Changing Roles

“I will, Liz.” He grinned.

“I’ve done stuff,” I mumbled as I lifted Shelby. “Lots of stuff. I have lists too. Lots of lists. I deserve dinner too.”

Shelby looked at me, fighting a grin. “You have.” She assured me. “You’ve been the best.”

“I know,” I assured her. “I’ve been awesome.”

She agreed, “Awesome.”

Everett was laughing as he bent and kissed Shelby’s cheek. “I’ll check on you later, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He and Mark left, and my mum indicated the stairs with an impatient sigh. “Are ye daft? What are ye waiting fer? Take her up, Liam. She needs to rest.”

I didn’t argue. There was no doubt who was in charge now.Lily was waiting upstairs, and they both clucked in understanding when Shelby begged for a warm bath, insisting she didn’t want to get into bed before she got the smell of the hospital off her skin. The gauze was gone from her head, leaving only the thick bandage over the stitched skin, the dark bruising visible around the area. Lily assured me she could clean Shelby’s hair without hurting her, or getting the site wet, since one of my instructions said that wasn’t supposed to happen for a few days. I showed her the list.

I had many lists. I had asked questions of every doctor who came into her room and even hounded the nurses for information. I had written everything down and made sure I was well prepared to care for Shelby. I had never cared for anyone before, and I wanted to make sure I did it correctly. I was grateful Mum was here, though. She was much better at all this than me. She had chuckled when I showed her all the lists. I had one for Shelby’s list of medications, her bandages, what to expect, various instructions, doctor’s numbers, coma recovery websites. I had them all. I was determined to be the best caregiver possible for Shelby.

Steam billowed around us as I helped Shelby off with her clothes. She was too shy to strip in front of my mum, so she was giving us some privacy and letting me help her get in the tub. Shelby was still shy in front of me at times, which I found rather endearing. She had no reason to be shy because, to me, she was the loveliest woman I’d ever seen. OJ agreed, although we knew today wasn’t about getting her naked for the usual reasons. I had ordered him to stand down for the next while. I only hoped he listened. Shelby naked was usually a good day in our books.

But that thought vanished when I saw Shelby’s leg, hip, and arm where she had fallen. Her damaged skin was a mottled mass of blue, purple, black, and green. Several areas were chafed, scraped, and sore-looking. I was amazed she could walk, given how painful it had to be. Caring for her became the only idea in my head. Both of them.

Gently, I touched her as I looked into her weary expression. “Are you sure you should get in the bath?”

She nodded, the movement slow so she didn’t cause any pain in her head. “Your mum put on this waterproof cast cover.” She motioned to her arm. “I won’t get the cast wet. Lily will help with my hair. If you lift me in and out, I’ll be fine. The doctor said it was all right.”

“I’ll be sure she’s fine, love,” my mum called out behind me. “She’ll feel better with a soak.”

Still, I hesitated. “Maybe I should check the lists one—”

“Liam Reginald Wright, pick up the wee lass, put her in the tub, and get out! When she’s ready, I will call ye back. Stop hovering!”

Shelby widened her eyes, and she tried not to giggle as my mum gave me shit. I rolled my eyes at the use of my full name but did as she instructed, lifting Shelby and gingerly setting her in the tub. Her eyes shut as she sank under the water, and a small gasp escaped her lips. I froze, not letting her go. “Beaker?”

“It’s okay. I’m fine. It just stung a little. Let me go, Liam.”

I loosened my hold but not before I found her ear. “Never.”

My mum walked in and tugged on my shoulder. “Get out, you silly prat. Go make me some tea and be useful. I’ll call when we’re done.” She smiled at Shelby, picking up the towel I had dropped on the floor. “Let’s get you clean and into bed, lass. Maybe my daft son will relax then.”

I glared at Mum, and she pushed my shoulder. “Out, lad. Let me look after your girl.”

With a final look, I left them to their devices and stomped down to the kitchen, grabbing Thor, who was waiting for me on the edge of the bed, and placing him on my shoulder. My little mate had missed me, and judging from the feel of him, Lily had been feeding him far too much. He wouldn’t fit on my shoulder much longer.