Author's Note: This is the final chapter and as promised, it ends happily. Thanks for trusting me.

Chapter 14 – Lessons Learned

Abby cleaned and vacuumed the flat and then closed Sid, Nancy and Rex into their carriers. She didn't want them to get under foot when Connor arrived from the hospital.

It was all arranged. Jayne would drive him home and Connor would spend the next several weeks using Abby's bedroom to recuperate. Abby had offered to settle him there after Jayne mentioned that her flat had lots of stairs. Abby planned to sleep on the couch, close enough to hear if Connor needed anything.

She glanced at the wall clock. It was almost time. She did a double check of the room. The bed was ready; SFX magazines were mixed in with scientific journals and a fantasy novel. A clean teapot and cup, plus a few snacks were lined up on the bedside table.

Abby shook her head at how excited she was to have the chance to help with Connor. Jayne had suggested it, saying that Connor needed to be in familiar surroundings with his best friend on hand. It amazed her at how generous Jayne was being. The girl showed no jealousy and didn't seem bothered about leaving Connor to Abby's care. It made Abby feel great because even though she had missed her chance to be Connor's girl, she now had a second chance to be his true friend.

Abby heard the front door open as she finished gathering up the cleaning supplies. She hurried down the hall and into the laundry area to give Jayne and Connor some privacy.

Jayne pushed Connor's wheelchair through the front door and straight into Abby's bedroom. She held the chair steady while Connor maneuvered himself onto the bed. It wasn't easy with one leg and an arm both set in casts. He blew out a deep breath as Jayne arranged the pillows to make him comfortable.

She gave him an encouraging smile, "Now remember what I said. She does love you. Don't doubt it. When you see her, be confident. Keep saying to yourself…"

Abby came down the hall just in time to hear Jayne's final words, "You are sexy, attentive and loving." Jayne walked out into the hall, nearly running into Abby. "Oh, hello. He's all settled," Jayne said with a grin. "See you later." Without another word, she was out the front door, leaving Abby alone with Connor.

Embarrassed at overhearing Jayne's words, Abby stared at the bedroom entryway. "I will be happy for them as a couple," she chanted softly. "I will be happy for them." She took a calming breath and stepped into the bedroom to smile at Connor. "How are you feeling?" she asked briskly.

"Sexy, attentive and loving," he laughed, echoing the words he was sure Abby had overheard.

Abby turned bright pink and looked awkward. She pushed her hair away from her face nervously, "I'm glad you and Jayne made up," she said sincerely.

When Connor tried to interrupt her, she rushed on, "Don't say anything. Just let me get this out. I've been awful to you and so confused, but when you got hurt, it was finally clear." She paused, before rambling on, "Of course, now it's too late."

When he looked ready to interrupt again, she stepped closer to him, "Connor, let me finish."

He settled back onto the pillows and closed his mouth.

"Jayne is a wonderful girl and I know you'll be happy with her, but I just have to say this… I'm in love with you." Abby looked at the floor hoping she hadn't just ruined everything. "I won't mention that ever again, but I wanted you to know." She glanced at his face but couldn't tell what he was thinking. Forcing herself to finish, she said, "I'm so sorry for every hurt I ever caused you. You're my best mate and I don't want to lose you. Can we put all this behind us?" Abby felt a constant trembling deep inside her chest as her question dropped into the silence of the room.

Connor waited a moment and then asked, "Can I talk now?" A small smile curved his lips when Abby cautiously nodded her head, yes.

"Jayne and I have decided we're meant to be friends. You see there is someone else for me. Always has been," he admitted in a voice gone low.

Abby's heart began to pound as she locked eyes with Connor. She slowly moved to the bed and sat down carefully beside him. "Anybody I know?" she whispered.

"Yeah. She's a lizard girl with beautiful blue eyes and lovely skin. Her smile makes my whole world light up and I'm kind of crazy about her," he said as he watched her anxiously.

Abby's face bloomed into a smile meant just for Connor. "She's kind of crazy about you too," she confessed. Slowly she leaned in to kiss his lips.

Connor pulled her against him with his good arm, letting all his pent-up desire come to the surface. Their lips met, eased back and met again as the kiss spun out, slow and sweet as honey. Abby's eyes opened in surprised pleasure and then closed again as feeling overwhelmed her. Suddenly the idea of having Connor in her bed for the next several weeks took on a whole new meaning. She shifted, being very careful of his poor, battered body and took control of the kiss. She felt his mouth open and used the opportunity to taste him. Connor made a deep sound of satisfaction as her tongue caressed his. Abby reluctantly lifted herself away from him, knowing they had to slow down.

She couldn't wait to share her thoughts and feelings with him. She wanted to share other things with him too, but it would be tricky in his current condition. Abby looked into Connor's dark, passionate eyes and decided they would manage.

She gave him a sexy smile. "I think I need some lessons in love. Do you know a good teacher," she asked innocently.

Connor grinned at her. "How about we learn together," he suggested.

She cupped his face and beamed at him, "I always did enjoy home study."

Connor laid his hand over hers, feeling amazed by what was happening between them, "Abby… I love you."

Joy flowed through her at the wonder of it all. She closed her eyes and softly touched her nose and forehead to his. "I love you, too," she replied softly. She stretched out next to him on the bed and gently laid her head on his chest.

Connor wrapped his good arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Then he gave a huge yawn. "The pain pills the hospital gave me are kicking in. I can't stay awake," he mumbled apologetically. "Sleep with me?"

"Just as soon as possible," she promised, giving double meaning to his innocent question.

When Connor chuckled, she patted his chest and said, "Go to sleep. I'll be right here."

Abby closed her eyes and listened to his deep, steady breathing as he slept. Being with Connor made her feel whole and alive. The future was suddenly bursting with possibilities. She knew there would be arguments and tough times, but she and Connor would get through them all.

Secure and content, she followed him into sleep; knowing her dreams had already come true.

oxoxoxo

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