Jac,seriously, this time we really need to get in there
She turned to see Fletch at the church door. This time there was nothing stopping her and she took his hand and walked into the church. It was filled with people and chatter and then music as they walked in
Everything's going to be alright Jac. I promise
"Everything's going to be alright Jac I promise" Fletch said choking back a sob
Everything's going to be alright
Everything's going to be alright
The words making their way into Jac's consciousness were not just in the dream they were being spoken by the man who was holding her hand so tightly, lightly caressing it. His head was bowed as he kept repeating the words
"Everything's going to be alright Jac, I promise"
Each time harder to say than before as his sobs became harder to control
Jac opened her eyes
"Fletch, don't" she squeezed his hand
Fletch's head sprang up "Jac" he croaked "oh my god Jac"
"Hey, Hey it's ok"
He called for Roxanna
"How are you feeling Jac?" Roxanna said taking some observations.
"Bit of a headache. Knackered and thirsty but ok otherwise. What happened?"
Jac gratefully took the glass of water from Fletch who had poured it out as soon as she said she was thirsty
"Thanks babe" she whispered
"Well" Roxanna began "seems like you developed post op sepsis. You collapsed at home. Luckily Fletch decided to go and see you on his lunch break and found you. A few more hours and ....."
Fletch looked sheepish "you really did not look well when I came to pick Emma up Jac"
She had uncharacteristic tears in her eyes "thank you" she said softly
"Anytime" he smiled
He leaned forward and placed the lightest of kisses on her lips.
"How long have I been here?"
"You've been out for about 28 hours and Fletch hardly left your side" Roxanna said smiling
Fletch blushed " I thought I was going to lose you Jac. I freaked out at first. I couldn't be here, had a panic attack in the locker room. Luckily Serena came to the rescue and ordered me up here whilst she left and sorted the kids out. Emma was with them as well unless she called Jonny"
Jac listened carefully whilst this incredible man proved how much he cared for her. She didn't deserve him.
Roxanna left the room
"Fletch when I was out I was having some more dreams but I was also aware of things that were being said in the room"
"Uhuh?"
"You said something about wanting Emma and you and your crew to be my home, my sanctuary"
"Well erm yes I mean.I erm what I meant was er" Fletch panicked. Shit I've scared her off by wanting too much
Jac smiled as he floundered "did you mean it Fletch?"
"Of course" he said clearly "I know we've only been together for two minutes but it's not like we're strangers and I have been in love with you for months" he said repeating Evie's words
Jac stroked the knuckles of the hand that had never stopped holding hers
"I want it too. As soon as you left after the week you spent at mine whilst I recovered, I realised I wanted you there all the time or at least us to be together all the time. And I know it's too soon and I don't really know your kids and ..."
"Sssh. We can sort it out. We'll muddle through together. The kids will love you because you make so happy, cos normally I'm a grumpy git at home"
She laughed "I can't believe that. Are you sure Fletch? And it's not just because I was nearly dead"
"I am 100% certain Jac and nearly losing you did bring things into focus. Life is so short and fragile. Nether of us are in the first flush of youth,we need to hold onto happiness as soon and as much as we can"
"You soppy bugger"
Fletch looked a little hurt "I'm sorry but that's how I feel"
"I know, I know you do. It's me Fletch. I've never had anyone saying those kinds of things to me before and in the past I would have felt like throwing up and you wouldn't have seen me for dust. But now I feel exactly the same as you, just that I'm still learning how to deal with these emotions"
Fletch chuckled softly "I'm just going to have to help you then aren't I?"
The End
