Can't Fall in Love Without You (Christian Yelich)

74

Christian was greeted by warm welcome after warm welcome when he returned to the clubhouse after being reactivated. What would we do without our MVP? Thank God you're back, buddy. You look good!

"Hey man, welcome back." Travis wrapped up his friend in a big hug when the crowd around him had dissipated. "I'm so glad you're still here," he said quietly, knowing that not everyone knew exactly what had happened. Travis did, and it terrified him that he had almost lost his best friend. He should have never left him alone in his hotel . . . He should have known better.

"Me too," Christian replied, unsure of whether or not he was lying out loud.

"How are things with Elizabeth? Is she here? Is Arlo settled in at Children's?" Travis realized his list of questions may be a bit overwhelming, so he muttered a quick "Sorry" before Christian could reply.

Christian grabbed his glove from his locker and looked his friend directly in the eyes. "Elizabeth is . . . Elizabeth. Incredible. Strong. She'll be here at the start of the game. She hates leaving Arlo within visiting hours, but she thinks this game is too important to miss for whatever reason. And, yeah, the transfer went really well. He's getting so big. He's as tough as his mom."

"Are Ivy and Reilly here?"

"Debbie is staying with us for a bit longer to help out with the kids as we settle back into our routines. She's home with them."

"That's great. Lindy and I can also help with whatever you need as well. Please know that." Travis gave his friend another hug.

Christian nodded. "I know Elizabeth wants you to meet Arlo. You and Lindy should stop by the hospital with us in the morning. It would brighten Elizabeth's day. She's been pretty isolated lately."

"We'll be there," Travis agreed with a smile. "You have such a beautiful family, Chris, and you're the best dad and husband. Don't ever forget that."

***

"Jacob, can we talk for a second?" Elizabeth asked Jacob Nottingham as soon as she saw him leave the clubhouse. She knew he usually left before Christian, so she'd have a little bit of time to pull him aside for a chat.

"Yeah, of course. What's up, Doc?" Jacob asked with a big smile as the pair walked to a more secluded area.

"I just wanted to thank you for finding Christian. He told me everything, and I know he wouldn't be here without you." Elizabeth tried to fight the tears, but she knew Jacob would be able to see them welling in her eyes. "And thanks for helping to keep everything so under wraps. I know it couldn't have been easy to not let something slip. You saved us so much pain, Jacob. You have no idea."

Jacob shook his head. "Elizabeth, the thanks should be for you for holding him together for so long after so much senseless tragedy." This time, it was Elizabeth on the receiving end of a warm hug. "I'm so thankful he has you . . . We're all just so thankful he has you."

If only he knew what a horrible, detached person I've been was the only thought in her mind when Jacob turned her gratitude around on her.

***

"God, I'm so excited to be home with you," Christian muttered as he unlocked the front door of the house.

Elizabeth followed him into their Riverwest home. "And I'm so glad you're home," she said softly, as they both removed their shoes in the entryway.

"Daddy! Mommy!" Ivy greeted them, disrupting the quiet and immediately running up to Christian and reaching up for him to grab her.

"Hey, little lady. Isn't someone supposed to be in bed?" Christian asked with a grin.

"Yes, someone's supposed to be in bed," Debbie followed up with a laugh.

"I just wanted kisses!" Ivy argued with a fake pout. She knew what she was doing.

Christian laughed. "How about I tuck you in and read you one story?" Christian offered.

"Okay, daddy," the little girl agreed. "You can tuck me in."

Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at the sweet interaction . . . She didn't care if Ivy was a daddy's girl all the way and she was chopped liver. She just wanted her family to be happy and healthy. There was so much that they needed to work on and fix, but the glimpses of their old life in their charming, old home gave her a glimpse of hope.

Elizabeth checked on a sound asleep Reilly before getting ready for bed. It was already midnight, and she was completely exhausted from a day at the hospital followed by a night at Miller Park. Sure, she worked in a hospital, but it wasn't as draining as feeling like she lived in one.

She needed Arlo home. She needed their family to feel complete.

"Elizabeth?" Christian asked to check if she was awake before he crawled into the other side of bed -- something he had missed so deeply. Sharing a bed with his beautiful wife was so important to him. Just the idea of it helped keep him around . . .

She responded by cuddling against his side, so happy that he was next to her, so happy that he was safe and sound.

He kissed her lips and smiled as she ran her hands through his hair, causing a gentle moan to escape his lips.

He was surprised when she maneuvered on top of him, straddling his hips and continuing to kiss him, her hands running down his bare chest to his stomach before playing with waistband of his boxers.

"Baby," Christian breathed, tears forming in his eyes as he was suddenly overcome with inexplicable emotion. "I can't right now," he muttered, shutting his eyes and letting a few tears fall. "I'm sorry . . ."

Elizabeth nodded, trying not to show that her feelings were hurt before climbing off of him and nuzzling into his side again. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice breaking ever so slightly.

"I just don't think I'm ready to give you the type of love you deserve." He gulped before continuing. "I don't love myself very much right now," he muttered, knowing it was the truth.

Elizabeth moved closer to him and squeezed him tightly. "I love you very much, Christian, and we're going to get through this."

Christian desperately wanted to believe her.