Chapter 33

A/N #1: FINALLY! I want to humbly apologize to EVERYONE who has been waiting so patiently during the long delay (nearly three months) since I wrote a new chapter for this beast of a story. It's no coincidence that the last time I updated this fic was the day the heartbreaking "Hollywoodland" aired, and TBH, the last 30 seconds of that episode plunged me into some kind of dark, angsty writing spiral that I just couldn't shake. But time heals, my friends, and in spite of the fandom existing in some kind of hellish limbo right now (#RenewTimeless), I feel fairly hopeful, and in a much better frame of mind...so without any further delay, I hope you enjoy this new chapter :)

It was a beautiful, crisp mid-winter evening, the last Saturday in January, and just chilly enough that everyone gathered around the new fire pit Bam got for Christmas felt comfortable in their hoodies and sweaters. Wyatt, who thought Lucy looked so pretty in her dark red sweater and knit cap, had been pleased to get a text from Julie yesterday around lunch time extending the invitation for supper this evening...

Hey, cowboy, how you feeling? That hard head of yours still hurting? HA! You're getting your stitches out soon, though, right?

Not too bad, thx, and yeah, the stitches come out Monday, finally...

That's great! I bet you're probably tired of wearing Mom's purple shower cap ;)

You have no proof that has ever happened unless I need to have words with the love of my life...

Hey, she was the one who asked for the shower cap, just trying to take care of her man, lol! Don't worry, I won't tell Dave. Wouldn't want you to lose your man card or anything, soldier...

Thx, I appreciate your efforts to preserve my masculinity, and I'm sure Lucy feels the same.

No worries, handsome, besides it's pretty obvious that girl is already head over heels for you. Oh, forgot to tell you that I think my younger daughter will be sorry when you do lose the stitches cause I heard her tell Annie the other day that Uncle Wy was a pirate now :)

LOL-that Sadie is a real firecracker, just like her mama...

Naw, she's Dave Baumgardner in a toddler body...and that didn't sound kinda weird at all, huh? Anyway, Dave and I wanna invite you, Lucy & Jamie over for supper tomorrow nite if you guys aren't busy.

That sounds great-let me check with Lucy first, though, ok?

Oh, good answer, my friend-guess you CAN teach an old dog a new trick!

Very funny, Mrs. Baumgardner. What time, and what should we bring?

I was thinking 6:00? Dave's been dying for an excuse to use the fire pit Mom and Dad got him for Xmas, so how about you guys bring stuff to make s'mores for dessert? The kids will love that. Mom's bringing meat loaf, and I can take care of the rest.

Oh, man, Ruth's meat loaf-best I've ever eaten-no offense...

It's ok, none taken. Seriously, I've tried for years to duplicate the recipe, and God bless him, Dave never complains, but when Mom walks thru the door with HER meat loaf, his whole face lights up. I think she's only bringing two, though, so you boys will have to share, lol!

Yes, Ma'am. Hey, I will ask Lucy and get back to you, ok?

You bet. Talk to ya later...

After a quiet weekend spent at home with Jamie, both Wyatt and Lucy had gone back to work the Monday after his accident, and things between them seemed to be just about back to normal. Fortunately, the little boy had gotten over his insecurity about Wyatt fairly quickly. Good thing, because it had nearly broken his heart, and Lucy's, too, when his son confessed he was afraid his daddy was going to go away forever like his Mommy did.

Wyatt was attending counseling sessions twice a week now, and if he acted a little more quiet than usual on those nights, Lucy pretended not to notice. Every morning he woke with her in his arms, Wyatt felt like he was the luckiest guy on the planet. Even now, he could scarcely believe she not only forgave him for the way he treated her two weeks ago, but still loved him. Just the thought of a future without Lucy made him shiver.

He looked up when Bam came through the door, rubbing his stomach and complaining that Wyatt needed to hurry or he was going to starve to death. "Wy, what's taking you so long, man? My gut is low on fuel here, and you know I can't work on an empty stomach," he grumbled in all seriousness.

Standing, Wyatt quickly slipped his phone in his pocket, and retorted, "Well, you must have an empty gut all the time, Bam, cause it feels like I do most of the work around here," and smirking at his friend's heated denial, added, "Not that it's any of your business, but I was texting with your wife, buddy. She invited us over to your place tomorrow night for supper."

Bam brightened at that, "Yes! Finally a reason to try out my sweet new fire pit. Why don't you come over early and help me set her up, okay?" Wyatt readily agreed, reminding Bam he needed to check with Lucy first, ignoring the teasing sneer on his friend's face.

"Brother, you got it bad for that girl, 'cause she's got you wrapped around her little finger. No way I let Julie boss me around like that," he declared, and when Wyatt came to a halt in the hallway and looked at him incredulously, both men burst out laughing. "Now listen, just between you and me, Wy, we will never speak of this again, agreed?" Bam proposed in a low tone of voice, and while it was tempting to hold out on his best friend, Wyatt assured the other man he had his back in spite of the fact that anyone who knew the Baumgardners was more than aware just who wore the pants in their family.

He texted Lucy during lunch, pleased when she was just as delighted by the invitation as he was. She even took Jamie to the grocery store after school to pick up the fixings for s'mores, which his son proudly carried into the house. "Daddy! Daddy! We're home! Guess what? Me and Miss Lucy went to the store to buy stuff to make some mores at Uncle Bam's house 'cause he has a fire in his yard! Look, Daddy, we gots graham crackers and marshmallows and lots of candy bars...do you know how to make some mores, Daddy?" and Wyatt was so happy at his child's excitement, he dropped to one knee and swept Jamie into his arms for a big hug.

"I love you, son, you know that right?" and closed his eyes in contentment when the five-year-old went still for a moment before whispering in his ear, "Love you, too, Daddy." Wyatt opened his eyes to see Lucy watching the two of them, a tender expression on her face. Holding his hand out to her, he was thrilled when she knelt down and wrapped her arms around the two Logans. "I love you, too, Lucy Preston, so much more than you will ever know," he confided in a husky tone of voice, and managed to steal a quick kiss before Jamie started to squirm out of the group hug.

"Daddy! No kissing Miss Lucy right beside me, and you're squishing the marshmallows!" he scolded earnestly, struggling with the shopping bags.

Chuckling, Wyatt reluctantly let his son go before leaning in to Lucy and murmuring anxiously, "You think he's pretty much over my accident?" pointing to the bandage on his forehead. He was relieved when she smiled gently and nodded before getting to her feet and helping Jamie put things away.

After the gang had demolished every bit of Ruth's delicious meat loaves and the rest of their supper, everyone trooped out to the back yard to sit around the new fire pit. Too full to even think about dessert, Wyatt took a seat a little farther away from the fire, content to merely observe the growing chaos as Julie and her mother began unwrapping graham crackers and Hershey bars and distributing marshmallows and skewers. He decided to take a rain check on the s'mores for now in favor of watching his son patiently instructing Lucy on the proper way to make the sweet treat.

Frowning in concentration as he carefully held his skewer over the fire, just like his Uncle Bam showed him, the five-year-old was all business. Finally satisfied, Jamie turned to Lucy, who was sitting right behind him. "Okay, Miss Lucy, put the candy bar on the graham cracker and hold it so I can put the marshmallow on top. No, Sadie, this is for Miss Lucy," he warned when the three-year-old, who naturally was perched on Lucy's lap, reached for a graham cracker.

Wyatt hid a grin as Sadie's big green eyes welled up and her lower lip began to tremble, but before he could chastise his son, Lucy had the situation well in hand.

"Jamie, she said mildly, "Sadie was just trying to help, weren't you, sweetie?" quickly wiping away a single tear from her chubby cheek when the little girl quickly nodded even as she gazed adoringly at Lucy. "And, Sadie, if you wait just a second, Jamie will make you a s'more of your own, right, Jamie?"

"Yes, Ma'am," the boy responded eagerly. "I'm sorry, Sadie, you wanna help me make Miss Lucy's some more?" Settling back on Lucy's lap, the toddler bobbed her curly blonde head fervently and beamed at both of them.

Crisis averted for now, Wyatt once again marveled at Lucy's seemingly endless patience with children. In spite of whatever doubts she'd had six months ago before moving to San Diego, not only had she turned out to be a wonderful kindergarten teacher, but his son and the Baumgardner sisters were absolutely crazy about her. And some day, hopefully in the not too distant future, he and Lucy might have a child of their own, a brother or sister for young Jamie.

Just thinking about how perilously close he'd come to throwing away that future with the woman he loved and needed so much got Wyatt a little choked up. The emotional roller coaster he had been on the past two weeks finally seemed to be leveling off (thank God), and he was nearly overcome with gratitude that his girlfriend was a patient, forgiving woman ("You know you don't deserve her, Logan," a little voice in his head jeered).

Wyatt was startled from his musings when Julie plopped down in the empty chair next to him, precariously balancing a paper plate holding two heaping s'mores. She ignored the inquiring frown on his face and said, "Here, take this other one before I eat them both and end up looking like the broad side of a barn," grinning triumphantly when he rolled his eyes, but nevertheless obediently scooped up one of the gooey treats. He honestly couldn't remember the last time he ate a s'more, and taking a big bite, had to admit, it was every bit as good as he remembered.

They ate their dessert in companionable silence until, popping the last bite in her mouth, Julie sighed in satisfaction,"Well, that was delicious. Okay, Wy, now that I have you all sweetened up, there's something I wanna talk to you about," she began, delicately licking her sticky fingers. Wyatt groaned inwardly and resigned himself to hearing her out, because trying to divert Julie Baumgardner's attention when it was fixed on something was like trying to stop a charging bull with only a thin red bandana–it probably wasn't going to work (and dangerous as hell).

Glancing around, he noticed that everyone else appeared to be engrossed in something: Bam and his father-in-law were happily discussing the virtues of the new fire pit, Ruth and Annie had gone into the house for some much-needed wet paper towels, and Lucy was still helping Jamie and Sadie with their s'mores. Yes, indeed, Julie B.'s timing was impeccable, as usual.

Shooting a long-suffering look in her direction, Wyatt sucked it up and asked as casually as he could manage, "What's on your mind, Mrs. Baumgardner?" and was surprised and vaguely uneasy when she took her sweet time responding.

"All kidding aside, Wy, I swear I'm not trying to interfere with you and Lucy, but when you were out here helping Dave put the fire pit together before supper, Lucy and I were setting the food on the table, and well, she said something in passing that kind of bothered me. And I thought that just maybe you'd want to know what it was," and the clear concern in her voice set off warning bells in Wyatt's head.

Trying not to give in to his rising panic, Wyatt leaned closer to Julie, and demanded in a low whisper, "Just spit it out, Julie–you're making me a little nervous here. Is something wrong with Lucy? What did she say?" At the anxious expression on his face, Julie put her hand on Wyatt's arm and try to calm him.

"Hey, it's nothing serious, I promise. Wyatt, look at me-I promise." Taking a deep breath, she explained, "It was when I asked her how your counseling sessions were going. She stiffened up, and then trying to act all casual, just shrugged and answered, 'Fine.' "I swear, Wy, I dropped the subject, I really did, but it occurred to me after I opened my big mouth that it was possible you haven't been sharing any of those details with her, and from where I'm standing, it felt like maybe that was a sore spot with her. That's it. I'm probably making a mountain out of a mole hill, but if this is something you have it in your head that you don't want to 'bother' her with, it could be the wrong decision, 'cause not telling her seems to bother Lucy a lot."

Having delivered her advice, Julie stood without another word and patting his arm comfortingly, headed into the house. Needing a minute to collect his thoughts, Wyatt looked over at Lucy and was relieved to see she was still helping the little ones, who, judging by their chocolate-covered faces, were thoroughly enjoying their dessert. As if sensing his gaze, however, she looked up, and sent him a sweet smile, the one that was his alone. When he impulsively mouthed the words, "I love you," her dark eyes widened in pleased surprise, and a soft blush bloomed on her cheeks before she bent down when little Sadie tugged on her arm to hear whatever the three-year-old wanted to tell her.

Suddenly, Wyatt couldn't wait to go home and spend a little quiet time with Lucy, because Julie, as usual, hit the nail on the head. Even though Lucy had assured him on more than one occasion she was there for him and Wyatt could tell her anything he wanted, his natural reticence and a faint underlying embarrassment kept him from confiding in Lucy when he got home from each increasingly emotional therapy session. After his conversation with Julie just now, however, that was looking like a big mistake he wanted to remedy as soon as possible.

Glancing down at his wrist at the fine watch Lucy had given him for Christmas, Wyatt saw it was close to 9:00 p.m. and Jamie's bedtime. Catching Lucy's eye once more, he tapped the watch face, and nodding in agreement, she rose with Sadie balanced on her slim hip, and taking Jamie by the hand, went inside to wipe their sticky faces and hands.

An hour later, after a quick bath and even quicker bedtime story, Jamie was fast asleep. Walking into his bedroom, Wyatt was gratified to see Lucy already in bed, one of his old tee shirts slipping off a creamy narrow shoulder. Smiling widely at him, she pulled the covers back invitingly and asked, "Did he go to sleep right away?" Swiftly shedding his clothes but for a pair of boxers, Wyatt climbed under the covers and sliding down, put his arm around Lucy and pulled her slender body close to his chest. At her happy sigh, he gently kissed the top of her head, pausing uncertainly a moment before murmuring, "Lucy, can I ask you something?"

Leaning back to look up into his eyes, she answered easily, "Sure," and waited for his question.

Taking a deep breath, Wyatt went for it. "Sweetheart, did you mean it when you told me I could talk about my therapy sessions? I know you offered, but some of the details are pretty boring, mostly a lot of stuff about my life before starting a relationship with you, and how some things that happened in the past could affect my–our-future."

His grip on her tightened when she immediately put her small hand on his cheek, and assured him, "Wyatt, like I told you before, it's whatever you're comfortable with, okay?" Looking into her trusting brown eyes, Wyatt's mind drifted back to his first session a week ago...

Flashback

He sat as quietly as possible, trying not to betray his nervousness. Wyatt really disliked talking to strangers about personal stuff, but he reminded himself that therapy wasn't only for his benefit, but for Lucy and Jamie also, and his nerves calmed right away. He instinctively stood, prepared to salute, when the door opened abruptly.

"At ease, Master Sergeant," the woman requested quietly, gesturing for Wyatt to retake his seat.

"Yes, Ma'am," Wyatt replied, and sitting back down, gazed discreetly at the therapist. Dr. Angela Evans was likely around ten or so years his senior, slim, and tall, around Wyatt's own height of 5'11." She wore her straight salt and pepper hair in a stylish bob, and when her light blue eyes swept over Wyatt appraisingly, he realized that all the stories he'd heard about her were probably true–that she was no nonsense, but fair, and very protective of the servicemen and women at Pendleton.

Leaning down, the doctor offered her hand, and Wyatt appreciated the firm handshake he received. Sitting in a chair across from him, Dr. Evans opened up a manila file folder, and after silently perusing the contents, she looked up at Wyatt and offered him a warm smile.

"Well, Master Sergeant Logan, if you will indulge me for a few minutes, I'd like to verify some things in your personnel file before we get started, if that's alright with you?" At his ready acquiescence, she began to read aloud, "Master Sergeant Wyatt James Logan, Delta Force, age 30. Originally from West Texas, widower since February 2012, single parent of a five-year-old son, James Wyatt Logan."

"Are those the basics, Master Sergeant?" At his quick nod, Dr. Evans continued, "Joined the U.S. Army at age 18, right out of high school, member of Delta Force for eight years, a highly-regarded Training Instructor for the past five years, numerous commendations, glowing annual evaluations from your superiors."

Closing the file, the doctor paused for a moment and smiled again, considering her next words. "At first glance, I'd say the reason you're sitting here in my office today has nothing to do with your career. Therefore, my best 'educated' guess is something might be amiss in your personal life. Why don't you tell me a little something about your son? Five is a wonderful age. I have two teenage sons, and I imagine it's not easy raising a child on your own, especially when it according to your records, your son was less than a year old when your wife passed away, and you yourself were only in your mid-twenties."

Nodding at the doctor, Wyatt took a deep, cleansing breath, and began to talk about his son, a bit hesitantly at first, but the more he spoke about Jamie, the easier the words came. "Jamie–that was his mother's nickname for him–is a great little boy. He's smart and funny and loving. I guess he looks mostly like me, although he has his mom's blonde hair and her smile. Jamie started kindergarten last fall, and just loves it. Of course, um, that might have something to do with his teacher. He adores Lucy..." and Wyatt stopped abruptly, feeling his face warm when the doctor's gaze sharpened.

"Your son sounds like an exceptional child," she praised. "Question, Master Sergeant? Does Jamie's teacher encourage the parents of her students to use her first name when addressing her? Or am I missing something?" Dr. Evans asked curiously.

It suddenly occurred to Wyatt that he might have revealed more than he was comfortable with. Looking down at his hands, which were clasped tightly in his lap, his mind raced furiously.

The doctor's calm voice cut into his thoughts. "Master Sergeant, I apologize, it was not my intention to pry into your personal life or embarrass you. If you'd prefer, we can change the subject..."

Wyatt swallowed hard before interrupting her politely, "No, Ma'am, I'm not embarrassed at all. My son's teacher, Miss Lucy Preston, and I started seeing each other-dating-nearly four months ago." Aside from a speculative gleam in those penetrating blue eyes, Dr. Evans merely inclined her head and asked if he'd rather not discuss his girlfriend since they'd only been dating a short while.

Knowing she was waiting patiently for him just down the hallway, Wyatt shook his head, suddenly eager to discuss the sweet, smart, loving woman who had changed his life for the better. Clearing his throat, he tried to describe Lucy to this total stranger.

"Well, Lucy's my age, born and raised in San Francisco, where she taught U.S. History at a private high school until last summer. Her younger sister, Amy, is enrolled in graduate school here in San Diego, and persuaded Lucy to move here, even found her the job. And she's really smart and just an amazing kindergarten teacher, even if she was unsure if it was the right choice for her.

Dr. Evans smiled encouragingly, "Miss Preston sounds like a wonderful person. It might seem nosy, but do you have a picture of her, perhaps on your phone, that you could show me?" Wyatt failed to see the doctor's smile widen when he instantly pulled out his phone and showed the therapist the picture of Lucy and Jamie he took at the Christmas tree farm last month.

She examined the picture closely for a few seconds before observing, "I would agree that your young son does resemble you, and your Lucy is very pretty, Master Sergeant."

Unbidden, Wyatt respectfully corrected the woman, "She's beautiful, inside and out, and sweet, and funny, and so good with Jamie," and when he paused to take a breath, Wyatt couldn't contain the blush the bloomed across his cheeks at the knowing expression on Dr. Evans' face. "Sorry," he mumbled, "I guess I got a little carried away," but the therapist only smiled and shook her head.

"Not at all, Master Sergeant. Now, our time is just about up for this session, and while we haven't yet discussed the specific reasons for your appointment today, I feel like I've gotten to know you, if not necessarily any issues you may have, a little better. In my professional experience, it's very helpful to lay a strong personal foundation first that will enable me to be of some value to you."

Wyatt nodded his agreement, surprised at how quickly the hour had gone. "So far, Dr. Evans had definitely lived up to her reputation," he thought admiringly.

End Flashback

Wyatt fell silent, and glanced down to see Lucy's dark amber eyes shining with love and awe. "Wyatt, is that really how you see me?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.

"Sweetheart, that was just the tip of the iceberg. I could talk about you all day long and never run out of nice things to say," he promised, pressing a tender kiss on her soft lips. Eagerly returning his kiss, Lucy rolled on top of Wyatt, only lifting her mouth from his long enough to hastily pull the tee shirt over her head, before leaning back down to settle her bare body against his.

In between tiny, feverish kisses, Lucy declared, "You are the sweetest man alive, and I love you so much." And when Wyatt couldn't take her teasing any longer, he reached over and turned off the lamp before smoothly rolling Lucy under him and proceeded to return the favor.

A long while afterwards, before joining Lucy in peaceful slumber, Wyatt carefully pulled the covers up over their cooling bodies, and dusted a tender kiss on her lips before whispering, "Good night, sweet Lucy, I love you," and his last thought before drifting off was that he was indeed a lucky man.

A/N #2: Before I forget, I want to give a huge shoutout to qwertygal for her endless patience with me (we are collaborating on a story, and uh, instead of working on that, I had an idea for this chapter and ran with it). Thanks, Q, for always being the nice person you are. My sincere appreciation also to all of you who are kind enough to read, favorite, follow, and review my stories (you know who you are). It truly means more to me than you will ever know :))