Chapter 9
Carson
Luellen walks up to me with a white ribbon in her hand. I’m standing, talking to Hawk, next to the pasture. She wraps it artfully around my cane, as we both watch. Hawk knows what’s going on, as he’s got a smile on his face. When she’s satisfied, she stands up, grinning.
“What’s this? Prettying up my cane for something?”
Luellen wraps her arm around my brother, and he says. “For our wedding. So you can look good when you join me at the altar.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, I talked it over with the rest of the clan, and I’d like you to be my Best Man. What do you think?”
“Well, I’m in.” I say frowning, without hesitation. “When’s the big day?”
“Not sure yet. But we know that we’re having the ceremony at Luellen’s church and the reception here. It just depends on how dates work out. We also don’t want Rachel popping right around that time, and we want you to be well enough to handle the hoopla.
“I’ll be fine. Kerry-Ann says I should be walking on my own soon. The doctor says that I’m almost set to do more strenuous things, as my internal wounds should likely be healed if not already.”
“Well, there’s no rush.” Hawk states. “You take it as it comes.”
“Of course. I’ve got a pension coming in from the military soon, not that I need it, and then we’ll see what goes on after that.”
“They say anything about a position out here for you?” Luellen asks.
“Yes, at the base in Dallas. I’m welcome to it once I’m fit for it again.”
“You don’t sound so gung-ho about that.” Hawk notices.
“I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.” I answer honestly. “I haven’t decided what I want to do yet. I mean, I loved working at the base, and learning how to build things, but after going into combat and experiencing that and this,” I say, gesturing to my lame leg. “I’m not sure if that’s what I want to do anymore.”
“It’s your life, Carson. You do what makes you happy, man.” Hawk says, clapping me gently on the back. “You may just feel that way because you’re still healing, and it’s been such a long haul. Give it some time. You may feel different. You could wake up one day and realize that you want to build war machines again or use your knowledge in a trade or something.”
“Yeah, with the extensive education you have, you can adapt that to building just about anything.” Luellen agrees.
“We’ll see.” I shrug. “In the meantime, it sure is nice to be back here, hanging with the horses. I can’t wait to get back on one.”
“It won’t be long, brother. Just hang in there.” Hawk says, and he heads back to work.
I manage to get into my truck without Luke’s help, so I go alone, and Kerry-
Ann is so tickled, she gives me a little hug. “Good for you. I knew you were right around the corner from hitting that milestone. Now, we’ve just got to get you walking without the cane, and we’re well on our way.”
“Glad to hear that.” I say. “My brother Hawk’s getting married. He’s asked me to be his Best Man. I don’t want to be hobbling around at his wedding.”
“Well, congratulations.” She says with a smile. “I suppose you wouldn’t want to limp your way up to the podium to do your speech, either.”
“Exactly.”
“Have you been doing your exercises at home?”
“Yes, ma’am. Every hour on the hour. Mama reminds me a minute before my phone alarm goes off.”
“Your mama wants her baby back.” She smiles, setting up a large ball on the floor. We go through some exercises, and she’s genuinely impressed by how much strength I’ve gained in the last few days. “Looks like we can knock your visits down to two or three a week. Y’all don’t need to see me every day anymore.”
I look at the floor to divert my gaze so she doesn’t see the disappointment in my eyes.
“Let me go grab you a different ball. This one is clearly not giving you enough challenge.”
I watch her walk over to the center of the room, and I want to say something to her, but I can’t think of anything to say. We’re alone here again, and it’s the perfect opportunity, but dang it if I can’t figure out what I should say to her. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to ask her out on a date or something, since she’s my physiotherapist, and I certainly don’t want to hurt her feelings and change physiotherapists, just so I can date her. I’m not sure what to do, and lord knows if anyone can tell me the difference.
“Here. Let’s do a few exercises on this, and then I can give you some new ones to do, to help with getting more strength back.” She explains. “How is the weight training going?”
“Good.” I nod. “I’m only at five pounds so far, but I’ll get there.”
“And it doesn’t hurt your back?”
“No, ma’am.”
“And how are the other weight training exercises going on your leg?”
“Good. I actually made it around for about an hour yesterday without my cane.”
She nods. “You can do away with that as you see fit now. Use it only when needed.”
“Will do.”
I don’t get to see Kerry-Ann for two days, and on the third day, I’m so happy to see her, that I have to stop myself from giving her a hug. She lifts her arms up when she sees me walking without a cane. “Look at you. Gosh, Carson, you are my prize patient. I told Dawson yesterday how well you’re coming along, and he was so impressed.”
“Great. When are you kicking me out of this place?” I say, trying for facetious, but I fail miserably, and come off sad.
“Aw, sweetie.” She frowns. “You’ll probably be discharged, from this file at least, in another couple of weeks. After that, you can come when needed.”
I nod, pursing my lips together, trying not to look so pathetic, but it doesn’t work. “Can we at least hang out together or something? I mean, it’s felt like old times.”
“It has, hasn’t it.” She agrees and then she shrugs. “Sure, we can hang out. There’s no law against it.”
“Really? I thought there was some sort of rule about seeing patients outside of the office.”
She shakes her head. “No, not at all. What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know. I just…I just didn’t want to…not see you after this.” I blink my eyelashes, going for cute.
Kerry-Ann snorts a laugh. “Still the playful little boy you always were, huh.”
“I suppose so.”
Clapping her hands together, she draws in a deep breath. “Okay. Shall we get started? You can show me your stuff.”
“Uh…just what stuff are we talking about here, Kerry-Ann.” I joke.
She slaps me on the shoulder. “Shut up, you goon.”
As we do some routine exercises and movements, I’m trying like hell to figure out a way to ask her out, but I feel like asking her to a movie or to dinner sounds too much like a date, and I’m not sure if all this flirting points to her really liking me, or if this offer to see each other outside of the office is just lip service. It’s been a long time since I’ve dated and I’m totally out of whack on it, clearly. Then I look up at the calendar posted on the wall, and I see a tiny marking, and I know exactly what I need to do.
***
Kerry-Ann
Carson has come so far in such a short time. It’s almost unheard of. The man is clearly motivated to get well again, and it shows. He is almost completely rehabilitated after only a few short months. What’s more, there are no signs of PTSD or the like, and that’s a relief. He says he doesn’t remember anything about the militant attack that almost took his life, and I pray that the memory never comes back to haunt him.
He’s very sweet. It’s difficult to determine if he’s flirting with me to be playful, or if he really does have an interest in me beyond the clinic. He’s said as much, but he didn’t pursue the topic further, and now he’s gone. Dawson is in his office, which is a mosh pit of books, files, odds and sods of exercise equipment props, and small models of portions of the spinal column, skull, and what looks like a chopped-up model skeleton, all over his desk. He’s been in surgery all week, and hasn’t had any patients through his office, thank God, so he’s in there tidying up, in preparation for next week, when he’s back in the office again.
“Mama wants us all over this weekend.” Dawson says. “So, don’t give me any grief, and let me know whose vehicle you want to take, so I’m ready for the million-hour drive home.”
“Do you need notice? Is your truck in as bad a condition as your office?”
“Save me the lecture, Kerry-Ann. I’m beat.”
I lift a hand and start picking up things off his desk. “Fine. You go on home, then, cranky pants. It’s been a much longer week for you. I’ll clean up.”
It’s like he ignores my offer. “And don’t give me any gripe over your birthday, neither. Y’all know that mama’s been putting more stock in them now that we’re older.” He scratches his head. “It’s backwards if you ask me, but whatever, it’s mama.”
“Don’t kid yourself, Dawson. It’s because you and I moved away, and she’s afraid that she’ll lose the rest of her clan.”
“Whatever. I need to get out of here and clear my head.”
“You go.”
He hesitates. “Okay. Thanks.” He takes me in his arms and kisses the top of my head. “Happy Birthday, sis. I’ll get you something nice on the weekend.”
“Sure, Dawson.” I swat him. “Make sure you take the receipt out of the bag this time.”
He smiles at me and walks out. I spend the next twenty minutes setting his office straight, and then as I walk out to the reception area, I smile.
***
Carson
I’m just finishing my upper body workout, when Hawk comes trotting upstairs to my room. He knocks lightly before entering. “Hey, you think you’re up for a ride yet? I’m a man down this afternoon, and Lullabelle needs to be exercised.”
“Yeah, sure.” I haven’t been on a horse in ages, but I feel like I’m ready.
“It’s like riding a bike, man.” Hawk says as we walk downstairs. I throw a shirt over my head and pop my old Stetson on my head. “Still fits.” I comment, adjusting it.
“Well, I don’t think your head got any fatter, dude.” Hawk jokes. “But you don’t start riding again, and your ass might.”
“I’ll worry about my ass, okay?” I joke, playing along. We get outside and I hop on Lullabelle, and it’s like I never left. My back doesn’t hurt and my leg feels great as I ride on the horse that’s as docile as a kitten. It’s almost like she senses that I’ve been injured on account of how gentle she’s being with me. Even when I pull her reigns, she still heels somewhat. And as we stop so she can get a drink after a short ride, I hear my cell phone ringing in my back pocket.
I smile when I see the display. It’s my old buddy Chase. “Well, here’s a blast from the past.” I answer with.
“No kidding. How are you doing, dude?”
“I’m just great. How are you? You still out in Afghanistan? I’ll gather not, since I don’t hear bombs or shots from the background.”
“No, man, I came home a couple of months ago. Got some shit going on at home that I couldn’t avoid any longer, so I’m on leave for a while.”
“Sorry to hear that, man. Anything I can help with?”
“No, it’s just some personal shit I got, keeping me from making the leap, you know?”
I’m confused. “Making what leap?”
“Oh, don’t sweat it for now, buddy.” He changes the subject. “I heard you got beat up pretty bad.”
“Yeah, that’s the truth. Nearly fucking died if I’m being honest.”
“Are you out for good now?”
“Yeah. I got discharged. I’m as good as new now, but I can’t take any chances anymore. It was too close for comfort.”
“I hear ya, buddy. If it weren’t for this personal shit going on, I’d be out on the front lines myself. It’s almost like the good old lord is telling me to stay put.”
“You back home in Florida?”
“Na, man, that’s why I’m calling you.” He pauses. “I’m right here in Texas.”
“What the hell hurricane brought your sorry ass over here?” I scoff, laughing.
“It’s a long story, man. Part of that personal shit that’s going on.”
“You don’t sound too bummed out about it.”
“Ah, you know me, man. Nothing gets me down.”
“How true. So, how long are you in town?”
“Well, that’s kind of a question mark right now, but I’m liking it here, so who knows.”
“Where abouts are you?”
He tells me. “Shit, that’s in El Paso, dude. You’re like twenty minutes from me.”
“Yeah, that’s what I figured. You up for a brewsky tonight?”
“I got something going on tonight, man, but I’m up for it tomorrow night.”
“Sure. Hey, you know anywhere good in town?”
“Lots of places.” I name off a few and we choose one and decide on a time.
“Alright, sounds good, man. I can’t wait to see you and see what kind of shape you’re in.” he growls teasingly.
“You, too, buddy.”
“Hey, what’s going on tonight, man? Hot date?”
“No, just…something.”
“Seems like I’m not the only one who has a little secret on the side.”
“We’ll soon find out.”
“Yeah. See you, buddy.”
“See you.”
***
Kerry-Ann
The waiting room is silent, as the door has been locked for hours, while we’ve been preparing for tomorrow’s patients. Dawson left about a half an hour ago, and I know that we both exit and enter the building from the back. So, when I hear the knock at the front door, I wonder if a patient has forgotten something. As I approach the door, I see nothing, and I think that maybe some kids are just playing nicky-nicky nine doors in the hospital corridors. I open and check one side, and there’s nothing. I check the other side, and there’s Carson, standing in the hallway, dressed in a pair of black jeans, a white linen shirt, and he’s carrying a big bouquet of flowers with a ‘Happy Birthday’ balloon at the center.
I smile. “You remembered.”
He takes a step towards me, handing me the flowers. “I never forgot.” He kisses my cheek. “Thought of you every year since that first one I spent with you. Remember that?”
I smell the flowers. They’re gorgeous. Roses, carnations, baby’s breath, just beautiful. “I do remember that.” I look at him through eyes shaped like dinner plates. “Thank you.”
“You’re quite welcome.” He looks around. “Are you finished for the day?”
“Uh huh. I was just about to lock up.”
“You mind if I spoil you?”
My smile widens. “I don’t mind one bit.”
***
“This restaurant sure beats the one we went to in Afghanistan.” Carson comments, pulling a chair out for me. It’s not a poshy place, but it certainly is nicer than the tin can that we ate in the last time.
“Sure does.” I chuckle, noticing how well he’s moving around. Unless you look closely, you can’t tell that he was ever injured. “You’re looking awfully handsome in those tight jeans, there, mister.”
He chuckles shyly. “To tell you the truth, I always liked you in those therapy outfits. They’re rather…fitted.”
“So you can see my ass real good in them is what you’re saying.” I say flatly, playing along.
He nods slowly, winking, and I just about melt. In his outfit, with his hair all grown in, curly and wavy, I can’t not look at him. His showing up at the clinic every day has been a highlight, and he’s right, it’s not going to be the same, so it’s nice that he’s reached out to see me outside of work. The waitress brings the menus, and I can’t help but immediately notice that she keeps touching him. Each sentence ends with a touch of his hand. When he looks towards the back of the restaurant, noticing that there’s a stage, and asks if a band plays here later, she literally places her hand on his chest. “Oh, no, darlin’, that’s on Saturday night.”
We give our orders, and she walks away, giving him a wink. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a fan.”
He shudders, as if he wants to go take a shower. “Not the kind of fan I’m looking for, frankly.”
“Lucky you’re not in your military uniform.”
He winks. “Do you like that?”
“You know what they say…no woman can resist a man in uniform.”
“I think that’s more for police officers and firemen.”
“Don’t kid yourself, soldier.”
Another wink as he peruses the menu. After a beat, he says. “So, what is on your birthday wish list, darlin’?”
I sigh. “Pretty much this. In fact, this is over the top. Plus the flowers. Haven’t had flowers in a very long time.”
“And that’s a crying shame.”
I chuckle softly, looking over my menu.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what ever happened with you and Missy?”
“Basically, I found out that she lied to me throughout our whole relationship. Not that her virginity was important to me, but the fact that she lied to me about it was, especially when she’d been pawing the guy she was with before me while I was away, and lied about that, too.”
“Wow. I’m real sorry about that. I know you were having a real hard time with that then.”
“Doesn’t matter now. It’s been over for a long time.”
“I know.” I nod, as the waitress comes to take our orders, eyes all over Carson all the while. She doesn’t even look at me when I tell her what I want. And what I really want is to punch her in the throat.
When she walks away, Carson draws in a deep breath, and on exhale he says. “She just cut her tip in half.”
“She didn’t lose it earlier…for pawing at you?”
“That I don’t care about. It’s how rude she was to you. Eye contact is important, and she wouldn’t give you a second of it.”
“She’s jealous. She thinks I’m your girlfriend.”
He smiles warmly. “How do you think that sounds? You think me asking you to be my girlfriend is too high school for you, or do you think you’d be up for that?”
How cute is he? “Well, I don’t know. Do you think you might want to meet my folks first?”
His smile hasn’t wavered. He’s adorable. “I can do that.”
“I’m sure you can, sugar, but I was just joking. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
His voice is low and sultry. “You think we ought to kiss on it?”
He’s so cute I want to die. “We can do that.”
He leans in. I lean in. He plants the softest, sweetest kiss on my lips, with just enough suction to make a smacking sound. His lips are full and warm, and although the kiss is chaste, it makes me melt inside. I’ve always wanted to kiss Carson Thomas. Since the first night I met him. Since the first time he lifted me up off the ground when he held me tight. And every day since then. Best. Birthday. Ever.
“We should be careful and make sure your little friend doesn’t catch us kissing. I may end up with sneezy mashed potatoes.”
He grins sexily and snuffles a laugh. “How about I just hold your hand under the table then?”
The table is small and circular, and we’re sitting opposite each other. “Well, that would be physically impossible, Carson.”
He rises and slides his chair over next to mine and sits. We’re side-by-side. He drapes his arm around my shoulder and takes my hand in his. “There. How’s that?”
“It’s nice, but I think it’s much more obvious than us sitting here kissing.” I say, matter-of-factly, searching his eyes. His eyes search mine, and we’re taking turns staring at each other’s lips.
“What do you say we fix to do what we like, and not worry about our handsy little waitress, hm?”
His eyes are on my lips. He leans in and gives me another kiss, this time letting it linger. His voice is a murmur as he speaks. “All these years, I always thought about you. Always wondered if we’d ever cross paths again.”
“I did, too.” I say softly. His eyes are on my lips again. This time I lean in and kiss him, letting it linger. When I pull back, his hand grazes my cheek. We sit there, staring at each other, until the waitress brings our food. Carson stays by my side as we eat. We’re silent for a while as we enjoy our meal, and then I break the silence. “Do you ever keep in touch with your old military buddies? The ones from the base where we met?”
His face brightens. “Yeah, actually. Funny you should mention that. Chase, the guy who was always dragging me out to those dives, he’s living in El Paso. I’m supposed to get together for a few beers with him tomorrow night.”
“Really?” I say, impressed. “How’s he doing?”
“I’m not sure. He was a little elusive on the phone, but, like I said, I’m meeting him for beers, so we’ll see.” he turns to me. “What about you?”
“I keep in touch here and there. My old friend Tony’s always trying to get me to go out with him. It’s just a joke now after all these years, and he’s sweet, but he’s about the only one I keep in touch with.”
“He still serving?”
“No, he gave it up even before I did. He wasn’t cut out.”
“What’s he doing now?”
“He’s working with his brother. Doing landscaping and stuff like that. He lives far away, though, in California.” I pause. “I’m curious to see what Chase is up to.”
“That makes two of us.” He licks his lips. “How did your folks react when you came home from the military?”
“They already knew I was coming home, so it wasn’t a surprise. As soon as Dawson and I got to talking about him opening up a clinic in the hospital, it all came together. But they were happy I came home, for sure. How about your mama and your family?”
He tilts his head. “They would’ve been happier had I come home in better shape, and in all honesty, I was kind of forced to come home given the circumstances. Had it not been for the militant attack, I probably would still be there, but either way, they’re all happy that I’m home.”
“And how is your brother Hawk with you now?”
“Oh, he’s great. He was there with me the whole time I was in the hospital overseas.”
“So, you guys patched things up? I remember you saying it was pretty rocky with him.”
“He’s the reason I left, sure. No, all is well. Like I told you, he asked me to be his Best Man for his wedding.”
“I suppose that’s a good sign.”
The waitress clears our plates. The message is received, since she’s now acting normal, as opposed to the sex-starved freak she was acting like earlier. We sit and hold hands, taking turns stroking thumbs down skin, as we wait for the bill. Crazy thing is, even when we’re not talking, as long as we’re touching, it’s like communication. I could sit here all night with Carson. And he seems happy to be with me, too. After he pays the bill, he turns to me. “What are you up for now, darlin’? You tired from work today?”
“I’m okay. How are you feeling?”
“I’m very good, actually.” He kisses me sweetly. “How about I come on over to your house? I’ve never seen the place, and I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself and be a perfect gentleman.” He says with his hands in the air and eyes like dinner plates. I could melt.
And he may be planning on behaving himself…but that doesn’t mean that I have to.