Even though life has become more complicated since Kedron's accident, I feel less alone than I did prior. I feel selfish even acknowledging the fact, but it's true nonetheless.
When my parents passed, I had little hope for the future, but things were starting to look up. Now that Kedron had the stabilization surgery for his cervical spine, I felt less worried about his future. My biggest hope is that he can find back the enthusiasm he seemed to have at the rehab center when showing me the latest technological advances in artificial intelligence. Voice activated devices were a real game changer for paralyzed individuals.
I was startled when Wam moved his hand to my thigh to hold my hand. He chuckled saying, "sorry beautiful. I wasn't trying to scare you. Just wondering what thoughts you were so engrossed in? You're off in your own little world."
Wam kept his eyes on the road but continued to hold my hand as he drove. "Sorry Wam. Some company I am, huh?" I looked down at the tan, carpeted floor, only visible by the dim dashboard lights. We passed occasional street lights as we grew closer to the hotel, our home for the night.
"Oh, you're great company. Care to talk about it?"
I took a deep cleansing breath and turned my head partially toward the driver's seat as I answered, "I'm just worried Kedron won't recover his enthusiasm for the technology he's been shown. I'm afraid he will be bitter, angry, and as a result, uncooperative. Those voice activated technologies could be life changing for him once he is discharged."
I saw Wam nod his head. "Let's try to take it one thing at a time okay? Renowned Rochester Rehabilitation isn't the only place with therapies to tap into. You forget I work for the best healthcare system in the world. Lucky for you, you have an in with one of the Neurosurgeons."
I looked at Wam now and couldn't help but smile at the shit eating grin on his face. I squeezed his hand gently, "I'm a lucky girl for sure. Is there other good facilities for Kedron? I highly doubt he will want to return to Renowned Rochester Rehabilitation after what happened."
Wam nodded, "there are many good facilities, but more importantly, I have a list of ones to avoid. We will do our best to steer Kedron in the right direction."
"Thank you Wam," I whispered and squeezed his hand again.
Hand in hand we entered the hotel from the parking garage and pushed the button to call the elevator. As we waited, Wam's cell phone rang. "Hello, Dr. Teton here," he answered.
I couldn't hear the other side of the conversation, but I heard Wam's.
"Umm hmm. Oh, good. Well at least he is alive." Wam glances over at me with a slight smile and one cocked eyebrow before he exclaims, "No kidding? Well hopefully it'll be the final nail in her coffin…. I'm sure Ray knows a lot. He has always seemed like a highly intelligent individual."
We got on the elevator and pushed the correct number for the floor our room was on. "As a matter of fact, I have thought about it. If you're sure there is no issue with Kynlee Knutson and I dating, then I'd like to accept."
I couldn't help but take a deep breath in shock. Was he truly only accepting if they gave him their blessing? What man does that? Well apparently Wambleeska Teton does.
Wam laughed, breaking me away from my inner dialogue. "Can I be candid sir?" There was a brief pause in conversation and Wam met my gaze and winked. I couldn't help but smile.
Wam cleared his throat and resumed talking, "Frankly sir, my plans are to have her move in with me again. Remember though, I do have an extra bedroom and an office upstairs. In the future, if things go as planned, I hope to marry her and start a family."
My eyes shot up to see Wam watching me with a smirk on his face. One eye winked at me and his smile began to look teasing. He had to know I'd hear what he said. That big shit, I'll get him back when he least expects it.
"Yes sir. Thank you sir. I will start the transfer paperwork on Monday when I return to the office if that's okay? Excellent." The person on the other end of the phone, "Sir," must be important for Wam to discuss the position and transfer. So then why is Wam telling him about me and our possible future? Oh my gosh… he said marry and family! Maybe he was just joking, but he told me before he is in this for the long haul.
"Oh sir, before you go," Wam looked at me as he paused briefly. His eyes looked almost vulnerable or embarrassed. They no longer held mischief or teasing. "I have a colleague in Red Wing who has recently gone from strictly Neurology to wanting to explore Neurosurgery. Could he please come here, work, and train in surgery under me?"
Again, a pause as Wam's eyes seemed to be studying my expressions and responses. "Yes sir. Yes, I realize it's a lot to ask. I honestly believe the kid could do a great job, but he needs a strong mentor to gain surgical knowledge and experience. Please sir," was said with a hint of emotion.
I put my palm on Wam's cheek to comfort him, but we jumped apart when the elevator dinged and slid open on our floor. We stepped out of the elevator car and walked to our hotel room. I took the room card and opened the door as Wam continued on the phone.
"That would be Dr. Yankton from Red Wing Neurology Department. He is a good young Doctor sir, but I think he will be great some day." I never understood why people nod while on the phone. No one can see you nod over the phone. Now video chat is a different ball game. The point is, Wam was nodding along now as we entered the room.
"Thank you Sir…No, you won't regret it…..Yes, as soon as I can. You have a good night too sir. Thank you for calling," Wam finished. He pushed "end call," and did air pumps with his fists, above and in front of his body in an almost airplane motion. One arm was in front while the other to the rear.
"Yes," he yelled. "You are looking at the tentative new Head of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Rochester."
I threw my arm around Wam's neck and squeezed him. His arms quickly came around my body and rested with one of his palms on each of my buttocks. I kissed his cheek with a quick peck and squealed, "congratulations honey!"
I stepped back, but Wam pulled me tight against his body as he asked, "is that all the congratulations I get from you my love?"
I laughed as I stared intently into his gorgeous dark brown eyes. Hmmm, what would make a good congratulations gesture? Money doesn't impress him, so most material items are out. So hard to get something for a man with money.
So, a grand gesture it is…
I led Wam to the bed and pushed him down into a sitting position at the end of the mattress. I slipped my hands up inside his shirt before pulling it over his head and free from his body. I threw it to the far side of the bed before I stepped back slowly. Wam tried to grab my forearms, but I shook my head and my index finger to indicate a "no" response to his action.
In one smooth move, my top joined Wam's on the bed. I didn't do sexy, but for Wam I'd try. I sashayed my hips side to side as I turned around and removed my brassiere. With a glance over my shoulder, I threw the bra so it landed closer to Wam than the other clothes. I heard a low groan before Wam's voice decreed more deeply than I've ever heard before, "you are the sexiest thing I've ever seen."
Unbuttoned, I began to shimmy my hips as I pushed my jeans down one shake at a time. My thumbs were hooked in the belt loops on each hip and helping to push my pants down. I took a deep breath to keep my calm before pushing my underwear to pool, at my feet, on top of my jeans. I then stepped as gracefully as possible out of the last of my clothing and tossed them with the other clothes.
Slowly I turned my naked body around to face Wam in nothing other than my birthday suit. Surprise, it wasn't even my birthday. I tried for a sultry expression, but am not sure if it was even remotely sexy. I had never attempted to seduce someone before, but Wam was the man I loved. He threw down the gauntlet when he asked, "is that all I get for congratulations?".
Turned toward the bed, I cocked my hip, put my hand on the cocked hip, and put the other arm over my head. My eyes were heavy lidded as I looked up to see Wam's response to my actions. I'm not sure why, but his appearance shocked me. Immediately I became overcome with emotion.