AN-This is heading to be one of the longest stories I have posted as I am looking at at least 9/10 chapters. Not bad for a one shot
There was that smell she missed since she left home. Waking to the smell of her dad cooking brought a huge smile to her face. It had been a long time since she has smelt it and she was surprised how much she had missed it. Climbing out of bed she grabbed her sweater and pulled it on as she padded barefoot down stairs rubbing her eyes. Entering the kitchen she was meet with the sight of her dad in just his jeans making breakfast.
"I knew there was a reason I missed home. Morning dad" as she went and stood next to him.
"Need any help?" She asked knowing he would refuse.
"Nope, all good. Actually you can finish making the coffee" as he pulled a tray of beignets out the oven and put them on the counter.
After he sprinkled sugar on he carried the tray to the table and sat down as Laurel brought the coffee over.
"This is worth coming home for, thanks dad" as she picked up a still warm beignet and took a bite.
"So that's why you missed me is it, someone to cook" as he started to laugh.
Laurel just laughed as she took another bite of her breakfast.
"How did you sleep?" she asked seeing he still looked a little tired.
"Truthfully, not as good as the night before but better than I expected too" as he finished the beignet he had been eating.
Laurel nodded her head, at least he was honest with her. As they sat drinking their coffee there was a beep that came from one of the phones on the kitchen counter. Laurel stood up and went to see who's phone was disturbing breakfast, as usual it was her dads. Picking his phone up she passed him it as she picked her coffee up.
"Since you're busy I claim the bathroom" as she quickly left the room before he could stop her.
It took a few seconds for him to realise he had been had and he started to laugh as he read the message on his phone. It was an update from Christopher telling him he and a couple of reports that needed signing but it was all still quiet. Sending a reply he told him he would be in before he called at the hospital before he dropped the phone back on the table and picked his coffee cup up.
As he sat at the table drinking his coffee he relised how surreal everything seemed. Here he was sat at Merri's table eating breakfast and drinking coffee while his daughter was upstairs getting ready and Merri was in hospital. It didn't get much more weird than that. Well it did because they had only spent one night together and that was so he knew she was safe and to look after her. Yet he knew he loved her and he also knew she had feelings for him and that was enough for now. He sat back and drank his coffee as he looked out the back window and watched the world waking up.
When Laurel finally appeared an hour later he was falling asleep at the table waiting.
"Bathrooms free dad" Laurel told her dad as she entered the kitchen and went to get more coffee.
Stirring from his mini nap he looked across at Laurel and then at the open kitchen doorway.
"Finally, now I remember what it's like living with a woman who takes forever to get ready" as he stood from the table and came to stand beside her, putting his cup down for her to fill back up.
"At least it doesn't take me as long to get ready" as he picked his coffee up and disappeared out the kitchen.
Walking in the bathroom he found his wash bag on the sink unit so set about getting a shave. His mind wandered to what it would be like to do this every morning but with her standing next to him fighting for space in front of the mirror. Watching her putting her makeup on and doing her hair. It was definitely something he could live with as he thought about all the fun they could have in the shower and then of course there was that bath. That had him standing with a silly grin on his face as he finished shaving. Finishing he rinsed his face then pulled his clothes off and put them in the laundry hamper before he switched the shower on. As he waited for it to heat up he hunted round for his shampoo but couldn't find it. He must have left it behind along with his shower gel. Well strawberries it was then as he stepped in and let the water wash over him.
After he was washed and dried he made his way back to her bedroom and started to get ready. He stopped half way through and made the bed as her words played through his mind about keeping the place clean. Pulling his shirt on he made his way down stairs doing up the buttons as he went. Coming in the kitchen he found Laurel gathering some books and some other bits and pieces together to put in a bag.
"What you got there?" He asked as he looked between Laurel and the bag.
"Just some stuff to keep Merri occupied when she's stuck in there. I know you said she hates hospital so anything to pass the time away. I stuck her laptop in with some DVD's and a few books that I found lying on the table" as she put the last book in the bag.
"When did you get so good at this sorting thing?" As he watched her smile at the compliment.
"I watched mom do it for you a couple of times. It's just harder as I have no real clue what Merri likes" as she closed the bag and looked up at her dad.
"Whatever you do Merri will appreciate it. Since her family are miles away we are all she has. I am sure Loretta and Christopher will pop in at some point so she will have Loretta to mother her and Christopher to.." But Laurel cut him off.
"Probably kill her annoying her as he bugs her with his jokes" Laurel laughed as that was how Chris was.
"He will be good because he knows she's bad as I spoke to him and Loretta last night" as he went and sat at the kitchen table trying to remember where he put his cup.
"I left my cup upstairs and my phone" as he touched his pockets and found them empty.
Going up he grabbed his phone off the bed and his cup out the bathroom before he headed back down. Laurel had fresh coffee on and she had the jug in her hand ready when he came in.
"I got to call in and sign some stuff before we head to the hospital so you ready to go after this?" bringing the cup to his lips as he looked across at Laurel.
"Sure, gives me a chance to bug Chris before we head to see Merri " as she came and sat at the table.
"I will put this bag in the car then we're ready to go" as Laurel picked up the bag she had for Merri and headed to the car.
When she came back in she found her dad cleaning up and washing dishes.
"Always were a clean freak in the kitchen weren't you" as she brought her cup over and put it in the sink.
As she placed the cup in the sink she saw her dad move his hands and thought he was just wanting to pick the cup up only to find herself splashed with water.
"DAD" as Laurel darted back and moved in case he did it again.
Picking the towel up she rubbed away the water that was sitting on her arms and face and laughed causing her dad to laugh. Taking his hands out the sink as he let it drain he flicked the excess water into the sink and reached over to take the towel from Laurel. She saw the opportunity and flicked him with it hitting his arm. He was much quicker and managed to grab it before she had a chance to move it away. Tugging it off her he dried his hands and threw the towel back at Laurel.
"Come on let's go see Christopher and you can wind him up about whatever sport you feel like today" as he went for the keys which Laurel had left on the counter.
"Well I can't have a sport conversation with Merri, she has no idea about any sport in any way, shape or form which is so wrong on so many levels. We need to work on that dad" as she followed him out the door and stood as he locked up.
The drive to the office was full of laughter as they talked about ways to get Merri to have some interest in sport. The best one had to be having a game night at her place and invite the whole gang over as she was the only one who didn't like sport in some way. When they arrived at the office Laurel told LaSalle the plans and he was highly amused at the thought of a game night. He passed Pride the forms and reports that needed signing and he watched as he signed them without even seeing what they were. As he passed Christopher the signed paperwork back he stood and out of a cross between habit and instinct he looked over at the empty desk.
"Christopher when did she take such a hold of us?" He asked the young man standing beside him.
""If truth be told the minute I walked through that door and found her standing there with files everywhere on the big table. She had me help her tidy this whole place up from top to bottom before you got back. She's a pain in the ass and she is the only person that I can hold a good argument with and drink me under the table but I didn't say that and will deny it to the highest powers if she finds out" and they all started to laugh at that.
"What about you King? Come on spill the beans" LaSalle asked his boss.
"I knew she would be staying the minute I walked in here and she had cleaned the place up. Then the next day at breakfast she wouldn't stop eating and I said we were having a bonding moment over an appreciation of food. As for in to my heart it was slower, peice by peice she has claimed that filling in the gaps as I moved on from.."but he stopped speaking as he looked at Laurel.
He was not going to have a conversation like that in front of her. It was not right to tell her how one woman had replaced her mother in his life and heart. It was LaSalle who broke the silence.
"King here, fresh this morning. I know she loves them" as he reached into his bag and pulled out a packet of cookies.
"Thanks Christopher, she loves them" as he took the packet and smiled at the gesture of his young agent.
They had come along way in the time they had been together. They were well on the way to being a family unit and he couldn't have been more proud of his family. They were pulling together as a family for one of their own when they needed help. Standing with his hands tucked in his front pants pocket he looked at Laurel then Christopher then over at his desk before his eyes were brought back to her empty desk.
"Come on Laurel, let's go see how the patient is today and see if she has anymore surprises in store for us" as he nodded to LaSalle and headed to the door.
As they drove to the hospital Laurel wasn't sure what to say to her dad. She knew where the conversation with Chris was going but she had to say she wasn't actually sure if her dad stopping was for her benefit or his. She knew he had moved on from her mother and she was not even the slightest bit concerned. He was happy and so was her mother so she was happy.
"Dad I just want you to know that I understand you moved on from Mom. I am not a child that needs shielding from stuff" finally able to think of what to say.
"I know, it's just strange that's all. You'll always be my baby girl" as he smiled at the memories that sentence brought to mind.
The rest of the ride was filled with conversations of plans for thanksgiving again and what they could do together. Parking the car Laurel got out and got the bag out the trunk will Pride grabbed the bag off cookies of LaSalle. The only thing left was coffee which they could get before going up in the lift.
"Don't get me one dad, that is not coffee" Laurel told her dad as he went to the coffee shop.
After coming out with coffee for Merri and himself they took the ride up to the 4 th floor and took the short walk to Merri's room. As they approached the room for some reason Pride felt his nervous kick in. He wasn't sure why as he hadn't had a call so as far as he knew Merri was fine. When they came level with the window which looked into her room they both looked to find the blinds shut. Laurel stepped aside as they reached the door so he could open it as she knew how much he wanted to see her. Stealing himself against the fear he had felt building he opened the door and let out the deep breath he has held since he got out the lift.
There sitting up with a smile on her face was Merri. Seeing that smile his heart melted as he walked up to the bed and took her hand.
"Good morning, you're a site for sore eyes" as he pulled the chair back to the side of the bed and sat down.
"Good morning right back at you. You're here early, didn't expect to see you till either after lunch or even after dinner due to work" as she squeezed his hand.
"No case yet and we did the office before here. Chris sent these in for you" as he passed her the bag of cookies.
Taking the cookies she opened the bag and found her favourites, triple chocolate chip.
"Wow, all I need is coffee and I am happy" as she watched Laurel lift a cup up from her side of the bed that she had out of sight.
"Knew there would be coffee somewhere" as the smile on her face grew ten fold.
"So how you feeling today? I see the oxygen has gone so it must be a good sign" as he watched her take a bite of one of the cookies.
All he got in reply to his question was a smile as she offered the cookie bag to Laurel who was more than happy to share in a sugar overload.
"You must be special Laurel, she never ever shares cookies with anyone. Christopher and I learnt that the hard way" as he watched both women smile as they ate.
When she had finished eating the cookie she had and drink down half the coffee in one go she sat and looked at Laurel giving her one of them looks asking if she could have a couple of minutes with her dad alone. Laurel took the hint and said she was away for more coffee as she stood and smiled at both Merri and her dad as she left the room.
"Come here, I missed you" as she patted the bed beside her.
Practically jumping out the chair he sat on the edge of the bed and brought his hand up to her face, resting it on her cheek. Merri leaned in to the hand and turned to kiss his palm.
"What's the chances of changing your hand for you face? I could really use a kiss about now" before kissing his palm again.
"Who am I to argue with an injured woman" as he smiled and reached up to bring his face level with hers.
Gently he brought his lip to hers and kissed her softly. He was about to move away when he felt her hand on the back of his head.
"You're not going anywhere yet and I kiss my grandmother with more effort than you just used there. I want a kiss so come here" as she tugged his head towards her.
She ran her lips along his as she felt him finally respond. The slow kissing slowly got heated as he brought his hand to her neck and held her still as he let her tongue explore his mouth and then when she moved it he plunged his in to her mouth to return the favour. When they finally broke apart they were both breathless, her more than him.
"You really shouldn't have started that. You can hardly breath now" as he rested his head on her shoulder and kissed her neck.
"That's not helping at all" She managed to pant out as he placed a finally kiss on her neck and sat up bringing his head to rest against hers.
"Sorry couldn't help it" as he placed a kiss to her nose.
When she finally caught her breath she looked straight at Pride and smiled. As they were still resting with their heads together her eyes locked with his.
Just then Laurel walked back in with 3 cups of coffee.
"Just past a doctor on the way round so we may have to move soon" as Laurel put the coffee on the tables and removed the lids.
"Well you look a lot better than you did yesterday. Maybe you might a get a get out card since you got dad to wait on you when you get home" Laurel said hoping she was right.
"I hope so, I want out of this bed and back in my own. I want food that tastes like food, not this stuff which is due about now" as she looked at the clock.
Just as she spoke the door opened and the nurse came in with a tray which contained lunch. Placing the tray on the table the nurse left again. Pride stood up and surveyed the tray.
"Well at least it's food, in the loosest term. I will go shopping and buy everything to cook your favourite meals when you come out as long as I can bring some of my cooking stuff over. What you have in your kitchen is enough to boil an egg and that's something even you would make a mess of" as he passed her the cup of coffee on the table and the bag of cookies.
"Eat them and I will bring something in later that I have at the office. On saying that you can eat them sandwiches and that jello so at should last you till I get back in" as he watched her devour another cookie.
"So you looking forward to you first thanksgiving in New Orleans? You are staying here aren't you? You have to stay and see dad cook. He cooks enough food to feed a small army when it's just the gang at the office" Laurel told Merri as she drank her coffee.
"I never really thought about it. I probably will stay here, home is not appealing at all" as she looked between Laurel and then Pride.
"You're more than welcome to stay with us. We spend the day together as it's the one day I make sure we all have off. It's a rule written in stone here, we spend thanksgiving together" as he smiled at her seeing her smile at the thought of spending the day with the gang.
They were brought back to the here and now by a knock on the door and a doctor and nurse entering the room. Pride stood up and moved back a little while Laurel came round and joined her dad, taking his hand as he stood.
"So agent Brody lets see how things are looking and we may be able to send you home later today if all looks good" the doctor said a she picked up the charts at the foot of the bed.
After flicking through the charts he flicked through the notes he had and then looked between Brody and then Pride and Laurel.
"They stay" as she reached her hand out to Pride who took it.
"Right then, let's check your stitches and if there healing nicely and you can promise to be careful and rest when you get home we can probably arrange to discharge you dinner time" as he placed the notes on the table and went to lay the bed flat.
Once the bed was flat between him and the nurse they removed the dressing on her chest and replaced it with a new one before getting her gown back on and sitting the bed up.
"Well all is healing well and the wound is knitting together nicely. Another week or so and it should close completely. It will be at least another week or two before you can return to work chasing bad guys but light duties to ease yourself back should be okay" the doctor told Brody as he looked at her then up at Pride.
"Any questions or need to know anything before I go and start to arrange your discharge?" The doctor asked the room at large.
Everyone shook their heads as the doctor gave a finally look at Brody as he gathered up his things and him and the nurse left.
"Home time finally" Brody smiled as she thought about her own bed and decent coffee and not to mention the man still holding her hand.
"You sure you're ready to help take care of me, I can be a.." but was cut off.
"A stubborn pain in the ass who thinks she knows best and will want to be back at work next week if she could" Pride cut in as both he and Laurel started to laugh.
"Something like that" Brody replied trying not to laugh as she knew it would hurt.
"Let's make sure we got everything to get you ready to come home in and if we haven't we can go get it now" as Pride stepped to the foot of the bed and picked the bag up.
Once they were sure they had everything needed, everything that wasn't needed was put at the door.
"At least you don't need your laptop and DVDs which I might add are the worst selection ever. We really need to get you watching and owning some decent DVDs" Laurel told Brody as she shook her head.
"In my defence I don't really get time to watch a great deal of anything on TV" as she yawned.
"That is our cue to give you some peace and go take the stuff home you don't need as well as go get what I need from the office as well as go shopping" Pride told Laurel and Brody as he moved up to stand at the edge of the bed.
Bending down he kissed her head before kissing her on the lips and standing up.
"We will be a couple of hours at most, gives us time to do what we need and gives you a chance to nap as well as the hospital to get things put in place to get you out of here. If you need us before you have your cell don't you?" As he looked around for her phone.
He spotted it on the table and put it on the side of the bed next to her in case she needed it before he gave her another kiss and went to pick the bags up from the door.
"Catch you later Merri when we come to pick you up" Laurel said as she headed out the door.
"Get some sleep and time will pass quicker" as he stood at the door and watched her close her eyes.
"See you soon" as she yawned a final time and shut her eyes letting sleep claim her.
Walking through the hospital Pride had a smile as wide as the Bayou on his face and he seemed to have an extra spring his step. Merri was coming home and he could look after her and finally keep her safe. Laurel couldn't help smile as she watched her dad, he was on a mission now and she was happy for him. The next few hours were going to be manic till he finally got Merri home where she belonged but it would be worth it to see her dad happy again. Climbing in the car they set off on the whistle stop trip to make sure everything was in place.