ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON ELEVEN

Episode 195

" Wake up, darling," Nigel said softly as he poked gently at Richard's arm as he slept fitfully beside a sleeping Lewis' hospital bed. " I have breakfast for you. "

Richard opened his bleary red rimmed grey eyes and stared at his husband who held in his hands a carrier with two cups of coffee and two breakfast sandwiches. He smiled slightly and reached gratefully for the coffee. " Thanks. I love you. "

Nigel smiled back tenderly and sat down in the other chair, placing the other coffee and food on the nightstand. " I sent everyone home. Nicholas took Richie , Rebecca and Tanisha to his house. Mum said she would stop at our place to walk and feed King and Queen. Andrew and Glory looked exhausted. She has more radiation and chemo today too."

Richard looked at him and Nigel began to feel uncomfortable. What was Richard seeing? Was his husband still upset about his being an even bigger workaholic than himself? Although his health issues didn't matter right now. All that mattered was getting their Lewis better. The doctor had said he was young and strong and stood a good chance for recovery so that was excellent. Nigel hoped they found out if Kyle Samson had really given that girl the gun. And who had given them to Kyle himself. He couldn't believe Zipp Dennis' daughter had actually shot his stepson and then killed herself. Poor troubled kid.

Richard finally spoke. " I don't know what I would do without you, Nigel. This is why I need you to slow down. Work less. Take your medicine. We need you. You're essential. I know that is not something you believe but you are. You are the most essential piece to our family. You keep us going. "

His hand shook as he held the coffee. Nigel gently removed it from his hand before any spilled and put it on the nightstand. " Thank you. I appreciate that. Sometimes I.... I don't feel that way. Before I started working at the company I felt useless. To everyone. " Nigel leaned forward to tuck the blanket around his stepson. " I texted everyone who needs texting before I got food. Including Tania. She's upset and I can't blame her. I got a call from Faith. She still has cop connections. She said they're going to question that Samson kid. And search his house. "

Richard shook his head. He looked worn out. " I can't believe any of this. When Lewis is better we're going to Sussex. You and I. Then Christmas time I want to go to Florida with you and the children. Maybe even with Spencer and his family. A real family holiday trip. To make new good memories. I need that. "

Nigel kissed him on his forehead and cheeks and lips. " I know, baby. Oh and don't worry. I've got my medicine from the house. I'm taking it and the steroids for this heart business. "

Richard smiled. " Thank you. "

Then they heard Lewis moaning in his sleep. Richard looked pained as he reached for his hand which seemed so small and helpless to him.

Richard whispered," I remember. He was premature at birth. It was a difficult birth. We almost lost him. "

Nigel wrapped his arms around him. " Well you didn't lose him then. And you won't bloody lose him now. " Then he paused. " If Richie and Lewis are dating then maybe should discuss sex with them? "

Richard looked horrified. " They're only thirteen. I.... I ..... They're too young ! "

Nigel fought back a sudden grin. " I'll do it. The bloody sex chat. But you have to talk to Rebecca when she's a teenager. "

Now Richard really looked horrified.