In which Rosalee comes home to a few pleasant surprises.
The next few days dragged by. Nick didn't want to talk to Juliette anymore, so Sean didn't make him. Juliette posted her bail, but the court date wouldn't be for a few months. Sean had also pulled some strings to get restraining orders filed quickly; however, Nick had a feeling that after Sean's admission to Juliette, that Nick left her for him, she would no longer be bothering Monroe and Rosalee.
Friday afternoon, Nick, Sean, and Hank all came by the hospital to help Monroe bring Rosalee home. Rosalee looked much better, but confessed the painkillers were making her very tired, and she would need Monroe to take her to the shop later. Unfortunately, she's right-handed, so she would not be able to work normally for a while; fortunately, Monroe served as her assistant, so between them, they'd be able to keep business going. He insisted it was fine, as there had also been a lull in clock repairs lately. Nick watched Monroe fuss with Rosalee's sling while asking seemingly a million last-minute questions to the doctor, which the doctor answered patiently even as Rosalee rolled her eyes and insisted she was not completely helpless. Then Monroe took Rosalee's left hand in his.
"So, umm, we're supposed to get married next Saturday..."
"We are getting married next Saturday, damnit," Rosalee muttered.
"Okay, we are getting married next Saturday... I was wondering, ummm, when we'd be able to... you know..." The tips of the Blutbad's ears were turning red.
"Consummate?" the doctor filled in. Monroe and Rosalee both nodded. "Well, it depends on how you feel. If you want to, just be sure you're comfortable and he's gentle. If you feel like there's a tugging on your stitches, stop. You'd probably have the best luck lying on your good side and him behind you... But gentle, no grasping at her arm or shoulder. If it hurts, stop. I'm sure you'll figure something out..." Monroe nodded as Rosalee smiled.
"Okay. Thanks." Monroe gently kissed the top of Rosalee's head, and they were ready to go.
The cops followed Rosalee's Fiat through Portland toward their house.
"I really hope Rosalee's in the mood for this," Hank commented.
"I hope so, too." Bud, Phoebe, and Monroe had planned a small homecoming party with Gloria, DeEtta, and the bridal party. Monroe's parents were not expected to come for another few days, which would lower the immediate stress level significantly. However, Monroe made it expressly clear that as soon as Rosalee wanted everyone to leave, everyone had to leave. Nick texted DeEtta that Rosalee was tired, but seemed to be in pretty good spirits.
Monroe parked in the driveway and scrambled to help Rosalee out of the car while Sean parked his car. Nick sighed, looking at the house.
"It's amazing how much can change in a week, isn't it?" he asked. Sean smiled and clapped him on the back.
"Monroe, there is not a damn thing wrong with my legs! I can walk just fine!" Rosalee admonished Monroe for trying to support her as she walked. She made him let go, stood wobbling for a moment, then resignedly took his offered arm again. "Okay, fine." He supported her as she gingerly made her way up the steps, then she turned to him and gently kissed his cheek. "Thank you. I'm so glad I have you." He smiled, and opened the door.
Nick was very glad that everyone inside the house was seated and calm, so as not to overwhelm Rosalee. The look on Rosalee's face said pretty much the same thing; she smiled at the 'Welcome Home' banner covered with different colored hearts. Phoebe made a small heart-shaped cake; Phoebe was an excellent baker, and was in the process of making their wedding cake as well. Then DeEtta and Gloria gave Rosalee a gift, a shawl that she could wear with her dress that would cover her sling and bandages. Rosalee cried, and she was embraced by her mother and sister. Nick noticed Monroe was likewise crying quietly, seeing the Calvert women sharing an embrace. Gloria noticed as well, and gave her future son-in-law's hand a squeeze.
"Thank you," the Fuchsbau matron said to the much larger Blutbad, "thank you for giving us our Rosie back, and for keeping her safe." Monroe sniffled a little, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.
"I tried," he whispered.
"You succeeded," Rosalee and DeEtta both said in unison as Rosalee wrapped her good arm around his waist. Monroe kissed the top of her head.
"So everything is pretty much squared away now, right?" Gloria asked.
"Well... More or less..." Monroe muttered. Rosalee looked up at him.
"Still stuck on your vows?" Monroe nodded, and Rosalee let her head fall back in mock exasperation. "Honey... They don't have to be perfect..."
"I know... I just..." Rosalee turned to Nick.
"Can you help him get his crap together? Please?" Nick chuckled.
"Sure. But didn't you two need to go to the shop for a bit?" Rosalee turned to her mother.
"Mom, can you help me make some pain medicine that won't leave me tired and fuzzy?" Gloria nodded and smiled.
"Of course, dear." With that, everyone said their goodbyes and promised to help in any way they could over the coming week. Monroe hugged Rosalee close to him, kissing her cheek.
"Don't be out too late," he whispered. She giggled.
"Do you hear that, Mom? Don't keep me out too late, or Monroe's gonna be waiting on the porch with a crossbow." Gloria, DeEtta, and Nick laughed.
"Don't worry, Sir, we will have her back by curfew!"
"Call us if anything, and I mean anything, looks suspicious, okay?" Nick said before they could protest. All three women nodded. Rosalee kissed Monroe one more time and they were gone.
"Do you want our help, too?" Hank asked. Monroe raised his hand.
"Nah, guys, it's a Friday night... You've probably got better things..."
"Well, you've got beer, let's order a pizza and hash out the most perfect vows ever!"
"No, guys, not perfect," Nick corrected, "right." Monroe smiled, his eyes sparkling.
"Exactly. Okay, what kind of pizza?"