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The couple stood together in silence, arms wrapped tightly around each other as if afraid to let go. The awareness of how close they’d come to never having another moment like this hung between them as they breathed each other in, thankful for each other’s presence.
“You hungry?” Charlie finally broke the silence, pulling back slightly, but keeping his arms loosely around Sarah’s waist.
“Starving, actually.” Between the adrenaline of the past few days and her general distaste for hospital food, she’d barely eaten.
“Let’s order in.” Releasing her, running a hand lightly over her back, he guided her to the couch.
Sarah sat, weary, the fatigue having finally caught up with her. She leaned against Charlie’s side while he called in their usual pizza order.
He slid his hand over her arm, loving the way she melted against him. “How are you really?” he asked softly.
“I, um…” Sarah tilted her head up to face him. “I haven’t processed it all. It was a lot.”
“Yeah. You must be exhausted. Did you get any rest on the plane?”
She shook her head. “Not really. I was a little…on edge, I guess. After the crash.”
Rex whined as he hopped up on the couch next to Sarah, laying his head gently on her lap.
“He’s been like this ever since he came back to us, out there,” she said with a smile, affectionately ruffling the big dog’s fur.
“He loves you,” Charlie replied, dropping a kiss on her hairline. “He’d never let anything happen to his mom.”
Sarah broke into a grin. “Are you saying he’s officially our fur baby?”
Charlie grinned back at her. “I think he’s had the title for a while.” He cupped her cheek, fingers grazing through her hair. “And just in case you’d forgotten, I love you, too.”
“I love you, Charlie. So much.” Sarah tilted up to press a soft kiss to his lips. “There was a little while…” She swallowed hard before continuing, eyes watery. “I thought I might never get to tell you again. Never get to kiss you. To be with you. As scary as the rest was…I think that part scared me the most,” she admitted, a tear sliding down her cheek.
“Me too,” Charlie replied, eyes serious. “I meant what I said. I can’t imagine losing you.”
Sarah nodded in agreement. The words wouldn’t come, as the dam broke. Trembling, she could no longer hold back the tears.
“You’re shaking,” Charlie said, concerned, wrapping his arms lightly around her. “Hey. I’m here. You’re safe. You’re home.”
She nodded, still trying in vain to choke back the emotion. Her breathing was ragged as she shook with silent sobs.
“Let it out,” Charlie murmured. “It’s just us. You can let it out.”
“Hurts.” The pain from her injury was evident in Sarah’s voice. “Don’t want to…feels like I can’t breathe.”
“Okay.” Charlie nodded, understanding. “It’s okay.” He rubbed slow circles over her back, hoping to soothe, to calm.
Sarah slowly managed to get her breathing back under control. “Thank you,” she said, voice hoarse. Her hand fell to her side, the tender area where her stitches were. She looked at her watch. “I can take another painkiller soon. After dinner.”
Nodding, Charlie stood. “In your bag?”
“Front pocket. Antibiotics as well.” Sarah started to get up .
“Stay there,” Charlie said. “I’ve got it.” He found the pills, then went to the kitchen, poured her a glass of water.
Their food arrived, and they ate together on the couch, not wanting to leave each other’s side.
“I don’t like taking these,” Sarah said, turning the bottle of painkillers over in her hand. “They’re a little strong. Knocked me out at the hotel last night.”
“Well, you don’t have to do anything other than get in bed,” Charlie replied. “And we both know how tired you are.”
“Yeah. Should probably follow doctor’s orders,” Sarah said ruefully.
“Well, doctor,” Charlie teased, before laying a hand over hers. “It’s okay to rest. And it’s okay to need help for a little while.”
Sarah scrunched up her nose. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“I know, baby. But fortunately you have a boyfriend who is more than ready to tend to your every need,” Charlie said with a grin.
“How did I ever get so lucky?” Sarah asked.
“I’m the lucky one,” Charlie replied. “You want to get ready for bed?”
Sarah nodded. “Might need a little help.” She indicated her bag by the door.
“Sure. Stay right there, I’ll clean this up.”
He took the empty pizza box to the kitchen. Returning, he extended a hand to help her up, before grabbing her bag.
Sarah hugged the railing as they descended the stairs, Rex following just behind them.
She winced as she gingerly took a seat on the bed. “It’s true what they say. Doctors make the worst patients.”
“Let me give you a hand.” Charlie had fresh pajamas already pulled out for her. His fingers toyed with the hem of her sweater. “Can I help with this?” he asked.
She nodded, resigned herself that she would need him for this at least.
Slowly, he lifted her top, drew in a sharp breath as he saw the bandage covering her stitches. “Oh Sarah…”
“Charlie. Charlie look at me.” It was Sarah’s turn to reassure. “I’m here. I’m okay.”
He shook his head. “I should have been there.”
“Then we’d have both been hurt. Or worse.”
Charlie let out a huff, knowing she was right. He slid her sweater over her head, down her arms.
“Can I…” Charlie looked uncertain as he fumbled for the clasp of her bra.
“Don’t tell me you’re shy about seeing me naked all of a sudden?” Sarah giggled, breaking the tension.
“Well, it’s kind of a…different situation.” Charlie laughed despite himself. “I mean, I always appreciate seeing you naked…”
“Down, detective.” She was grinning now. “It’s going to be a while before I’m cleared for any of those activities.”
Leaning in, Charlie brushed his lips over her cheek. “I happen to know you’re worth the wait,” he whispered against the shell of her ear.
Sarah shivered at the contact. “That is so unfair. You know all my weaknesses”
“Yet you love me anyway.” Charlie unhooked her bra, quickly sliding it off before discreetly pulling her pajama top over her head. “Can you handle your jeans?”
“Yeah, I think I can manage.” Sarah stood, then swayed a little on her feet.
"Easy there, doctor,” Charlie said, standing to brace her, concerned. “Meds hitting you already?”
“Yeah.” Sarah blinked a few times, trying to steady herself. She managed to get her jeans undone and down her legs, but had to sit back down to kick them off.
“Here, I’ve got these,” Charlie said, sliding her pajama shorts up her legs. “Teamwork.”
Sarah sighed. “I feel so useless.”
“You’re anything but.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
Pulling down the covers on Sarah's side of the bed, Charlie cradled her against him to help her lie down. Climbing in next to her, he laid an arm loosely over her waist, careful not to put pressure on her stitches.
“What would I do without you?” Sarah said sleepily.
“You’ll never have to find out,” Charlie replied, placing a kiss to her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Neither am I.” She snuggled into his embrace, already half asleep.
Charlie took her hand in his, kissing it briefly before bringing their joined hands to his chest. “I love you, Sarah Truong. I always will. And I’m so grateful that you’re safe.”
“Love you too, Charlie,” she replied.
He lay there in the dark for a while, holding her gently while she slept, eternally grateful that she’d come home.