BRAX'S POV:
Ricky and I had been informed that she had to be kept in overnight, just to monitor her blood pressure and other vitals after her body had been through so much trauma. Sitting by her bedside, watching her sleep, she looked so peaceful. Sighing heavily, I reached up and moved some hair from her face, smiling as her head turned and she moved into the palm of my hand…
RICKY'S POV:
Stirring at I didn't know what time the next morning, the pain hit me. Clutching onto my stomach, I remembered the doctor had said this might happen. Glancing to my side, Brax was asleep, his head resting on the bed. Smiling, I kept a hold of my stomach and itched myself up the bed, stroking my hand through his hair…
"Hi" he greeted me as he began to stir, lifting his head
"Hi" I mirrored "how did you sleep?"
"Not too bad, how about you?" he questioned
"Not too bad either" I informed him
A silence fell over us and I sighed heavily…
"Ricky?" he asked
"Hmm?" I inquired, turning back to face him
"Do you blame yourself for what's happened?" he questioned
I sighed and nodded my head, signalling yes… "I could've done more to protect our baby"
"You were doing everything you could up until yesterday" he informed me "for the baby to have survived during that much trauma would've been a miracle"
"And miracles don't happen to Braxton's, you've said so yourself" I sighed
"I didn't mean that" he admitted "I just, it's not your fault, Ricky, please, you've gotta believe me"
"I do. I'm just angry with myself" I informed him
Standing up, he moved to sit on the edge of my bed, cupping my cheek with his hand, pressing a soft kiss to my lips…
"What was that for?" I asked
"Just don't bottle everything up" he begged "if you need to talk, talk to me. I'm not gonna run away when the going gets tough. I'm staying right where I am, by your side"
I smiled at him warmly, tears filling my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my head into the crook of his neck as I began to sob…
BRAX'S POV:
"Mummy" Jacob proclaimed as Ricky and I made our way in the door
"Jacob, careful, remember?" Casey questioned
"Sorry" he replied "I'm so glad you're home, Mummy"
"I'm glad I'm home too, champ" she admitted as I helped her to the sofa
"Why are you on crutches?" he asked as he moved to sit next to her
"There was an accident and I got hurt" she informed him "but I'm fine. Nothing more than a broken leg"
He smiled at her warmly and kissed her cheek… "I can help Brax look after you, right, Brax?"
I nodded my head, signalling yes… "I'm gonna be needing your help a lot more until Mummy's back on her feet, mate"
"Don't worry, Mummy, Brax and I will look after you" he informed me
"How did I get so lucky?" she questioned
I smiled at her warmly and leant down to kiss her… "Do you want a coffee?"
"Please" she replied
"I'll do it" Jacob proclaimed, hurrying into the kitchen
"No, mate, I'll do it" I informed him "the water from the kettle will be hot"
"What can I do then?" he asked
"How about you sort out Mummy's hospital bag?" I suggested "and put all the clothes that you think need to be washed by the washing machine?"
"Okay" he replied, hurrying into the living room to grab Ricky's bag that I'd left by the door
RICKY'S POV:
"Knock, knock" Bianca's voice greeted me as I lay on the sofa watching a home design show
"Hi" I proclaimed "come in"
"Am I okay to?" she questioned
"Course" I replied "I'm in dire need of some company"
"Where is everyone?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow
"Heath, Casey and Kyle are at Angelo's working, Tamara too. And Brax and Jacob have just gone to do the grocery shopping" I informed her
"You've got them all well trained" she chuckled
I nodded my head in agreement… "Do you want a coffee?"
"I'll do them" she replied, smiling at me warmly as she stood up
"B, I'm capable of making a couple of cups of coffee" I informed her "despite what you might've heard"
"You should be taking it easy" she admitted "after everything"
"There's nothing I can do to bring my baby back, so I can't mope" I replied "no matter how much I want to. I've got a family and friends who need me. They're what matters"
"How do you find the courage to be so strong?" she inquired
"Brax" I informed her "he's my rock. Always has been, ever since we were younger. I don't know what I'd do without him"
"The Braxton men are pretty amazing, aren't they?" she asked
"Yeah, but don't let them hear you say that. Their heads will explode" I chuckled "so, coffee, yeah?"
She nodded her head, signalling yes, following me into the kitchen…
So Ricky seems to be coping pretty well – as Brax/Steve says "she's a staunch chick" – how do you we think Brax is coping though? Find out next chapter…