Ch 14
Once they get home, he takes Sammy up to the crib and comes back to help Rita.
"She's up in the crib. Where do you want to go?"
"Bed…please."
He takes her crutches and scoops her up.
She tucks her head in his neck and cries.
He takes her upstairs and sits on the bed with her in his lap. "It's ok."
She holds on to him tight.
He runs his fingers thru her hair. "I'm right here. I'm safe. You're safe..Sammy's safe."
She finally calms down. "I'm sorry."
"For what? You hadn't talked about everything like that before. You needed to get it out."
"I didn't realize I needed that."
"You did. And I'm not leaving you."
She holds on to him.
He kisses her cheek. "I love you. Heart and soul."
"I love you too."
He carefully moves her off his lap and she reaches for him. "I'll be right back. I'm not leaving. I promise."
She nods.
He goes to the bathroom and gets a cool rag. He comes back and gets on the bed beside her.
"What's with the rag?"
He cleans up her mascara that had run. "Just wanted to clean your mascara up. Not that you need it."
She smiles. "Thanks."
He puts the rag back in the bathroom and goes back to bed with her. "Need anything?"
"Just you."
"You got me forever."
He climbs in bed beside her and lifts his arm up.
She smiles and lays her head over his heart.
"You like doing that huh?"
"Nope. I love it."
"Why?"
"Because after…I laid my head on your chest and told you we love you and I didn't hear anything. And I knew you weren't there. But now..hearing it.."
He nods. "I got it."
She yawns.
"Sleepy?"
"Yeah. But.."
He holds her close. "But nothing. I'm not going anywhere. Except downstairs."
She nods and falls asleep.
A couple days later, Abby calls Rita's phone.
"Hello?"
"Mrs. Lorenzo..it's Abby. I have the pictures ready."
"Oh great. Do you want to come over or do you want us to come there?"
"Can you come here?"
"Sure. We'll be there soon as we can."
"Sounds good. See you soon."
Rita smiles and turns to Chris. "Abby called. Pictures are ready."
"Oh. Is she coming here?"
"We need to go there. Can you help me down?"
"Of course." He scoops her up in his arms and takes her downstairs.
"Chris?"
"Yeah?"
She reaches out for him.
He hugs her tight.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome." He hands her the crutches and goes to get Sammy.
She sighs.
"I heard that."
"Just tired of this cast and boot."
He comes back down with Sammy. "Not much longer."
She groans. "Ugh."
He lays Sammy in her bassinet and goes over to her. "Talk to me. What else is going on?"
She sighs and lays her head on his shoulder.
He tips her head up and kisses her. "You ready to go look at the pictures?"
"Yeah."
"Tell me what else is wrong?"
"I just can't shake this feeling.."
"What feeling baby?"
"That you're gonna take Sammy and leave me."
"No. Nevah gonna happen."
"You could change your mind.."
He shakes his head. "I won't." He takes her hand and kisses her rings. He gets up.
"What…"
He gets Sammy and grabs her bag.
"Chris..what.."
He grabs the keys and starts walking towards the door.
"Christopher.."
"What?"
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to see the pictures. We'll be back."
Tears start streaming down her cheeks. "Don't you dare take my baby from me."
"Can't stop me."
She hobbles her way over to the door and stands in front of it. "The only way you're getting out is over my dead body."
He smiles at her.
"Why are you smiling like that?!"
"Look where the crutches are and where you are."
She glares at him. "You're a big jerk for doing that."
"You don't need the crutches anymore. So come on. Let's go check out the pictures." He wraps his arm around her waist.
"I'm sorry I tricked you like that."
She wraps her arms around his waist. "I should make you sleep on the couch."
"I deserve that."
"But I can't sleep without your arm over me."
"So.."
"So you can sleep with me in bed tonight. But that's it. Sleep."
He nods. "Ok. I love you."
"I love you too..jerk." She looks up at him. "Will you still carry me upstairs?"
"Of course."
She grabs her binder and they head out to the car.
