The Christmas Wish

Chapter Eleven

Laura's POV

"Luke?"

"Hey Baby."

"Oh my god! You're alive,"

The tears fall from my eyes and I can't breathe. I can't believe he is alive. Why didn't he want to see me?
"Yes, baby. I am here. I can't come home yet. I still have more surgeries."

" I miss you so much. Are you okay?"

"I'm alive. I miss you too."

"How long will that be?

"I don't know. It all depends on what they have to do with the leg."

"I can't believe you are alive."

"I am, and I will be home soon as they let me."

"Please be home by Christmas. I don't think Keely will be able to handle another Christmas without you."
"How is my baby girl?"

"She is not taking it very well. I feel like I am losing her. She is so withdrawn. She has gotten into trouble at school, and the director threatened to kick her out."

"What for?"

"She hit another girl for bullying her about you."
"I can't believe that. Did the other girl get any punishment?"
"No, she didn't."
"That's ridiculous."
"I know."
"I'm so sorry. Listen, don't be angry with Brandon for not telling you. I told him not to. I didn't want you to be worried about me. You have enough on your plate without worrying about me."

"Oh baby, I have been worrying about you since day one. I have had so much anxiety and worrying about if I was ever going to see you again.It doesn't matter what is going on, as long as you come home to me. I don't care how bad it is. We are a team, in sickness, and in health. I will always take care of you. I love you. You are my person."
"I love you too. I just want to be the man you deserve."
"You always are, no matter what." I hear voices in the background.

"Listen baby, I have got to go. I am so sorry for making you worry."
"Go get well, come home to me Luke."
"I will."

We hang up and the tears start to fall again. Brandon walks over and sits next to me as he pulls me into a hug. I am a little angry at him for hiding this from me.

"Why didn't you tell me that Luke was alive?"
"He asked me not to tell you. I told him it was a bad idea. He insisted."
"You kept him from me."

"It wasn't my idea. I'm sorry."
"I just don't understand why."

"He is afraid to be a cripple and not be able to support his family."
"Oh my poor Luke, I would never be upset about that."
"You know he has his pride. It would destroy him."
"I just wish he would have faith in me."
"Give him time. He is going through a lot right now, and he feels that he needs to be the man you married, and right now, he doesn't think he could do that."
"I just want him home with us."
"He will be."

Luke's POV

I hang up with Laura as the doctor comes in. He is here to discuss the plan with my leg. I am hoping they can save it. I don't know what I will do if they can't. How am I able to be the man my family deserves if I lose it.

"How are we feeling today?"

"I'm just worried about what is going to happen."
"I know. There is extensive damage to the leg, and there is a good chance that you will lose it. I just wish I had better news. I just want you to be prepared for what might happen tomorrow."
"Thanks, doc. I guess I will have to deal with whatever happens."
"I'm sorry it's not better news. They will come to collect you around eight tomorrow. Once you are healed, they are going to send you to Germany for physical therapy, and then you can go home."
"How long will that be?"
"It will be several months which will bring you home around Christmas."