Chapter 4: A Good Day
Jess let the water flow down her back and through her hair. She had been released from the hospital the day before. When she got home, she crashed, exhausted, but it was the first time since the shooting she had slept so soundly—without any medication. The nightmares hadn't visited her last night, and she hoped that would be the end of them. Being back in her own bed, with Don's arms wrapped tightly around her, maybe that's all she needed to heal. Now, in the hot shower, she allowed herself to relax.
She turned and let the water cascade down her front, turning the heat up to the maximum. The warmth seeped into her muscles, soothing them. She soaped herself up and, once again, let the water flow freely over her. It felt so peaceful. Her mind had finally quieted, giving her a break from the constant noise. For the first time in a long while, everything was still. During her time in the hospital, there had been an endless stream of people, and though she appreciated the concern, the attention had been overwhelming. But now, they had all returned to their own lives, and Jess was back in the place she felt safest. Home.
Sherry had done a thorough cleaning of her apartment and prepped enough meals to last her until Christmas before heading back to Jersey with her dad, both promising to be back at a moment's notice if she needed them. Ryan and Chris, Abby and Olivia, Mikey and Andrew—they were all just a call away. But most importantly, she had Don. He would be home with her for at least a week while the IA investigation into the shooting was ongoing. Cade's death had been a messy situation, but as far as she knew, the shooting was justified. Danny and Don had assured her it was a clean shoot, and she trusted them.
"Are you okay?" she heard Don's voice from outside the bathroom door.
"Yup, I'll be out in a minute," Jess replied, inhaling the steam and letting her head rest against the cold tile. The hot water beat down on her body, each droplet providing a small sense of relief. She allowed herself a few more minutes of peace.
Jess curled up under her blankets, her cozy pajamas soft against her skin. The shower had completely relaxed her, and she felt like she could finally breathe again.
"Hey," Don said, walking into the bedroom, "want to get out later? It's a beautiful, sunny day."
He was trying to get her moving, hoping it would help with her recovery.
"I was thinking of just staying in today and resting," Jess replied.
"Jess, you need to move. It'll help you feel better," Don said, gently, trying not to sound like he was lecturing her.
"I will, Donnie," Jess replied, her voice tired but affectionate. "I just want to go to Sully's tonight. Lindsay texted earlier—everyone's going, and if I don't rest now, I won't have the energy to make it later."
"Right, it's Thursday, Sully's," Don said. Jess didn't miss the sadness in his voice or the look on his face.
"What? You don't want to go?" Jess asked. "Is it because of the investigation?"
Don smiled and waved her concern off. "It's fine, of course we can go."
"Are you sure?" Jess asked, her voice soft. "You can talk to me. This goes both ways. God knows you've been there for me lately."
Don smiled at her, but the truth was, he was wrestling with things of his own. But Jess was having a good day, and he wasn't going to let his own demons take that from her, not today. He stripped off his shirt, revealing his muscular chest, and crawled into bed with her. She scooted over so her head rested on his chest, inhaling the scent of her damp hair that smelled like strawberries.
"I'm sure," Don said, holding her tightly.
Jess traced soft circles on his chest with her good arm, feeling the warmth of his skin. Moments like this felt like a dream. She longed for more of them. She lifted herself with Don's help and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
It was heaven.
Don lifted his head, deepening the kiss, but they both knew they weren't ready for more. So, they let the kiss end, settling into the comfortable silence they both craved.
Don stood on the patio, taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Jess was sleeping soundly inside, and he had just finished his own shower. He was about to head out to run some errands. But as he stood there, his mind drifted back to the boiler room, to the moment he had faced Cade. He had talked himself onto the task force, convincing Mac and O'Bryan to let him on, even though they probably shouldn't have.
He would be cleared, he knew that. Cade was a cop shooter, and no one would bat an eye at his death. O'Bryan and Danny would back him up—Danny had testified that he was with Don during the shooting. But deep down, Don knew that Danny had lied.
Don shook his head and pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind. It was supposed to be a good day.
He went back inside, grabbed his wallet and phone, and headed out.
The afternoon passed pleasantly enough. Don got a much-needed haircut, worked out at the gym, and picked up some of Jess's favorite books so she would have something to do. He even met Sam for lunch.
"You look like crap," Sam said, taking a sip of her water with a smile.
"Thanks, Sam," Don replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes at his baby sister. "It's been a hard few weeks."
Sam nodded. She had met Jess once, at their Granny's 80th birthday. Even from that brief meeting, Sam could tell that her brother had found his soul mate. "Is Jess doing okay?" she asked.
"She is," Don replied. "It's going to be a while before she's back to 100%, but she's getting there."
"And you?" Sam asked.
"Fine," Don replied.
Sam nodded, not buying it, but she didn't push. She'd learned long ago that Don would talk when he was ready, and she would be there for him when he did. Just like he was always there for her.
"You?" Don asked.
Sam beamed. "Just got my six-month sober chip."
It really was a good day.
Don and Jess stood outside Sully's, looking at each other. Jess looked beautiful in a pair of mid-rise, skinny, dark-wash jeans and a white Heavenly Long T-shirt. Her hair was naturally wavy, cascading down her back, and she wore it proudly, even though she struggled to use the straightener.
"Ready?" Don asked.
Jess took a deep breath. She wanted to see her friends and co-workers somewhere other than her hospital room. A night out sounded exciting, but she was also hesitant. The thought of being the center of attention, everyone telling her how great it was to see her up and around, made her feel nauseous.
"I am," Jess replied, her voice steady but unsure.
"The cheering won't last long," Don reassured her, remembering his first night back at Sully's after the bombing.
Jess nodded. "I'm ready," she said, this time with more confidence.
Don opened the door, and the bar erupted into cheers as they entered.
Jess blushed but took it in stride.
The cheers didn't last long, and soon, everyone settled into their usual conversations. Don sat chatting with Danny, sipping on a beer. He needed this too.
Jess caught up with Lindsay and Stella, but after a while, she excused herself to grab a bottle of water.
"Angell!" O'Bryan called her over. He was waiting to speak with her privately.
O'Bryan, their boss, was a tough man. He ran a tight ship, but he had a deep affection for his detectives. Jess, in particular, held a special place in his heart. She was sharp, tough, compassionate, and had an edge that made her a force to be reckoned with. Almost losing her had been hard on him, as it was for everyone who cared about her.
"Sir," Jess said, sitting down beside him.
O'Bryan smiled at her, happy to see her up and about, recovering. It was a miracle she was here at all.
They chatted for a bit before O'Bryan asked, "How are you doing, kid?"
Jess sighed, a little surprised at the nickname. It had been a while since anyone had called her that. "Good," she said. "At least today's been a good day."
O'Bryan nodded. "I've got your sick leave approved. A month, right?" he asked. Jess had been optimistic about a month, setting her heart on being back on duty then.
"I start physical therapy on Tuesday. I have an appointment with Ruby on Thursday," Jess replied. "I can do this."
O'Bryan pulled something from his jacket pocket. It was her badge, gold with a blue center, and engraved with the number 965—her badge number, passed down from her father and grandfather.
Jess hesitated but took the badge. "I'm not back yet," she said softly.
"You can still hold onto it," O'Bryan said, his voice gentle. "See you in a month."
Later that night, Don walked into Jess's bedroom. They had called it an early night—he knew she was exhausted. "I figured you'd be asleep already," Don said, crashing onto the bed next to her.
"Can't sleep," Jess replied, placing the book she'd been reading and her badge on the nightstand. She snuggled closer to Don's side.
He wrapped his arms around her. "Your arm bothering you?"
"No, it's not my arm. My head's too full," Jess confessed. "Am I kidding myself?"
Don knew exactly what she meant—getting back to work and the timeline she'd set for herself. "I'm not going to lie to you," he said, holding her close. "Physical therapy is tough. It's grueling. It's a lot of sweat and tears. It was tough for me, and I'm bigger and stronger than you, but you've got this. You've beaten the odds before. Jess, there's no doubt in my mind that you can do this."
Jess nestled closer to him. Doubting herself was a new feeling for her, and she hated it. She longed to feel confident again, and Don was helping her find her way back to that place.
"Thanks, detective," Jess whispered.
Don smiled and took a deep breath, savoring the moment. Jess kicked off the blankets, letting her feet dangle outside. Don chuckled when he noticed her socks—blue and red, with the word Rangers written across the bottom.
"What are you wearing, detective?" he laughed.
Jess rolled her eyes. "Don't think you've converted me. My feet were cold, and I grabbed these."
"Sure," Don said, smirking. "I think I've finally made a fan out of you."
"Devils forever," Jess grinned. "But the Rangers aren't horrible. Just don't tell my dad."
It was a perfect moment.
Don wanted to say the three words he had been holding back, but he hesitated. He wasn't sure if Jess was ready, after everything she had been through. But she didn't leave him any more room to doubt.
"Hey, detective," Jess said, her voice tender. She had been thinking the same thing. They were having a perfect moment, something they hadn't had in a while. She bit her lip for a moment before continuing, "I love you, detective."
Don kissed her deeply, his heart swelling. "I love you too, detective."
It had been a good day.