Back to the Glen
Rough Return
I do not own the copyrights to Monarch of the Glen
No More Island
Ch. 17
Caci gave no verbal response to Gully's words about a third chance; nonetheless the gentleman was thrilled when the nurse came in only moments later and showed genuine surprise as to what she was seeing when it came to Caci's vitals. "No question, they are far stronger than before you got here." She then suggested he take a break even though she wasn't surprised when Mr. Mackenzie declined saying he'd already vowed not be somewhere else when Cacie came to or passed away.
"Besides, from what you just said, I think I may get that third chance." His eyes said more, and the nurse only smiled as she shook her head knowing it wasn't worth a fight with Mr. McKenzie to get him to move.
"I'll not be trying to get you to leave her, I don't know about the doctor though."
Jesse walked in as the nurse was leaving, Molly had left while the hospital's employee had been talking with Gully. Jesse said nothing for a good five minute while her father kept stroking Caci's hand. Nonetheless, his daughter finally spoke up.
"Dad, you really do need some rest. I doubt Caci's would want you wearing yourself ragged."
"I'll get some..." Gully leaned back in the chair he'd chosen to sit in, kept his hand on Caci's, "Eventually."
Jesse walked out knowing there was no moving her father when he had 'that' look in his eyes. A sharp and steady gaze which did not waver. His jaw that set hard and lips which thinned out. No, she'd not attempt to get her dad out; let the doctor be fool enough to do it if he so wished. However, Jesse wasn't past getting another bed hauled into the room.
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Buzz buzz buzz a sound I could not recognize entered my ear; I began shaking my head as if to get the sound of bees out of my ears. The sound softened, but only after I felt something warm touch my head. It was...a hand? It had to be what had caused me to stop moving my head and the noise in my ears to quit. Sound started up again in my ear, only this time it wasn't as if a beehive were buzzing in my ear. It was...Gully?
"It's okay." Gully spoke softly over and over as he watched Caci calming down and attempting to open her eyes more than once. "You're okay, I promise there is no way I am leaving this room."
I'd think I was dead only my shoulders hurt too much I think as I fight to open my eyes for more than a second. My gaze falls on Gully who has a hold of my hand with one of his and the other remains on my head. "What ...hap...hap...happened?" I manage to speak with my eye only halfway opened. "My shh..shou...shoulders hurt and I..." My eyes widen when I realize I can't feel my legs.
"A car going way too fast didn't see you in time." Gully spoke softly fighting a rage within himself when Caci mentioned her legs, "Now get some rest. We'll talk when you're stronger."
Jesse walked in and practically ordered her dad to get some sleep. Gully mouth opened to protest only to get his daughter loudly insisting on it. His reply to her orders might have been a very loud no way only I -softly - ask him to get some rest.
"For you, only for you." He taps my nose before going to lay down.
Epilogue
I love the fresh air rolling over the glen as I sit in a wheelchair wearing a long white gown with shiny beads. I take in the sight of more than one person dressed in their best, including Gully. His traditional Scottish clothing makes my heart skip a beat. However, it's more than his clothing which has my eye on him. It's the rings on our hands; we'd exchanged vows that very morning.
"Are you sure?" I looked into Gully's eyes when he'd come to the main house and knelt on his knees to ask me to marry him. "I'm in a wheelchair; there is a high chance I will not ever walk again."
"It doesn't matter, Caci; I'm just relieved you 're alive." Gully reached out and ran his hand down my cheek. He does not mention Thomas who was extremely grateful I'd pulled through. It would do no good, especially since we know Thomas has, very willingly- given up the keys to any vehicle after saying he was too old; he should have given up driving years ago. Plus, the man had gone -without any prodding - and paid half the medical bills. So, considering everything, Gully did not file charges.
"I guess it's a little late to expect you to come back to the island." Mr. Roarke's presence surprises me and I can't help it - my mouth drops open finding myself unable to speak. "What? You think I was going to let you stay without checking up on you?
I go to reply only to have Gully step up and shake hands with my cousin. My husband invites Mr. Roarke to stay for the party but my cousin appears hesitant. "Serious, you're more than welcome to stay."
"No, thank you." Mr. Roarke says, "I just came to check up on my cousin." He nods, does not mention what I see in his eyes... he'd come to insist I come back only to realize that was no longer an option. He says nothing more and disappears down a road none of the guests are paying attention to.
"I think..." Gully pushes me onto the dance floor, helps me stand only to sit back down and put me on his lap. "I am owed a dance."
I smile as the music commences to play. I am Mrs. Gully Mackenzie; I know I am back to the Glen -for good; there is no more island for me.