Chapter 6

Thank you for all of the reviews! Can't believe I already have over 100! Don't worry, there will be some fluff after the suffering and waiting you guys had to endure.

Lucy's POV

Waking up this morning sheltered in Ian's protective arms and warm embrace was by far the best feeling that my body had been craving over these past few days. I had woken up just before Ian due to a nurse coming in to check on me. She had smiled faintly when she saw us snuggled together and promised to make her time in the room quick. It was shortly after that I was allowed to return to my cozy home where I could fully relax in my comfortable bed in the safety of my house. Reluctantly I had woken Ian up with playful kisses, informed him of my current discharge status and told him we'd be free to go in about thirty minutes. Unfortunately I have to have crutches because of my ankle.

That is what lead us to where we are now; pulling into the driveway of our house. I release a sigh of relief when I notice my car was sitting in the garage in its usual place. Ian told me Annie picked it up and drove it to the house to prevent it from being towed. Both Sarah and Annie had returned to their respective apartments after they had left the hospital last night. They said they wanted to ensure I wasn't overwhelmed when returning home and they knew I most likely would want to sleep and spend quality time with Ian and my mom. I'm more than certain that Momma is eager for me to come home because when I called her from the hospital to tell her we were headed home she answered on the second ring plus I could also hear the anxiousness in her voice.

Despite the fact that I could walk, with slight hobble that is, Ian persisted he carry me inside rather than using the crutches knowing I was tired and they were the last thing I wanted to struggle with. Once we got through the door we were greeted by my mom who instantly pulled me into a hug the second Ian sat me on my feet. I all but crumble into her embrace and snuggle as close to her as I could.

"Thank God you're safe baby girl." She repeatedly kisses my forehead holding me to her. "Is there anything you want me to make for you? Your favorite dish? Anything, you name it and it's yours. I'm sure both you and your little baby are hungry."

"You don't need to make anything for me momma, you're our guest."

She shakes her head in refusal. "I may be however you just came home from something traumatic that I am sure you want to move on from. Why not take the first step in moving on by eating your favorite meal?"

"That really isn't necessary. Why don't you just relax on the couch for a little bit?" Right in that moment my stomach decided to growl loudly in hunger. Looking up I see a knowing grin spread across her face.

"It's settled then, you go take a seat on the couch and I will make your favorite."

Ian chuckles from his place behind me knowing my mom won this round.

"Come on honey I'll help you over to the couch." He moves to wrap his arms around me as a way to pick me up but I halt him before he can carry me in there.

"Actually, I was really hoping to take a shower or a bath because I feel dirty and want to try and scrub away the feeling of Daniel." Involuntarily I shudder at the memory.

"Why don't you help her Ian while I get lunch going I'm sure I can find my way around your guys kitchen with little problem." She all but pushes Ian and myself toward the stairs.

Knowing full well she wouldn't cave Ian carries me upstairs into our bedroom then sits me down on the end of our bed.

"Oh how I have missed laying on a comfortable bed." I moan out in bliss laying down on my back.

Ian leans down placing a loving kiss on my forehead. "I'll go draw a bath for you, in the meantime someone's been missing their mommy." Ian lifts a highly excited as well as energetic Jack up onto the bed. He instantly licks my face and snuggles against my side with his head on my chest while I pet him.

"I was wondering why he hadn't come to greet us. Where was he? And Bailey and Mochi, I noticed they weren't sleeping on their beds either?"

"My guess is they were outside, I think I heard the back door shut just as we walked into our room."

Once Ian retreats to the bathroom I give Jack my full attention smiling every time he would lick my hands or my forearms. My eyes were becoming heavier as the seconds passed and I was struggling to keep them open. They flutter open for a moment when I feel a slight dip in the bed followed by smelling Ian's delectable scent.

"Baby," his low voice murmurs in my ear.

"Mmm?"

"Your bath is ready, do you still want to take one or would you rather take a nap?"

Forcing myself to open my eyes I turn my head in the direction of his voice. Letting out a soft yawn I smile faintly up at him.

"No, no I'll take a bath first then maybe a nap after lunch."

He nods his head and replies with a simple, "Okay."

Ian removes me of my clothes, caries me into the bathroom, then gently sits me down in the warm water. Since my foot is wrapped I make sure to keep it propped up on the edge of the tub.

"With your mom making lunch now what if we simply wash you up and then tonight before we go to bed I can wash your hair?"

"Thank you, Ian."

Returning to my side he hands me a hair tie to pull my hair up into a messy bun. "For what?"

"For being… you. For loving me the way you do and taking care of me. You offer to wash my hair for me and carry me all over the house just because my ankle is sprained and it hurts to put weight on it." Pausing for a moment I wipe a stray tear. "I love you so much. All I could think about while I was missing was that I'd never get to see you again."

"Hey, shhhh. It's okay Sweetheart." Ian moves to kneel at the side of the tub looking me in the eye, his eyes portraying pure love. "I love when we sit in the tub together having a romantic bubble bath and I wash your hair for you. I also love holding you in my arms and carrying you around the house whether or not it's because it hurts to walk. I love doing all these things for you simply because I love you. I'd do anything and everything for you."

Unable to form my response with words I lean forward whilst delicately wrapping my left arm around his neck to pull his lips closer to my own. We both inch closer to each other during the duration of the kiss. The kiss was slow, sensual, full of love, tender, sweet, and happiness. My right arm moves to rest on his shoulder pulling him even closer to me; we were both lost in the kiss. Abruptly we break the kiss when there is an unexpected splash followed by me giggling profusely. Ian had attempted to lean in resulting in him accidentally putting his hand in the water obviously forgetting where we were exactly. I remain in my giggling fit as he pulls his arm out of the water shaking it off as he chuckles himself. He watches me with awe and this unknown look to his eye causing me to calm my laughter looking at him questionably.

"What?"

"I've really missed that beautiful giggle these past few days." He admits sheepishly.

Smiling faintly at him I sigh, "oh Ian." Giving him one last peck on the lips before Ian starts washing me up.

Since the hospital had just rewrapped my wrists and ankles we didn't want to get them wet which is why he washed my entire body for me. My doctor told me to freshly wrap it every night or every morning, whichever I preferred. She also recommended I keep them wrapped for at least the next few days since they are incredibly sensitive due to the duct tape but they'd heal and return to normal shortly.

After getting washed up I dry off and don a simple loose fitting t-shirt with a pair of knit shorts and my hair remaining up in a messy bun. Ian had carried me downstairs where I sat on the kitchen counter just like when I was little to watch my mom as she cooked. Ian helped her make lunch as well however I was rejected from making anything by both Ian and Momma, they also agreed that I had to stay off my feet so my only option was to sit on the counter in order to be in the kitchen with them or be stuck on the couch.

The three of us enjoyed my mother's mouthwatering cooking that I always have a hankering for. Afterward we went into the living room hoping to watch a movie or something for a quiet afternoon where I would most likely fall asleep. The lack of sleep I have received over these past few days was without a doubt hitting me like a cannonball at the moment thus I was more than ready to snuggle into the couch and take a little nap. Ian had sat me down on the couch next to my mom while he went back into the kitchen to get a glass of water. Leaning forward I pick up the remote off of the coffee table. Though when my gaze casts toward the TV I find it flickering over to a good sized black object that I caught sight of in the corner of my eye. Staring at it for a moment I frown realizing it is a duffle bag. Three very full duffle bags at that. It only takes a couple seconds for the realization to click in my head right as Ian returns to the room.

"Ian," my voice was caught in my throat and I force myself to look away from the bags and to my husband. "Is that…" I trail off unable to say it aloud.

His smile instantly drops when he sees what I was referring to as does my mom's.

"Lucy. I-I." Ian sighs shaking his head; not grasping the words he was looking for.

"That's the half a million dollars Zach wanted in exchange for me."

Reluctantly he tells me it is. "How about you and your mom have some time together and I go take care of that so it isn't sitting in our living room?" He and mom share a look between each other. Without waiting for me to respond Ian strides across the room to place a quick kiss on my lips telling me not to think about it, all will be fine shortly, then he grabs the bags and leaves.

"Even though I know this weekend really did take place, it feels surreal and I wish it were only a nightmare that I haven't fully woken from." Turning to face mom she frowns and pulls me to her.

I resituate on the couch to rest my head on her stomach with my left hand resting in her lap, my body laying down on the couch. She runs her fingers through my hair while also alternating between rubbing my back and upper arm in a soothing manner. This moment reminds me of the days back in Tennessee when I would have a really bad day and all I wanted to do was curl up in her arms because I knew she could make everything better and that is exactly what she's doing now. Allowing my tiredness to take control of my body I am soon fast asleep in one of the safest embraces I've ever had; right next to my Husband's that is.

Hushed voices seemed to have brought me out of my deep slumber what must have been several hours later. Still a little drowsy I remain still for a couple minutes until I have officially woken up and begin to listen more closely to mom's hushed voice.

"Everything is okay now… yes, yes she's home safe… She can't right now, she's asleep… I know honey but she really needs her rest."

Pushing up from the couch a little bit to look up at her I ask her if it's Maggie on the phone. She nods her head yes then hands me the phone.

"Hi Maggie."

"Lucy! What happened? Mom said you were kidnapped but you're home now." My sister's panicked voice fills my ear.

Laying back down to lean closer to my mom I sigh before responding. My gaze moves down to the end of the couch when I feel a hand soothingly caressing my leg only to realize Ian had returned he while I was asleep, he lifts my feet on to his lap.

"I'm okay. I went to pick up some breakfast for Ian and myself last Friday, a guy grabbed me from behind and forced me into a van which his brother was driving. Long story short Ian found me and saved me. I was taken to the hospital to get checked over and the doctors told me everything was fine other than a sprained ankle. I was discharged this morning and now I'm lying on the couch with mom and Ian."

"I'm so sorry Luc. Lewis and I had no service at all where we were camping. As soon as we were driving back and hit cell service both our phones were blowing up with an ungodly amount of messages all were saying something bad had happened and to call mom as soon as possible. I'll get on the first plane I can get to LA and be right there."

"It's okay, really Maggie I promise I'm okay now and ready to just move on from this. You don't have to fly all the way down here."

"I feel horrible that while all this was happening to you I was completely oblivious to it all thinking everything was perfect."

"You know I'd love to see you since it's been several months however you have already taken off from work for an entire week for your vacation with Lewis, I couldn't ask you to fly all the way down here. Mom said she is probably going to have to leave tomorrow anyway to get back to work because they were reluctant to give her several days off as it was. When you and mom are free Ian and I can fly to Nashville and spend some time with everyone."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the phone, I knew she was debating it. "Fine I won't come. Only if you promise you two will come here though; I know your schedules can get incredibly busy."

Looking over to Ian he catches my eye and I smile at him. Putting my hand over the receiver I whisper, "Can I tell her?" Knowing full well as to what I was referring to he nods his head with an equally pleased smile on his face.

"Actually Ian and I have decided to take a little break from acting as well as anything big that'll tie us down for a period of time."

Instantly I could detect the surprise and curiosity in her tone. "Really? Is it because of this weekend or something else?"

"No it isn't about that, we actually decided this about a month ago. Ian and I are ready to start a family so we're taking a little break from the industry to do so." Maggie instantly squeals with delight at the thought of Ian and me finally having kids. "Which brings me to the next thing I have to tell you… I'm pregnant."

"Awww my baby sister is having a baby! Congratulations to you two! I bet mom is through the roof isn't she?"

Giggling at her response I reply with, "you could definitely say that."

"I'll let you go so you can hopefully go back to sleep. If you need anything at all just call me and I can be there in a heartbeat. Tell mom goodbye for me. Love you, Luce. Congratulations again, I know you'll be an amazing mom."

Hanging up I hand mom her phone back to which she then places on the coffee table. The three of us share light conversation for a few minutes while I find myself yawning continuously. A distant ding draws my attention just prior to my eyelids drifting shut.

"What's that?" I mumble to either mom or Ian.

"That my dear would be the timer I set for dinner so I'd know when to pull the casserole out of the oven." Ian informs me as he gets up to walk into the kitchen, soon after does a delicious aroma fill the main floor and I find my mouth watering for whatever concoction he's made. I shift on the couch to stand up alongside mom however she places her hand on my shoulder to prevent me from standing up.

"Ian will be back in a minute to carry you in there, you know you shouldn't be walking on that foot." Opening my mouth to protest that it isn't too far to the kitchen she shoots me her 'I'm your mother and I know best' look causing me to instantly shut my mouth only to nod reluctantly. Backing up her words Ian returns to the living room not five minutes later to lift me off of the couch and over to the kitchen table.

LB

It was nearing eleven thirty at the moment. Ian and I were curled in bed together after a very long, relaxing, as well as romantic bubble bath together. He washed my hair for me then we laid there in bliss in each other's arms wrapped around one another. Ian was catching up on the latest news on his iPad, whereas I was reading through my mentions on Twitter of all my fans supportive and worried tweets. After a while I shut off my own iPad and sit it on my nightstand, and then shift in bed under the covers to snuggle into Ian's side with my head resting on his chest.

"I saw your tweet to the fans; that was sweet."

Ian's arm moves to wrap around my body to rest on my side. "In a desperate attempt to distract myself while waiting to see you in the hospital I got on Twitter and saw everyone's tweets. I felt like I owed them an update and a thank you for all of their support."

Lifting my head up from his chest I smile when idea comes to mind. "How about a picture? They love pictures, it's the least we could do after all of the love they sent."

Ian nods his head in agreement knowing even when we were merely friends all those years ago our fans loved seeing new pictures of us together no matter how platonic the image was. Turning back to lay my head back down on his chest I watch him open up the camera app and switch it to the front camera. I smile during the photo meanwhile Ian kisses the top of my head sweetly.

"I like it," I comment looking at the photo. You could see my left hand resting on his chest, me snuggled in his side, and him kissing the top of my head. Since I knew Ian had no idea how to tweet the picture I do it for him though put my hand back down to rest on his chest allowing him to type the message.

Being simplistic he types, "Got my wife home, safe in my arms. Love you, Baby."

Shortly after pressing the tweet button he locks the device then sits it on his nightstand much like I had done not too long ago. Reaching his right arm up, he turns off the light leaving the room dark aside from the moonlight shinning in. My fingers toy with the soft fabric of his t-shirt that he's wearing.

"I'm sorry," I whisper to him. My voice was barely audible though I'm sure he heard me.

Confused, he responds with, "What are you sorry for?"

"Because of me you missed your big movie premiere. I know it's a big deal if the star of the own movie doesn't show for the release; you're probably not in their good graces now."

Ian flips the light back on shifting me to face him. "Baby that is not your fault. Yes I missed it but you know what, I was somewhere much more important trying to find my missing wife. You will always mean more to me than anything else; you come first. They definitely were pissed when they found out I wasn't coming, however as soon as they were informed why I wasn't coming they were remorseful and nothing short of understanding."

Sensing I wasn't sure what to reply with Ian kisses me chastely to further prove his point. "I love you Goose. You and our baby will always be my first priority in life. Don't ever blame yourself for something you had no control over what's so ever."

Running my hand down his chest I push myself forward to kiss him deeply. Slowly wrapping my arms around his neck I pull him to lay on top of me and press my body up closer to his. I didn't need to verbally tell him what I wanted us to share tonight; Ian knew simply from my actions. A low moan falls from my lips into his when clothes begin to fall to the side of the bed.

That night we made sweet, delicate, and very quiet love to each other praying in the back of our minds that my mother doesn't hear.

Okay so fluffy chapter to make up for the prior heartache. Do you guys like me again or am I still on the 'to kill' list? lol. Anyway I hope you all enjoyed this chapter with some sweet Lucian. As usual I'll post again in a week, based on reviews I may post sooner than that. :)