Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Francis

After a leisurely morning with my fiancée, we finally make it out of bed, shower—of course together—and have breakfast. I call Brick, just to let him know we are movin' kinda slow, and all I get is a gruff laugh and a, "Take your time, brother ."

Now as we make our way to Emmie and Brick's house, I try to listen to Grace talk circles around me about our wedding. Shit, to be honest, I was thinking a trip to the courthouse and bam, married. Guess that ain't gonna happen. Listening to my woman though and hearing how happy she is I feel deep in my soul. I feel sincere contentment, something I've never felt before. Even with my brothers from the club and firehouse something has always been missing.

"Francis, are you even listening to me? Where did you just go? I can see that look in your eyes again. Is everything okay?"

Peeking her way, I see the concern written all over her face. Immediately I feel like shit for lettin' my thoughts run away.

"Grace, everything is great. I was thinking to myself and realizin' I have never been this happy in my life. Ever. Not when I became a member of the Grimm Wolves or when I became a firefighter. Woman, you have ruined me forever. All I see is happiness in our future."

As I start to chuckle, I hear Grace's giggles and my heart manages to fill a bit more. Never saw this in my future: a woman at my side and a little man who just really wants to call me Dad.

Turning on to Brick's street, my head immediately starts to pound. From far away I hear Damien screaming for Emmie. What the ever-lovin' fuck is going on? Immediately I punch the gas, and out of the corner of my eye see Grace reaching for the bar in the roof of the SUV. She glances my way and must read my face.

"Hurry, Francis, something is going on, isn't it?"

Right in front of their house, I slam the brakes and we both jump down from my vehicle, running to the front door. I pound on the door, just as I hear soft whispers from Damien telling me to hurry. I literally kick in the door and run through the house, screaming for Brick and Damien with Grace following close behind me.

I come to a screeching halt in the kitchen as we see Damien holding Emmie's head in his little lap, hands shaking as he tries to dial on their landline. Looking to Emmie, I see blood on the floor and between her legs on her jeans. Before I can do anything, Grace jumps into action.

"Francis, call 911 immediately. Emmie, sweetie, can you hear me?"

Emmie looks blankly Grace's way confused. Then panic hits her face. Sheer panic.

Her eyes go from Grace to Damien and once again panic.

"Grace, I'm so scared, what's happening? Got pain in my lower belly, it's bad."

She smiles at the kid who reaches down to grab her hand.

"Aunt Emmie, no worries we're here. We're family and everything is going to be okay. Right, Momma?"

The love I see pouring out of Grace's eyes in her son's direction is breathtaking. Grace looks up to me and gives me a small smile that doesn't hide her worry. I can faintly hear sirens. That is until I hear a growl and door slamming in front.

"What the ever-lovin' fuck is going on in here?"

Brick enters the kitchen throwing a box of donuts on the counter and in a matter of seconds takes everything in and drops to his knees next to his woman. I can see the worry written all over his face. Emmie holds his hand tight, and they both seem to gather strength from each other.

"Brick, I'm not sure, but I think Emmie might have had a cyst burst on her ovary. It will cause pain and bleeding, and from our conversations I know she has some female issues that have been bothering her lately."

Grace tries to calm down the beast in Brick with her easy and clear voice. I can see it is working as Brick takes a deep breath in and nods slightly. I can actually feel the beast in him also relax, which is something I've never experienced in all the years I've known Brick. Even I have a hard time reining him in when the monster comes to the surface.

By the time the paramedics arrive, Emmie is looking pale and distraught. The pain is worse and she has rolled to her side, arms wrapping around her middle. I can see the pain in her eyes but she is trying to suck it up so Brick doesn't worry. The EMTs take in the scene and get her situated and loaded into the ambulance, along with my prez.

"Brick, we will clean up and meet y'all at the hospital. Do you want us to call anyone?"

Grace is stellar under pressure. Brick just shakes his head as the back doors are slammed closed and the driver jogs to the front of the ambulance. Lights and sirens are blaring as they take off.

The overwhelming fear penetrating my thick skull, I reach for Damien who is shaking in his little man body. Pulling him up to my face, I kiss his red tear-laced cheek.

"You did well, little man. I'm proud of you, as is your momma. You kept Emmie safe until someone was able to help her."

"Dad, I was so scared, all that blood. One minute Emmie was gonna make breakfast, even though Brick ran out to get donuts. The next she fell, hit her head on that huge island they have and I saw the blood. Will she be okay?"

I'm struck silent ‘cause all I heard is the word ‘Dad.' I can barely breathe and can feel my own body trembling with my emotions. Damien pats me on the cheek with a small smile, his eyes intent on mine as he reads my thoughts, or lack of them, stuck on that one word.

"Get used to it, Dad, you said I could call you that and I plan to all the time. Should we call the brothers and let them know what is going on?"

I turn to Grace to see she is already on the phone and filling a bucket up. A bottle of bleach is on the counter. Putting Damien down, I walk over and take over bucket duty. I can hear she is speakin' to Momma from the club. Everyone will be given notice of what's going on with Brick and Emmie.

As I begin to mop up the mess, I think to myself how our day changed immediately. Ya never know what life is gonna bring your way. Got to be prepared for anything. So much for our quiet day, just the three of us. As quick as that thought enters I realize, what an assole thought. Fuck, Emmie didn't plan this and Brick was gonna need all the support from his brothers. I try to calm my mind as the task at hand takes over. Lookin' up, I see Grace watching me, concern on her face. Giving her a small smile, we work together to get shit done so we can get to the hospital. Our family needs us.

Grace

The last twenty-four hours have been rough. My diagnosis of Emmie was spot-on as I had the background of her recent diagnosis, but it is much worse than I anticipated. Her ovary had to be removed due to the extensive damage. She will recover fully in time. Brick is beside himself with all that has happened. Not many in the clubhouse know that the Joneses were worried about getting pregnant. Especially as time has gone by with them trying to no avail. Emmie has been suffering for a while with female issues and she wants a lot of kids. Even Brick is on board now that he has Emmie at his side. This will definitely put a bump or two in their desires for their large family.

"Darlin', how you hangin' in there? Can I get you anything, a coffee or water? I'll run and get you an actual coffee, not the shit in the machine."

Turning I see Francis' face filled with worry. Yeah, that right there is my man. Heart bigger than anyone. He feels pain so much more than anyone else I have ever been around. Well, that is except my boy. Two peas in a pod.

"I would kill for a coffee, Francis. Maybe take Damien with you so he can get some fresh air. And a hot chocolate, if you don't mind?"

As I finish we hear many footsteps coming in our direction. I look around Francis to see just about the whole club heading directly to us. Talon and Rogue lead the bunch, looking all over until their eyes fall on Damien. The twins pass us and run to my son, grabbing him and yelling that they are happy he isn't the one sick or hurt. They start to play wrestle right there in the waiting room. I feel my eyes roll thinking; boys will be boys.

As the brothers and prospects surround us both, Francis and I are bombarded with questions. Finally Francis whistles loudly.

"All right, assholes, calm down. You're in a hospital for Christ's sake. One question at a time. You're giving me a headache."

Everyone stops dead in their tracks, as Francis never complains. I can see the pain in his eyes and know his ‘gift' has him using his skills to the fullest. He is being bombarded with all the thoughts and emotions around him and it is overwhelming him. I see a whirl pass by me then see Damien hit Francis directly as his arms grab around his dad's waist. Pulling on Francis' arm he gets him to lean toward him and whispers softly.

"Dad, don't worry give some of it to me. We can share the burden. I'll take some of it off your shoulders. Will that help your headache at all? I don't mind, ‘cause I'm worried about Aunt Emmie too."

Francis reaches around and pulls Damien to him, burying his head in my son's hair. You can hear a pin drop as the Grimm Wolves MC observe their interaction, shock apparent on their faces as man and boy share a quiet moment. Once Francis is calmer, he releases his hold on Damien's little body but continues to hold his hand as he fields question after question. Every once in a while he looks to me for assistance with the medical explanations.

Emmie is recovering in a room with Brick at her side. Francis, Damien, and I are getting ready to leave the hospital with Fury, Abby, and the twins. Everyone else has already left. The most important thing for Emmie right now is rest. And plenty of it.

The surgery was a lot more complicated, per her gynecologist, and her recovery will be kind of long. But the doctor relieved both Emmie and Brick by telling them they could still have a family down the road. You could see the relief on Emmie's face as her face broke out in a beautiful smile aimed at her man. That right there, their love is priceless and rare. We all decide to give them some time to process alone. The kids are exhausted as are the adults. Sitting in a hospital isn't fun at all.

"Emmie, if there is anything you need just have the hospital page me. And I mean it when I say this, so please don't be too stubborn or worried about bothering me. I'll check on you tomorrow okay, honey?"

As I reach down, I carefully give her a cheek kiss and a small hug. Pulling back I look directly into her eyes, trying to reassure her all will be okay. When I release her Francis is at my side, ready and loaded to give out his hugs. I watch as he hugs Emmie. Something about the way he cradles her in his arms and whispers in her ear, she seems to relax and just let go. Once Francis seems satisfied with how Emmie is responding, he gently places her back on the bed .

Knowing he knew what I was thinking when he looked my way, I am surprised to see the small smile. He approaches Brick and gives him the standard man goodbye/later: a semi-hug with a couple of slaps on the shoulder blades. That crap has to hurt. Whatever. Boys will be boys or better yet, men will be men.

When Francis turns after his brother's goodbye, the exhaustion pours out of him. I quickly say my goodbyes to Fury, Abby, and the boys then grab Francis, who in turn grabs Damien. We make it to the SUV in record time. As we all find our seats, my son surprises the crap out of me.

"Mom, Francis wants to grab a bite to eat. Let's do drive-thru, it's faster and we're already in the car."

I'm shocked as these are my exact thoughts. I mean totally. I hear a bit of a little boy giggle from behind me and as I turn I catch Francis' eyes, which are sparkling, and he seems to be holding back his laughter.

"Gotcha, Momma, right? Those were your thoughts; I just got them out ahead of you. See, Francis isn't the only one who has unique skills as you always call them. I'm just like my dad."

The atmosphere in the SUV suddenly takes on another vibe. Francis is frozen in place and Damien realizes what he said out loud. Both of my boys are in zombie mode.

"Damien, you're right on all fronts, got to give it to you, kiddo. Let's find somewhere to grab some chow and head home. Okay with you, honey?"

I grab his hand as I finish to let him know I know he is freaking. As usual, he is in my head so he squeezes my hand and the tension instantly leaves the vehicle. As Francis drives down the main street from the hospital, I feel like even though this was very traumatic, we all did our share to make sure we took care of Emmie and Brick. And with time she will heal and they can go back to "screwing like bunnies" to get pregnant. I kind of giggle just as I hear from the back seat.

"Gross, Momma that is Aunt Emmie and Uncle Brick. And bunnies have litters. Yuck."

Francis joins in on the laughter with me now, loudly. Eventually we hear the giggles fade and then soft snoring from the back seat. All of this as we look for food to take home.

After we ate our food and Francis helped Damien get to bed, he finds me sitting in the family room staring at the blank TV.

"Darlin', you doing okay? Doc said Emmie should be fine, just gonna take time. What's on your mind, Grace?"

"Francis, I know she will be okay. My head keeps repeating it but my heart is taking its time catching up with the words. All I can see is Emmie, Damien, and the blood. Not the day I thought we were going to have. No, that is being selfish, it's just how can a morning start so beautiful and then spiral into such crap? I'm just tired and worried."

He pulls me into his arms and we just sit quietly, holding each other as we both let our fears of the day go. And this is where we both peacefully fall asleep in each other's arms.