His Forever Flame

18. The Cabin

Jay awoke early the next morning while Lauren was still asleep. He carefully crawled out of bed and packed their bags. He just knew she was going to love this surprise. He went to make her favorite breakfast, chocolate chip pancakes.

While he was in the kitchen, he heard the bathroom door slam. He took off after her, found her in the bathroom being sick. He held her hair back and kept his hand on her forehead. "It's ok, baby," he whispered. Once she was done, he picked her up and sat her on the bathroom counter.

He let her rinse her mouth and helped her wash up. He carried her to the bed and carefully laid her down. He ran his hand over her stomach. "I'm sorry you're so sick baby," he whispered. The bruise on her chest looked much worse this morning. She cradled his face; "It's ok Jay. It's giving us one of the greatest things ever."

He smiled; only Lauren could find something good out of being super sick all the time. He softly ran his fingers over her cuts and bruise. "I'm sorry baby girl," he whispered anger flashing in his eyes.

"It's not your fault Jay. It was an accident that got a little out of hand, but you handled it, you got me back."

He gazed into her eyes, saw so much love reflected back at him. "I'll always get you back, but I hope I never see that sight again. Seeing him... holding that gun to your head.... God.... Baby... I..."

"It's ok Jay. I get it babe," she said as she stroked his cheek. "Look at me." When his eyes met hers she continued, "I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. I promise." He softly kissed her.

"Feeling better?" When she nodded he said, "Well come on, I made your favorite breakfast."

"Pancakes?" she asked with a smile.

"Chocolate chip pancakes," he said as he pulled her out of bed and into his arms.

She giggled. "I can walk you know."

He nuzzles her neck as he whispers, "I know but you're recovering and I like having you close."

She smiles as he sets her down at the bar. He puts a plate in front of her with pancakes already cut up and syrup drizzled over it just like she likes. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" she asks.

"I'm the lucky one. Now eat. I know you're hungry because I heard your stomach growl," he said with a smile. Jay made sure she ate every bite. She was eating for two now, and he had to make sure she stayed healthy.

"I have a surprise for you," he said as he cleaned up the dishes.

He saw the excited look on her face; she always loved surprises. "You do?"

He nodded. "What is it Jay?!"

"Well, this guy here has the whole week off and we are going to the cabin. It'll help you relax and recover."

She wrapped her arms around him from behind. "You took the week off for me?"

He turned around to look at her; "I had a few days off as it was, but I asked Voight for the rest of the week after yesterday. I just... I needed this time with you."

She stood on tip toe to kiss him. "You are amazing Jay Matthew."

"Come on, let's get you dressed. I already have our bags packed and ready to go."

They'd been on the road for about an hour; "Jay... stop... I'm sick," she managed as he pulled over. He hated seeing her like this. He carefully pulled her into his arms, "It's ok baby. We'll be there soon." Lauren managed to sleep the rest of the way there.

Once he pulled in, he carried their bags inside. He came back out, carefully unbuckled her, and picked her up into his arms. She instinctively laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her inside. He gently laid her down in bed and tucked her in.