Jacob took his hand. “I will always need you. But your patients need you as well. Go do your thing this afternoon and I’ll chill in our room.”
Fran stood up then helped Jacob up. “Remember, you need to shift this afternoon, but not alone.”
“I remember. I also remember your uncle’s restrictions.”
“It won’t be for long, just until you feel better.”
“I know and truthfully I can’t do much at the moment. I’ll leave it until this afternoon before I try and shift. Joe should be around so he can come with me.”
As they were chatting, the two men moved to Fran’s bedroom.
“I like your room.”
“Our room. It looks a little impersonal at the moment, but once we both put our stuff in here, we can make it perfect,” Fran replied, looking round the room.
“We can indeed,” Jacob said, walking to the sofa and sitting down. His breathing was a bit laboured but he was pleased he had seen more of the castle, even if it was only two of their new rooms.
Fran came and sat down beside him. Jacob pulled Fran into his side so Fran was leaning against him, and he wrapped an arm around Fran.
Jacob sighed. “I can see us here a lot, chilling out after you having a hard day at work and me a hard day at college,” he said, kissing the side of Fran’s head.
“Sounds perfect,” Fran replied, kissing Jacob’s cheek before leaning his head on Jacob’s shoulder.
“I might come downstairs for lunch today, then I’ll be downstairs already for when I shift.”
“That makes sense,” Fran said, picking up Jacob’s other hand and linking their fingers together.
“Plus, the fact I can see more of the castle,” Jacob said, grinning.
Fran laughed. “Soon we can show you the secret tunnels and priest holes.”
“I seriously can’t wait.”
Just then there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Fran called out while sitting up.
The door opened and Joe stood in the doorway grinning. “Morning.”
“Hey, Joe, come on in,” Fran said to him.
“Thanks,” he said, walking in and closing the door behind him. “How are you feeling, Jake?”
“Not bad. Fran and I started looking around what will be our new suite.”
“It’s exciting, isn’t it? Frank is currently talking to the builder about what he wants done,” he replied, sitting in a chair.
Fran frowned a little. “Don’t you want to talk to the builder too? Don’t forget it will be your suite as well.”
“It’s all good. Frank knows I'm literally happy with anything. I can’t cook, so it makes sense for your dad to decide on the kitchen. He’s taking me to his house tomorrow to show me his furniture and stuff so we can decide if we want to move it over or buy new pieces. Don’t worry, Fran, I’m having input as well, your dad insisted.”
Fran nodded and smiled. “Good, just make sure you don’t give in to Dad too often. You need to keep him on his toes.”
Joe laughed. “I can do that. So, your dad said you were off back to the hospital after lunch. I can sit with Jake and be with him when he shifts later.”
“Hey, don’t I get a say in this?” Jacob mock protested.
“No,” both Fran and Joe replied at the same time, looking at each other and laughing.
