Chapter 43
"Relationships don't last because of the good times...they last because the hard times were handled with love and care." - Unknown
His apartment was a whole lot noisier than he'd left it when Wyatt came in from running a couple errands and picking up some things at the grocery store. Shaking his head fondly at the familiar mix of feminine and childish voices, he set the bags down on the table beside the front door long enough to shed his leather jacket and hang it on one of the hooks above it.
Making his way to the kitchen with the bags where a full-scale cookie making operation was taking place, Wyatt paused in the doorway, his eyes instinctively seeking out Lucy. He was greatly relieved to see she seemed to be taking things fairly easy for the moment, sitting quietly at the table with Sadie all snugged up against her uninjured side while the little girl watched the others with interest. As if sensing his gaze, Lucy glanced up and sent Wyatt a faint smile he had little trouble interpreting. She was either tired or in pain or both...and didn't want to disappoint Jamie or the others.
Sighing mentally, Wyatt could've predicted this would be the case when Lucy woke around dawn this morning from a restless sleep, working herself into a state about treats for Jamie's class party tomorrow afternoon. Despite his offer to make some cookies or brownies or at least go buy something (like the kids would care if their snacks were homemade or not–sugar was sugar to a five-year-old), she dug her little heels in.
"But Wyatt," she worried, elegant dark brows drawn together in a cute frown, "I already went to the store and got all the ingredients last week to make special heart-shaped sugar cookies for my students, plus Jamie was so excited about getting to help make them, I just hate to let him and the rest of my students down." Good Lord. Lucy Preston was one of the most easygoing females he'd ever met, but underneath, she could be as mule stubborn as the next woman.
Still, justifiably concerned--at least in his own mind-she might overdo things and delay her recovery, Wyatt tried to reason with her. "Sweetheart, I understand fully what you're saying, I really do, but, Lucy, I think you're sorta deliberately overlooking the fact you were injured in a pretty serious car accident not even 48 hours ago. You know as well as I do you need to be resting and taking care of yourself, not standing in the kitchen for hours making cookies for your students."
Judging from the sulky expression on her pretty face, his usually reasonable girlfriend wasn't buying it. Okay, so maybe Wyatt was being a little heavy handed here, but dammit, he was only trying to take care of the woman he loved...Adorable as a pouting Lucy was, Wyatt definitely hadn't forgotten the fierce, loving way she'd taken care of him for days when he'd been injured during a training exercise at Pendleton last month. (Although, he still had nightmares about that damn purple shower cap.)
Holding her right arm protectively close to her body, Lucy awkwardly climbed out of bed with an irritated sniff and disappeared into the bathroom. Amused, Wyatt called out after her, "I love you, sweetheart." Grinning at her pronounced lack of response, he indulged himself and took a few seconds to appreciate the enticing sway of her slender hips before reaching for his phone. Maybe she wouldn't willingly accept his help, but his gentle Lucy was decidedly no match for Julie B. when the blonde was on a mission, because honestly, who was? Checking the time, he figured his friend was already awake since Bam would be getting ready for work right about now. Sitting up in bed, Wyatt quickly tapped out:
Good morning, Mrs. Baumgardner, and how are you today?
Morning, Wy. Everybody's fine here...what's going on? Lucy and Jamie doing ok?
Mostly yes, but there is something I need your help with, if it's not too much trouble...
Name it :)
Even though she and Jamie are home from school this week, tomorrow is his Valentines Day class party, and Lucy woke up a little while ago fretting about making cookies to take to the party. I offered to make or buy some, but she turned me down flat 'cause she got all the stuff last week to bake them. The problem is, I strongly think she needs to be resting, not making cookies because she's all worried about disappointing a bunch of five-year-olds. Of course, it only pissed her off when I tried to talk her out of it :( Could you and the girls kinda "casually" come over and help out? I'd really appreciate it.
Sure, although I can just about guarantee Lucy will see right through the 3 of us showing up on your doorstep without any warning ;) Anyway, Dave will be leaving for the base in a half hour or so, and as soon as I get the girls fed and dressed, we'll be over. Need me to bring anything?
No, like I said, she already got all the stuff to make the cookies last week before the accident. Actually, I need to go to the store and pick up a few things anyway, so lunch is on us, and I'd sure feel a hell of a lot better about leaving Lucy and Jamie for a little while if you're here. Thanks, Julie, you're the best :)
Why, yes...Yes, I am, lol :p Ok, we'll see you in around an hour.
Once they finished breakfast, Wyatt kissed Lucy and Jamie goodbye and grabbing his keys, was already out the front door when the Baumgardner females arrived, bringing with them a large covered pot. He bent down to hug the younger ones, who'd wrapped themselves around his legs. "Well, hey, Miss Annie and Miss Sadie, I'm sure glad to see you. Thanks for coming over to spend a little time with Jamie and Miss Lucy while I go to the store," Wyatt told the girls, smiling at their shining faces.
"Uncle Wy? Mama says Miss Lucy and Jamie got boo-boos from being hurted in a car. Are they okay?" Annie asked rather anxiously, tugging on his hand when he straightened up.
"Yeah, Miss Lucy and Jamie okay, Uncle Wy?" Sadie echoed with wide eyes, patting his leg with a chubby little hand. Glancing over at their mother, who nodded permission, Wyatt promised the tiny blondes that yes, both Jamie and Miss Lucy did have a couple boo-boos, but were going to be just fine.
"Hey, I have an idea...why don't you go in and surprise them?" he suggested, turning to open the front door. The adults watched them scamper inside, chuckling at little Sadie yelling surprise (more than once) at the top of her lungs. Turning to face Julie, Wyatt shook his head and thanked his friend once more for coming over.
"Don't mention it. I'm happy to help and not only with baking cookies. I don't doubt with Lucy and Jamie needing to rest up, you've got your hands full here the next couple of days, so if you'd like me to, I can do laundry or straighten up around the place, really whatever needs to be done. And oh, yeah, I brought you guys a pot of chicken noodle soup that Mom made for your supper," the blonde informed him. What would he do without the kindness of his best friends, Wyatt thought gratefully, deeply appreciative for both the soup and the concern shining in Julie's vivid green eyes.
As he turned to leave, however, she unexpectedly moved in front of Wyatt and commented, "Um, listen, this might be crossing a line with you, Wy, and I'm sorry for that, truly, but it's only 'cause I care, okay? Is everything alright with you and Lucy? Dave and I were kinda surprised that the atmosphere between you at the hospital Saturday night seemed, well, a little chilly, even though it was obvious both of you were trying your best to not let it show in front of little man."
Wyatt couldn't bring himself to be too annoyed by the question because he knew his friend of many years had good intentions, but considering things were still maybe a touch sensitive with him and Lucy, didn't feel a particular need to share anything at the moment. "We're doing okay," he answered lightly, stepping around her, relieved when Julie-perhaps sensing his reluctance-instantly nodded. "I should be gone about an hour, maybe less...thanks again, Julie B.," Wyatt threw over his shoulder as he walked down the sidewalk to his Jeep. He hoped Lucy wouldn't be too perturbed over the fact he'd called in reinforcements (so to speak) to help them out some today, but then again, just couldn't find it in himself to worry about it because right now, her well being was more important than hurt feelings...
Sadie was the first to notice him standing in the open doorway. "Uncle Wy! Look at us," the toddler chirped with a sunny smile, "Mama and Jamie and Sissy are making heart cookies, and me and Miss Lucy gots pretty sprinkles for them." Dumping the bags on the counter top between the sink and fridge, Wyatt gently ran his hand over the little girl's unruly blonde curls before crouching down beside Lucy.
"How you doing, sweetheart? Your shoulder bothering you too much?" he asked in a husky voice, watching her closely, but thankfully, while still rather subdued and much too pale to suit him, she didn't seem to be actually upset at the moment.
Turning to face him, Lucy rolled her eyes and answered in a low tone, "Don't worry, we're doing fine, but I'm on to you, Wyatt Logan, asking Julie and the girls to come over since I was possibly being stubborn about the cookies for Jamie's party...but it's alright. I love you anyway for worrying about me, so thank you." Wyatt released the breath he'd unconsciously been holding at her words and grinned, relieved she wasn't angry with him for going behind her back and calling in reinforcements.
"You're very welcome, Ma'am. I love you, too, and taking care of you makes me happy," Wyatt whispered. Pressing a quick kiss on her soft cheek before straightening up, he duly admired Jamie and Annie's impressive skills with the plastic heart-shaped cookie cutters before wrapping his arm around Julie and quietly thanking her once more for giving up a Monday morning to make cookies with three children under the age of six. His friend casually waved away Wyatt's thanks just as the oven timer went off.
"No worries, cowboy. We're having ourselves a blast, right, little bakers? Okay, now everybody stay back while I get this last batch out of the oven and then we can start icing the cookies already cooled off so Sadie and Miss Lucy can work their magic with the sprinkles," she instructed cheerfully. The next couple hours flew by as the adults helped the little ones ice and decorate several dozen sugar cookies. At Julie's request, Wyatt took her phone and made a video of the baking project to share with Bam and her parents. Knowing Bob and Ruth, he felt sure they'd get a big kick out of watching their granddaughters and honorary grandson having all kinds of fun in the kitchen.
It was close to lunchtime when the homemade treats were all done and packed up for tomorrow. Since there were more than enough cookies for the twenty students in her kindergarten class–which included Jamie-Lucy told Julie to set some aside to take home for her parents and Dave and the girls. Once that was done, the blonde tidily stacked the dirty bowls and cookie sheets in the sink while Wyatt began making lunch for everyone. Despite Lucy's sincere offer to help, the other two ganged up on her and forbid it, so she herded the kids into the living room to wait for lunch to be ready.
Settled on one corner of the sofa with Sadie curled on her lap while Jamie and Annie sat on the floor watching his Lego Movie DVD, Lucy winced at the dull ache in her right shoulder. It probably would've been smart of her to have taken a pain pill after breakfast because the instructions from the hospital advised "getting in front of the pain," but because she was not a fan of the way they made her brain feel all fuzzy, Lucy told herself she could deal with the discomfort. Unfortunately, it was becoming apparent that had been a mistake, and knowing how protective Wyatt was, he would notice right away and have no trouble at all strongly "urging" Lucy to take a pill–as well as lie down for a nap-after lunch.
A tiny smile teased her lips. It really was sweet how attentively he was looking after her and Jamie-especially when Lucy knew from experience she wasn't necessarily the best of patients, and tended to be somewhat obstinate when she didn't feel well (according to her long-suffering sister). All in all, Lucy considered being taken care of by Wyatt Logan to be quite nice. Of course, she'd witnessed first-hand over the past months the man's incredible love and patience in raising a young child...and to have all of that love and patience directed at her was unexpectedly comforting. She secretly vowed to be more cooperative with him and make more of an effort to show her appreciation...
"Miss Lucy?" Sadie interrupted, reaching up to pat her cheek, "My tummy is hungry. Can we ask Uncle Wy for a snack?" Lucy smiled affectionately at the hopeful toddler. Wouldn't it be nice if someday she and Wyatt had a sweet little daughter (or two) like Sadie and Annie? she thought wistfully. Out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly noticed the man in question watching them rather intently from the doorway. She blushed at Wyatt's steady gaze. Of course, it was much too soon yet in their relationship to talk about having a baby...it wasn't like they were even engaged or anything...but maybe he was experiencing some of the same feelings...
"Alright then, who's hungry?" he asked, walking into the room, blue eyes twinkling when the little ones turned their attention from the movie and waved their hands eagerly. Setting small plates with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and goldfish crackers in front of Jamie and Annie, along with a juice box for each of them, Wyatt bent to take an increasingly put out Sadie from Lucy's lap. "Now, hang on there a minute, little Sadie Bug, you're having lunch with the grownups in the kitchen, okay?" he told the tiny blonde before she could loudly make her opinion known.
Leaving an engrossed Annie and Jamie to their lunch and movie, Lucy followed Wyatt and Sadie into the kitchen, smiling at the sound of the three-year-old's elated giggles when Wyatt pretended to drop her a couple times. Yes, maybe it was entirely possible the man she loved would like to have another child some day...
During lunch, Wyatt sat beside the perpetually ravenous Sadie, who talked his leg off at the same time she was enthusiastically demolishing her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and apple slices. It appeared the littlest Baumgardner might've inherited her Daddy's enormous appetite, he mused, and because his best friend was at least a couple inches over six feet, wondered idly where the small girl managed to put that much food. Content to keep a discreet eye on Lucy, he didn't feel the need to contribute much to the women's conversation, which ranged in topic from Jamie's school party to Bam and Julie's plans for Valentines Day. Although, it sounded like his best friend would be scoring some major points in the romance department this year, Wyatt snickered to himself.
As for his girlfriend, she was looking more weary by the minute, which naturally worried Wyatt. While Lucy hadn't figured it out yet–and would likely kick up a fuss-once Julie and her little helpers went home, he was determined that nap time today (including a pain pill if necessary) would be firmly enforced. Well aware how much Lucy disliked taking the pills unless she was sleeping, it was his opinion, however, that going all day without the medication yesterday was probably the reason why she slept so poorly last night. At this rate, she'd never get her strength back, he lamented.
Wyatt looked down at a tug on his sleeve to see Sadie, purple jelly on either side of her mouth, rubbing one eye with a small fist. "Up, please, Uncle Wy," she requested. Obligingly scooping up the sticky toddler, he nuzzled the top of her curly head when she nestled her cheek trustingly against him and fell asleep. Grape jelly stains on his previously clean shirt aside, his honorary "nieces" really were pretty amazing little girls. Bam and Julie sure were doing a great job raising them. Wyatt looked up in time to catch Lucy watching the two of them with what might've been a faintly yearning expression on her face. Raising a dark brow quizzically, he was intrigued by the soft pink color tinting her cheeks even as Lucy hastily averted her gaze. Wonder what that was all about?
Politely but firmly insisting on cleaning up not only the lunch mess but washing, drying and putting away all the dishes-despite Wyatt's objections-in no time flat, Julie had his kitchen looking spotless. Picking up the cookies set aside for them to take home, the blonde called for her older daughter while Wyatt carried Sadie out to the minivan for her and securely buckled the still sleeping three-year-old in her car seat. "Thanks again, ladies, for coming over and helping out, especially cleaning up, It means a lot to me and Lucy," he said, pressing a fond kiss on his friend's cheek and giving Annie a high five. Wyatt stood on the sidewalk for a minute until Julie drove around the corner and out of sight.
When he came back inside, Wyatt found the television turned off and a vaguely exasperated Lucy at the bottom of the steps trying to coax his reluctant son upstairs for a nap. "But I'm not sleepy," Jamie argued, his petulant expression and tone just a shade too whiny for his father's liking. Recovering from a car accident or not, his normally well-mannered child wasn't getting a free pass on poor behavior.
Going down on one knee in front of him, Wyatt stared into those dark blue eyes so like his own. "James Wyatt Logan," he warned quietly, "Stop giving Miss Lucy a hard time. You know we already talked about this. While the two of you are home from school this week getting better, afternoon naps are not negotiable, so that means no arguments, little man. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Sir," his son responded obediently, small shoulders drooping at the gentle reprimand. Behind Jamie, Wyatt noticed Lucy trying not to smile. Hmm...guess it was time to remind both patients who was really in charge here...
Gathering the five-year-old in his arms, he stood and giving her a meaningful glance, repeated, "Naps are not negotiable this week–for anyone." Now Wyatt was the one trying to keep a straight face when Lucy frowned slightly in response to his pointed comment. "And before you ask, yes, Miss Preston, that includes me, too. So, c'mon, it's time for a little shuteye. I'm sure you're both tuckered out from making all those pretty cookies...I know it about wore me out watching the whole impressive operation," he teased. Before Lucy even opened her mouth to complain, Wyatt grinned and ducked around her slight form to carry his son up the steps, pretending not to hear the exaggerated sigh directed at his retreating back.
Despite his earlier objections, Jamie was asleep within a couple minutes of being tucked in. "Sleep tight, buddy," Wyatt whispered, kissing the top of his blond head. Leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar, he walked into his room to see Lucy had changed into the pajama set he got her for Christmas and was sitting against the headboard of the bed, covers pulled up to her waist, staring intently at her phone. He was also glad to see a glass of water and pill bottle on the table beside the bed. "Everything alright, sweetheart?" Wyatt asked curiously, stripping down to his boxers before slipping in beside her and throwing his arm over her body.
Lucy absently bit her lip as she considered the best, least hurtful way to explain. Setting the phone down to gently run her fingers through Wyatt's disheveled chestnut hair, she began, "Well, I just got a text from Amy that she's back from her weekend trip and wants to know if I will be coming by this evening. Before you tell me to just invite her over here–which I know you will-I have a little confession to make. I don't say this to make you feel bad, Wyatt, but frankly, she didn't take it well when we were having problems last month. Even though she's seven years younger, Amy has always been a little over protective, and from her attitude since then, she apparently thinks I forgave you much too quickly for hurting me..." She fell silent at the troubled expression blooming on his face. Dammit, Lucy, that was certainly less than diplomatic. Pressing two fingers between her brows where a headache was starting to throb dully, Lucy thought ruefully perhaps it was a good thing she had taken a pain pill.
"Lucy?" Wyatt asked uncertainly after a long moment, looking up at her, "Do you think you forgave me too soon for the awful way I treated you? And don't sugar coat it because, sweetheart, your opinion is the only one I care about." Lucy could've willingly bit her tongue for carelessly letting that last piece of information slip. Along with young Jamie, Wyatt and Amy were the people she loved most in this world, and the thought of them not at least liking–if not loving-each other was intolerable to her. If she and Wyatt were to get married in the future, he and Amy would become family, and Lucy absolutely hated the very idea of being caught in the middle between her husband and her sister. A candid conversation with Amy was probably long overdue, she decided, sighing mentally, but right now, her loyalties lie with Wyatt.
Eager to reassure him, Lucy answered without hesitation, "No, I absolutely do not. Amy is quite intelligent, but still young, only 23, and her feelings are on her, not you. And in case you aren't convinced I'm telling you the truth, I can honestly say after our conversations the past couple days, it feels to me like the two of us are making real progress. I love you, Wyatt, so much...and I know without a doubt you love me. I believe with all my heart we're going to be alright. As for my sister, obviously, I want to stay here with you while Jamie and I recover together, but at the same time, telling her about the accident over the phone doesn't seem like a such a great idea."
Conscious of his silent (patient) gaze, Lucy took a shallow breath and continued, "But I might have a solution...I know it's kind of last minute, Wyatt, but would it be okay with you if we invited her for dinner tonight so I can tell her in person? Maybe we could have the chicken soup Ruth made us, so you wouldn't really have to go to very much trouble. Plus, because things have been a little distant between us, it might be a nice gesture to make, sort of like extending an olive branch, I guess? I love my little sister dearly and naturally, dislike being at odds with her, but it's past time Amy understood once and for all that I love you-and our relationship is none of her business."
As predicted, he immediately agreed, blue eyes glinting sympathetically at Lucy's unhappiness with the strained circumstances between her and Amy. Only child Wyatt had known almost from the beginning-and fully accepted-how important her sibling was to her. "That's no problem, Lucy. Even though you and Jamie are okay and recovering just fine, of course it's gonna be upsetting for her to find out about the car accident. I agree it would be much better to tell her in person. Why don't you text Amy back and invite her to come over around say, 5:30? That will give me plenty of time after we wake up to heat up the soup and maybe make some muffins or something to go with it."
What a lucky, lucky woman she was to have a man like Wyatt love her, Lucy thought, her throat tightening with emotion..because even though Amy wasn't too happy with either of them at the moment, he was still willing to make the effort on her behalf–and she loved him for it. "Thank you, love," she said gratefully, leaning close to tenderly press her lips to his. Once she texted the dinner invitation, Lucy was relieved (and hopeful) that Amy responded only seconds later with, "K, see you then." Setting the phone on the table, she slid under the covers with a sigh of pleasure, resting her cheek on Wyatt's bare chest. Quite soon, the steady beat of his heart combined with the pain medication did the trick, and a content Lucy drifted off...
It took a little while longer for Wyatt to fall asleep. As Lucy's soft breaths warmed his chest, his arms tightened protectively around her while he thought back on their conversation. Whether it was her intention or not, Wyatt's big takeaway from what Lucy shared with him was that without meaning to, somehow, he and the sister she loved so fiercely had put her in the middle...and that didn't sit well with him. She deserved a hell of a lot better, and if he needed to put up with a snippy attitude from Amy Preston for a couple hours this evening, so be it. Wyatt was man enough to take his lumps when he'd earned them. Although, in all fairness to Amy, he really had hurt Lucy terribly–something Wyatt wouldn't forget as long as he lived. To his way of thinking, then, this evening would be a good opportunity to allay some of his persistent guilt and make Lucy happy at the same time. A real win/win, he thought approvingly, closing his eyes at last and giving in to his weariness...
A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating :/ Briefly, while in the middle of writing, I suddenly was hit with a burst of inspiration and stepped away from this chapter and actually spent most of last week working on a big chunk of the First Steps epilogue :) I'm pretty excited and can't wait to share it with all of you-but considering the way I drag things out, lol, it's probably gonna take several more chapters to get us there! Oh, well. After that, while suffering through a mild case of writers block, I realized I'd kinda forgotten about poor Amy for quite a long time, so I hope this chapter and the next will remedy that. Plus, the Baumgardner sisters wanted to hang out for a while, and who can say no to little Sadie? ;p My appreciation to all of you still patiently following this story and of course, your favorites, follows and kind reviews are greatly appreciated. Your support means so much to me...thank you! P.S. At nearly 179,000 words now, First Steps has officially become my longest fanfic-that is crazy and kinda cool at the same time :))