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Don was snoring lightly when Amy awoke with bright sunlight in her eyes. When she stretched, she felt the pain in her ankle. She sat up and examined it now that she wasn't tired and stressed out. It was still a bit swollen, hot and tender to the touch. 'Boy, really did it this time' thought Amy. 'Now, I'm really stuck inside until I get better.' She turned and touched Don's shoulder.
"Daddy," said Amy. There was no response. She shook him harder and raised her voice a bit, "Daddy!" The increase in volume caused Amy's head to start throbbing. Raising her hand, she felt the tenderness of the bruise on the side of her head.
Don's eyes opened and he turned his head towards her. "Yes, Sweetie. What is it?"
"Daddy, I need to use the bathroom," said Amy.
"Sure, Sweetie," said Don as he pushed back the covers and gathered her in his arms. "Just like last night; weight on your good leg," he instructed.
Amy sat down on the toilet, but her head was swimming. She grabbed the trashcan and moved it in front of her. Her stomach was doing flip-flops and the room was spinning. "Daddy, I don't feel well."
Don felt her head and it was hot. "I was afraid of that. We should have taken you in last night. You finish and I'll go down and get the truck started and warm. You're going to the hospital."
"But, Daddy, what if they discover I'm your daughter and not your wife?" Amy asked in fear.
"They're not going to know unless we tell them, Sweetie. I'll be right back," said Don as he raced into the bedroom, threw on his clothes and charged down the stairs.
Amy heard the truck turn over before the ringing in her ears started. By the time Don got to the bathroom again, Amy was shaking. He got her dressed and then bundled in blankets since he had left her coat on the road the previous night. He called 9-1-1 again, explained the circumstances and asked for an ambulance to transport his wife to the hospital.
"It'll be faster, Sweetie, and I can follow in the truck," said Don as he squatted on the floor by the same couch she had been treated on the previous night. "I love you, Sweetie. It'll be alright. You need to get checked out." Don tried not to show his concern, but he was extremely worried and was berating himself for not pressing the issue the previous night.
Soon the paramedics arrived and Amy was on her way to the hospital with Don following in his truck. Once they arrived at the hospital, it was an additional two hours before she was admitted to a room. Don stayed with her throughout the entire process. When she finally slipped into a restful sleep, he left to go outside to make a phone call.
"Mr. Henderson? Yes, it is. I just admitted Amy into the hospital. She's running a fever and I'll be spending the night here. No. Frankly, I don't give a damn. This wouldn't have happened if that slut hadn't tried to keep coming on to me. We'll discuss it later. The only reason that I called is to let you know that I'm staying at the hospital with Amy. You can reach me here or I can check in tomorrow with you. Okay. Fine. Bye." Don gave a large sigh and proceeded back into the hospital.
Amy woke up periodically during the next twenty-four hours. Don stayed until the doctor assured him that he could go home and come back later after he had some food and sleep. When Don returned to their home, the house seemed so empty without Amy waiting for him. He went into the kitchen and ate some soup before collapsing onto the couch for a fitful sleep. When he finally woke, it was over ten hours later. He cleaned up quickly, dressed and went back to the hospital.
Don stepped off the elevator at the floor of Amy's room. He was walking down the corridor when the door to her room opened. Mr. Henderson and a young man walked out into the hallway.
Mr. Henderson saw Don walking down the hallway and started towards him. "Don, glad to see you. Just stopped by to see how she's doing. By the way, this is my son, Adam," Henderson said while gesturing to the young man that resembled him.
Don acknowledged Adam with a nod and then turned back to Henderson. "I went home to get some sleep so I haven't seen her yet."
"The doctor said she's over the first hurdle. The fact that she's so young is in her favor. I'm sorry all of this has happened to her, but you'll be glad to know that I've transferred both of them out of this location. I'm offering you his position to head the department." Henderson waited for Don to make some type of acknowledgment.
"I appreciate that you've come down here personally to show your concern for my wife," began Don.
"You're wife! I thought she was your daughter?" said Adam Henderson in surprise.
The elder Henderson cleared his throat and gave his son a stern look. "I'll apologize for my son's outburst, Don. I guess her age sort of surprised us, but when you truly love each other then age isn't an issue." Henderson smiled softly showing there was no malice in his statement.
"Yes, that's true. Amy and I love each other more than life itself. Like I said before, I'll not lose her for anything or anyone. Her love and trust is too precious to me. As far as the job offer goes, I'll discuss it over with Amy. I'm sure she'll want to stay though. She really loves our cabin and the locale. If you'll excuse me, I need to see her. Adam, it was nice meeting you. Mr. Henderson, thank you for taking the time to see her." Don extended his hand to each man before moving on and entering Amy's room.
Mr. Henderson took a long look at his son. "Don't even think about it, Adam."
"What do you mean?" Adam asked with a perplexed look on his face.
"You know exactly what I mean. I saw the look in your eye when you saw Mrs. Thomas lying in that bed. She might be young, but she's still his wife and off limits. You can just settle for those college girls you keep having sex with." Mr. Henderson stared pointedly at his son.
"Honestly, Dad. You must think I do nothing but have sex on my mind every minute of every day," Adam said. "I thought she was pretty for his daughter, but it threw me when you both said it was his wife. After all, what could I give her that he hasn't?"
Henderson cleared his throat again, "Just make sure you stay away from her. I almost lost Don Thomas to that Hammond and his whore. He's too valuable to me. I know he's the one that did almost all the work on that expansion project although Hammond tried to take the credit. Now that I've weeded the pair of them out, I believe that Thomas is perfect for this company and the growth we're expecting. I'll not have anything or anyone mess it up," Henderson said and poked his son in the chest. Adam nodded acknowledgment that he heard what his father had said and they both left.
Don opened the door and walked into Amy's room. Her eyes were shut and he made his way to the chair by her bed. "Sweetie?" he said softly.
Amy opened her eyes and smiled at Don. "I missed you, Don. There were two men here when I woke up. I tried to talk, but was just too tired. I'm afraid I fell asleep on them. I'm sorry."
"No need to be, Sweetie. That was my boss, and owner of the company, with his son. I hope they didn't disturb you," said Don. He leaned down and kissed her lips lightly. When he pulled back, he gazed into her eyes. "I love you," and he kissed her again.
"I love you too," said Amy as she drew him down to her and whispered into his ear "Daddy."