Soulmates

Chapter thirty

I was napping with Claire while her breathing and heart rate continues to slow down. I woke to stirring next to me and my eyes are immediately met with Claire's. Her hand caresses my scarred up face and tears fill both our eyes. "You're really awake," she asks with disbelief.

I kiss her lips to answer her question and she whimpers relieved sobs as her tongue explores my mouth. The salty taste of her tears mingles with our kiss as she pours her emotions into the kiss. She breaks from the kiss, meeting my eyes and shutters a calming breath. "When I heard you on the phone," she chokes in a wavering whisper and shakes her head unable to finish her sentence. "Next time you get a call about a lead on a case, bring backup."

We both laugh through our tears and I kiss her forehead. "I promise," I say in a soothing whisper and she lets out a relieved breath.

"I'm sorry," Kelly says in a wavering whisper and Claire looks at her in the doorway. "I shouldn't have forced you to see her knowing you weren't ready. I was selfish and it nearly caused more pain for you because of it. I'm just glad you and the babies are okay."

She was turning to leave when Claire chokes in an authoritative tone, "Get your sexy ass over here and kiss me."

Kelly turns around with relieved eyes and does just as Claire asks. "You're forgiven," Claire chokes with a smile. "Now go work your magic to get us out of here."

Kelly laughs through her calming sobs and gives a kiss before leaving. Claire lets out a content sigh and closes her eyes. "Claire," I whisper quietly and she hums sleepily. "I love you."

She looks at me with compassion and gives me a kiss. "I love you too. I'm sorry I waited so long to come see you," she chokes quietly and I wipe her eyes. "I didn't want to see what everyone was describing, it was too much."

"Shhh, it's okay Claire. In your condition it's completely understandable," I say in a soothing whisper and she lets out a calming breath. "Next time something bad happens I want you to only worry about them. They are your concern, understand? If you feel something isn't right or will harm them, don't do it. You know what's best for them, don't ignore those feelings."

She nods vigorously and I take her in my arms. I rub her stomach as she calms down and Kelly walks in with Devon and Bryce. She notices our tears and looks away with guilt. "I was telling her it was okay she wasn't ready to see me. I want her to put the triplets before anyone and anything. I want you to do the same with the kids and be there for each other the next time something bad happens," I choke quietly and Kelly nods vigorously, fighting back tears.

"Are you ready to go home," Devon asks in a soothing tone, changing the subject.

"God yes," Kelly, Claire and I say in unison and we all laugh at our synchronized reply.

"Good, I trust that someone can make sure both of you are relaxed a few more days," Devon says as she and Bryce look at Kelly.

She shrinks away and says squirming under their stare, "I'll get our family to stay and help with the kids. I'll make sure they're relaxed."

Claire and I laugh at Kelly and she smiles sheepishly. "I deserve it after making Claire see you when she wasn't ready," she says and Devon and Bryce nod in agreement.

Jamie and Caroline walk in and both are relieved to see us awake. "Good to see you awake Iron Goddess," Jamie chokes with a smile.

"Iron Goddess," Devon asks confused, and Bryce looks like she's trying not to laugh.

"Shut up, it's what my unit called me," I say with a blush and Jamie blushes hard, avoiding eye contact with me.

Caroline kisses her cheek and she relaxes from the gesture. Caroline whispers in her ear and Jamie let out a calming breath, eyes closed. Caroline wraps herself at Jamie's back and Jamie accepts it. When she opens her eyes I notice she looked more calm than when they walked in. Caroline looks up at me and says in a soothing tone, "We're here to bring you home."