Like That

Chapter 22 - I Don't Want This

Warning: This chapter contains sexual content. It is not written to offend or meant to be explicit. Hopefully affection has been expressed in good taste.

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Love involves a peculiar unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding. - Diane Arbus

Chapter 22 - I Don't Want This

Cooper's POV:

Her hair has fallen to one side, as I rub her neck gently massaging the knots in her muscles. This is where I want to be...holding Emily. I need to remember that.

My hand continues to sooth her head, and this gentle act calms me. I am no longer mad or scared or even jealous. She is my solace, and I've known that for a while now. "I love you," I whisper in her hair.

I hear a soft knock on the door and it opens slowly. "How's she doing?" Jim asks.

"She's asleep."

"Good. Sometimes that works best." He looks at his daughter resting on my chest, and I can tell he wants to talk to me. I move Emily over to her pillow and follow Jim out of the room.

Everyone has gone home except for Jim and Ms. Hannah, and of course Addy. "We're going to take the boys home with us. Mason was wondering if Addy could come, also."

"She would like that. Thank you." Addy is all smiles and runs off to find Mason.

Jim walks into the kitchen and pulls out a small box filled with medication. "The medicine I gave Emily will probably leave her a little hung over when she wakes up." He pulls a bottle out and puts it on the counter. "If she needs more." He taps the bottle and leaves it beside the box.

"Why didn't she tell me she was in pain?"

"She's not a complainer. She takes that after her mom. Knowing her, she thought she would be ok." I shake my head at his words. "Don't feel bad. I didn't see it either, but Hannah did." Jim sat down next to me. "You know she's going to be mad at herself tomorrow."

"Why?"

"She had a house full of people, and she wasn't able to stay and entertain." He's right. She will be upset.

"She says this doesn't happen often."

"No, I know she had one a few months ago. Michael happened to stop by for something, and ended up staying the night." Jim gives me a curious look. "Like I said she's not much of a complainer. She also isn't forth coming with information that will cause someone to worry."

Out of all the months I've known her, the only time I've heard her complain was about not going to watch the Travelers play ball.

"So, how long have you been in love with my daughter?" I choke at the forwardness of his question.

"Son, it's as plain as the nose on your face. If I hadn't already guessed it months ago, what I just walked in on proves it." I smile at him, and he slaps my back. "Now let's talk about your temper."

Shit.

"Actually, I want to commend you. You took it better than most men I know. Most men would have pulled that doctor friend of hers to the side and punched him." I know my face is not hiding the shock I feel. "It's never easy seeing the woman you care about having an intimate conversation with another man."

"It's not easy. I almost lost it. I left to cool off instead."

"Wise choice." He says with a smile.