Those Amber Eyes

Chapter 35 - Free At Last

POV: Ashlyn

It's been a few days since the rescue and I am ready to get out of this place. The doctors released me two days ago, but I decided to stay with Alex. Alex is making great progress. Her lung has completely reinflated, but it's still tender. They don't want her overdoing anything. We have been taking slow strolls around the hospital, and going out into the courtyard. The fresh air is doing both of us good.

"There you both are, Lizzie I found them," Scarlett said, as she approached us. Little Rose ran over, climbing up into my lap.

"Hello love," I said, as I placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"Hi," she whispered.

I smiled at her as she sat next to me, and looked over to see Lizzie sitting on Alex's lap. They really are a cute couple.

"So, when do you have to be back in Atlanta?" I asked, as I made my move, making Alex cuss under her breath.

"Kevin said he needed me by mid week, which is fine. Has the doctor said anything about when, or if you and Alex can fly back?"

"We should know sometime today. They checked Alex over this morning, so I expect we will hear something here soon."

"Liz, when do you have to be back on set?"

"Kevin said the same thing, he needs us back in the studio by Wednesday or Thursday, so it's not a huge issue."

"How are you feeling, baby?" she asked Alex quietly.

"I am feeling better. Being able to move around has helped with the soreness, but my back and side still ache. My chest has ached a bit, but that is from where the lung is expanding. They said everything looked good this morning. I passed my breathing test with flying colors."

"That's good to hear," I said, as a little hand made my next move for me. I looked down and saw Rose, her little tongue poking out, as she concentrated on the board.

"Dammit, I am getting my ass kicked by a 4 year old." Alex said, causing all of us to chuckle. Little Rose just giggled and snuggled closer to me.

"Major Mason, Col. McGuire, we have been looking for you. The doctor would like to see you back in your room, if you don't mind," Nurse Bland said.

"Ahh, Thank You, Bella. We will be there shortly." I said. "Looks like we will have to finish this game another time."

"Probably for the best, Rose had a checkmate anyway." Alex said, shaking her head and grinning.

Sure enough, I looked and Rose did in fact beat Alex. My father will get an absolute kick out of this when I tell him. I stood, holding Rose in my good arm as we made our way back to our rooms.

"Ahh, there you are, Major Mason, I have your discharge papers, and instructions for your recovery right here." Dr. Walter's said, handing the papers to Alex.

"What about flying?" Alex asked, looking over the paperwork.

"I believe General Watson has arranged for medical transport for you, so that won't be an issue. You are both free to go, I believe your Father has a car on the way, as you will be staying in DC for a few days."

We gathered what few items we had with us and waited for the nurses to show us out.

"Major Mason," Nurse Bland said, "your chariot has arrived," she said pointing to the wheelchair.

"Ma'am, I'm fine honestly. I would rather walk."

"Hospital policy, Major."

I watched Alex sigh as she sat down and Nurse Bland wheeled her out. As stated, a car was waiting for us. Once we were seated comfortably, the ride to the hotel was quiet.