Disclaimer: The characters in this story are from Scarecrow and Mrs. King and do not belong to me. All material is fictional.
Explanation: This is a continuation of my first fanfic, "A Visit with Trouble". I want to give a huge thank you to all the readers on this site. Your reading and reviews helped me write another adventure with Lee and Amanda. This story comes entirely from your support and inspiration. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 1
Amanda King was sleeping comfortably in her hospital bed, the white blankets swallowing her up in its softness. She felt Lee's voice drift over her, and she began to wake. Keeping her eyes closed, she could hear Lee in the hallway, arguing with the hospital staff.
The hushed, angry voices slowly became louder and louder. Amanda could hear a muffled argument with the words "visiting hours" and "over" being thrown around. Her eyes snapped open when she heard what sounded like a scuffle.
Seconds later, the door opened, and Lee Stetson poked his head inside. Amanda's eyes connected with his, and he grinned at her and entered the room.
"Sorry it's so late," Lee said. "Getting in here after visiting hours is harder than infiltrating the KGB." He let out a snort, "I swear, I hate hospitals." He pointed his thumb in the direction of the door. "The nurse out there acts just like a prison guard. "
"Oh Lee," Amanda replied, her tone motherly. "You were here just a few hours ago. You know, when was the last time you got some rest?" She raised her finger into the air. "If you don't get enough rest, you won't feel well. And if you don't feel well, you might get sick. And you know that sick people end up in the hospital."
Lee sat on the bed beside Amanda, enjoying her monologue. He nodded at her words, treasuring her thoughts, ideas, and even her rather long-winded way of speaking.
"The doctors say I'm doing very well. My shoulder is feeling much better, Lee." She sat up a bit straighter. "I can't believe that it's already been over two weeks since I've been here. Mother and the boys have been here every day, but I want to go home. I miss my house, I miss taking care of the boys." She lowered her head, shaking it back and forth.
"Everything will be okay, Amanda," Lee soothed, placing his hand on her arm. "You'll go home soon enough. The important thing is to get better first."
Amanda nodded and gave Lee an excited smile. "And guess what," she said, leaning closer to Lee as though sharing a secret, "the doctor says that I can go home..."
"Tomorrow," Lee stated, finishing her sentence. She gave him a quizzical grin. "I spoke with your doctor earlier today," he explained. "And yes, Amanda, you are better, but you still need to take it easy." He pointed his finger at her while he spoke, his face showing lines of worry.
Amanda reached out with her good arm and stroked his hand with her fingertips. She knew that Lee had been through a living nightmare when she was shot. She remembered the look on his face when she woke up in the hospital, his clothes covered in her blood, his eyes puffy and red. She could still hear his words of comfort washing over her, giving her strength.
And even though she had been barely conscious, Amanda remembered every detail of the earth-shattering kiss that Lee Stetson tenderly placed upon her lips. She loved him with every ounce of her strength, and when his words of love reached her ears, the world around her disappeared as her heart soared with joy.
"It's okay, Lee." Amanda gave him a bright smile. "I'm a whole lot better now. The doctors say that I'm fine."
"Actually," Lee corrected, "your doctor's instructions are for you to take it easy for at least another four weeks, Amanda King." He tilted his head to the side and gave her a suspicious look.
"So," Amanda asked, her eyes playful. "Are you going to be my own personal bedside bluebell?"
"I think that can be arranged." Lee winked at Amanda as he gave her a smile. "After all, I've learned from the best." Leaning closer to her, he added, "I can think of a few things guaranteed to nurse you back to health."
Amanda lifted her injured shoulder, trying to put her arm around Lee, but she stopped abruptly when she felt a searing pain.
"Amanda!" Lee scolded her. He quickly rose to his feet, obviously frustrated. "What do you think you're doing? How many times do I have to tell you not to move that arm!" He ran his hand through his hair and leaned over her, checking the bandages on her shoulder.
Amanda knew that Lee was upset because he cared about her. "Oh, Lee," she said, her voice gentle. "I'm alright. It just hurts now and then, but it really is much better."
Amanda's soft voice relaxed Lee, and his heart rate came back down after seeing no signs of further injury.
"Take it easy, Amanda," Lee firmly said, sitting back down on her bed. His hazel eyes were intense. "I don't want you hurt." Amanda King was everything that Lee could have ever wanted. She was smart, courageous, and beautiful. No matter what troubles came her way, her vibrant personality always shone through.
Reaching out, Lee gently traced her lips with his fingers. Leaning down towards her, he placed his lips against hers. Amanda closed her eyes as they shared a soft, lingering kiss. Lee pulled back, holding her face with both of his hands. Running his thumb down her cheek, he held her close and kissed her again.
"Oh, wow!" Amanda smiled, looking deeply into Lee's eyes. She could read him easily, and she knew that he was troubled. Taking his hand, she said, "I can't wait to see what my bedside bluebell has in mind."
Lee managed to relax a bit more with Amanda's words, feeling better with her in his arms. Thoughts of her recent injury still haunted him, and he continued to be bothered by the behavior of Jack Jerken. Even though he couldn't put his finger on it, every inch of his gut told him that trouble was coming.
TBC