Chapter 22: Remedy

Liam helps me into some sweats and a hoodie while a slip into the slipper boots Rylee gave me. He takes my arm leading me out of the room, staying glued to my side. Kevin glances up from the couch with a giant grin as he stands.

Kevin: Good to see you up and about.

Willow: good to be up and about.

Liam: Where do you want to sit babe.

I glance around the cabin looking wood walls, to the spacious living room with large section couch surrounding a fireplace. As nice as siting by the fire would be I elect to take a seat at the dining table near the kitchen.

Kevin: Can I get you something to drink.

Willow: Just water for now thank you.

While Liam rummages through the kitchen and prepares dinner, Kevin takes a seat across from me.

Kevin: How you holding up.

Willow: I'm good. You. How's Mary and the kids. She must hate me for bringing this on her family.

Kevin shakes his head.

Kevin: She could never hate you. She's too big a fan.

He chuckles.

Kevin: They all send there regards.

Willow: What about you. As much as I appreciate it, the job is over. You should be home with your wife.

Kevin: As long as you're in New York the job isn't over. Besides I couldn't possibly leave with you like this, Liam's occupied with caring for you in a strange place surrounded by strangers. I know they're good people but, if it's all the same to you I feel better staying on. At least till you're healed enough to fly home.

I place my hand over his on the table.

Willow: Ok.

The next morning I rise early feeling much stronger. Enough so I decide to venture outside. Carefully slipping out of bed not to wake Liam. I find and layer much needed winter clothes Rylee gave me and slip past a snoring Kevin who insists on staying on the couch even though there's another bedroom. I ease my way down the steps and shuffle my feet through the snow to a bench facing the frozen lake as the sky lights up with an array of colors with the morning sun rise. A low bark startled me. I look over to see a beautiful very large German Shepard bouncing through the snow towards me. He slowly approaches sniffing the air around me before coming to a hult and sitting down in front of me. He lets out a quite huff of a bark before resting his chin on my knee.

Reaching my hand out slowly I stop at his nose to let him sniff my hand.

Willow: Aren't you just the most handsome gentlemen.

He sets a paw on my other leg and turns his head. I scratch the soft area behind his ear and he groans.

Rylee: You'd never know he's a watch dog the way he's taken to you and your husband.

Rylee jogs up with the Jason Statham looking guy not far behind. I let out a giggle as I picture the last time a jogged with Kevin.

Rylee: That's Leonidas.

She points at her Shepard who turns and runs to her side.

Rylee: And this is Gram my guard, friend and father figure.

I slowly get up to greet them but find Gram right at my side holding my arm to give me support.

Willow: Thank you.

Rylee: How did you manage to sneak out here alone.

I look back toward the house to see Kevin leaning against the porch railing with his jacket looking like he had just thrown it on in a hurry and his hair a mess.

Willow: Apparently I didn't.

I point toward Kevin and wave. Rylee waves at him as well and suddenly the door flyes open with an overly worried Liam. Rylee shakes her head and laughs.

Rylee: You think you'd be up for that dinner tonight.

Leonidas barks at Liam as he approaches but it's a friendly bark as he bounces around him in an attempt to get his attention. Liam smiles down at the dog and pats his head before coming to my side and pulling me away from Gram.

Willow: Yes we would be.

Rylee: Great. Dinner will be ready at 7 but you are all more then welcome to come earlier. Give the men a chance to get to know one another better and give us a break.

She winks at me and smiles up at Liam before taking off into a sprint disappearing around the side of the lake house with Gram right behind and Leonidas upfront. Liam kisses the top of my head.

Liam: You want to stay out her a little longer.

I shake my head and turn into him. In a failed attempt to reach his cheeks with my hands I falter from the tight pull of the stitches in my side landing on the collar of his coat. He grabs my frozen fingers. Left bare in my haste to sneak away I had forgotten gloves. He blows his hot breath on them while leading me back up to the house.

Willow: Kevin you're a god sent.

Kevin holds out a warm cup of coffee to me as Liam guides me into the kitchen chair. Kevin Liam a cup. The smell of bacon and eggs wafts through my nostrils causing me to shutter from food pleasure. Just as we finish breakfast Dr. Lynn pays a visit. Ever since my talk with Rylee a few days ago I have been thinking more and more about what she said. Realizing my not wanting kids was just me being afraid to move on. I would be ok if we couldn't have kids but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to know if Dr.Lynn really did have some sort of remedy that would help Liam.

After she examine me alone in the room I take the opportunity to ask.

Willow: Dr. Lynn, Rylee said you were able to help her have kids with some special tea remedy. Does it work for guys with low or inactive sperm counts.

Dr. Lynn: Yes.

She offers a half smile and looks away reaching into her bag.

Dr. Lynn: But first we should make sure!

She hands me a pregnancy test. I had completely forgot.

Willow: It's Saturday already.

She nods and helps me out of the bed. I pee on the stick and leave it on the counter while I re join Dr. Lynn on the bed.

Willow: How soon do you think I can travel?

Dr.Lynn: At least another week. I'd like to keep you here until I can remove the stitches and make sure you can manage to get around alone comfortably.

Willow: But this is your home, surely we can find somewhere near by to stay so you and Gram can have your place back.

Dr. Lynn: You don't worry about us. There's plenty of room in the main house and we don't mind at all.

Willow: What about The Santino's?

Dr. Lynn: Trust me if it was an issue you'd be the first to know.

She looks down at her phone and back at me motioning to the bathroom. I stand making my way slowly to the bathroom as if there's something waiting for me ready to pounce. My heart rises. I look back at Dr. Lynn.

Willow: You sure it's not too soon. Maybe another couple of days to be sure.

She shakes her head and waves at me on. With quick shallow breaths and shaky hands I reach for the test. As I close my eyes I stumble. Reaching for the counter I find my self being pulled down. A hand clamps around my mouth. My eyes shoot open and I am no longer in Dr. Lynn's bathroom. I'm back in Marks cabin.

Mark: You can't get rid of me Willow.

His breath is hot on my neck. The sound of my heart echos in my ears like a beating drum. This isn't real. This isn't real. I squeeze my eyes shut and open them again. Dr. Lynn is standing in the door way with a look of concern.

Dr. Lynn: Are you alright.

I nod and look down at the test I have gripped in my hand. Dr. Lynn walks cautiously over and puts a hand over mine.

Dr. Lynn: He can't hurt you anymore.

She slowly peels back my fingers revealing the test. Seeing the negative symbol allows me to let out the breath I had been holding. Dr. Lynn offers a genuine smile and a pat on the arm.

Dr. Lynn: I'll draw some blood to be sure but I think we can safely say you are clear. So. About that remedy.

Dr. Lynne explains what type of tea we would need and how often to drink it as well as giving us a few other tips before opening the door to leave. Liam practically falls in but makes a quick recovery. Kevin turns away as if he hadn't been right next to him waiting anxiously for the results of my exam. Dr. Lynn laughs as she brushes past them and whispers.

Dr. Lynn: Neanderthals

Willow: Everything's good but the dr says she wants me here at least one more week. So Kevin would you please take a day or two off. Go visit Mary and Karl while we're still here.

He looks like he's about to say something when Liam grabs his shoulder.

Liam: She's right. You should be with family while you can.

He nods and walks away. Liam closes and locks the door and joins me on the edge of the bed.

Liam: What is it Willow.

I put a hand on his knee and smile.

Willow: Dr. Lynn has a tea remedy that can help activate and strengthen sperm count. She says if you start drinking it per instructions along with a few other tips you should be in your peak by March. Which will give me more than enough time to get back to normal and prepare.

His eyes stare blankly into mine, his mouth gaped slightly open.

Willow: Liam?

Liam: You're not already?

Willow: No. but she drew blood for another test to be 100%.

Liam: I thought you didn't want another kid.

Willow: Someone one made me see things a little more clearly. I was afraid, but I don't have to be anymore, and I guess maybe the thought of you being able to helped push me a little it.

Liam: You're sure!

I nod as he takes me into a tight embrace.

Laim: When do we start!

I burst out laughing and quickly regret it.

Liam: Shit baby I'm sorry.

Willow: It's not your fault. Dr. Lynn said there's stock of it in the kitchen pantry.

Liam jumps up and runs out of the room.

Willow: It's the yellow and black box.

I shouted. Feeling a little tired I crawl under the covers to rest while Liam gets his tea. It makes me chuckle to myself. The excitement in his reaction was well worth it.