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Chapter 23
Shay
I can’t believe today is finally here. The day I’ve been waiting for. It was two days ago that Clay asked me if I wanted to go home to his house and continue my treatment there. I can’t even explain how excited I was to hear those words. I know I’m not well enough to run any marathons, but I am well enough to be out of here. Someone else can take up my bed. Someone who needs it more.
“You ready for this, short stuff?” asks Clay as he hands me two boxes of flowers I want to take home with me. The rest can decorate the hospital corridors or waiting rooms.
“I have never been more ready in my life. I used to imagine going home when I was blown up and captured. It always seemed so out of my reach.”
Clay bends down in front of me and wraps his hand around mine. “It isn’t out of reach now, babe.”
I nod. I shuffle forward in my wheelchair. “Will you do something for me?”
“Anything.”
I look down at our joined hands and feel the heat rise up my cheeks. “Will you kiss me? And not one of those soft pecks either. I won’t break, and right now, I need normal.”
Clay smiles warmly at my words. He leans forward and rests his forehead against mine. “I didn’t want to hurt you before.”
I don’t even get the chance to answer him. His lips land on mine. My lips part and let him gain access. He plunges his tongue into my mouth, exploring every area like it’s his first time.
“Oops. Sorry, we can come back.”
Clay pulls away from me and leans his forehead against mine again. Our breathing is erratic, my heart is pounding in my chest, and electricity is coursing through my veins.
“It’s okay, bro. We’re ready,” Clay says to Caleb.
“Yes.” I sigh dramatically. “I’m ready to break free.”
Both brothers laugh at me.
“I’ve left Chris at the main entrance manning the vehicle. I’ve brought my SUV because I thought it would be easier for Shay to get in and out of.”
“Thank you, Caleb. For everything you’re doing for me and my family. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.” I look over my shoulder toward Caleb.
“No thanks are needed. You’re family now, and that’s what family does for one another.”
I don’t know what to say. I’ve given Clay the run around for years, but his family is still here to protect me and help me any way they can.
Caleb hands over my bags and wheels me out of my room. The nurses and doctors at the desk start clapping and cheering as I approach. I feel weird being treated like some hero. I just did my job.
Dr. Jones steps in front of my chair to stop me escaping. He holds his hand out to me and I accept it around my flowers. “If you need anything, day or night, Clay has my number.”
“Thank you, Dr. Jones. I appreciate everything you’ve done to get me here today. I should be clapping for you guys.”
“That’s my job, Shay. I’m just happy to see you going home. You deserve a medal for everything you’ve been through to protect our country.”
“Thank you.” I blush. I can feel it. I’ve never been good at accepting praise, especially when people think I’m the big brave soldier. I’m just me. I did a job, the same as Dr. Jones, Shawland Security, and any other person who protects someone.
The doctor steps aside and Clay holds his hand out to shake it. “Thanks, Doc.”
“My pleasure. Get out of here before I find a reason to keep you here.”
We all laugh, and Clay pushes me forward. It feels good to be leaving the hospital for the first time. I’m moving forward at last, instead of being stuck in no man’s land.
“I warn you both now, our parents have decided to throw you a little gathering,” says Caleb.
“Really?” Clay groans.
