Chapter 34

Ailee

I woke up the next morning still on Lug nuts chest there's no place I would rather be. But it is time to start my day work calls and so does my medication. I gently slide off of Lug, careful not to wake him.I go to the bathroom to do my normal routine finishing with brushing my hair. I go to my dresser and grab at some lounge clothes, sweatpants and a t-shirt. I turn when I hear Lug stir around and wait to see if he's going to get up. The sheet has fallen to his hips showing off his bare chest. I can see the marks from my teeth and nails all down his chest. I suppose I should feel bad about them but I can’t find it in myself to worry. I like seeing them on him. Like my personal brand claiming him as mine. I admire my work for a minute, noticing that Lug isn’t waking. I get dressed quickly thinking about going to make us some breakfast. Or at least Lug. I’m still on a limited diet which sucks. But I’m hoping that will change soon. I have faith in myself and my doctors that the chemo will start doing it’s job soon. It has to. I’m not ready to give up my life yet.

I go to the kitchen and see Callen is already up and making smoothies. I go to the fridge to see what I can make for Lug. I see peppers, onions, eggs,cheese,and some leftover chopped steak. I’ll make him an omelet. I set everything on the counter and look for some bread for some toast when I spy some sour dough. I grab it and place it by the toaster. I grab a pan and turn on the flame adding a small amount of butter. I turn to wash my hands before tossing the veggies in the pan. Callen looked over at me and asked “ Hungry this morning?” I shake my head. Well, I am hungry but I know I can’t eat this stuff just yet. “ I’m making Lug some breakfast. He is still sleeping but I figure he will be up soon.” Callen nods as I stir the veggies around the pan before adding the meat. It is already cooked. I just need to heat it up before adding the eggs. I turn to crack and whisk the eggs and I notice Callen leaning up against the counter with his arms crossed. The look on his face says he wants to talk. This doesn’t happen often. There hasn’t been a reason to. But with Lug being in my life like he is I feel Callen has something to say on the subject.

I add the eggs to the pan and turn down the heat. I turn to where I can see Callen and watch the food at the same time.I don’t want to mess it up. I kinda want to impress Lug as silly as it sounds. I don’t cook often. It isn’t that I don’t know how. I do. We had a wonderful cook in Ireland who taught me. But either we are busy and end up eating out. Or I have been too sick to cook so Callen and Finn took over. And I have never cooked for anyone outside the family. But back to Callen. “ Callen, I see something is on your mind. Speak.” “ Ailee, I can see you care about Lug.” he says. I nod “ Aye. I do. Do you have a problem with him?” “ No, lass. I don’t. I hold him in high respect. And he is good for you. I just wanted to make sure this is what you want. And that you are happy. I can see the way he looks at you. He is in this for good no matter the outcome.” Everything Callen is saying so far rings true. Lug has told me many times he isn’t going anywhere. “ I know Callen. But I don’t understand why we are having this talk. All you are doing is stating things I already know. I know this is more of a fling to Lug. Same as me. I tried to chase him away when he first told me about his feelings. I told him the truth. I can’t have kids. I might not win the battle. He knows all of this and it hasn’t changed his mind. If anything he latched on tighter.”
I checked the eggs, flipping them over to cook on the other side. I get the shredded cheese ready and put the bread in the toaster. I grab a plate from the cabinet before turning to Callen again. “ Ailee, I know all of this. But I want to know how you feel. You have never brought a man home. Or introduced him to us or your grandda. So I know he is important to you.” Callen says. “ Are you worried Callen?” I asked while putting cheese in the omelet and folding it over. “ About you? Yes. So is Finn. It is our job to protect you. In all things. We don’t want to see you get hurt.” he said. I take the bread out of the toaster and butter it. “ Callen, I know that. And I adore you and Finn for it. But it isn’t me I’m worried about getting hurt. It is Lug. What happens to him if this treatment doesn’t work? I’m scared, Callen. I think I love him. And even though he hasn’t said it I think he might love me. I have never felt this way about anyone. And I’m so happy I could burst. But is being with me what is really best for him? I don’t know what to do.” I told him.

I put the eggs and toast on a plate, and place it in the oven to keep it warm until I take it to Lug. Callen pulls me into a hug “ Ailee I have seen how that lad looks at you. He does love you. It is ok to love him back. As for what is best for him. You have to let him decide. He knew what he was getting into when he got together with you. Enjoy it. If the treatment doesn’t work he has a family that will be there for him. Finn and I will be there as well. He won’t be alone. Enjoy your time together.” I nod. I’m going to do what he advised. “ Callen, do you approve of Lug?” I asked. I won’t give Lug up but I need to know what Callen and Finn think. “ Aye, lass. I do. As does Finn. Not at first or course. Noone will ever be good enough for you in our eyes. But he has proven himself time and again.” I pull back and look up at Callen. “ Thank you. You liking him means a lot to me. And if I don’t say it enough. Thank you for being with me all this time.”

“ You don’t need to thank me. It is an honor. But there is another reason I’m bringing this up.” Callen says. He turns, grabs something off the counter and hands it to me. It’s an envelope. I open it and see it is an invitation to a charity gala. It is one of the ones I started for victims of sex trafficing. I have gone to most of the galas to show my support. And since it is one of mine we feel one of us should be present. And I will go to this one. “ I always go, Callen, so I don’t understand what you are getting at.” I said. “ I know you go. But this year I think you ask Lug to be your escort. Finn and I will be there as well. But as your guards.” he says. I think it over. I like the idea of having Lug on my arm. I’ll be the envy of all the ladies. “ I don’t know. I don’t think this is his type of thing. You know how boring they can be.I don’t think he would go for it.” I said.

“ It isn’t going to hurt to ask him. The worst he can do is decline. But for you I don’t think he would. Take him breakfast and talk to him.” Callen said. He has a point. If Lug doesn’t want to go it isn’t a big deal. There is no harm in asking. I grab a mug and pour coffee in it. I add a little sugar just the way Lug likes it. I have Callen get me the tray they use for me and I set the food, coffee and my smoothie that Callen made on it. I take it to the bedroom and see Lug walking out of the bathroom in all his naked glory. Damn this man is perfect. His body is a chiseled work of art that belongs in a museum. He could give Michelangelo's David a run for his money. And I get it all to myself. Feck, I’m a lucky woman.

Lug leans against the door jam not making an effort to cover his body. “ Are you done staring, honey?” Lug asks with the smirk that makes me melt. “ I could stare longer but your breakfast is getting cold.” I told him. I motion for him to get back into bed. He does and when he is covered up I place the tray across his lap. “ What’s all this?” Lug asked. “ I made you breakfast.” I told him. I haven’t done anything like this before. Lug motions for me to come sit beside him. I crawl up careful not to jostle the tray. He wraps his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer. He kisses the top of my head. “ This is great honey. Thank you.” he said. I smile proudly because he likes it. “ Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t cooked in a while. It may not be any good.” I told him. I grab my smoothie as he picks up his fork and takes a bite. I wait anxiously. “ Honey, this is great. You didn’t have to do all this.” Lug said. “ I’m glad you like it. I wanted to do it.”