You Know the Drill, Language Barriers, Sleepless Night, Embarrassed & Lots of Kisses


Enroute to Inverness

Jules gently stroked Sam's hair as his head rested in her lap in the backseat of the car. They were about half way to Inverness now. She was glad that Wynfreda had swapped keys with Wallace. Driving Sam all the way to Inverness in the truck would have been uncomfortable for him.

They had been driving for about fifteen minutes when Sam groaned for the first time. He had tried to get comfortable in the seat and twisted his torso to do so. That twist caused a groan to escape. Jim had Wallace pull over and Jim came to the back to check on Sam.

It was then they discovered the significant bruising on Sam's stomach. Jules felt bad that she did not check that out in the bar. Her focus had been on his arm and it was only when he groaned that Jules recalled he had been held and pummeled in the stomach.

After that Jim had insisted Sam lay down. He was worried there might be internal damage given how hard the men hit. Jules knew Sam was hurting badly because he did not resist. He simply laid down with Jim's assistance stifling another groan and put his head in her lap. Ever since then it was deathly quiet in the car. No one said a word.

Jules was glad Jim did not scold Sam about not telling him sooner. It wouldn't have any purpose anyways and it wasn't like Jim could do any more than he was doing. They all realized why Sam didn't say anything. Sam did not want to ruin the parties any more than they had already been. And none of this was his fault. He was only defending Marsaili and the baby she carried.

Her gaze dropped to Sam. Even in the darkness of the car only illuminated by the dashboard she could see the bruising on his jaw. Her white knight had taken a beating saving the damsel in distress. Once Mason found out how badly Sam was hurt and he would find out, there was no doubt about that no matter if they tried to hide it. Mason would be beating himself up and feeling guilty that Sam had been hurt defending Marsaili.

God Jules wished these men did not carry the guilt for things out of their control. But she understood it. She was guilty of doing that too.

Jules was proud of Sam. She knew he was hurting but he would be okay. They would set his arm and check out the rest of him but she was sure he would be okay. The thing that made her saddest was that Sam would be on leave again until his arm healed. She would miss working with him.

A small smile crossed her face when she thought it was a good thing that Jude liked working with Team One. It looked like Jude was gonna get to stay longer now. At this rate Jude would be the most experienced rookie when he eventually gained a spot on one of the SRU teams.

Sam shifted slightly and looked up at Jules.

She smiled and said "Hey, how ya doing?"

Quietly Sam said "Gotta go. Is there somewhere we can pull over?"

Jules looked out at the nothingness then asked "Wallace is there someplace we can stop? Sam needs to go."

Wallace shook his head "No place close yet."

Jim turned in his seat to look at Sam. He said to Wallace "Pull over."

Wallace complied. Jim said "Wait and I'll help you sit up Sam."

Then Jim grabbed the half empty water bottle from the console and got out. Jules watched Jim take a drink of water then covertly dump the rest out and wondered why. Jim opened the door and helped Sam sit up and then out of the car. Jules went to slide out and Jim put up a hand staying her.

Jim said softly "Stay put Jules. I've got him."

Then Jim slowly walked Sam away from the car into the darkened field.

Once away from the car Jim said quietly so his voice did not carry "You know the drill Sam. Ya gotta piss in the bottle for me. Where you were hit you could have a bruised kidney. I need to know if you have blood in your urine."

Sam unzipped and unbuttoned one handed. Then he shook his head and grumbled "Dammit, you're gonna have to hold the bottle Jim. I can't do it one handed."

Jim held the bottle and turned away as he said "Ain't like we haven't done this before. Too bad this is old hat buddy. Just try to aim true, no place for me to wash up out here."

Sam snorted "Aim's my game. Distance not so much."

Jim chuckled as Sam took care of business. Then he zipped up and buttoned up. Jim capped the water bottle then pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight app. He shined it at the water bottle.

Sam's shoulder's sagged "Damn."

Jim placed a hand on Sam's shoulder "Some but it could be worse."

His expression serious Sam said "I'm not missing Mason's wedding. I will sign out AMA if I have too. I'm counting on you getting me back there in time Jim. Mason and Marsaili do not deserve to have their special day marred by this. I'll do anything you say except stay in the hospital. Is that clear?"

Jim nodded but his voice was just as serious "Crystal. But you know that Mason would kill me if I let anything happen to you. You are one person he would kill in cold blood for Sam. You and I both know that for a fact. He came close to doing that to Panin Savelievich in that damned bordello. If Mike had not stopped him ..." He trailed off.

Then his voice softened as he said "Let's wait to see what the doctor finds out. I'll do whatever is in your best interest. Mason and Marsaili would want you to take care of yourself."

Seeing resistance still glowing his Sam's eyes Jim changed tactics to gain compliance. He knew it was playing dirty but he did it anyways as he stated "Jules needs you to take care of yourself too Sam. She would be utterly lost without you. I know you wouldn't want to hurt her."

Sam sighed. Damn Jim was right. On all accounts. Sam acquiesced "Okay we find out what the doctor says but if it is just precaution and not absolutely needed I'm not staying."

Jim saw the agreement in Sam's eyes and smiled "Okay. Now let's get you back to the car and laying down again."

Turning to head back Sam bent over in pain as his stomach muscles seized and cramped tightly. Jim nearly dropped the water bottle as he reached for Sam. Damn, it must be worse than he thought. He took most of Sam's weight as he helped him back to the car.

When they made it back to the to the car and Jim asked for Wallace to pop the trunk. He placed the bottle in a corner and saw a blanket in the trunk and grabbed it. He would give need to give the bottle to the doctors to test Sam's urine. They would need to measure the amount of blood in it and then measure again later to see if it increased or decreased.

Jim helped Sam back into the car and laying down in Jules' lap. He covered Sam with the blanket then got in himself. His worry notched up at the pain Sam was experiencing. His mind started reviewing what meds he could safely have with the amount of alcohol he had consumed tonight.

Wallace pulled back onto the road. He was driving more sedately than he normally did. He had been glad that they had paved road the entire way from the town. He would have hated to have Sam bouncing around on the rough dirt road. This man was hurting so badly because he had stepped in to protect his sister. He owed Sam for that. Somehow he would find a way to repay him.

Ten minutes later Jules whispered to Jim "Sam's sleeping. Is that okay or do I need to wake him?"

Jim turned and looked at Sam. He reached over and placed his fingers on Sam's throat to take his pulse. He counted his breaths. Then Jim said "Let him sleep. Respiration and pulse are normal."

Jules nodded and began to gently stroke Sam's hair again. She asked "Why'd you take the water bottle with you?"

"You saw that?" Jim said.

"Yeah kinda hard to miss" Jules remarked.

"I guess so. I had to get a sample for the doctors" Jim said simply.

Jules nodded "And?"

Jim sighed "And we need to have the doctors test it. There was some blood in his urine Jules. I don't want you worrying yet though."

"Me worry?" Jules snorted. Then putting on a brave positive front to cover her concern she added "This here is Samtastic. He pulls through everything. A bar brawl is nothing."

Jim placed his hand on hers "Jules I'm serious."

Jules answered back "So am I. You know as well as I do how many times he should have died but didn't."

She couldn't help the single tear that slipped out and down her face. Bravery did not stop her internal worry though. It was screaming 'there's blood in his urine, that man's punch was so hard it broke a bone'. She tried to shut that up and think positive, Sam would be okay. He had to be okay.

Jim's heart broke. That single tear undid him. Jules was so brave. So he put on a brave front too and Jim smiled as he said "Sam has Matt as a guardian angel. Of course he's gonna be okay."

Jules smiled. She had no idea if Matt was truly Sam's guardian angel but internally she whispered "Matt you keep him safe. I don't care what you have to do, you keep Sam safe. I cannot bear to lose him."

Rahmiel placed a hand on Matt's shoulder "You did good tonight. I know it hurts you to see him in pain but you saved both of them tonight."

Matt nodded and whispered to Sam "I know it hurts, I'm sorry. Rest easy, sleep now brother."


Three Hours Later – Inverness Hospital – ER Bay Two

Jules stood next to Sam's bed as Jim talked to the doctor in the hallway about medications for Sam. Wallace was waiting in cafe for them after bringing her and Jim a coffee. Sam was in considerable pain and she wiped the slight sheen of sweat from his forehead. He was feeling the effects of the hits more now that there was no adrenaline and no alcohol in his system masking it. Jules was glad Jim was here to make sure Sam got what worked best for him.

They had x-rayed, set and casted Sam's arm shortly after they arrived. The beer he had consumed had numbed him a bit during that time. Sam was lucky it was clean break of the ulna near the wrist. It should heal with no problems the doctor said. They had also x-rayed his ribs and jaw to make sure there were no hairline fractures. Again luckily there were none.

But Sam's stomach was extremely bruised up and he was in a lot of pain. There was some blood in his urine but the output was reducing not increasing so that was good news too. However, the doctor still wanted to do an ultrasound of his kidneys to be safe. They were waiting for the tech to come get him for the ultrasound.

Sam looked at Jules between waves of pain and said "Sorry about this Jules. Not quite the night we were expecting huh."

Jules wiped his forehead again and softly replied "No not quite. But you have nothing to be sorry for."

Jim popped back into the room and stated "They have an oral version of pain meds that will work along with a muscle relaxer that should stop the cramping. No needles Sam."

"Thanks Jim" Sam responded through gritted teeth as his stomach muscle cramped up again. His muscles were bruised and abused and letting him know it. The pain was mostly from the involuntary cramping that came and went much too frequently. His arm throbbed but nothing that normal pain meds wouldn't handle. But the cramping hit him hard. He was glad Jim knew what he could and could not handle and have with the possible bruised kidney too.

A nurse entered the room in with a cup of water and some pills. She dumped the pills into Sam's hand and waited for him to pop them into his mouth. Then she handed him the water.

Moire smiled and said "Ma name's Moire. Ye pure done in. This will make ye deedle ower. Dinnae feart I git ye a goonie noo and give ye a wee han to change so ye cannae bab an ee."

Sam looked at the nurse not having a friggin clue what she just said. He looked at Jules to see if he was the only one. The confusion was evident on her face too. Good he wasn't losing it.

Jim chuckled at the confused look on Sam's and Jules' faces but he was in the same boat. He had no idea what the nurse just said. It was hard enough conversing with the doctor. Between the heavy accent and Scottish slang he had a devil of a time understanding.

Jules ventured "Come again?"

Moire grinned and turned from the room and called out "Lorna tighinn eadar-theangachadh airson a ' Sassenach. Chan eil iad gam thuigsinn."
(Lorna come translate for the Sassenach. They don't understand me.)

Now that Sam understood. He said "Tha mi a 'bruidhinn Gàidhlig. Dè rinn thu ag ràdh mus?"
(I speak Gaelic. What did you say before?)

The brightest smile lit the nurse's face "Tha sin iongantach. Thuirt mi m 'ainm ' S e Moire. Tha thu a 'coimhead glè sgìth. Nì seo thu a 'faireachdainn drowsy. Na biodh eagal ort Tha mi a gheibh thu e gùn -nis agus bheir iad dhuibh làmh atharrachadh mar sin faodaidh tu cadal a wink."
(That's wonderful. I said my name is Moire. You look very tired. This will make you feel drowsy. Don't be afraid I will get you a gown now and give you a hand to change so you can sleep a wink.)

Sam shook his head "Chan eil an gùn. Chan eil mi a 'fuireach. Tha mi a ' cadal air an t-slighe air ais."
(No gown. I'm not staying. I'll sleep on the way back.)

Moire's smile slipped and she shook her head and said sternly "Bha thu a bhith ann an cruth sam bith a bhith a 'fàgail."
(You be in no shape to be leaving.)

Lorna popped in "Can I help?" she said with an English accent.

Jim looked at Lorna and said "I'm not sure. Don't understand a word they are saying. But they don't seem to agree on something."

Sam looked at Jim and said "Moire wants to put me in a gown because the meds will make me sleepy. I told her I didn't need it that I'm sleeping on the way back."

Jules said "Depends Sam on what the ultrasound says. You'll be staying if the doctor says you are staying."

Jim crossed his arms and his expression said the same thing Jules just voiced.

"Fine, but no gown unless the doctor says I have to stay" Sam grumbled.

Jules smiled "Agreed. Thank you Sam. Now lie back and rest and let the meds take effect."

Sam laid back and closed his eyes. He felt Jules soft caress through his hair. It helped him relax his muscles which in turn helped reduce the cramping. Jules' touch always soothed him. Another wave of cramping hit him and he curled up wishing the meds would take effect quickly.

Lorna looked sadly at the hurting young man and said "Moire I'll take over here."

Moire nodded and headed out. That poor young man looked terrible and he sure needed rest. She wondered where it was that he was all fired up to be. She hoped the ultrasound came back normal so he could go where he wanted to be.

She was pleasantly surprised he spoke to her in Gaelic. Not many of her own her own countrymen spoke it anymore. But it was on the upswing. People were really starting to embrace some of the older traditions and their language.

Lorna said "The muscle relaxer and pain medication should take effect soon. I'll go see how long before they come to get him for the ultrasound. I'll be right back." Then she headed off.

Ten minutes later Sam started feeling a bit woozy and lightheaded. His eyes sought out Jules "I think they are starting to take effect." He shifted his gaze to Jim "Feeling weird though."

Jim shifted forward "Weird how?"

"Woozy, lightheaded" Sam said as his head lolled to the side.

Jim looked at Sam then at Jules "Definitely kicking in. The pain should lessen soon buddy."

"K s'nice" Sam slurred a bit.

Jules looked at Jim "Sam sounds drunk."

Jim sighed "Sam's never had this type of muscle relaxer before. I'll watch him closely."

A few minutes later a tech showed up in the room pushing a wheelchair and said "I'll be taking Mr. Braddock to the ultrasound now."

He helped Sam into a wheelchair as Sam wobbled on unsure legs. Sam waved bye with a dopey smile on his face as he was wheeled out.

Jim and Jules overheard Sam say to the tech "Gotta go faster if we're gonna win the race. Move it, I don't wanna be last."

Jules smiled and chuckled "He's not feeling any pain now."

Jim grinned "True. True. Wonder who he thinks he's racing?"

Sitting down in the plastic chair, Jules smiled as she said softly "I hope he thinks he is racing Matt."

Sliding to the floor against the wall and taking a short break Jim nodded "Yeah that would be nice."


Day 8 – Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Breakfast Room

It was six am and Mason sat quietly picking at his breakfast with Cala, Blaze, Winds and Heather. He had knocked on Blondie's door this morning before coming down and found he was not there. Mason came down hoping to see Blondie and Jules already in the breakfast room. But they were not here.

Heather was already here and she told him that Jim had not returned last night. Mason realized that they had not called probably thinking all of them would be sleeping in late this morning after a late night drinking. But Mason could not sleep, he was up all night long. Apparently neither could Cala, Blaze, Winds and Heather.

They had all stayed at the Old Castle tavern together until two am and had a good time drinking and dancing. Mason did not want to let Marsaili out of his sight and she did not want him to go either. So they just had a group party instead of separate stag/hen parties.

It wasn't exactly what he had thought his bachelor party would have been but the first part with just the guys was really good. And in reality Blondie had given him a more precious gift than a traditional stag party. Blondie had given of himself to save Marsaili. So Mason could not begrudge Blondie for not calling.

But Mason was worried that they had not returned yet. Was Blondie hurt worse than his arm? That bruise he saw on Blondie's jaw was pretty bad. Cala said that the big guys got several punches in as one pinned Blondie's arms behind him. Could more damage have been done? One of the guys punched hard enough to break Blondie's bone so it was quite possible he was hurt elsewhere.

If Blondie was hurt badly he would be seeking out those three brutes and making them pay. Marsaili said she did not want to press charges because it would delay them going on their honeymoon. But she said she would if Sam was hurt badly and he wanted to press charges too. So they were waiting to do anything until Blondie got back and they talked to him.

They had learned from the locals that the men were not a bad sort but they got extremely stupid when they drank. Which was not often. Hamish, the owner of the tavern gave Mason their full names and addresses in case they wanted to press charges.

Mason's thoughts were interrupted when he heard the front door open and Wallace's voice saying "Whoa, whoa hang on. He's slipping."


Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Front Entrance

Mason, Blaze, Winds, Heather and Cala rushed to the front entrance. They stopped when they saw Wallace and Jim trying to walk Blondie to the stairs with Blondie's arms over their shoulders. Jules was behind holding a bag from the hospital and had a grip on Blondie's belt holding him up in the back.

Blondie's legs looked a bit like rubber the way they bent this way and that as he tried to walk. His head lolled forward towards his chest. If the five of them didn't know better Blondie would appear to be drunk off his ass.

Mason moved forward and in one swift move had Blondie in his arms. Jim looked at Mason with tired and grateful eyes. Jules softly sighed and she smiled at Mason. Wallace sunk down on a nearby chair looking exhausted but amused.

Sam rolled his head and looked at Mason. A dopey smile crossed his face "Ah I'm not even the bride and Gorgeous is carrying me" Sam slurred out.

In an uncoordinated and sluggish movement Sam raised his hand and attempted to pat Mason's cheek. But he missed and his hand ended up on his own chest with a thud. His hand stayed there a moment then flopped to the side and hung down.

Blaze chuckled and said "What the hell?"

Jim looked at them and sighed "Reaction to a strong muscle relaxer. The dosage was a bit too high for him. Sam should be fine in a few hours but I have a new thing to document in his file."

Mason looked at Blondie then at Jim "Up to bed?" Jim nodded and Mason headed up the stairs.

Jules started to follow but stopped two steps up and turned back. She said "Wallace thank you for driving. I truly appreciate all your help last night. Jim, thank you as always for ensuring Sam gets proper care. Make sure you send Spike an update for his Proper Care and Feeding of Samtastic file." She turned and trotted up the stairs after Mason.

Jim chuckled tiredly as he sat down in the chair next to Wallace. He patted Wallace's thigh "Thanks for the help Wallace."

"Happy to help. Sam saved my sister. It was the least I could do." He looked to Cala and said "If anyone is looking for me, tell them I'm getting a few hours of sleep. I'll be down around noon or one to help with anything they need." Then Wallace stood and headed for the stairs. Tiredly he trudged up them.

Heather sat next to Jim and asked "So how is Sam?"

Jim answered "Broken ulna near the wrist. Clean break and should heal fine. The punches to his gut bruised him up pretty badly. He is quite colorful. There was a little blood in his urine but the ultrasound showed no issues with his kidneys. But his stomach muscles were cramping badly so the doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer to help. The dosage was too high for him."

Smiling Jim said "It was a rather interesting ride back for the parts where he was awake. Seems at the dosage level he was given Sam loses some inhibitions like someone who is drunk. He's a happy drunk though."

Jim's grin increased and there was amusement in his voice "Sam was telling us about a few things he and Matt did. I'm not repeating most of them, not fit for mixed company. But I sure heard some things I never knew about him before. He and Matt were quite wild before they joined Special Forces. Did you know Sam crashed a tank in basic training?"

Blaze and Winds laughed and Blaze said "No I didn't know that. So is he gonna be okay?"

Jim nodded "Yeah just needs some rest and to sleep off the meds. He should be okay by this afternoon. Definitely okay for Mason's wedding tonight. That's what Sam was most worried about. He didn't want to mess up their wedding."

Heather linked her arm to Jim's and pulled him up. She was so glad Sam was okay, well mostly okay, he could do without the broken arm. Heather said "I know someone else that is in need of rest. Come on Jim." She started to pull him to the stairs.

Cala watched them go then said to Blaze and Winds "You two didn't sleep a wink last night. Why don't you head up and I'll let Ailis know that Sam is okay and everyone will be waking around noon."

Winds looked at Cala and grinned "And how do you know we did not sleep?"

Cala shrugged and smiled "I heard you two in the billiard's room. It is right next to the library. I couldn't sleep either so I went there to read until I heard Heather come down. I'm heading to bed after I let Ailis know."

Blaze grinned and slung his arm around Winds "Let's get some shut eye now brother. The kid is okay."

Winds headed for the stairs with Blaze "Do you think you will ever get a good night's rest Blaze?"

Blaze shook his head "Not with four boys to worry about."

As Cala ascended the stairs behind them, going to Ailis' room she wondered what Blaze meant by four boys. Cala knew Blaze had Ryan, Sammy and his nephew Ben he considered a son. She wondered who the fourth was. Her curiosity was assuaged quickly when she overheard the next part of their conversation.

Winds said "I sure hope Ryan, Ben and Sammy do not give you as much cause to worry as Blondie does."

Blaze nodded "I hope my other boys turn out to be as noble as Blondie but not as self-sacrificing."

Winds sighed and nodded in agreement.


Mac'IlleMhìcheil Estate – Heather Room

Sam woke and blinked his eyes open feeling a bit disoriented when he saw the pale heather colored wall in front of him. The last thing he remembered was the hospital ER room and feeling woozy after taking the muscle relaxer. His eyes landed on the digital clock and saw it was near noon.

In the next instant what occurred last night flooded back to him. He groaned, not from pain but from embarrassment. Sam rolled to his back and felt a twinge of pain in his stomach but nothing that amounted to much.

He stared at the ceiling recalling all the ways he made a fool of himself last night until he heard a sound near the window. Sam knew by the breathing pattern and the hint of jasmine in the air it was Jules. Sam turned his head toward the window. Jules was curled up in the chair by the window sound asleep.

Ah man he must have been a mess when they brought him in here for Jules to not lay down with him. He recalled the hospital and the ride here but getting into this room was still fuzzy and just out of reach of his recollection. Sam moved to sit up and his stomach muscles did protest some. He stifled a groan. Sam was sore but not in extreme pain like he'd been in last night.

Sam managed to swing his feet to the floor. Then he sat still a moment as thoughts of last night, or more correctly the wee hours of this morning, danced around in his head. That muscle relaxer had done a number on him. He smiled though. Memories of Matt, good, fun memories of Matt he had long buried had come to him and he had shared them with Jules in the back of the car.

His face reddened when he recalled some of the things he shared. Ah crap, it wasn't just Jules that heard. Jim and Wallace were in the car too. Crap, what they all must think of him.

He and Matt went through a very wild phase. Both had cut loose after basic training when they were first stationed at the Land Force Atlantic Area Training Centre (LFAATC) in Aldershot, Nova Scotia attending advanced rifle and tactics training. Some of the things they did. The excessive drinking, all the brawls they started in the bars, all the willing women he had picked up using his looks and cocky ways for one night stands … that one time in Halifax when he was mistaken for Scott.

Sam pushed himself up from the bed and slowly made his way to Jules. He wanted to let her sleep but it was late and as best man he needed to get down stairs and see if they needed any help for the wedding tonight. Sam needed to shower first though and he needed Jules' help to cover his arm.

He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and softly called out "Jules, hey sweetheart. Wake up."

Jules felt the hand on her shoulder and heard Sam's voice. She was having a good dream and was loath to leave it. She and Sam were alone at a small cottage in the wilds of Scotland, just the two of them. They were enjoying just lying in the grass and staring up at the clouds and picking out shapes. It was blissful. But the real world invaded and the cottage faded as she blinked open her eyes.

She looked up to find Sam standing next to her. Jules smiled "Well hello there Randy-Dandy. You look to be a bit more lucid now."

Sam turned pink, oh god he had really said those things. "Um Jules I'm sor…"

Jules unfolded from the chair and stood. She placed a finger to Sam's lips and said in an amused tone "Hush Sam. You were young and sowing your oats ... quite liberally and wildly, so I've heard."

Sam turned a deeper shade of red and his hand covered his eyes as he hung his head. Christ, no guy should ever tell his girlfriend, fiancée, wife about his previous conquests.

Her voice was compassionate as she added "You were high as a kite last night on those muscle relaxers. I'm not sure how much was truth but let's just say half and leave it at that. But it was really nice to hear you recalling fun times with Matt though."

Sam kissed Jules' finger then pulled her to him. Half, well if that's what she wanted to believe that was fine by him. Although he knew he had spoken the full truth. He did things back then he wasn't so proud of today. He learned a lot on how to pleasure a woman in Nova Scotia. He had had ample practice and many, many willing teachers in that year. Randy-Dandy was an apt term for him back then.

He hugged Jules and then said "I hated to wake you but I need a little help covering the cast. I should be getting downstairs shortly."

Jules grinned, pulled out of his hug and headed to the table with the hospital bag on it "Sure thing. What's your pain level?"

Sam answered "Arm's throbbing a bit, about a four. Stomach muscles are a bit sore but nothing like last night. But I could use something to take the edge off. Did they send me home with anything?"

Jules nodded and pulled out two bottles of pain meds and a cover for his cast "Jim hooked you up with the good stuff if you need it but also got you a higher dose of the non-narcotic pain meds too. Which do you want?"

"Non-narcotic ones please. I don't want to be making any more of a fool of myself today" Sam answered with a sheepish grin.

Chuckling Jules said "Do you remember Mason carrying you up the stairs this morning?"

Sam rubbed his face trying to remember then his expression turned incredulous as bits of memory of what he had said to Mason fell into place. Sam turned bright red "Bits and pieces. Something about being his bride and he was carrying me to bed and to be gentle with me even though I was no virgin."

Then full recollection hit him. "Ah crap … Jules … I'm never gonna be able to face Mason again. Shit!"

A loud laugh emitted from Jules. She couldn't help it. Sam had been so out of it and damned funny with Mason and Mason played right along with Sam this morning. It was hilarious and it took everything she and Mason had not to laugh at Sam this morning.

There was a soft knock at the door. Jules handed Sam two pills and then headed for the door. She opened the door and smiled brightly.

Mason saw Jules' smile and asked "How's Blondie doing?"

She opened the door wide and called out to Sam "Hey Blondie your husband is here."

Sam turned and nearly choked on the pills he was dry swallowing as Mason strode into the room with a broad grin. Ah Crap! Sam turned redder than ever. He'd never been so embarrassed in his whole life. He started to cough as the pills tried to go down the wrong pipe.

Mason crossed the room quickly and gently patted Blondie's back as he coughed. He could see Blondie was thoroughly embarrassed by his bright red face. God Blondie was funny when he was drugged out of his mind.

Opting not to bring it up or tease Blondie for things he said when drugged out of his mind Mason said "Afternoon Sunshine. Glad to see you up and moving on your own."

Sam swallowed the pills then downed a drink of water from the bottle Jules held out to him. Sam looked at Mason apologetically as he said "Sorry about what I said, I wasn't …"

Mason interrupted him "Stop right there, nothing to apologize for Blondie. It was damned funny but I've forgotten all about this morning. What you said will only ever be between us three. It was the drugs talking anyways. How are you feeling now?"

Sam looked at Mason and saw the truth in his eyes. Mason would never share with a single soul the embarrassing things he had said and he would never tease him about it either. Regaining some composure Sam replied "Been better but no too bad. Just need a shower then I'll be down. Is there anything you need help with?"

Mason grinned "The only thing you get to help with today is standing at my side as best man for the wedding. Other than that you are to rest. I doubt once Marsaili's family sees you that you will be allowed to lift even a finger for yourself. Prepare yourself to be waited on hand and foot; you have reached hero status with Lady Ailis and the Laird and even with Wallace. Everyone, including me, is grateful for how you protected Marsaili last night."

Jules came up and shook out the cover for Sam's arm and started to put it over his casted arm. She said "We'll see you downstairs in a bit Mason."

Mason nodded "A buffet lunch is being laid out in the breakfast room in about thirty minutes. Everyone slept late today. See you both down there in a bit."

Sam called out to Mason just before he closed the door "Thanks for the help up the stairs … again. Last time, I promise."

Mason snorted "Don't make promises you are not sure you can keep. Besides, you ain't heavy and I'd carry you little brother anytime you need me too. See you two at lunch."

The bedroom door closed as Jules finished securing the cover and she said "Come on. I'll wash your hair and back. About time I returned the favor."

Her thoughts quickly went elsewhere as she contemplated helping to wash all of Sam. He was one handed after all and could use the help. But then she thought Sam was probably not feeling quite up to shower play.

Sam grinned as randy thoughts of showering with Jules entered his head. Too bad he wasn't feeling quite up to that right now. He slowly followed Jules to the bathroom as he watched the gentle sway of her hips. Well he might just be up for it after all.

As he unbuttoned his jeans he thought God he loved this woman. She was everything to him. A broken arm and thoroughly embarrassing himself on meds was a small price to pay for keeping that idiot from hurting Jules.

Jules turned after undressing and turning on the water. She saw Sam had managed one handed to get out of his jeans and boxers but his shirt was still on. She moved forward and brushed away his hand as he started to unbutton his shirt.

"Let me help" she said simply.

Then Jules began slowly unbuttoning it for him. The moment felt so intimate, like they were the only ones in existence.

Primeval energy surged between them as their eyes locked.

It felt like the first time she helped him button his shirt in the Royal York Hotel before Aaron's funeral. Only this time they were truly alone and she was removing his shirt not putting it on.

Jules carefully slipped Sam's shirt off. Then her fingers gently skimmed over his horribly bruised stomach. She winced just looking at it. It had to hurt.

She tilted her head up to Sam "It looks like it hurts a lot."

Sam lean down carefully and captured Jules' lips in a soft kiss. He pulled back and said "Don't feel any pain when you are kissing me."

Jules took Sam's uninjured hand and slowly pulled him to the shower "Good, then I'll be kissing you a lot today."

.


AN: For those wondering, Randy-Dandy is a chiefly Scottish term for having coarse manners and is used to describe a sexually excited man who puts great importance upon his looks. Jules is just teasing Sam and is not really being mean to him when she uses the term.

Other Scottish slang meanings: Ye = you. Pure done in = feeling very tired. Deedle ower = feel drowsy, nod off. Dinnae = don't. Feart = afraid, fearful. Goonie = gown. Noo = now. A wee han = help or assistance. Bab an ee = sleep a wink.

Yes I will address Mason almost killing Panin Savelievich in cold blood in RoMCSB.

Yes I will be telling the story of Sam being mistaken for Scott in Halifax in a new collection of short stories that have a working title of Trouble with Looking Like Twins. But I have a few stories to finish before I start this collection.