a near physical ache with her terrible, unexpected question about his temper and Jamie. But since they had been together for only a few short months, Lucy had no way of knowing that very scenario was one of Wyatt's deepest, most secret fears. Just the thought that he could lash out in anger at his beloved child tore him up.

His troubled musings were cut short by Lucy, who was looking down at him in concern. "Wyatt? Are you alright? Am I hurting you?" Without a second thought, he responded confidently, "You would never hurt me," and the tender smile Lucy bestowed on him filled him with happiness.

Gently raising his head, Lucy towel-dried his soaking hair enough to keep it from dripping in his face when he sat up. With an impish grin, she reached behind her and plucked a light purple plastic shower cap off the counter and presented it to Wyatt, who took it gingerly.

"Uh, yeah, I'm not wearing this," he declared, frowning at her smug expression. Helping him to his feet, Lucy shook her head in warning.

"Hey, soldier, this is not open to discussion. The doctor's orders were to keep your bandage dry. If you want a shower, put on the damn shower cap, Wyatt." Trying not to betray her amusement, Lucy returned his glower with a fairly impressive one of her own.

After a couple seconds, Wyatt sighed in frustration. "You're a stubborn little thing, aren't you?" he grumbled. "All right, I'll wear the damn thing, but not in front of you. That's the last picture of me I want in your head, me wearing some girly, puffy, purple shower cap. Jesus, Lucy, I could get my man card taken away," and he struggled to remain straight faced when she began laughing so hard he was pretty sure he heard her snort.

"Fine, then, I'm going downstairs to turn off the lights and lock up. I will meet you in bed after you have your very manly shower, okay?" and squealed when Wyatt grabbed her and planted a hard kiss on her sassy mouth before sending her out of the bathroom with a swat on the bottom.

After stripping down and taking the quickest shower on record (at least for a guy wearing a purple shower cap), Wyatt wrapped the towel securely around his waist and walked into his bedroom, half expecting to see Lucy already asleep. He was pleasantly surprised to see her still awake, propped against the headboard in one of his tee shirts, scrolling through her phone.

Climbing up on the bed, Wyatt wrapped a hand around Lucy's neck and brought her lips to his for a long leisurely kiss. Leaning back, he waited for her to open her eyes before politely informing her that he was reporting for his 'physical' therapy. Laughing out loud, Lucy's eyes dropped involuntarily to his lap before ordering him to lose the towel, and good soldier that he was, Wyatt had no trouble whatsoever following that order.

A/N: I have to be honest, it was such a relief to start moving past the angst of the past 6 or 7 chapters. Took me a day or two to get back into the sweet, sexy vibe of earlier chapters, and hopefully, I was successful. Everything's not perfect in Wyatt and Lucy's world, of course, but I think there's light at the end of the tunnel. I know that while it's interesting, the heavy angst can be hard to read, and my sincere thanks to all of you who have stuck with this. All of your reviews, favorites, and follows mean so much to me. Big props also to my fellow writers, Once Upon A Whim, TheVelvetDusk, emilycares, and quertygal for their ceaseless, patient, generous input. I couldn't do this without your support. One week to go, Timeless fans...let the countdown begin :)))