Page 87 of Wrecked

That evening, after dinner and an impromptu party we had because half of Shane’s gigantic family came to say hi, Cooper wheels me back to my room. He takes me into the bathroom first, so I can get ready for bed.

It’s easy enough for me to brush my teeth at the sink, but using the toilet’s another thing altogether. I stare at it.

“You either use the toilet or I get you a bed pan,” Cooper says, very matter of fact. “Which is it?”

“I’m not using a bed pan,” I say. I had enough of that in the hospital.

Cooper nods. “Good decision. Need some help?”

“That’s okay. I’ve got it.” I wheel myself up to the toilet and lock the brakes. I stand on my good leg and try to maneuver myself to the toilet seat, but my arms are limp as noodles and my one good leg is shaking. I’m stuck halfway.

He stands there with his arms crossed over his chest, not budging a muscle.

“Okay, fine! Help me. Please.”

Very methodically, he shoves my sweats down. I’m commando underneath, just to make things easier. Cooper sits me down, then says, “Call me when you’re done.” And he walks away.

I could kiss him for at least sparing my dignity.

When all that business is taken care of, Cooper helps me into my wheelchair and pushes me to the bed. He’s so careful when he helps me transfer back into bed, but still pain shoots up my leg. I wince.

“How bad is it?” Cooper asks.

“Not too bad.” I’m gritting my teeth as I shrug, not wanting to complain.

“I’ll get you some pain meds. Hold on.”

“No, don’t. I’ll be fine. I don’t like to take medication.”

“Sam, if you’re hurting—”

“I said no.”

“Stubborn ass.”

“After the parachute accident, I was in a lot of pain. The doctors prescribed me pain medication—the strong stuff. After a while, I started worrying about becoming dependent on them, soI stopped taking them. I don’t want to go through that again. It’s not worth it.”

Cooper whips off his shirt and climbs into bed with me.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“What does it look like? I haven’t slept with you in ages, and I miss it.” He leans in and kisses me. “Now go to sleep. You’re exhausted.”

He lays his head on my shoulder and wraps his arm around my waist, holding me tight as if he’s afraid I’m going to get up and walk away.

Sighing, I hold his hand and link our fingers together. It’s good to be home.

Chapter 29 – Cooper

Just as I expected, Sam falls asleep quickly. It’s been hard on him since the accident. He’s been dealing all week with his leg hurting and with headaches. And now he’s frustrated being immobilized. Obviously, his physical confinement is bringing back bad memories from the parachute accident.

I’m so damn proud of him for what he did. He risked his own safety to save Beth, and in the process, he also saved her unborn baby. I couldn’t be more proud of him, and I couldn’t love—want—him more.

I lie awake for a long time just listening to Sam breathe, watching his chest rise and fall steadily, reveling in the warmth of his body. When I think about how close I came to losing him, I’m in danger of losing my sanity.

I lost someone once—Cody—all those years ago. Cody and I were just kids, too young to stand up for ourselves. Too young to protect ourselves. And losing him devastated me. But if I lost Sam—that I don’t think I could survive.

I’m in my fifties, and for the first time in my life, I know who I want to spend the rest of my life with. Or, at least, be with as long as he’ll have me. I want that to be forever, but I’m worried that I can’t give Sam what he needs.