Once in a Lifetime

The Kiss

Jimmy's POV

Okay, so, wow! I was totally unprepared when Karen pulled me closer and we kissed. Her lips were so soft and I was loving how she had her hand running through my hair. I closed my eyes and let myself go in her embrace.

A moment later we pulled apart, breathless. I hadn't been kissed like that in a long time.

After a moment or two, I said,"All I can say is 'Wow'." I sat back down in my chair. A slight blush crept onto Karen's face.

"I'm glad you didn't mind that," she said, fiddling with the corner of her blanket.

"I didn't, in fact," I began, pulling her closer again and letting my lips crash onto hers. This time, the kiss was a little more passionate than the first one. I knew the first kiss had been a leap of faith for Karen. This was my chance to show her how much I appreciated her trust in me.

We pulled back, a little more breathless than before. I kept an eye on Karen, making sure she would not relapse and have another attack.

"Okay, so my turn to say 'Wow'," Karen declared, still breathless. She looked at me and I saw for the first time a genuine smile on her face that reached her beautiful caramel brown eyes.

"I totally agree!" I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. I reached out and took her good hand, rubbing my thumb over the back of her hand. We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes.

Karen turned to me, breaking the silence. "How's Winnie?"

"She's good. Nancy has her this week. I can't wait for you to meet her! She is going to love you! But I'm glad Nance has her because I'll be here most days with you until you're released," I replied, stretching my legs under her bed.

"Wait, don't you have a show to do?" Karen asked, looking at me with a questioning glance.

"We're on hiatus until Miles and I are able to come back. They have to work on the studio anyway. The bullet holes did some damage to the ceiling and the wall. So Lorne talked to the execs and they decided to put the show on hiatus for about a week or so."

Karen looked a little taken back by that news. "Don't worry, what happened in the studio hit the news last night along with the news that the show was going on an emergency hiatus for about a week or so. Believe it or not but social media blew up with well wishes for Miles and I and a ton of people hoped that you were feeling better."

Karen looked horrified. "Do they know we are dating?"

I smoothed back her hair, looking her in the eyes. "Right now, no. I want you to be healed and in better health before it's announced." I kissed her forehead before continuing, "But I never want you to be afraid or ashamed that anyone knows about us. You are the most beautiful person I know and I can't wait to yell it from the rooftops that you and I are together."

"From the rooftops Fallon?" She asked, smiling.

"From the rooftops, anywhere and anytime I will declare my love for you," I replied, putting my arm around her shoulders. We both started nodding off to sleep when she briefly glanced up at me, her eyes glistening as she said, "I love you too Jimmy."

Karen's POV

I woke up sometime later after falling asleep on Jimmy's shoulder. He was still asleep but I could see someone else was in the room.

Ellen and Steve were standing at the door, watching the two of us. I grinned as the two entered the room. They stood on the opposite side of the bed from Jimmy.

"How are you feeling sweetie?" Ellen whispered, patting my shoulder.

"I'm doing much better, thanks," I replied quietly, before nodding toward Jimmy. "Are you wanting to take him home?"

Steve snickered, Ellen elbowing him playfully. I screwed my eyes shut, smiling before looking back to Steve. "Yes I know what I said. But I'm guessing you're picking him up."

"Yes, he needs to get some sleep laying down. I'll bring him back tomorrow, I promise," Steve said, still grinning.

I looked over to the man who had stolen my heart before I nudged him slightly, trying to wake him up. "Jimmy." Nothing. I tried ruffling his hair. "Jimmy." Poor thing didn't stir. So Steve stepped up behind him before asking a little loudly, "You want crack with that?"

Jimmy jumped, looking around wildly, "No, quit calling me!" His response sent us into a fit of laughter. Jimmy looked to Steve, grinning. "Man, that never gets old."

"No it doesn't! Ellen and I are here to collect you and take you to your apartment."

Jimmy stood up, stretching before glancing down to me. "Okay. I'll be back tomorrow, Karen. I promise to be more rested up," he said grinning.

"I know. I'll be okay." I looked over to Ellen and Steve. "Make sure he doesn't come before at least ten."

Jimmy looked down at me confused as Ellen smiled. "We won't bring him earlier than ten-thirty."

Jimmy held his hands up in defense. "Okay I'm still standing right here," he said in mock defense waving a hand at us.

Ellen grinned as she said, "We know Jimmy. We are looking out for the two of you."

I smiled, looking up at Jimmy. I took his hand before I said, "I need the rest too. I promise I'll be okay until you get here."

He leaned down, kissing me sweetly. "I know. Sleep well my angel. I'll be back tomorrow."

I leaned up, kissing him again, forgetting that the Higgins' were in the room. We heard Steve snicker before saying, "Get a room you two!"

I looked over at Jimmy's best friend. "Okay, then get out," I responded playfully, Jimmy and Ellen laughing out loud as Steve bowed.

"You got me there! But seriously, we do need to go. We'll be back tomorrow with this guy," Steve said as he and Ellen headed out the door. Jimmy stayed for a moment longer. "I love you Karen from Michigan."

"I love you too, James Thomas Fallon."

I watched the three friends leave the room, the door closing behind them. I drifted off to sleep with a genuine smile on my face, the first time in a long time.