Holding hands, holding hearts

Discharge

The next morning Jac was being discharged but she was looking for reasons to stay
"Alright Naylor what's going on" said Mo
Jac eyed her suspiciously then sighed
"it's Emma. Mo I've been in and out of surgery 8 times this year. I'm broken. How much more can I take. It's not fair on her"
"Jac you're her mum she loves you and Fletch and Sacha have been managing pretty well whilst you've been in hospital. I'm sure they'd be happy to carry on for a few weeks whilst you recuperate"
"You're right. I'm just nervous. I'll speak to dumb and dumber about looking after her" she said affectionately thinking of her best friend and the man she loved.
Speak of the devil, Fletch appeared down the ward
"which one's he?" Mo smirked
"Definitely dumber" Jac laughed
"We getting rid of you today then Naylor. Get the flags out!" Fletch approached the bed
"Well I love you too Fletcher" she said sarcastically
"Not gonna miss this abuse" he said
Mo tried to hold back a laugh
"Frieda's got a big gob you know"
Fletch blushed "Oh"
"What?" Jac  asked
"Seems like Dom caught our brief public hand holding and told Frieda and she kind of guessed what was happening behind the curtain yesterday and now she's obviously told Mo"
He waited for the inevitable denial and cutting remark
Mo looked at Jac expectantly
"Well I guess that cat's well and truly out of the bag then"
Mo and Fletch both stared at her, speechless, open mouthed
"Fletch someone has stolen the real Jac. This one is clearly an imposter" mo whispered theatrically
"Oh shut up Mo. Fletch I need to speak to you"
"Good luck with that Fletch" Mo chuckled scurrying off.
Fletch approached the bed with trepidation
"It was your idea you know- in pulses with the hand holding" he pointed out
"I don't care who knows"
He raised an eyebrow
"Honestly I don't care. I love you. Anyway I needed to ask you, and Sacha actually, if you would mind helping out with Emma until I'm firing on all cylinders."
He perched on the end of the bed .
"You really have to ask. Surely you know me well enough by now to know that I would literally do anything for you Jac"
"I know" she said placing her hand on his forearm "but just know I don't take you for granted. It's hard for me to admit I'm not superwoman and actually ask for help"
"It's fine sweetheart just let me and Sacha look after you both"
"Thanks babe"
"Babe?" He chuckled
Jac pulled a face
"Yeah I really can't pull that off can I?"
"No you can't but I love it anyway. And I love you. Just stick to the sarcasm"
He leant over and gave a cheeky peck on the lips
"See you later babe "
Jac cringed at her inability to pull off terms of endearment but that just wasn't her. She smiled after him as he walked down the ward chuckling to himself. She was happy. Happier than she'd been for a long time - if ever. With that thought she started packing to go home