A Hidden Truth

After Care

[Jaxon]

    My alarm went off at eight. I hit the cancel button before it could wake Juniper. She looked peaceful. It was probably the first time she’d slept without nightmares in a few days.

    I didn’t want to leave, but I wanted to get her medicine, pack some of my things, and pick up the ring. I needed to have it, see it, know it was safe and ready for the time when I’d ask her to spend the rest of her life with me.

    Quietly, I got out of bed and put my shoes back on. Teddy was in the living room. He looked up when I came out and smiled softly.

    “How is she?” He asked.

    “Sleeping. Can you or Gary go lay with her until I get back? I need to go get some stuff.”

    “Gary went to get her pills. You go pack up your things. It’ll get you back to her sooner. I’m just not useful anymore.” He sniffled and laughed dryly.

    “You deserve to have a life outside of your sister’s. She loves you and wants you to be happy. If she could change it all, you know she would. After her graduation, I’m taking her to Boise to see my parents for a week or two. It’ll give you and Gary time to relax and be together.” I told him.

    “That’ll be nice. It’s hard to start a new relationship when there’s so much goin’ on.” Teddy replied.

    “Tell me about it. I’m gonna head out now. You take care of my girl and I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I winked and left.

 ***

    I went home first and updated Beau and Bobbi. Bobbi called Tamsin and Karen. Tamsin said she’d have Red put a temporary ramp on the three steps up to the porch. Karen would bring a wheelchair, one of the ones that has to be pushed by someone else, later on in the afternoon.

    We went over the plans for the barbecue. Carson and Camille would be there. Bobbi agreed to the martial arts lessons for Buck. He’d learn about them at the same time as Remy. 

    Marie-Rose had already called Bobbi to ask if she should bring anything and got wrangled into making a dessert. Bobbi said Marie-Rose made the best desserts and it would be expected that they ask.

    Beau and Miley helped me with packing my meager belongings up and carrying them out to the car. The particularly nosey neighbor, Mrs. Kind, was hanging on our every word as I loaded my things up and said I was moving out to the ranch so I could be closer to work and Juniper. We’d hoped she would be drawn out by our actions. She was in the quilting club that was one of the most gossip heavy in town.

    Bobbi said I could keep the car for the rest of the summer. I asked them to keep an eye out for the package with Juniper’s gift in it. Bobbi and the kids gave me hugs; Beau shook my hand. It was all terribly average. Almost like the relationship I’d wanted with my family all along.

    With a smile, I left to go to the jewelry store. I’d ordered a white gold ring with a heart cut ruby and a heart shaped halo of diamonds surrounding it. Diamond was Juniper’s birthstone, ruby was mine. When the jeweler showed it to me, I was thrilled. It was perfect.

    The day was flying past. I sent a message to Red to have the limo sent to Tammy’s house so she could still surprise Amber. Camille and Carson were going to be additional chaperones, just to watch over Juniper’s friends. We’d make sure they had a good night, even if she wasn’t with them.

    When I got back to the ranch, I unloaded my bags and began putting things away in Juniper’s room. She was reading the book for book club and occasionally glancing up at me. A blush crept up her cheeks and stayed there. 

    After I finished, I went out to see if Gary and Teddy needed anything. They were planning for supper and talking about the barbecue. It was all anyone could think of because it was a huge part of the plan for the Cleaners.

    Returning to the room, I sat next to Juniper and pulled out my tablet so I could read as well. I loved the quiet companionship. She started leaning over, and I noticed she’d fallen asleep. I saved her spot in the book with her bookmark and closed it.

    Carefully, I worked to slide her into a laying position. I didn’t want her to end up with a crick in her neck. Once she was laying down, I pulled the blanket up further. As soon as she was healed I’d stop pushing her away.

    The night was fairly calm. Juniper didn’t have any nightmares during her nap, Teddy managed to cook a meal that was pretty good, Gary acted as official Juniper carrier, much to her dismay. When we went to sleep, she looked over at me and sighed.

    “You sound sad? Is it because you missed your prom?” I asked.

    “No. It would’ve been fun, but it’s mostly because you didn’t use any of your kisses today and I miss kissing you.” She said, biting her bottom lip.

    I chuckled. “I didn’t want to accidentally bump your stomach and hurt you, sweet. If you’re willing to take the risk though, I’d be more than happy to kiss you.”

    “Worth it.” Juniper whispered.

    I moved closer and laid on my stomach right next to her, sliding my arms under her neck and back gently. Taking a moment to absorb the beauty of her face in the dim light coming through the windows. I kissed her softly, nibbling her bottom lip and tasting the sweet flavor of her mouthwash as my tongue slipped in her mouth to play with hers. 

    She reached up and balled her hand in my hair, pulling me more firmly against her mouth. I had to remind myself not to move my hands, even though they wanted to slide over her body. It would be at least a week before I could try and indulge them.

    Pulling back, I kissed along her jaw and neck as she moaned lightly. I could feel her starting to shift under me and reached down to still her hips so she wouldn’t tear her stitches. Juniper whimpered as my hand held her in place.

    “Jaxon. Your… your hand.” She panted.

    “What about it?” I murmured into the curve of her neck.

    “It’s… so close. Oh, god.”

    I looked down. I’d meant to place it on her hip, but had managed it right in the middle of her pelvis. Just a couple inches down and… I licked my lips thinking of everything my hand itched to do.

    “Sorry, sweet. I was trying to stop you from moving too much. I’ll go back to my side of the bed. Are you okay?” I asked.

    “I wish I hadn’t scratched myself so bad.” She groaned.

    I laughed as I moved back over. Soon, Juniper started drifting off again. The sedative the doctor prescribed hit hard after a few minutes, so I’d actually been expecting it. I got under the blankets and held her hand as I fell asleep, too.