Author note:
I really appreciate the reviews. It's so nice to know that you all are enjoying my story.
CH 18-Facing Fears
Pacing back and forth in the parking lot, Emma was anxiously waiting for the gate to the base to open so she could see for herself how Clay really was. He had told her that he had gotten hurt. Shot! He had gotten shot! Of course, Emma knew that his job was dangerous. Her dad had been injured on plenty of Ops. But, hearing that Clay could have died had her heart in her throat.
Finally, the gate slid open and the guys came walking out. Jason and Trent were on either side of Clay. He was moving slowly and using a crutch on his left side. She rushed to him. She wanted to throw herself in his arms, but she didn't want to hurt him. Clay could see her distress. He stood still, balanced the crutch against his side, and held his arms out to her.
Emma tried not to squeeze as she hugged him. He wrapped her in his embrace and laid his cheek on her head.
"Am I hurting you?"
"No babe. This feels just right." She tipped her head up to kiss him and then turned to her dad.
"Hey Daddy." She hugged him. "So happy you're all safe." She kissed Jason's cheek.
"Hey Em. I am too." There was no way he ever wanted to have to tell Emma that Clay wasn't coming home.
She then turned and hugged Trent too. "Thanks for taking care of Clay and getting him home." When she released him, he handed her a bag of meds and some rolls of gauze.
"Here's his pills for pain, if you can get him to take them. He should have his head elevated when he lays down. And the dressing on his leg needs to be changed daily, or more if he gets it wet."
Emma listened carefully. "Got it."
"Em, you got him from here," Jason asked.
"Yeah, I think so." She was thankful that he didn't even question that she would be staying with Clay to take care of him.
She took his bag and threw it in her car and did her best to help him in before she shut his door. She got situated behind the wheel, took a deep breath and flashed him a smile.
"Ready?"
Clay could tell she was putting on a brave face. He decided to let it go until they reached the apartment. He grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Yep. Let's go home."
The drive wasn't too long, but Emma did stop at the store quickly. The fact that she made him stay in the car to rest rankled him. They arrived at his place and he negotiated his way out of the car. Emma juggled his bag and the groceries. With that and Clay's crutch, they opted for the elevator. When Clay opened the door, Emma went straight to the kitchen to put things away. Clay sat down on the couch. He was more tired than he wanted to admit.
Once she was finished in the kitchen, Emma returned to the living room and began to sort through his bag to get his clothes in the laundry. He could see what she was doing. She was trying to keep busy to avoid dealing with what had happened. His voice cut into her activity.
"Em. Can you stop for a sec?"
"Just let me get these into the wash first."
"Emma, please…" She dropped what was in her arms and sat down next to him. He pulled her against his side.
"Honey, I'm okay. I'm hurt, but I'll heal, okay?"
"I know." She nodded.
"Sweetie, look at me, please." She raised her eyes to his and they were full of tears.
"Emma, I'll be fine, it's okay to be upset and scared. I was scared too." Tears were spilling down her cheeks now and soaking his shirt. She finally broke down and started sobbing. He tried to soothe her.
"Shhh… I'm okay, it's okay."
"I know," she hiccupped. "I 'm sorry. I don't want to be your hysterical girlfriend. I should be able to deal with this."
"You're not hysterical and you don't have to pretend with me." She nodded and took a deep breath.
"I just keep thinking what if your armor had failed. What if Trent hadn't gotten there in time?"
"But he did. Emma, we both know that there are no guarantees with my job. But, I'm always gonna fight like hell to come home to you. Can you live with that?" He hoped with everything in him that she would say yes.
"Yes. I can't imagine not having you in my life." She started to calm, and they just sat there quietly, holding each other. Clay's breathing got steadier and Emma realized he had fallen asleep. She hated to wake him, but she knew he would sleep better in his bed.
"Babe, babe, let's get you to bed, okay?" She helped him up and walked with him into the bedroom. Then she helped him get off his shoes, socks, and pants. She got a couple extra pillows to prop him up and helped him get situated.
"Emmie, please…" He patted the bed next to him. She stripped off her leggings and sweater and climbed in beside him. They curled up together and Clay was asleep almost immediately. Emma laid there watching him and thanking God that Clay had come home to her.
Emma awoke feeling Clay's solid frame next to her. She didn't think she had been tired, but it looked dark outside. Getting up carefully, so as not to wake him, she went to the dresser and pulled out one of his shirts to wear. She went to the kitchen and tried to quietly put together dinner.
Before she was finished, she heard Clay waking up. He was groaning and cursing as he tried to move from the bed. She hurried in to him.
"Honey, what do you need?"
"I just need to get up to pee and it hurts like hell."
"Why don't you let me get some of the meds Trent gave you? They won't help right now, but they might take the edge off for later." He had managed to swing his legs off the bed and sit up.
"Please Clay. I can't stand to see you in so much pain." He reached for her hand and pulled her to stand between his legs. He wrapped his arms around her and laid his head against her stomach, breathing her in.
"Yea, okay. Let me go to the bathroom and I'll come join you."
"No. You do what you need to, but then back to bed. I'll come to you." He smiled at her sternness.
"Yes ma'am."
She finished up the pasta and took it into the bedroom for both of them. After they ate, she handed him one of the pills Trent had sent.
"Thanks honey. Thanks for taking care of me sweetie."
"Always. You took care of me when I needed you. It's my turn to be here for you." She took the dirty dishes into the kitchen and came back to the bedroom.
"I think I'm gonna have to sleep again honey. I'm sorry. I hate feeling so weak."
"You are the strongest man I know, Clay Spenser. Just let me brush my teeth and I'll be right back with you." Clay tried desperately to stay awake until she returned. When she came back his eyelids were fluttering. He did manage to see her lift her shirt up to pull off her bra. Even in his current state he felt all his blood rushing south to his groin. Emma noticed and laughed.
"Well, one part of you seems to be uninjured."
"Once I'm feeling better, I'm gonna show you just how uninjured that part of me is."
"Then you better heal up fast because I want a thorough demonstration."
