Page 22 of The Closed Off Captain

“Noted.”

I open the door and lead Gunner into her small apartment. “Grandma May, you decent? I’m bringing somebody in.”

“Well, I’m not sitting here naked, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I shake my head and walk into her room. “Grandma May—”

“Big C!” she calls out before I can say another word.

He turns to me with a raised eyebrow. I shrug hopelessly. “Because of the C on your uniform,” I say softly to him. He nods like that totally makes sense.

“Hey, Grandma May,” he says, like he's always known her.

I walk over to the bed. “Okay, let’s get you settled in bed.”

“I don’t want to go to bed,” she says, but I can see that weariness is starting to set in. I’m sure it’s the aftermath of her fall.

“You don’t have to sleep; just rest for a little bit. We’ll keep you company.” I glance over at Gunner; I probably should have checked with him first before committing us. He nods at me, and I turn back to Grandma May. “Okay, let’s get your legs on the bed.” This is always the hard part. Her legs are so heavy and often swollen and painful. I hate having to move them because I know it causes her pain. I bend over and pick up the first leg. It’s difficult to maneuver. I feel a hand at my back.

“Chloe, let me just pick her up and put her against the headboard,” he says in a low voice.

I turn to Gunner. “You don’t have to.”

He looks into my eyes. “Let me,” he urges softly.

I step back. “Grandma May, Gunner’s going to lift you into the bed.”

“Oh, my. Well, be still my heart. I might just swoon.”

I roll my eyes. “You do that.”

I step out of the way, and Gunner takes my spot. He reaches down and so very carefully lifts her off the side of the bed. “No looking up my nightdress now,” she tells him.

“Grandma May!”

Gunner positions her carefully against the headboard. Then before I can do it, he pulls the blankets up and over her legs. I stare at him without saying a word. I swallow hard and put a hand on his arm. “Thank you.” I don’t look at him because I’m feeling all sorts of unsettled right now.

“So, when are you two lovebirds having a baby?”

Chapter 11

Chloe

I choke. “Grandma May! What in the world?”

She shrugs. “Well, you sure rushed into your engagement fast. In my day, you only did that if you had a bun in the oven.”

I close my eyes. “I can’t even,” I mutter. I don’t look at Gunner. “There is no bun. No oven. No lovebirds.”

“Then why the quick engagement?”

I widen my eyes at her. “Grandma May! This was your idea! You’re the one that said he needed a fiancé.”

“And you jumped right into that role, didn’t you?”

“Okay. We’re going to leave now, and you’re going to rest.” I step over to her and drag my eyes over her bruised face. “I’m glad you’re okay,” I whisper, giving her forehead a kiss.

“Of course I’m okay. I have to be okay, so I can walk you down the aisle for your wedding.”

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