As I held Lee, I heard her breathing become slower and more even. She felt so right in my arms, in my bed. I can't believe I almost blew it by making a dumb comment about putting the past behind me. Whether intentional or not, I already feel like I'm all in with Lee.
When I picture my future, I see her in it. Now I just need to figure out how to make that happen. How do I support her dreams without pushing too hard and upsetting her? I know it's a delicate balance. Lee is independent and I just need to remind myself to talk to her before making decisions.
My mind made up, I snuggled closer, kissed her temple and whispered, "sweet dreams beautiful." I closed my eyes and didn't move until morning.
I woke in bed by myself. Certainly not how I went to sleep. It occurred to me that there was already light coming through the window, so it must be about 6AM or later. It's been awhile since I've slept past 5AM. I donned a pair of boxers, some sweatpants, and a tee shirt and went in search of Lee.
I followed the rich aroma of coffee into the kitchen and heard her talking, "I hope you slept well. I know I did. Wam is like having my own personal heater."
I poked my head around the corner to see if she was on the phone or if we had company, but was wrong on both accounts.
Sammy was eating from a small dish of food as Lee scrambled eggs and sipped on a mug of coffee. It was at that point I realized she was wearing one of my tee shirts and nothing else. It was long on her, but when she leaned forward, I could see her bare cheeks peek out the bottom. I was drawn to her like a magnet, but she had yet to notice me. "So what ya think Sammy, is Wam gonna sleep all day?"
I slipped my hands under the edge of the tee shirt and pulled her back with my hands on her waist, as I kissed her neck. She startled slightly but leaned into me, "Mmmm, good morning Wam," she said as she moved her head to give me better access to her neck. I licked, sucked, and nibbled before saying, "goood morning beautiful. I'm glad to hear you slept well. Thank you for feeding Sammy. No wonder she likes you, you bribe her with food," I laughed.
Lee made an indignant sound, "ahhh! I did no such thing. It's time for breakfast, so I fed her. I'm making you breakfast too, if you'll let me finish?"
"I suppose. I'd rather have you for breakfast. Or maybe, I can have you for dessert?"
Lee spun around and playfully slapped my chest, "Wambleeska Teton…how could you possibly be horny again? Twice last night, and you want it again? Not that I'm opposed to the idea, but…" she turned back around to stir the eggs.
I sidled up behind her again and pushed my hips into her rear so she could feel how happy I was to see her. I laughed as she gasped at the feel of my hardness. "It's all you baby. I don't react like this to anyone else. Hey, are you sore from last night?"
"I don't think so. I think I'm good. Thanks for asking though," she said with a quick peck to my lips before turning off the burner to plate the eggs.
I poured myself a cup of fresh coffee and took a long drink. Very few things are better than fresh coffee first thing in the morning. Luckily for me, Lee was one of those things.
I carried our coffee mugs to the table before coming back for silverware and two bottles of water, one for each of us. We ate after she plated our toast and sausages. It always tasted better to me when someone else did the cooking. "Thank you Lee, for making breakfast and coffee."
She nodded as she swallowed. After wiping her face with a napkin, she answered, "you are most welcome," and winked at me. I smiled in response.
"Are we still going to go see Kedron this morning?" I inquired.
"If that's okay with you?" She asked and I nodded. "Okay, great," she smiled, "Thanks Wam for offering to come. I just want to make sure he got settled at the rehab facility. Then I think I'll rest easier."
I nodded as I finished my food. "I told you I'd go almost anywhere and I meant it," I said with a smile. We cleaned up the dishes and went to our separate rooms to get ready.
About 8:30AM, we pulled up to the address we were given for Renowned Rochester Rehabilitation. Ironically, I'd never heard of this place. We discuss rehabilitation after traumas, surgeries, etc cetera, but rarely do we discuss the names of the various facilities. The building was multiple levels of blonde brick and glass and looked fairly new. Judging by the cars in the employee lot we passed, I'd say the place is quite busy.
I hold the frosted glass door open for Kynlee to enter first, and take in my surroundings as we enter. The inside is just as elaborate as the outside. I'm guessing it's a private facility or they could never afford this kind of elaborate set up. The secretary greeted us with a smile, "Welcome to Renowned Rochester Rehabilitation. How can I help you this fine morning?"
Kynlee stepped forward to answer, "I'm here to visit my brother who was transferred here last night."
"Name?" the secretary asked.
"Kedron Knutson."
"He will be in room 305. If you could please sign in," she gestured to the guest book and then pointed to the elevator nearest the desk. "This elevator will take you there, then just follow the signs to the room. Have a great day," she said with a little too much enthusiasm.
Kynlee gave a strained smile back and replied, "thank you. You too."
Even the elevator was lavish with black coloring and gold trim. The buttons had intricate gold coverings that made the red light behind light up the number for each floor. Even the best hospital in the country wasn't this lavish. Definitely a private facility. The floor as we stepped off the elevator appeared to be black tile with gold specks. How much did this place cost? I was startled by Kynlee as I took it all in, "Wam, you ready? The sign says 305 is this way."
I smile sheepishly, "sorry, yeah. Lead the way." I put my hand on Kynlee's back and followed her down the hallway to the room we had been given.
Kynlee knocked on the door and pushed it open. I was not expecting to see the head of physical therapy from the hospital, in the room with Kedron. He looked up as we walked in. Upon seeing my face, he stood and said, "good timing, we were just finishing up." He patted Kedron on the shoulder and said, "if this sounds like an acceptable plan, I'll get the orders put in."
"Yeah, okay," Kedron answered. "If you think that's best Ray." Ray simply nodded and turned to leave.
Kynlee moved up to the bedside to greet her brother.
I hung back to talk to Ray. "So what brings you here Ray?"
Ray's dark skin looked slightly pale at my question, but he answered confidently, "Dr. Adams asked me to draw up a plan for physical therapy. I oversee the therapists and techs here. If you'll excuse me, I have some work to do."
"Sure Ray, have a good day," I said and let him go. Something strange was definitely going on here, and I was going to get to the bottom of it. For now though, my focus was on Lee and Kedron.
Kedron appeared more relaxed here, which wasn't surprising considering the lavish facility. He was laying in a top of the line hospital bed with air mattress, including temperature controls, and more options than I'd know what to do with. Even the sheets and blanket appeared more like a hotel than a hospital.
If the therapy and staff were as talented as the facility was lavish, this place could be a gold mine. It would likely cater to the rich and elite. So then how did Kedron end up here?
"This is quite a place K," Lee said. "Did you win the lottery and not tell me?" She laughed.
"Nah sis, nothing like that. Dr. Adams has connections here and told me a bed was opening last night. So I had to take the bed or lose it. She explained this is the best rehab in the area and I'd be foolish to let the opportunity slip by," Kedron explained.
"So Dr. Adams convinced you to forego the surgery?" Kynlee asked.
"No! I told you it was my decision. Dr. Adams simply gave me the facts to help me make an informed decision. So far this place is great. Breakfast was good, the staff have been very accommodating, and the bed is so much better. Too bad I can't just stay here permanently," he joked.
Kynlee sighed before answering, "I'm glad you like it K. I just wanted to drop by and make sure you got settled. Is there anything you want me to bring you?"
"I could use some clothes if you don't mind. Probably tee shirts, sweats, socks, and boxers. Stuff that's easy to put on and off… and comfortable," he replied.
"Okay. Is tomorrow soon enough?"
Kedron nodded, "tomorrow would be great. Thank you Kynlee."
"Anything for you K," she said and rubbed his hair back from his face lovingly.
"Ray said I'll have physical therapy three times daily during the week and twice on weekends. They also have Occupational Therapy I'll meet with five days a week, so I'm excited," he exclaimed. Kedron then uttered with less enthusiasm as he went on, "I know it'll be hard work, but I need to see where this will leave me."
"So you'll be here how long?" I questioned.
"All I know now is up to twelve weeks," he retorted.
"Okay. I'm putting in applications now and will start looking for an accessible place for us," Kynlee voiced.
An angry look took over Kedron's face, "I told you how I feel about this Kynlee. I don't want to disrupt your life anymore than I already have."
Kynlee's face fell like someone had intentionally hurt her. I stepped forward to see if I could smooth things over.
"Kynlee has been staying in my extra bedroom. My house would work if you're agreeable to that Kedron? I have a bedroom with attached bath and the doorways are wide. I spend most of my time in Red Wing anyway. I could look into home health agencies to assist at home while Kynlee and I are gone," I offered in a non confrontational tone.
"Why would you do that Dr. Teton?" Kedron asked with a great deal of skepticism and emphasizing 'Dr.Teton'.
"I'd do that because I care about your sister, and what happens to you," I explained matter of factly.
"So what exactly are your intentions with my sister?" Kedron asked with snark in his tone.
"Kedron!" Kynlee exclaimed. "That is absolutely none of your business."