Chapter 47

A/N #1: Sorry I haven't updated this since the middle of November...was busy writing a couple of new holiday stories and distracted by a little thing called Christmas :)

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." - Robert Frost

Wyatt closed the bathroom door quietly. Spotting Lucy's sexy dark red slip lying in a small heap on the floor next to the bed (where he'd carelessly flung it after stripping it from her delectable body), he smirked inwardly. Picking up the silky, delicate garment, Wyatt perched on the side of the bed where she lay calmly watching him with soft, languid eyes and a contented little half smile. Hmm...pain medication or not, he had a feeling Lucy would have little problem sleeping tonight-especially not after the satisfying way they'd just celebrated their first Valentines Day together...

Not only that, but the holiday had turned out to be a rather busy one after all. Although their lives had been turned upside down the past few days in a way none of them could've predicted, Lucy was determined she and Jamie would attend the Valentines party at school earlier today. In spite of his natural concern, Wyatt had to admit that everything had gone really well, and he'd very much enjoyed spending time helping Lucy and her substitute, Mrs. Ford, with a room full of kindergarteners. It was fun, too, watching his son hanging out with his little friends, and it was obvious her young students adored their "Miss Preston."

Because the afternoon's activities had clearly tired out his recovering son and girlfriend, though, they agreed to end the day quietly at home after their not necessarily romantic, but still nice family dinner at Galelli's. Wyatt tended to Jamie's bath and afterwards, Lucy read him a couple of his favorite Berenstain Bears books until the five-year-old fell asleep.

Noticing the drowsy yawn or two she tried to suppress, Wyatt suggested Lucy get ready for bed while he took care of things downstairs. Entering his bedroom a few minutes later, he stopped dead in his tracks. Candles flickered softly here and there, casting a hazy, warm glow around the room, and to Wyatt's pleased surprise, propped against the pillows in the middle of his king-sized bed was the woman he loved wearing only the dainty Victoria's Secret lingerie he'd picked out for her at Christmas time–and a very enticing smile.

"Happy Valentines Day," she purred, patting the space beside her invitingly. To her credit, the dark-haired vision didn't even crack a smile when a distracted Wyatt possibly stubbed a toe on the dresser in his haste to shed his clothes before approaching the bed. "See something you like, cowboy?" Lucy asked lazily, her earlier fatigue apparently gone. His heart beat faster at the possessive way her glowing eyes raked up and down his body.

Despite wanting her so fiercely he fairly ached with it, Wyatt had been a little hesitant about hurting her shoulder, and said so in between the hot, frantic kisses they exchanged before cautiously lowering himself over her slender body. In response, she held up a hand and swiftly reached for a pain pill and glass of water on the bedside table. Lying back against the soft pillows, Lucy opened her slender arms and with an oh-so-deceptively bashful smile, asked him very prettily if "he minded taking charge and doing all the work." Jesus.

What man in his right mind would have the fortitude (or bad judgment) to even consider turning down a killer request like that? Wyatt sure as hell didn't possess either, thereby unashamedly proving his weakness for Lucy and her feminine wiles...more than once...not to brag or anything...

Lucy's dark amber gaze never left his face as he gently ran his thumb over her kiss-swollen, rosy mouth. "You know, I'm really not sure why you even bother wearing little scraps of fabric like this when for some reason, they never seem to stay on that sexy body of your for more than a minute or two," Wyatt wondered idly, enjoying the blush slowly warming her creamy skin at his deliberately provocative words.

"It's called presentation, soldier," she answered breathlessly, sharply nipping his thumb and running her small hand over his bare thigh. Wyatt was helpless to prevent a faint shiver at her delicate, yet arousing touch. "After all, half the fun of getting a gift is the anticipation of unwrapping it...the expectation of receiving something your heart is longing for...coupled with the suspense of the unknown..." Her pleasingly husky voice trailed away on a soft gasp when he abruptly leaned in and spent the next few moments thoroughly kissing Lucy's sweet lips while her petite frame trembled under his heavier one.

Drawing back slightly, Wyatt pretended to frown at her. "You, Miss Preston, are a little tease, because you know damn well what using all those big fancy words you're so fond of does to me," he chastised lightly, intent on stealing another tempting kiss. Lucy, however, turned her cheek, seemingly impervious to his joking reprimand, and burst into delighted laughter. Wyatt tried, but couldn't hang on to his stern expression in the face of her amusement.

"Oops! Busted. Yes, I am rather partial to big fancy words," Lucy confessed with a satisfied grin, "and I like using them even more when I know they get my guy all stirred up." She sighed in contentment as Wyatt snorted (mostly) under his breath in response before sliding under the covers and carefully gathering her in his arms. They cuddled for a few blissful moments. In fact, he thought perhaps Lucy had actually fallen asleep when her muted voice suddenly broke the hushed silence of the dimly-lit room.

"Hasn't this been the most wonderful day, Wyatt?" she asked dreamily, rubbing her cheek against his bare chest. "The school party went so well and I think the kids really enjoyed it, especially one little boy, who was definitely very proud that his Daddy was there to help. Then we had a lovely meal at Galelli's followed by some quiet time with Jamie before having our own private little celebration."

Lucy paused briefly for dramatic effect before continuing, "Hmm...let me think...was that all that happened today? It seems like I might be forgetting something?" Since Wyatt had a very good idea exactly what his girlfriend was referring to, he smirked but remained silent, content to let her run with it.

Turning to look into his eyes, Lucy's playful expression softened into a wistful smile. "Oh, yes, I remember now," she murmured solemnly. "My boyfriend, an incredible man I love with all my heart, asked me to live with him and his adorable son...and naturally, I said yes! So in my opinion, it has truly been a most memorable Valentines Day, and I loved every second of it. Thank you, Wyatt."

He was touched by her sincere appreciation, especially since his original Valentines plans had been shot to hell in a split second last Saturday by a reckless driver in a pickup, and today's activities had been put together at the last minute. Clearing his throat, Wyatt replied, "You're more than welcome, sweetheart. I'm just glad it was a good day for you because I love you and always want to make you happy if I can."

This prompted Lucy to draw his face to hers and whisper, "Never, ever doubt that you make me happy because you do, and I love you, too, Wyatt, so much," before placing a tender, lingering kiss on his lips. They randomly discussed a few details for the move on Saturday before Wyatt got out of bed to blow out the candles when Lucy started to yawn and blink sleepily. Poor thing was worn out from her big day.

He settled himself under the thick covers and reached for her. "Sleep now, Lucy," Wyatt whispered lovingly. "You're still trying to recuperate and need to be all rested up for the weekend." Just as well, he reflected ruefully as she obediently closed her eyes and nestled against him, that he hadn't actually gotten around to making a reservation for the coming weekend for their romantic getaway to Coronado Island. The place was probably booked solid already plus-despite the very enjoyable way their day came to a close-Lucy was most likely out of commission for the foreseeable future when it came to a two-day, adults-only trip like that.

Listening to her breathing even out as she drifted off, Wyatt decided maybe going away sometime next month-just the two of them for no reason at all–could still be plenty romantic (especially if they were making up for lost time). He grinned to himself. If he put his mind to it, there were surely lots of little things Wyatt could do to make a trip like this memorable for Lucy. Maybe he could ask Julie for help...she was always full of good ideas. He should probably check with her and Bam on the dates first, though, since they'd promised to keep Jamie for that particular weekend, making a mental note to text his friend sometime tomorrow.

While turning out to be a somewhat low key, in some ways more intimate, Valentines Day than they might've hoped for, it certainly ended in a very satisfactory manner, as far as he was concerned. Plus, there would still be a special weekend together to look forward to in a few weeks. Yeah, he had to agree with Lucy-it really had been a good day. However, even more exciting to him, they had something much, much better than a trip to look forward to in a few days because Lucy was going to be living with him and his son...

Friday, February 17

"Love is when he gives you a piece of your soul that you never knew was missing..." - Torquato Tasso

"You're doing great, Lucy, just take it slow and steady. No need to rush...the whole hour is yours." Lucy grimaced as another twinge shot through her right shoulder. While her brain readily comprehended what Meghan, her kind–but firm-PT, was saying, her recuperating body was apparently not having it. Today was Lucy's initial session of physical therapy since getting hurt in the car accident nearly a week ago, and it definitely hadn't taken long to figure out that deliberately using her previously immobilized shoulder hurt. A lot.

The first part of the consultation had been simple enough. After a discussion with the other woman about stuff like her pain level and pertinent details of the injury itself, she'd taken numerous precise measurements of Lucy's range of motion and strength. Great. Fine. No problem. The second half of the hour is when the actual torture started.

Acutely aware of Wyatt sitting across the room observing the session intently, Lucy was stubbornly determined to work through whatever was asked of her without breaking down like a big baby despite her growing level of discomfort that was rapidly turning into actual pain. Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. Blinking back a traitorous tear (or possibly two), she gritted her teeth and tried valiantly to concentrate on the PT's brisk instructions and ignore the clearly unhappy reaction of her afflicted muscles to the repetitious movements designed to gradually restore full mobility of her shoulder.

After what felt like a month had passed, at last Meghan smiled and (mercifully) declared, "Alright, Lucy, that's enough for today. Excellent work for your first session. As soon as you get home, go ahead and take some pain meds to stay on top of the ache and ice your shoulder for no more than twenty minutes at a time as needed, okay? Then over the next couple days, make sure you do several sets of the exercises you just finished each day. I'll see you Tuesday afternoon. Have a nice weekend."

Her relief the session was over for today was so great that, if not for Wyatt's watchful presence, Lucy might've given in to the tears of pain and frustration that threatened. Exhaling a shaky breath, she pressed her trembling lips together and managed to politely thank the trim blonde before heading straight for Wyatt, all the while carefully cradling her right arm against her chest in an effort to ease the dull throbbing in her shoulder.

Thank God he knew her so well, immediately standing to draw her close. Lucy gratefully relaxed into his strong, comforting arms, resting her cheek against Wyatt's broad chest and inhaling his familiar scent. "I'm so proud of you, Lucy. You did really well. One down and seven more sessions to go," he whispered against her hair. "Now, let me help you back into the sling so we can get ourselves home, alright?" he coaxed, rubbing her back soothingly.

Home. Yes. She definitely liked the sound of that. Because as of tomorrow morning, Wyatt and Jamie's home would be hers also, and despite not feeling all that great physically at the moment, emotionally, however, Lucy was extremely happy and excited she was officially moving in with her guys. After a lengthy, at times poignant, conversation with her sister yesterday to share the news, an entirely supportive Amy had generously offered to pack up most of Lucy's clothes and things for Wyatt to pick up.

Breaking the news to her sister so soon after Amy and Wyatt had patched things up between them had been weighing on her mind the past couple of days, and her positive reaction had been a tremendous weight off Lucy. Amy was the only family she had, and her sister's feelings about Lucy living with Wyatt certainly mattered. On the other hand, his feelings couldn't have been clearer. Just last night, without hesitation he'd emptied out a second dresser drawer and half the closet space in his bedroom to make room for her...just like the way he had made room for Lucy in his fairly private life...

Was it any wonder she was head over heels in love with this guy who loved her so fiercely and took such good care of her? Like today, for example. While Wyatt had returned to the base on Wednesday, he'd been adamant about accompanying Lucy to her first PT appointment, even leaving Pendleton a couple hours early so he could come home and pick her up. As Wyatt had told her last night when they were getting ready for bed, he knew all too well how painful and stressful physical therapy could be sometimes and wanted to be there with her, despite Julie's kind offer to drive. Instead, their friend had arrived to look after Jamie just after lunch with her girls and a slow cooker containing something that smelled wonderful for tonight's dinner.

Nodding, Lucy shivered involuntarily when Wyatt slowly, cautiously draped the white cloth sling around her neck and eased her right arm into it. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, I know it hurts," he soothed at her involuntary hiss of discomfort, "We'll be home in a little bit and you can have a nap before supper, alright? Let me text Julie real quick that we're on our way," pulling his phone out.

Still a little skittish about riding in a vehicle, she held tightly to Wyatt's calloused hand and somehow managed to doze off during the trip home. By the time he parked out front of the apartment, Lucy actually felt slightly better. "Home at last. Let's get you inside so you can rest some. Probably gonna need one of your pills, too, to stay ahead of the pain," Wyatt advised, undoing his seat belt and reaching for the door handle.

Lucy gazed at his handsome profile, a wave of love filling her heart. Before he could actually open the door, she impulsively laid her hand on his arm and murmured, "Hey, Wyatt?" Hand stilling on the handle, he glanced quizzically over his shoulder at her.

"I want to say how much I appreciate you taking me to PT today. I know Julie volunteered to do it, but I'm really glad you were able to," she admitted. "It's sort of embarrassing to tell you, but honestly, once or twice, I felt like crying because it was really starting to hurt, but then I'd look over and see you waiting so patiently...and well, your presence gave me the strength to tough it out. So, thank you." Lucy smiled tremulously, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

Covering her hand with his larger one, Wyatt returned her smile and responded in a low tone, "No thanks necessary, but you're most welcome, happy I could help-although I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit here, sweetheart, because you were kicking ass there today for sure, especially for your first time." Lucy flushed with pleasure at the clear admiration in his voice, forgetting all about her aching shoulder.

Wyatt turned toward her and cupping her cheek with his other hand, gazed intently into Lucy's eyes. "As for giving you strength, I promise that I'll try my best to always support you whenever you need it, and not just because I love you. No way will I ever forget the reason your shoulder was dislocated to begin with was because you were trying to protect my son. That means everything to me. Everything. I hope you realize there's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Lucy Preston, because bottom line? Like I've told you before, making you happy makes me happy." Leaning towards toward her, he pressed a tender kiss on her forehead.

Without warning, her eyes filled with emotion from not only the sweet simplicity of Wyatt's caress, but also the sincere promise of his words. Hurriedly unbuckling her seat belt, Lucy sniffed loudly and threw herself into his arms. "Now you've done it, soldier," she whispered against his warm neck. "Went and made me cry by saying such beautiful things. I love you, too, Wyatt, so very much, and yes, you do make me happy."

"Glad to hear it," he answered. Wyatt's gaze drifted past Lucy's shoulder. "Probably better dry those tears, sweetheart. Looks like our welcoming party is waiting," he chuckled. Hastily swiping at her damp cheeks, she turned around to see Jamie, Annie, and Sadie standing in the open doorway wearing bright smiles and waving enthusiastically.

"Guess we better not keep them waiting. You know, I love those three little people so much," Lucy said, shaking her head fondly. "Hey, um, Wyatt, would it be alright with you if I told Julie that we're going to be living together? I think, hope, she and Dave will be happy for us." She watched him hopefully, relieved when he immediately nodded.

"Yes, Ma'am, I think that's a fine idea," he answered, dark blue eyes gleaming in approval. "Just a tiny word of warning, though, sweetheart. Julie B is a born planner, and once you move in, well, I bet it won't be long until she starts dropping less-than-subtle hints about the two of us getting married." Although Wyatt said it quite casually, Lucy blushed warmly at hearing the word married come out of his mouth. Married? To Wyatt Logan? God, yes, please...

Taking a deep breath, she tried to play it cool even though her pulse began racing wildly. "Yeah, she's a force of nature, alright," Lucy observed as nonchalantly as she could manage, offering Wyatt a shaky smile while resolutely willing her heart rate to slow down.

Thankfully for Lucy-whose shoulder had started to ache unpleasantly-once they got inside, after asking how the physical therapy went, Julie instantly noticed how pale and drawn her face was and began helping the girls into their jackets and hats. "Alright, ladies, time for us to go now so Miss Lucy can get some rest," their friend said, readily anticipating and then cheerfully ignoring her daughters' objections. Young Sadie looked especially unhappy, stubbornly wiggling away from her patient mother, who was trying in vain to zip her child's coat. Lucy hid a grin at how adorable the little girl looked with her hands on her hips.

"No, Mama, wanna stay with Miss Lucy and Uncle Wy," the tiny blonde protested with a mutinous frown. Lucy and Wyatt exchanged amused grins. Sadie squeaked in surprise when he suddenly scooped her up in his arms and started blowing raspberries on her chubby cheeks. The sound of the little girl's helpless giggles filled the air, even as her mother rolled her eyes.

"Well, thank you so much, Wyatt Logan, for getting my three-year-old all kinds of riled up and then sending her home a hot second later," Julie said dryly, clearly unimpressed with the sheepish, dimpled grin Wyatt shot her. "Just for that, Master Sergeant, you can get Sadie fastened in her booster seat," she ordered, tossing him her car keys, "and Annie, too."

Easily snagging the keys, an unrepentant Wyatt crisply saluted their (not really) irritated friend before settling the squealing toddler on his hip. Taking Annie's hand, he escorted the Baumgardner sisters out the door to Julie's minivan while Jamie followed them to say goodbye. The two women watched out the open door for a few seconds before the blonde turned to Lucy and gazed at her expectantly.

"So what's this I hear about you and Wyatt finally going away for a cozy, romantic weekend next month? It's a real shame it couldn't be this weekend like he was hoping for, you know, to celebrate your first Valentines Day, 'cause of the accident. Guess there was no sense in him making plans, though, when you're kinda out of commission, right?" Before she could continue, though, Lucy touched Julie's arm and hastily interrupted her.

"So, uh, yeah, having to postpone the trip to Coronado Bay is certainly disappointing, and it was very sweet of Wyatt to want to surprise me, but there's something else I want to tell you, Julie. I've already talked to Amy, but because you and Dave are Wyatt's closest friends, we wanted you guys to know that he asked me to move in with him and Jamie, and I said yes," she blurted out nervously, watching the younger woman's face for her reaction (which, of course, was so typically her).

Julie's mouth dropped open and her bright green eyes widened in shock before she threw her arms around Lucy and hugged her tightly. "What? Seriously? He did? Way to go, Wyatt," she cheered, pulling away with an elated grin. "Oh my gosh, Lucy, that is just the best news! I am so excited the two of you are taking this next important step in your relationship. I know you've had a bump or two in the road lately, but all couples do at one time or another, and I had no doubt you would be able to work through them. I've known Wy for a lot of years, and it's been wonderful to see how happy you make him and little Jamie, too." Lucy smiled in real pleasure at her friend's rushed, but nonetheless reassuring words.

"Thanks, Julie, that means a lot to me, and I'm sure Wyatt feels the same. He and Jamie make me very happy, too," she responded shyly. Without warning, a piercing whistle sounded outside, and they turned to see a smirking Wyatt leaning against the open door of the minivan, dramatically tapping his watch. Lucy chuckled at the blonde's aggrieved sigh as she sent an offended glare at Wyatt, who shrugged innocently.

"Men. Always in such a hurry," she grumbled, winking at Lucy. "Listen, girl, we're definitely gonna talk later, okay? I want all the details of how this went down," Julie threw over her shoulder as she hurried outside, stopping beside Wyatt long enough to give him a fervent hug and whisper in his ear. Whatever she told him, Lucy was greatly amused at how the experienced military training instructor actually blushed and hunched his shoulders uncomfortably like a reprimanded child. Yes, Julie Baumgardner was indeed a real character, and a very good friend, she thought fondly.

After the minivan pulled away, Wyatt bent over and picked up his son. Jamie put a small hand on his father's cheek and said something. Wyatt nodded, and then father and son grinned proudly at each other before turning to stare at Lucy waiting for them in the doorway. Out of nowhere, it struck her like a bolt of lightning that she was looking at her future–married or not–a wonderful future with Wyatt and Jamie Logan. Lucy's breath caught at the overwhelming love and hope and happiness flooding her heart. Tomorrow morning couldn't come soon enough...

"Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person...to love someone isn't just a strong feeling...it's a decision, a judgment...and a promise." - Unknown

A/N # 2: Yes, the future's looking pretty bright for Lucy and Wyatt, isn't it? While I have already written maybe 90 percent of the epilogue (seriously can't wait for you to read it), I'm still having a lot of fun getting to that point. Hard to believe I'm closing in on the 200,000 word mark. I will truly be sad to say goodbye to this AU story...whenever that might be, lol :p As usual, my sincere thanks to everyone who's still following First Steps. Your tireless patience with me is much appreciated :))