Love Me Through It

Chapter 5- The Road to Recovery

As we walked through the door, all of the kids sat around the living room with the exception of Jordan. She stood next to the recliner with an ice pack in hand and a bad of Lindt White Chocolate Truffles, Bridget's favorite. I helped Bridget lay her crutches down on the floor and climb into the recliner as the kids watched. Kris, Til, and Kenzie were holding Maddie, Keegan, and Kinley so they wouldn't rush up on Bridget.

"Here," Jordan said, "I got you some of these for you this afternoon when I picked Kenzie up from the airport. I know they are your favorite."

"Thank you, Jordan," Bridget said politely.

"So, here's the deal," I began, "We are going to try to go about things as normal as possible until your momma, and aunt, gets her memory back. I'm going back out tomorrow night and I swear I better now hear of any of you acting like heathens! Tia will be around, your grandmother is coming up tomorrow, and there will be a nurse here during the day. But don't think I don't expect you to help out. You are going to do your chores just like you always do and Jordan, Kris, and Kenzie are going to help with meals and all that stuff."

"They don't need to pull more than their share. That's not fair to any of them, Luke!" Bridget spoke up, "I'm sure your mom, Tia, and I can handle things without them having to give up their summer."

"Bridge, honey, I don't think you understand how hectic it is in this house with nine kids on a regular basis. You need help when you're at your best. How are you going to manage when you can't walk? You can't chase the kids around like you could three days ago," I explained.

"I guess you are right," Bridget said as she finally sat back in the chair.

"Well, I think it's time for ya'll to get settled in for the night. Bath and bed. Go," I told the kids, but was met with moans and groans, "Don't make me get mean. None of you like it when I get mean."

At that moment all the kids started scattering throughout the house. I sat down on the couch closest to Bridget. I had no clue how I was going to go back out on the road with her not even remembering how we realized we were in love or when we created our first beautiful child, or even our last. I feel like she needs to come out with me for a few days so the kids can all adjust to her not having her memory. I can handle it. Or at least I think I can. Better than the kids anyway. It will give her the opportunity to regain some of her memory. I guess I'll talk to her about it when I get her ready for bed.

"Luke, can you help me get to bed?" Bridget asked me, "I'm exhausted."

"Yeah. Let me run into the kitchen and grab me a drink," I told her as I ran to the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water then returning.

I grabbed her crutches and helped her get to her feet. Well, foot anyways. She did really good getting to the stairs, but couldn't quite manage how to get up them with crutches.

"Why can't I do this?" Bridget questioned, her expression covered in frustration.

"Let me help you," I said as I took the crutches, laying them on the stairs and carrying her up to our bedroom.

"This is our room?" Bridget asked as I nodded, "It looks familiar."

"Well, you designed it. From top to bottom," I smiled knowing that it was a good sign.

"Where's my night clothes?" Bridget asked curiously as she sat on the bed.

"Do you want shorts?" I asked, "They will probably be easier to get on. Or a pair of my track pants that button up the side?"

"Shorts. I'm burning up," Bridget answered with a smile.

I rummaged through her dresser until I found a pair of her favorite shorts. They were black and honestly, very short. She wore them to bed on a regular basis. I loved the way they hugged her hips and butt. I tossed them onto the bed while I dug around for a tank to go with them, finding a loose-fitting pink one she wore often.