Page 27 of The Flame of Carson (Blackout Security Inc. #3)

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S tacey sat at Gage’s bedside, holding his hand.

The room was silent except for the regular beeping of his heart monitor.

She, Alora, and Krista had just finished their dinner and were looking over their dessert menus when Ethan and Lance walked up.

From the look on both men’s faces, Stacey had felt her heart skip.

It took everything in her not to panic right there in the restaurant.

Once outside, Ethan told her what happened.

Stacey demanded to be taken to him right away.

Ethan had stayed with her until Gage had been brought back from the tests the doctors were running.

After he was moved to a private room, Stacey informed the doctor and nurses that she was not leaving and if they had a problem with that, they could all kiss her ass.

A cot was then brought in for her. It was only then did Ethan leave, telling her to call him if anything changed. She promised she would.

“Oh Gage.” She sighed, kissing his knuckles. “Please baby, open your eyes for me.”

Gage’s hand tightened slightly around hers before his eyes opened slowly. He let out a low moan before his head turned and his eyes focused on Stacey. “S...Stacey? What happened? Where am I?”

“Shh. It’s all right now. You are at St. David’s. As to what happened, what do you remember?” she asked gently.

Gage frowned as he tried to recall the day. For several moments nothing came to mind. Then like a lightning bolt, the memories came flooding back. “Danny!”

“Danny’s fine. Sucked in a bit of smoke carrying you out, but other than that, he is fine.

He was here earlier, so were the others, Krista, and Alora.

Nick called about an hour ago to check in.

” Stacey said, rubbing his arm. “Ethan called your parents and said they were catching the first flight...”

“What? No, they can’t come out here. Not now.”

“I already tried to call them, but my calls went straight to voice mail. My guess? They are already on a plane bound for Austin.”

Gage groaned and dropped his head back against the pillows.

This was the last thing he needed; his parents coming out in the middle of whatever shit storm this was that had engulfed him and Stacey.

But what the hell was he going to do about it?

He opened his eyes and looked over at Stacey.

Her face was a look of calm and it floored him that she could be this relaxed. He reached out and cupped her cheek.

“How are you so calm right now? A psycho is out there targeting us, and my folks are on their way. This is so not the way I wanted you to meet them.” He sighed.

She giggled, “I can be this calm because from what you’ve told me about your parents, there’s nothing that will stop them.

Just like you. As for the psycho...” she paused, leaned over, and kissed him, “we will take his sorry ass out soon enough. As for your parents, I’m just glad to finally meet them.

Not ideal circumstances true; but it is what it is. ”

“I guess I better call Ethan and make plans for where they are going to stay. My house is out obviously.”

“Already taken care of. That was another reason Nick called. He and Mama Deb are having your parents stay with them during their visit. He also told me to tell you that Mama Deb will not take no for an answer and for you to just say thank you.”

“Well hell.”

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G age was flipping through channels on the television just before sunset when the door to his room swung open.

He had maybe a second to stare in shock, before his mother was across the room and her arms were around him.

Gage glanced to where Stacey was sitting and shot her a glare as she snickered.

Sighing, he could only hug his mom. “I’m fine mama. I promise.”

“Oh Gage. When Ethan called me, I was so worried. How bad are you hurt honey?” Celeste Carson asked.

“Just a few bumps and bruises...” Gage started, but Stacey’s snort interrupted him.

“Bumps and bruises? Gage, you better tell her what the doctor said this morning, or I will.” Stacey warned.

“Tattletale.” Gage grumbled as his mom pulled back.

“Gage Edward Carson, what did the doctor say?” Celeste demanded, her hands now firmly on her hips.

Gage blanched. His mom had not used his full name since he was a junior in high school and he came home after curfew one Saturday night drunk as a skunk.

No matter how old he was, the use of his full name still made him feel like he was five.

“Really mom, it’s not too bad. I have a mild, VERY mild concussion, two bruised ribs, and a lightly sprained ankle. ”

“You call that not bad?” Celeste asked, her hands moving from her hips to cross over her chest.

“Now Celeste, Gage has had worse injuries over the years.” Lewis Carson replied, moving behind his wife, and laying his hands on her shoulders. “You said a mild concussion?”

“Yes sir. The doc said I should be fine to be released tomorrow actually. Of course, it will be another week before I can set foot at Blackout. Well, actually two. Ethan says I can come back the Monday after Thanksgiving.” Gage answered.

Stacey pushed out of the chair and moved to stand next to his bed, opposite Celeste, and Lewis. “After Ethan and Lance told me what happened last night, I called my boss, Chase, and my former boss in New York, Walt. Until Gage goes back to work, I’m working from home.”

Celeste and Lewis looked at Stacey for the first time since entering the room. “Stacey?” Celeste inquired.

“Yes ma’am. It’s nice to finally meet you and Mr. Carson. I just really wish it were under much different circumstances.” Stacey nodded.

Before Stacey could blink, Celeste was rounding the bed and pulling her into a tight bear hug.

For a petite woman, Celeste Carson had a hell of a grip.

Stacey could only hug the older woman back and laugh.

“Oh, I’ve been dying to meet you ever since Gage told me and Lewis that you were dating.

It’s so nice to finally put a face to the voice I’ve talked to over the last year and a half. ”

“Likewise, Mrs. Carson.” Stacey giggled as she was released.

“There’s no need for that. We’re just Lewis and Celeste.” Lewis chuckled as he moved in and hugged Stacey as well.

From the bed, Gage watched the scene. It made his heart swell and melt at the same time.

Seeing his girl and his parents together was an amazing thing for him.

As Celeste and Stacey sat down and started talking, his dad sat on the edge of the bed and smiled gently.

Lewis lay his hand on Gage’s, causing the younger man to look up at him.

The two were silent for several moments, so many things passing unspoken between father and son.

“She’s a good woman son.” Lewis said.

“Yeah dad, she is. She reminds me of my mom. Sweet as sugar, yet you make her angry she is all piss and vinegar. Course, if Stacey gets too mad, she’s liable to knock you into the next century with very little effort.” Gage replied, causing Lewis to laugh.

“And don’t you forget it either big boy.” Stacey added with the sweetest looking smile, but her eyes told a different story.

“Oh yes, I like her Gage. You better hang on to this one.” Celeste grinned, taking Stacey’s hand in her own.

“No problem there mom. I’m hanging on to her as long as she’ll have me.” Gage stated.

Tearfully Stacey reached her free hand out to him. “Ditto.”

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S tacey pushed Gage’s wheelchair as she followed Celeste and Lewis out of the hospital. “So, are you two heading to the Jameson house or following me to mine?”

“Actually, Debbie suggested you two come by the house. Since it is Saturday, she said she would just have the whole team over.” Lewis answered.

“Ethan told me that if he and the others had to go so did Gage.” Celeste added.

“Then I guess we’re going to the Jameson house.” Gage sighed.

Stacey could only laugh and shake her head.

She had gotten to know Debbie Jameson well over the years through Krista.

She knew as Gage did, that if Mama Deb gave an order, you followed it, no questions asked.

She stopped at Gage’s truck and Lewis stepped up to help Gage into the cab.

Once he was in, Stacey pushed the wheelchair over to an orderly that was waiting.

Celeste and Lewis headed for their rent-a-car and Stacey slipped behind the wheel.

“I can’t believe I’m having to use a damned cane for three weeks.” Gage grumbled as Stacey pulled away from the curb.

“Oh, quit being a baby. A cane sure beats crutches, a wheelchair, or a cast, right?” Stacey said, yet even she heard how flat her voice sounded.

Gage sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry.” She said. “Gage, when Ethan told me...I honestly thought for a moment that I had lost you. It felt like my world had ended.”

“Stacey, baby, I’m here. It’s going to take the hounds of hell to take me away from you and even then, that may not work. I love you. I plan on us being together a long, long, time.”

“And I love you too Gage. I love you so much it hurts, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They fell silent the rest of the drive to the Jameson house.

As she drove, Gage was lost in his own thoughts.

The other day had been a close call, which was for damned sure.

He would talk to Ethan and the rest of his boys.

It was time they stopped being two steps behind and get out in front.

When they pulled up at the Jameson house, he saw that the rest of the team was already there.

“You need help getting out?” Stacey asked.

“Nah, I got it.” He answered with a small grin. Gage slid out of the truck and held himself up using the door, maneuvered the cane out from the back seat and in moments had his weight shifted and was closing the door. “See, told you, no biggie.”

“Alright showoff.” Stacey laughed, joining him.