Chapter 11:
"The Calm After the Storm"
Jess lay in her bed, the soft sheets tangled around her legs as she stared up at the ceiling. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of Don, and the moments they had shared over the past few days. It had been a whirlwind—a mix of quiet moments, deep conversations, and a sense of connection that felt like it had always been there, waiting for the right time to bloom.
It had only been a couple of days since Don had confessed about Cade. Don had taken a few days off work, just so they could be together, away from the hustle of everyday life. They'd decided on a weekend getaway to Vermont—somewhere quiet, where they could escape the noise of the world and simply be.
Last night, they had slipped into a comfortable rhythm—watching Princess Bride, playing video games, and just being with each other. It was effortless, their bond only getting stronger, as if time itself had slowed down, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble. The outside world didn't matter. Nothing else existed except for them, their laughter, and the easy way their hands found each other.
And, of course, the intimate moments they shared—each one more intimate than the last, creating a deeper bond between them that neither could ignore. They had both surrendered to the pull between them, finding comfort and solace in the quiet understanding that no words were needed.
Jess's thoughts drifted back to the present. She could feel her heartbeat quicken as she waited for Don to join her. She smiled to herself, knowing he was only a few steps away, and the anticipation of what was to come next only made her more excited. There was a sense of calm settling over her now, a quiet joy that she hadn't expected to feel so strongly.
She heard the door creak open, followed by Don's familiar footsteps approaching the bed. The warmth of his presence filled the room, and she turned to face him, her heart skipping a beat.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice low and filled with affection.
Jess smiled, her eyes softening as she reached out for him. "Hey yourself," she whispered, pulling him closer.
Don crawled into bed beside Jess, his fingers gently brushing the soft skin of her shoulder, the pink hue of her scar now faded to a faint memory. He leaned in, pressing light, tender kisses along the curve of her neck as he whispered, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you to see Dr. Morris tomorrow?"
Jess exhaled softly, her lips curving into a smile as she turned to face him. Her hand cupped his jaw, guiding him into a kiss. She let herself melt into the deepening connection, savoring the way their mouths moved together. When they finally pulled apart, she caught her breath, her voice soft but steady. "I'm sure," she said quietly. "I appreciate the offer, really, but... I think this is something I need to do on my own."
Don nodded slowly, his thumb gently brushing against the soft skin of her shoulder, his eyes filled with concern but also understanding. He knew Jess well enough to recognize when she needed space, when she needed time to work through something on her own. He respected that, even though part of him wished he could be there for every moment, to hold her hand through everything.
"I get it," he whispered, his lips lingering against her skin. "But if you need anything—anything at all—I'll be here. Always." He kissed her neck again, this time with more tenderness, like he was trying to reassure her without using words.
Jess closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She wanted to tell him that everything was fine, that she was okay. But it was complicated. Her thoughts about Cade, her past, her fears—it all swirled in her mind. The visit to Dr. Morris was something she needed to face on her own, something personal she had to come to terms with, no matter how much she appreciated Don's unwavering support. It was a journey she had to make by herself, even though she knew he'd be waiting for her at the end of it.
"I know," she murmured, her hand finding his and squeezing it gently. "I appreciate you more than you know, Don. I just need this... a little space to figure things out. But that doesn't mean I'm shutting you out."
He nodded again, this time leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I respect that. Just know I'm here, no matter what."
Jess smiled softly, feeling the warmth of his words sink in. It made her heart swell in a way she hadn't expected. Even though they had both been through their own trials, the connection between them was undeniable. And now, in this quiet moment, she knew that she wasn't alone. She might be facing things on her own, but Don was always just a step away. That was more than enough for her.
They settled into the bed together, the soft sound of their breathing filling the quiet room. Jess's fingers traced circles on his chest as she slowly drifted off to sleep, knowing that whatever tomorrow brought, she wouldn't have to face it alone.
The sterile smell of Dr. Morris's office filled the air as Jess sat in the cushioned chair, her fingers nervously tapping on her knee. The waiting room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead. Jess had arrived early, her heart racing with each passing minute. She was ready—no, she needed—to hear the confirmation that she could finally return to work. But there was still that lingering feeling, that uncertainty in her chest, that she couldn't quite shake.
The door clicked open, and Dr. Morris stepped in, his white coat swaying slightly with each step. The doctor smiled warmly as he sat down across from Jess, his clipboard in hand. Jess couldn't help but notice how calm Dr. Morris always seemed, like he had an endless well of patience and understanding.
"Well, Jess," Dr. Morris began, glancing at the notes on his clipboard. "It's been a few weeks since we last spoke, and I've reviewed everything—your progress, your sessions, and how you've been doing overall." He paused, meeting Jess's eyes. "I think you're in a good place to return to work, if that's what you want."
Jess's heart skipped a beat. She had spent so much time wondering if she was ready for this moment, if she was truly prepared to dive back into the world she had momentarily stepped away from. But now, hearing Dr. Morris say those words aloud, it felt... right. She nodded, a small but genuine smile tugging at her lips.
"I think I am ready," Jess said quietly, her voice a little unsteady, but stronger than it had been in weeks. "It feels like the right time."
Dr. Morris gave a small nod of approval, his tone soft yet reassuring. "I'm glad to hear that. Just remember, taking things one step at a time is important. You don't have to jump right back into everything at once. Start slow, and I would like to do two week check ups for a while.
Jess's shoulders relaxed slightly as a sense of relief washed over her. She had been anxious about what Dr. Morris would say, but now that the decision was made, she felt a sense of clarity she hadn't realized she was missing.
"I'll keep that in mind," Jess said, her voice steadier now. She shifted in her seat, her fingers curling around the edge of the chair. "Thank you, Dr. Morris. I... I really appreciate everything you've helped me with."
Dr. Morris smiled warmly, his eyes kind and understanding. "You've done the hard work, Jess. You should be proud of how far you've come. But don't forget to take care of yourself, even as you step back into your routine."
Jess nodded again, feeling a weight lift off her chest. She was ready to return to the life she had been holding off on for so long. It wouldn't be easy, but it felt like the right moment.
As she stood to leave, Dr. Morris offered a final piece of advice. "Remember, healing isn't a straight line. There will be good days and hard days. Just be kind to yourself through it all."
Jess gave a small, grateful smile as she headed for the door. "I will," she promised, her heart lighter now than when she had walked in.
The cool air hit her as she stepped out into the hallway, and she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement mixed with a sense of nervousness. She was heading back to work, back into the world, but she knew now that she had the strength to face it. The weight of the past few weeks began to lift, and for the first time in a long time, Jess could feel the clarity she had been longing for.
Her hand instinctively reached for her phone, buzzing softly in her pocket. She pulled it out, her thumb hovering over Don's name on her contact list. A quick text flashed in her mind: "Good news—I'm coming back to work!" But then she paused.
This was too big. Too important to be sent in a text. Don deserved to hear it from her, face to face. After everything she'd been through, he was the person who'd held her hand through it all—her constant, her support. He deserved the moment as much as she did. The smile that tugged at her lips widened, and she felt her heart race a little faster.
With a soft sigh, she pocketed the phone.
No, today wasn't about sending a message. It was about sharing this joy with the one person who meant the most to her. She needed to see the expression on Don's face, to hear the excitement in his voice. To feel this moment together.
She glanced at the exit, already imagining Don's reaction. The weight of the last few weeks had been heavy, but now—today—Jess was finally able to breathe again.
"Today," she whispered to herself, "I get to be me again."
And with that thought, Jess stepped out into the sunlight, her heart light, her spirit renewed, and a world of possibilities ahead.
Don glanced at his phone, the clock reading 2:20. Still no word from Jess. She should've been done with the doctor by now. He'd been thinking about her all day, waiting for that text or call with the news.
He sighed, adjusting his posture at his desk. The station was bustling around him, but his mind was elsewhere. Today had been his first day back at work, and already, he missed the peace he'd felt during his time off. Those quiet days spent with Jess, when everything seemed a little easier, a little lighter. But now, reality had crept back in, and he had to face it—he had responsibilities. The grind was back.
Still, despite the rush of work around him, Don couldn't shake the feeling that he was in a better place than he had been before. His conversation with Jess a few days ago had lifted something inside him. Was he completely healed? No. His demons hadn't disappeared overnight. But after talking with her, he felt like he was finally stepping out of that dark hole he'd been in for so long.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Don felt like himself again. And that was a victory in itself.
Stella and Lindsay walked over to Don's desk, both glancing at him with that familiar, expectant look. They knew Jess had her appointment today. They had business at the station but were hanging around, eager to know how their friend was doing. They were hopeful for Jess—everyone was—but they also understood how much getting back to work meant to her.
"I haven't heard anything since the last time you asked," Don smirked as the girls approached. "Like, five minutes ago."
Lindsay raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth lifting in a teasing smirk. "Isn't it driving you crazy?" She crossed her arms. "Why aren't you more concerned—what if she got bad news? We definitely should have heard from Jess by now."
Don leaned back in his chair, his gaze flicking back to his phone. "Because she was going to get cleared," he replied with confidence, though he didn't fully know. But Jess had been so determined. She had worked so hard to get here, and he couldn't imagine her not being ready. They both just believed it. Jess didn't quit. Ever.
O'Bryan, their boss, walked out of his office, his face carrying the same tension that Don felt in his gut. He, too, was waiting for the news. O'Bryan had a soft spot for Jess—he had always appreciated her determination and work ethic. And now, with the station short-staffed, he needed her back.
"Still haven't heard?" O'Bryan asked, glancing at Don's phone as he leaned against the edge of the desk.
"Nothing," Don replied, showing him the screen.
Truth was, he knew Jess needed to be back. He hoped she was cleared. He really did. It would be selfish not to hope for it. But as much as he wanted her to return, there was a new fear gnawing at him now—one he hadn't allowed himself to fully acknowledge before.
What if next time they weren't so lucky?
Jess had come back from the edge of the abyss—she had come back from the dead. He had almost lost her once. What if he lost her again? What if, this time, there was no coming back?
The thought of her heading back into dangerous situations, back into the field, was almost too much for him to bear. He could already feel the anxiety twisting in his stomach, the gnawing uncertainty that wouldn't leave him.
He rubbed a hand over his face, trying to shake the fear, but it lingered.
The door to the office opened with a soft creak, and Jess stepped in, her smile immediately lighting up the room. She paused for a moment, taking in the familiar faces of Don, O'Bryan, Lindsay, and Stella. The mixture of anticipation and concern in their eyes made her heart swell. She couldn't help but feel a little surge of joy that they cared so much.
"Well, look at that," Don said, his voice warm as he spotted her entering the station. "Jess," he pointed out to his friends, a grin spreading across his face.
Jess grinned back, her excitement bubbling over as she crossed the room in a few long strides and headed straight for her friends, for her person.
"I'm cleared," she announced, her voice filled with excitement and a sense of triumph that was impossible to miss. "I'm going back to work. I'm back, guys!"
Lindsay and Stella jumped up from their seats, their faces lighting up with genuine happiness.
"Oh my God, Jess!" Lindsay exclaimed, throwing her arms around her in an equally tight hug. "That's amazing! We knew you could do it!"
Jess laughed, pulling away from the hug to look at her friends. "I can't believe it, either. It feels… so good to be able to say that. To finally have it be real."
O'Bryan, who had been standing by the door, nodded approvingly, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "Glad to hear it, Jess," he said. "We've all been waiting for this. The team's been missing you."
"Thank you, sir," Jess replied with a smile.
Her gaze turned to Don, waiting for his response. He stood a little apart from the group, a soft smile on his lips, his eyes glowing with pride.
"I knew you would," Don said, his voice steady but filled with affection. He wanted to hug her, to kiss her, but not here—not in front of their boss and coworkers. They liked to keep their private life private.
Jess gave him a smile that said it all. She was so happy, and she knew that he was happy for her. They would celebrate later, when they could be alone, when it could just be about them.
"So, when can I start back?" Jess asked, practically bouncing on her toes, unable to contain her excitement.
O'Bryan laughed, clearly amused by her eagerness. "How about Monday?"
Jess didn't miss a beat, her grin widening. "How about now?"
O'Bryan chuckled, shaking his head. "How about Monday? And you'll need to retake your qualifications before heading out into the field again. We can't have you out there without making sure everything's up to standard."
Jess raised an eyebrow, her excitement not dimming in the slightest. "Monday it is. And I'll be ready."
The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the room, casting gentle shadows on the walls of their living room. The day had been long, filled with emotions and anticipation, but now, at last, Jess and Don had the space to relax. The weight of everything—her return to work, the struggles, the triumphs—seemed to lift as they settled into their cozy space.
The quiet hum of the city outside their window felt miles away from the warmth that wrapped around them inside. Jess kicked off her shoes by the door, feeling the relief of being in her own space, the freedom to breathe without expectations or judgment.
She looked over at Don, who was leaning against the kitchen counter, a glass of wine in hand, his gaze soft. A rare, peaceful moment for both of them.
"You know, I still can't believe it," Jess said, a smile tugging at her lips as she wandered into the kitchen. "I'm back. I'm actually going back to work."
Don's smile matched hers as he stepped forward to hand her a glass of wine. "I told you, you would be," he said, his voice low and affectionate. "You're stronger than you know."
She took the glass, her fingers brushing against his in the process, and it made something in her chest flutter. She had missed this—missed being close to him, not just in body, but in spirit.
"I don't know how I would've done it without you," she said quietly, her eyes soft as she looked up at him. "You've been there for me through all of it, Don. All the doubt, all the dark moments."
He stepped closer, setting his own glass down on the counter, his hands moving to gently cup her face. "You're the one who did the hard work, Jess," he said softly. "I just helped you see it."
Jess leaned into his touch, the warmth of his hands a comfort. She didn't have to say more—he understood. He always did.
She pulled back slightly, her smile widening as she raised her glass. "To new beginnings," she said, her voice clear and full of hope.
"To new beginnings," Don echoed, his own smile growing.
They clinked their glasses together, the sound of the delicate crystal a brief, perfect note in the quiet room. For a long moment, they just stood there, letting the simplicity of the moment wash over them. Jess felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a while, and she could see it in Don's eyes too—a calmness that had been absent for so long, replaced now by something steadier, more grounded.
"Do you remember the first time we celebrated like this?" Jess asked suddenly, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity.
Don chuckled, his hands now sliding around her waist, pulling her gently against him. "I do. It was your birthday, wasn't it?" he said with a smile. "You insisted on buying that overpriced bottle of champagne, even though I said it was too fancy for us."
Jess laughed softly, nodding. "And then we spilled half of it on the floor when we tried to open it."
"Best money we ever wasted," Don teased, his tone light. He kissed her forehead softly, his lips lingering for a moment. "But we've had a lot of moments like that, huh?"
"Yeah, we have," Jess said, her voice low and content. "I've missed this… missed us."
Don's gaze softened, his fingers gently tracing the curve of her jaw. "I've missed this, too. But hey," he added with a grin, pulling her closer again. "Let's not talk about the past too much tonight. We've got something to celebrate."
Jess smiled, her heart swelling with love for him. He was right. Tonight was about celebrating the now. It was about her stepping back into the world she belonged in. It was about the future, the uncertain but hopeful future that awaited them both.
"I'm glad I've got you by my side," she said, her voice full of quiet gratitude.
"Always," Don whispered, lowering his lips to hers in a soft, lingering kiss.
The kiss deepened, slow and intimate, a promise of everything they had been through and everything they still had to look forward to. The wine, the candlelight, the stillness of the evening—it all seemed to fade into the background as they pulled each other closer, wrapped in the warmth of their shared space.
As the kiss broke, Jess leaned her forehead against Don's, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You know, we really should've planned something more... exciting for tonight," she teased, though the words were lighthearted.
Don chuckled softly, his hands still holding her close. "Exciting?" He raised an eyebrow. "This is perfect, Jess. It's just us."
And in that moment, it was. Just them, in the quiet comfort of their home, celebrating not just her return to work, but their own quiet victories, and the love that had always carried them through. The future was waiting, but for now, they had tonight.