Forever With You

Chapter Twenty-Four

          Around lunchtime Friday afternoon, Alan and Bridget sit in Franky's room with Bridget holding Franky's hand. "How much has Fessler told her?" Bridget asks while gently rubbing her thumb across the top of Franky's hand. "I think just about everything. Granted, Franky hasn't commented, but I think she understands everything that happened." Bridget looks at the perspiration on Franky's forehead. "Has she had a fever all week?" Alan's eyes widen. "What make you think she has a fever?" Bridget reaches over with her free hand and gently holds it against Franky's forehead. "I've noticed perspiration on her forehead on a number of occasions this week. I thought it was just the blankets..." Alan gets up from his seat for a closer look. "I thought she was just having a bad dream." Bridget recalls the first month after Franky's parole, and the terrifying nightmares that would awaken her in the middle of the night, completely drenched in sweat. She shrugs. "It wouldn't hurt to mention it to the doctor though." They nod in agreement as Alan sits back down. "What about her not talking? Do they think that's from the head injury?" Alan smiles at her. "Nah. It's just her broken heart. I think she's given up. That's why I wanted you here when she's awake." Bridget blushes slightly. "I don't know about that Alan." He just smiles and nods over in Franky's direction. "If you say so."

Franky hears light conversation in the background as she starts to wake. She recognizes her father's voice and once again feels a warmth surrounding her hand. She could swear Bridget is talking with him, but doubts that since they parted ways. Her brow creases at the dull ache in her forehead and she slowly begins to open her eyes. She gently touches her free hand to her forehead as her eyes begin to adjust to the light in the room. There is just a small bandage now, but it still itches at times when she sweats. She rubs it gently as she starts to make out the image of her father sitting across the room. She notices the profile of a blonde-haired woman and blinks a few times to gain focus. She catches a smile on her father's face out of the corner of her eye as she realizes it's Bridget sitting next to her. She feels her heartrate increase and silently curses the machine that starts to beep a warning next to her. As Bridget turns to look at her, their eyes meet, blue on green, and Franky does everything within her control to hold back the tears. "Gidge?" She says with a raspy voice as her hand tightens around Bridget's and she pulls her closer. "Hey baby."

Their lips crash together with all the love and passion they have missed over the past week. They break apart only to kiss more fiercely as their hands hold each other as close as possible. "I never thought I'd see you again." Franky pants as they break for air. Bridget caresses the side of her face before kissing her again. "I'm so sorry baby. I should have listened to you." Franky shakes her head briefly before their lips collide again. Alan stands up and heads toward the door. "I'll give you two some time to catch up." They break apart, barely registering his words, and gaze deeply into each other's eyes. "Fessler told me everything last week. The photos, the tail..." Franky stops her with another kiss. She opens her mouth, tongue requesting permission to deepen the kiss. Bridget moves to sit on the side of the bed, allowing entrance and holding Franky's head closer. Bridget lets out a soft moan as Franky's hand wanders down her neck and against her chest. Franky breaks the kiss for air and leans her forehead against Bridget's. "I missed you so much." Their eyes begin to tear up as Bridget caresses her face again. "I missed you too baby." They hold each other close, savoring the feel of the warmth of their bodies together. "I'm sorry Gidge. I should have told you sooner; but I wanted it to be perfect." Bridget shakes her head slightly, just happy to be together. "It's okay baby." She whispers before kissing her lightly. Franky backs away and shakes her head. "Nah, it isn't. I'm just glad Dad didn't do what I asked and sell it." Bridget looks at her with a confused expression.

Franky turns slightly in the bed, careful to not aggravate her injuries. "It's not how I imagined this, but it will have to do." She sees the concern start to set in on Bridget's face. "Could you give me a hand? In the drawer." Franky points to the nightstand next to the bed. With curiosity, Bridget opens the drawer and sees a simple jewelry box sitting there. She raises her eyebrows as she picks it up and hands it to Franky. "Dad told me he gave you the letter I wrote." She says as she holds the box between both hands. "I never intended to mail it. I just had to get the thoughts out of my head." Bridget fights the tears that threaten to spill down her cheeks. "Bridget Westfall. My love, my rock, my light, my world. Before I fuck things up again and don't get the chance to ask you...Will you marry me?" She opens the box as the tears spill from Bridget's eyes. Bridget nods before looking down at the ring. She looks down at the sterling silver infinity ring with two stones, an emerald and a sapphire, one on each end. Dark green eyes look deep into dark blue as Bridget nods her head. "Yes baby. I will." Franky slides the ring onto Bridget's outstretched hand then leans in for a deep kiss. They pull each other close as they continue to kiss passionately. When they break for air, Bridget glances down at the ring before leaning her forehead against Franky's. "It's beautiful baby." Franky smiles as she moves a strand of blonde hair behind Bridget's ear. "I bought it as soon as I got back from your conference. I knew after that week that I never wanted to be away from you again. Part of me left when you did, and even though I knew you would be back..." Bridget caresses her face. "I know baby. I felt the same way." She cups Franky's face in her hands. "I love you baby." Franky smiles. "I love you more." They lean in to kiss, no longer hearing the warning beeps coming from Franky's monitor.