Bud to the Rescue

By Marie S

Marie kissed his cheek. He was being so sweet, but was it possible to be smothered from overprotectedness? Hmm, that wasn’t a word was it? She whispered in his ear.

“Bud, if you don’t let me walk, they won’t let me out of here.”

“That’s okay. Maybe you shouldn’t leave yet.”

“The doctor said everything is going well both with my leg and with the baby, Honey.”

Bud gave her a look. He’d heard that shit in the past from doctors before things went to hell.

Marie said nothing and slipped her arms around Bud’s neck as he carried her back to bed. She was released from the hospital that morning and Bud would be taking her home soon. He was already talking about a leave of absence from work to take care of her since John Biebe had returned to work.

She didn’t want him to do that. It wasn’t necessary. She had Ashley and Jessica to help her during the day if needed and Lachlan was still on his paternity leave. Egan was available if there was anything urgent.

There was no strong reason that Bud needed to take time off from work. Marie wanted to tell him to wait and take the time when the baby arrived. The baby’s arrival was still a subject that wasn’t discussed. She didn’t know how to explain to him was that he was causing her extra stress. After all this wasn’t just about her.

Once they were home he would see she was fine and go back to work. It might be nice if Bud was home for a day or two. And then things would get back to normal. They just had to. Marie wasn’t sure she could handle Bud watching her for the next 7 months as he waited for something catastrophic to happen to her and their baby. The look on his face sometimes just broke her heart and scared her in a way she couldn’t constantly be reminded about. There was nothing simple about all this.

“G’day, I’m Rob your physical therapist. I’m here to make sure you’re safe with using crutches to walk before you go home.”

Rob’s greeting jolted Marie out of her thoughts which was a good thing. Bud had sat down next to her bedside after making sure her leg was propped up on a pillow. He really was a dear who was now scowling at the therapist. Marie had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. When Bud White scowled it was a formidable look indeed.

“It’s nice to meet you, Rob. My name is Marie. This is my husband, Bud. I’m ready for my crutch training so I can go home.” She felt ready to crawl home if needed. Bud grunted a greeting to her therapist.

She slipped her good foot under her cast and turned to the bedside to ease her injured foot to the ground. Thankfully the break was a simple one that had only required being casted with no surgery. She had been very lucky. The doctor assured her she should heal well.

Bud watched his wife’s progress. She was doing good. Why did she have to be so fucking independent? He smiled to himself. It was something he loved about her even if it aggravated him at times when she pushed too hard instead of resting.

Bud had her back. He was going to make sure she got the rest she needed and took care of herself. Whether it drove her crazy or not Bud intended on doing his job. He was her husband and his job was to protect her even if it was from herself. Or from this yahoo who called himself a ‘therapist.’

He scowled as the guy told Marie what to do with the crutches and then expected her to do it herself without his help. What the fuck was up with that? Bud got to his feet to help her.

“It’s okay, Honey. I can do it. I have to learn to do this myself to get around the house. I can’t rely on you to do everything for me.”

Bud watched her but didn’t say anything. Of course she could rely on him for everything. That was why he was going to take some time off.

Marie got to her feet and placed the crutches like Rob instructed. Suddenly she felt a bit lightheaded and closed her eyes.

“Open your eyes, Marie. Take some slow deep breathes. You haven’t been on your feet for a bit. The change from sitting to standing is getting you dizzy. Just breath and stand still for now.”

Marie nodded and followed Rob’s instructions again. The dizziness eased and she felt the color coming back to her cheeks. When she looked at Bud he was watching her carefully…while he wasn’t glaring at Rob. He looked like he might throttle him.

“I’m fine, Bud. Really.” She smiled at him reassuringly.

Bud grunted. If Marie fainted this asshole was going out the window head first. She was looking better and no longer the color of the sheet. He removed his hand from her waist. He’d been ready to pick her up and put her back in bed.

“Okay, Marie. You’re ready to take some steps.”

Over the next few minutes Marie walked into the hallway and back to her room. She transferred in and out of the chair and the bed. Rob gave her the practice she needed to feel confident with the crutches. She felt certain she could maneuver around their home.

Bud felt better by the time Marie was finished. He had to give it to the therapist who seemed to know what he was doing. She was much steadier and adept with the sticks than her wobbly beginning.

After Rob left the room Marie turned excitedly to Bud. She rang her patient bell and asked for the nurse to bring her discharge instructions and a wheelchair. Bud helped her get dressed to go home.

“I know it’s only been since yesterday but there really is no place like home, Bud. I can’t wait to get there and see Ashley, Lachlan and Katie Marie. And Jessica and Egan. Zack and Destiny should come to dinner. They feel like part of the family now too.”

“Whoa. Slow down, Hon. You’re going home to rest not visit and entertain.”

He might have to handcuff her to the bed yet. A small smile quirked his lips as that might not be such a bad idea under different circumstances.

Marie was watching him closely. “What? I saw that little smirk. What were you thinking? I’m not going home to throw a full party. Besides Bridgid and Jack’s wedding reception is in a few days. I have to be ready for that.”

“Nothing. I was thinking of nothing at all.” He grinned. “And we’ll see about the reception. Your cousin would understand if you can’t make it.”

“Oh no she wouldn’t. And neither would I. We’re going if you have to carry me around all day.”

“That sounds like loads of fun.” The handcuffs were sounding more appealing by the minute.

“Are you calling me fat?”

Oh, fuck. Bud knew where this conversation was going. And it was unraveling fast. When did he call her fat? Then he remembered. Pregnant and hormones. Shit, it was starting.

“Of course not. If anything you could use a few pounds of meat on you. Look, here comes your nurse.”

“Nice tap dancing and side stepping, Wendell,” she muttered under her breath so only he could hear.

Bud took a deep breath and listened carefully to the discharge instructions she was given. He made sure he was clear on all the dos and don’ts Marie was supposed to follow. She smiled up at him from the wheelchair as she was being pushed out to the car.

“Did you get all that, Bud?”

“Yep, every word. Right here.” He tapped his head and smiled back at her.

“I figured you had.” They both started to laugh as he helped her into the car and shut the door.

Bud slipped into the driver’s seat. Marie knew that Bud had an almost photographic memory for details. She’d told him once that was invaluable as a cop even if it wasn’t always as valued in a husband.

Marie slipped her hand into his before he started the car and squeezed it gently. Bud brought her skinned knuckles to his lips and kissed them gently. Her hand had tried to brace her fall when she’d tripped and broken her ankle.

“It will be so good to be home with you, Bud.” Their eyes met. There was so much love in the exchange.

“Yeah, it will be, Hon.” Bud gently laid her hand down, checked to make sure her seat belt was buckled and started the car. They exchanged one more glance before he pulled out of the driveway and headed home.