We arrived at the ranch about 5:00 in the morning. Once Taylor was situated, the med evac helicopter left. After the emergency surgery that took place in Escala, he was placed in a stretcher with side rails. It also has restraining belts that go across his legs and chest. His head is in a neck brace and his head is strapped down across his forehead. I cant imagine how he fell, but there was blood everywhere. Thank God The Moving Company was able to get a surgical team to us so quickly.
For all the tension between Taylor and Mr Grey, it was interesting to see his reaction. He was genuinely upset. When the doctor was scrubbing up at the kitchen sink and explained that with arterial injuries, you never know if they will live or die. Sometimes a small, relatively insignificant injury will prove deadly with a sudden, massive hemorrhage and a more serious injury heals without incident. The doctor promised to do his best, but that was all he promised. Mr Grey just grabbed me to him, right against his chest! He hugged me hard and sobbed into my hair. It was heartbreaking. Fortunately for me, taking care of Mr Grey and preparing meals has given me no time to reflect. I am not ready for that conversation yet. I don't know if I ever will be.
After our arrival, two of the borrowed security men took a helicopter and went grocery shopping. I wanted to go along but that was forbidden. Apparently, the shopping is done over 75 miles away so that none of the locals are aware that there are strangers in town. The twelve borrowed security forces are sleeping in a bunk house. I wanted to prepare at least their evening meal, but it is forbidden. They purchased food for themselves and they are responsible for cooking it themselves. The bunk house comes with a kitchen. Maybe they will accept a couple of cakes. If they can see and smell my chocolate cake, I can guarantee you, they won't be refusing it.
We slept most of day 1 here and I cooked most of day 2 here. Security went shopping for us and they must have bought out Walmart. We only were allowed to take 1 change of clothes that would fit in a plastic grocery bag. So figure deodorant, toothbrush hairbrush, razor, the usual. I crammed my moisturizer and my makeup in my handbag. I even managed my slippers and nightie. I volunteered to sleep in Taylor's room. No one is getting a private room, except for Mr Grey. With ten - twelve adults staying in the main house , space is tight. Our security people want one room for an office. Grey need a room he can be alone in sometimes. There is only one office. Grey has given it over to Welch and taken to long walks around the ranch for his alone time. Today his afternoon walk must have been very productive because everyone now seems to be moving with purpose, even poor Sawyer, who still suffers from vertigo and nausea. Its like they have a plan. I saw Welch setting up electronics for Mr Grey. I don't know what it was but everyone was frustrated when he couldn't get it up and running.
Dr Flynn has been spending a lot of time with Mr Grey and Sawyer. The doctor and Mr Grey must be having sessions on their morning walk together because when he returns Mr Grey is very emotional and always retires to his bedroom.
Its the end of day 3 at the ranch, but no one is going to bed. Everyone seems to be anticipating something. I don't feel its my place to ask so I put more coffee on and take out some cookie dough I had placed in the refrigerator and start baking cookies.
The men are all inside the family room watching the Mariner game. It's half past ten and I think I will get ready for bed when I hear a helicopter. The guys start whooping it up and I wonder did the Mariners score or is it the helicopter when Ryan comes in, grabs two cookies and informs me Mr Grey would like to see me. I follow Ryan back to the family room.
"Gail," he begins, "I am so sorry but we are about to have more company and some of the sleeping arrangements will change. Flynn will be staying with Taylor, Ryan and Reynolds will be sleeping here on the pull out. " Sawyer snorts and Mr Grey glares at him and continues. "One of our guests was expected, it was Barney, my IT specialist. The other guest, however, was completely unexpected. It's my sister Mia. She refused to cooperate with the security assigned to her, so they in turn refuse to be responsible for her safety. They are turning her over to me personally. "
My heart sinks. Mia, while I love her dearly, is spoiled, loud and just over the top. I am too old to keep up with her and I am certain her presence will prove annoying to everyone. I hear Mr Grey drone on about how we will be sharing a room, the room with the queen size bed. Great. Its bad enough we're sharing a room, but now we will be sharing a bed as well. I lie through my teeth as I assure Mr Grey it will be no problem at all.
I hear the door and look up to see Mia bound, gagged and blindfolded along with a gagged and blindfolded Barney being led into the room. Barney's blindfold and gag are released and Mr Grey apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks him for coming.
Apparently, the outside security have decided Mia needed to learn a lesson. They have allowed her to think she has been kidnapped. Ear plugs are visible in her ears. So she is restrained, deaf, dumb, and blind. No doubt she is terrified. Mr Grey apologizes profusely for the inconvenience Mia had caused and hopes she has learned a lesson. Mr Grey walks around her in a circle, testing the knots, checking for bruises but finds none. Then he nods to Sawyer who snaps open a huge knife. He moves closer and pulls out the earplugs.
"You're safe. Don't move." He commands as he releases the blindfold.
The look of terror in her eyes is hard to see. I am sure that Mr Grey feels awful. Suddenly, the fear is gone, replaced by relief and tears. Sawyer quickly cuts the ropes away and releases the gag. Christian opens his arms and Mia falls into them hysterical. In less than five minutes she had recovered enough to be complaining about a lack of clothes and refusing to allow strangers to shop for her. I sincerely pity Mr Grey.
I show Mia to our new room. She is not impressed, but exhaustion is creeping up on her. My things from Taylors room have already been moved here. Its been a long day. The men are going to be having a meeting with Barney. Fortunately, Mia fell asleep almost immediately after her shower. I am so tired that after my shower, I fall asleep almost as fast.