Sam lay motionless on the examination table, his heart pounding in his chest as the technician adjusted the machine. He stared at the ceiling, trying to block out the thoughts racing through his mind.
Is this it? he wondered. Am I going to be paralyzed for life?
The last twelve hours had been a world wind of emotions: the birth of Grace, holding a baby after so long watching Fi's and Michael's reaction to having a child. But the fear of not being able to play with Charlie, Avery, and Grace like all parents should scare him. After what seemed like forever, the tech re entered the room saying,
"You're all set," she said, helping him sit up.
"The doctor will review the scans and discuss the results with you shortly."
Sam nodded again, his throat too tight to speak. He managed to slide off the table and into his wheelchair.
"Can I go see my family?"
"Yes, the doctor told me you would ask that. He will bring your result to your girlfriend's room."
Sam remembered the black box in his bag as his hands gripped the cold metal rims. He wheeled himself out of the room and back to Fi's room. Jesse was outside of Fi's room when he made it back, Jesse looked up smiling at him. Sam looked between the door and him nervous, Jesse knocked on the door,
"Nothing is wrong, Fi is just feeding Grace. You can go in, they said to just knock." Sam nodded, feeling a bit of the tension ease.
He took a deep breath and raised a hand to the door, giving it a soft knock. From inside, he heard Fi's voice, warm and inviting.
"Come in, Sam."
Jesse gave him a nod of encouragement, and Sam slowly pushed the door open, wheeling himself inside. The sight that greeted him was a balm to his frayed nerves—Fi sitting up in bed, cradling Grace as she nursed, a serene expression on her face. The room was filled with a quiet, peaceful energy that made the anxiety outside feel like a distant memory. Fi looked up at Sam, her eyes softening with love and concern.
"Hey." She said gently, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Sam's heart swelled at the sight of them, the fear that had been gripping him loosening its hold.
"Hey." He rolled closer to the bed.
"How did it go?"
"Okay, doctor should be in with results, soon but seeing you both makes everything feel a little less… scary."
Fi reached out with her free hand, and Sam took it, holding on tightly.
"We're here, Sam." She whispered, her voice filled with unwavering support.
"No matter what." Michael said from the corner
Sam squeezed her hand, grateful beyond words, looking over at him.
"I know." He replied, his voice thick with emotion.
"And that's what makes me believe we can get through this."
Grace made it known she was done eating, a soft, contented sigh. Sam moved closer so he could take her to burp her. He positioned her carefully against his chest, his hand supporting her tiny head. He got two loud ones from her, she opened her eyes looking up at him, he kissed her forehead smiling when she grunted. He looked up seeing it was the perfect time as Fi was completely focused on fastening her bra and top which weren't cooperating. He turned to Michael, signaling him with a glance to come over. Michael rose and approached, whispering,
"Is it time?"
Sam nodded.
He reached for Sam's bag on the back of his wheelchair, retrieving the black box for him. Michael nodded, understanding the significance, and Sam prepared to present the engagement ring when the moment arrived. Michael carefully gathered Grace from Sam, backing off toward the door. Fi finally looked over,
"Where are you taking your daughter Michael?"
"To see her uncle Jesse, and give you two some alone time." Michael whispered, as he opened and shut the door.
"Sam.. what is he tal…." She said as she turned toward him and went silent.
Sam had opened the box, and got as close to her as he could without her realizing it.
"Fi… I know this isn't how I imagined asking you, and I know things are uncertain right now, but I can't imagine my life without you. You've been my rock, my partner, and the love of my life. Over the years, we've been through so much—there were times we couldn't stand each other, I know I wasn't always easy to be around, but after everything that happened along the way, Fi, you became the most important person in my life and somehow we always made it work. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, no matter what that looks like. Will you marry me?"
"Yes." she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Yes, Sam, I'll marry you."
He carefully slipped the ring onto her finger, his hands still shaking slightly. Fi leaned in, wrapping her arms around him as best she could. Sam squeezed her, his face in her neck as he breathed her scent. Sam pulled back, leaning his forehead against hers and kissed her. She pulled back, smirking at him.
"Didn't I see a ring on Michael's also?"
Sam smirked that half smile of his back, resting his elbow on the bed with his chin on his hand saying,
"Maybe."
Fi rolled her eyes fondly saying,
"Then who gets the wedding?"
"You baby, always you." He whispered.
Sam seen tears in her eyes and one escape down her face,
"Did I make ex IRA member Fiona Glenanne cry?"
Fi laughed softly,
"A little, a normal life for the five of us… No CIA, no gangs, no drug lords…. Nothing,"
"Yea… sounds…. boring."
"I like boring, if you can call coping with three children and two husbands boring."
"Taking Michael and me into account I think you mean coping with five children two of which are husbands." He said laughing so hard he barely got the words out."
"You said it." Fi countered laughing along with him.
Their laughter ended when they heard noises from outside the room and their training kicked in. From outside they heard someone talking to Michael and Jesse, then a knock and the door opened and Dr. Reynolds walked in.
"What's the news?" Sam asked.
"Your paralysis is indeed temporary. With the right therapy and rehabilitation, there's a strong chance you'll regain full function. It will take time and effort, but we're optimistic."
"How long?" Fi asked.
"Depends on the person…in your case, we're looking at a few months of intensive therapy. Your progress will depend on how well you respond to the treatments and how diligently you participate in your rehabilitation." Dr. Reynolds said, watching Sam's reaction.
Sam nodded, looking over at Michael and Grace then back at Fi.
"I'll do whatever it takes." He said, squeezing Fi's hand.
"Well let's get you and your family home first, and I'll give you the weekend to get used to Grace and first thing Monday a therapist will come and start working with you." Dr. Reynolds smiled at Grace and Michael.
An hour later, after completing the paperwork for Fi, Grace, and Sam, and a short car ride home, Michael pulled up in front of the house. The familiar surroundings brought a sense of comfort after the long day. Michael turned off the engine and quickly got out of the car. He moved to the trunk, where Sam's wheelchair was neatly folded. Pulling it out, he expertly unfolded it and set it up beside the car, ready for Sam. Meanwhile, Fi gently unbuckled Grace's carrier from its base, carefully lifting it out of the car. She stood by, watching as Michael opened the back door and positioned the wheelchair close so that Sam could transfer himself.
"Here you go." Michael said, making sure everything was secure and in place.
Sam nodded, placing his hands on the car seat and shifting his weight. With focused effort, he used his upper body strength to move himself into the wheelchair. Once he was settled, he took a moment to catch his breath,
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I just need to start working out again I guess." Sam said,
"You'll get there Sam." Michael whispered, kneeling beside him.
"Yea maybe." Sam murmured looking anywhere but at either one of them.
Michael grabbed Sam's right hand with his left, Sam looked at their hands, seeing the black ring he had given him.
"Michael, will you take Grace in and get her settled? Give us a minute?" Fi whispered.
Michael looked at her, then back at Sam.
"Yeah, sure." He whispered, as he stood up, a gentle understanding in his eyes as he looked at Sam.
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Sam's temple, Sam leaned into the kiss with reassurance and affection. Michael got up, and kissed Fi on the cheek, as she handed him the carrier. Once they were alone, her left hand grabbed his and squeezed it tight. Sam's eyes settle on the silver oval diamond cut, beautiful and feminine just like Fi.
"Sam, what's up, you were over the moon to come home a minute ago, what changed."
"It just hit me how difficult everything will be. Nothing is going to be easy to do, even the simplest things. I mean…I can't get up the stairs, so where am I going to sleep?" He whispered, trying not to cry.
"Jesse moved our room downstairs, there are solutions for everything and you're not alone Sam, you have Michael, me and the boys can help. We're a team and we will get through this together. Okay? Michael even suggested moving to a one story. Jesse already started looking while we were in the hospital."
Sam hugged her tightly then looked up at her.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you and Mikey but I am so glad I have you both. Come on, let's go see what Grace thinks of her home."