Fall in Love in a Coffee Shop

Eighteenth Cup

~*Good evening readers! Hope you are enjoying the story thus far. Poor Chase and Serenity are thrown through a loop! Hopefully, I can have the rest of the story posted by tomorrow. Please let me know what you think, and vote <3 Once this is finished I will start posting Lily's story! *~

Five days passed like a fast-forwarding movie, Serenity, unfortunately, had to work, even though she wanted to stay with Chase in case he woke up. It scared her to think he never would. The doctors kept reassuring her that he would wake up in a matter of days, he was just under heavy sedation to help wound healing. His father, Rick, had finally shown up the day after the accident. And she was grateful to have him around. She was able to get to know him better, and he told her more about Chase's childhood. He was a nice man who loved to travel like her uncle. He was traveling because of a promise he made to his late wife to visit all the places she always wanted to go. She wished she had been able to meet her. Ava had passed away due to breast cancer when Chase was 17. Rick spread her ashes at every place on the list. But from what they both had told her she was incredible.

Even though she was working, everyone knew what happened. It was a big city, but the locals knew them well enough. Even the elderly couple next door came in to see him and continuously checked in on her when Rick forced her to go home and sleep.

Serenity left the ring box on the nightstand beside their bed. She knew what was inside, but she couldn't bring herself to open it. When she was home, she would lay in bed with Mocha, who was in a continuous mope, stared at the tiny box in wonder. Would she ever get to see what was in it? She couldn't until he proposed. If he ever got the chance. Shaking her head away from the dark thoughts she continued to make drinks. Many asked about his condition, others gave sympathetic glances. She still went to see him every night.

Eyeing the clock she counted down the moments. She hated being away from him. Lily and Amaya had been an incredible help. They would take Mocha out, bring her food, or just sit there with her. The even closed up shop for her so she could leave early.

The next few hours went by in a drag. As soon as closing came the girls sent her off. She got there quickly, coming in just as the nurse finished dressing his wound. That's when she saw him begin to stir, "Chase!?" she rushed over, the nurse going to get the doctor. He let out a pained groan and his eyes squinted open.

"-ater..." he croaked. "water..." he repeated, breathing heavy. Just that small amount of movement wore him out. He went silent for another few minutes before stirring once more. Serenity grabbed his cup of water and used a mouth swab to moisten his tongue and mouth. Coughing a bit, Chase looked up at her, grateful the lights were low. His head was pounding. "S...Serenity?" he questioned, his vision was kind of blurry.

"I-it's me..." her tears broke, and she did her best not to hug and squeeze him. She settled for grabbing his hand.

Chase cupped her face, "Don't cry, Baby..." he shushed her, trying to sit up when pain surged through his body, nearly making him pass out. "Fucking Hell..." he groaned, "Shit...now I remember..." the pieces started to fill in the more he thought about it. Letting out a soft sigh he closed his eyes, falling back asleep.

The doctor came in a while later once, Chase was more awake. He began to explain what had been done and what to expect with recovery. Signs and symptoms of infection and other severe issues that could arise. "That's about it...we will get you up and walking, so we decrease the chance of blood clots. You should be okay to return home in a few days if all goes well."

Chase grumbled, he wanted to go home now. And get the Goddamn catheter out of his dick. But the pain when he moved and the fact that his limbs felt like Jell-O prevented that. He hated this. The fact that Serenity was there, holding his hand, made him feel better. "Damn..." he ran a hand over his scruffy face. He wanted a shower, shave, and brush his teeth. And out of the itchy hospital gown. Then it dawned on him, "SHIT!" he sat up quickly, groaning in pain. "W-where are my pants!?! The box!" he let out a ragged breath. He needed that ring. It was important, but it was also very expensive. He needed to sort out his priorities.

Serenity stood, easing him back onto the pillow. "Honestly...you almost die and you are worried about that box..." Her shoulders shook as she fought back her tears, "You... I-idiot." she sobbed. She almost lost him, "Ch-chase...I was so scared you wouldn't make it...." she wanted to smack him.

He used all the strength he had and grabbed the back of her head and pulled her down to him and kissed her "Hush babe..." he smiled, "I'm fine...like banged up." It was true, it could have been much worse if he had not thrown the bomb inside a freezer. He did what he had to do to protect the two kids that were there. He would do it again. "The kids?" He looked up at her with a worried glance.

Serenity smiled softly, "Safe and sound, thanks to you." She went over to her backpack and shuffled inside. "Here." she handed him the box. Chase looked relieved, but before he could say anything, his father walked in with a bag from Subway and a soda.

"Chase?" he blinked, surprised to see him sitting up, "How ya feeling son?" he sat down on the opposite side of the bed. "You gave us all quite the scare when you wound up here..." he worried about his son more since he lost his wife. And the fact that Chase was in such a rough line of work was not good for his heart. He worried every day. Which was why he visited so often and called him on a regular basis. He eyed the box on Chase's lap, "What's that?"

Chase let out a sigh at his dad. Everything was ruined. His perfect proposal was a disaster. Chances were, she had already seen what was inside. "It was...supposed to be perfect." He started, taking her hand in his, "Serenity...you are an amazing woman. And the fact that you were here...through all of this, just proves my point even more. I couldn't imagine having a more amazing woman as my wife." his thumb rubbed over her ring finger.

A few nurses peaked in, watching the scene unfold. All gasping and whispering softly. Rick was smiling widely; he knew what was coming. Chase was right, she was amazing. He couldn't ask for a better woman for his son. He just wished his wife could be here. 

Shifting his weight, he held open the box, revealing the dazzling ring. He was glad it survived everything. "Serenity Marie Falls..." she had already burst into tears, "Would you do me the honor of being my wife?" She couldn't speak, she was blubbering, she just nodded furiously, hugging him. He slipped the ring onto her finger, perfect fit. All the nurses and other spectators clapped as well as his dad. 

A shocked group of friends walked in, "What on Earth is going on??" Elliot asked seeing all the people clapping, Serenity crying and Chase smiling.

"Hey, guys! Say congrats to the future, Mrs. Gallagher!" Amaya and Lily gasped. Elliot and Zane hooted. They had not expected any of this. She had texted them all saying he was awake but the engagement was a surprise.

Chase smiled and pulled her down for another kiss. "I love you, Serenity." 

~*edited*~