Andy Comes Home - Alternate Pt. 03

Andy Comes Home Alternate Ending - Pt. 03

It took awhile. So many of you let me know there was a problem with my first posting of this story, I finally decided to change it. Most of the revisions happen in the second half. I truly value your thoughts and comments.

I tried to take down the original Part 3, but waited weeks and nothing happened. Just tonight I thought of posting an alternative ending - call me slow.

I hope you enjoy this revised offering of mine to you. As always, if you are seeking something fast, this story is probably not for you. Please feel free to comment or write to me - I answer all emails. Now, on with the story!

*****

I never thought life would be this good.

I really didn't. And, remember I was wounded; okay, I got shot by Andi's drug crazed ex-boyfriend when he crashed a celebration and over 70 people were in danger. That story is told in Part 2, and honestly this story will make more sense if you read both Parts 1 and 2 and Michael, first. But, a very brief summary follows.

I raised my son, Andy from age eight, which was when his Mother decided that she no longer wanted to be a mother or wife. I made Andy the focus of my life and love without smothering him. I supported him in every activity he was involved in from the third grade to when he graduated from high school. Sports, PTA Meetings, Teacher Meetings, Plays - you name it and I was there.

When he was 16 he told me he was gay, and like everything else, we talked about it and I assured him that he was my son and I loved him. I realized that when he was speaking at his high school graduation that somewhere along the line I fell in love with him. But, of course, nothing would ever come of that, I thought.

During his junior year at college he started going out with Russell, and lived with him for about five years - well after graduation and as Andy established himself in a great job. The problem was that Russell was a controlling jerk and in the name of love, Andy tried to be everything Russell wanted which meant that Andy became more feminine, which he found to be his natural self. Andy had the courage and self-respect to leave Russell when Andy found him in their bed with a gym rat and ended up coming home.

I had fixed up Andy's old room as an office and redecorated the guest room so he would be comfortable. He was overwhelmed which led to a talk in which I admitted loving him more than a father should. He admitted to me that he had loved me since high school, but always kept it to himself. We talked about the challenges, and decided we'd become lovers - father and son incest. Andy became Andi full time. We were very lucky to have a large support group that was happy for us. Which led to a celebration for us, and that led to me being shot.

That's just enough to bring you up to date. I do suggest reading Parts 1 and 2 to get the details.

Andi told me she wanted to get breast implants while I was still in the hospital after being shot. She saw how life can be so short and didn't want to lose a moment not being the person she wanted to be. Our doctor, Ivan, was able to get her to see a surgeon he trusted and her friend Marissa went with her. Marissa already had implants by the same doctor and it made sense for her to go in with Andi to talk with the surgeon.

Also, while I was in the hospital, Andi and I had another important talk.

"Baby," I started, "you know I want you to have the best life possible."

"I know that, Daddy," she told me with a smile.

"One day you might meet someone who you will want to get to know better," I told her. "Someone who might be closer to your age and someone you could have a very rich life with."

"Daddy, I don't want anyone else," she said almost in tears.

"I know, Honey," I said as I brought her into my arms.. well, my one working arm at the time. "Just know that I will understand and be happy for you if that happens. As you well know, we don't know what the future holds. Promise me you will be open."

"It's silly, but I promise, Daddy."

Just then a doctor and nurse came in to check on me. My recovery was nothing short of miraculous during the next three weeks due to a special treatment Andi and Marissa gave me.

So, there I was two months after being shot - and nearly 100% healed - in the waiting room sitting in a chair near the door reading an article when the door opened and just as the person entered, she tripped and literally landed in my lap! Of course my arms went around her to stabilize her so she wouldn't fall to the ground. There was a very inelegant grunt when she landed and a mass of golden blonde hair whipping around. In a moment everything was settled, but she still continued to be a bit surprised and was lightly panting.

"Are you okay," I asked with a gentle voice. I didn't want to provide any more surprises for her.

"Yeah, I think so," she said after a few moments. "I was so clumsy..." she started as she turned to look at me while still in my lap. Golden brown hair with the most remarkable blue eyes? I know...

"Jim," she said loudly and happily. "Of all of the laps I could have fallen into, it had to be yours."

"Michelle," I said, "how lucky am I?"

"Well," instantly going into flirt mode, "play your cards right and you might get even luckier."

"I had all of the luck I deserved when you graduated with your Master's," I told her. "And then you disappeared," I added quietly.

"Yeah," she admitted, "we need to talk."

"Do you want to get comfortable and tell me what's happened, or do you have time now? Want to come by the house later," I asked.

"I'm very comfy where I am," she said as she again moved her hips on me with a smile. I just shook my head, but that didn't stop my body from responding. She felt me grow hard under her and smiled in triumph.

"We'll talk later," she whispered. "Right now I need to get into the doctor's office to talk with a new patient."

I helped her out of my lap and picked up her purse and shoulder bag she was carrying. When I stood to give them to her, I was reminded about how tall she was. In her heels she was almost eye to eye with me, but regardless of how tall she was, she was all woman in my eyes. I wanted to find out what has happened to her during the last year and a half; that would be later.

Watching her walk away in her business suit with a short skirt I was reminded about how great her legs were and how gracefully she walked. Michelle took being feminine to a whole new level and was so very sexy.

About a minute later I heard the expected low screams of delight when Michellle entered the doctor's office. Michelle and Andi were seeing one another for the first time in years as far as I knew. As I sat there I thought the reunion would be good for them both.

About 20 minutes later three excited women; Andi, Marissa and Michelle came out of the doctor's office.

"Daddy," Andi started in a gleeful voice, "did you see Michael? Sorry, Michelle. Or did she walk right by you?"

"I saw her and we even talked for a moment," I said smiling as a look of understanding passed between Michelle. We were both thinking of several months a few years ago during which we had a very special relationship.

"Good, great," Andi replied. "I asked her, well, really told her that she was coming over for dinner tonight. Okay?"

"Of course it's okay. I would love to have her over. It seems like there is some catching up to do," I commented. "Can Marissa come?"

"She already has plans, Daddy," Andi told me quietly. "Ivan,"she whispered. Ivan was our doctor who I thought was very interested in Marissa, and it seems like I might be right.

"I hope you have a wonderful evening, Marissa," I told her.

"What time can you come over, Michelle," I asked, turning to her.

"Anytime you want me over is good for me."

"How does 4:30 sound," I asked as I looked at Andi who just nodded.

"I'll be there. Same place," she asked and Andi told her she was right.

There were hugs all around as we left; Michelle gave me a firm hug pressing her breasts against me and we were gone. I wasn't sure how I was going to handle Michelle now.

Andi walked out of the office floating on air. Michelle had been one of her best friends in college and to get to see her again just made her very happy.

"What were you and Michelle talking about at the end there," I asked Andi.

"Oh, nothing," she said lightly, "girl stuff, you know. Do we have what you need for dinner," she asked, changing the topic. I still made most of our dinners, old habits die hard, I guess.

"I believe so," I said after a moment. "Do you think pizza will be okay? Not glamorous, but easy."

"Your pizza," she asked and I nodded. "Michelle loved your pizza. I think the veggie pizza was her favorite."

We drove home and I began making the pizza dough to make sure it had time to rise and then made my pizza sauce and a pesto sauce. Shredded cheese and got my toppings ready. I thought three pizzas would be more than enough for us. At 4:00 I started the oven, put together a simple salad without dressing and began to roll out the pizza crusts. I put on the sauces, the cheese and toppings and had them ready to slide into the oven when Michelle arrived. As expected, Michelle was right on time.

Andi opened the door for her and they just held on to one another. It was as if they were both kind of like life jackets for the other keeping one another from going under. That's really the only way I can explain it. As they hugged, I slipped the pizza in the oven. Then Michelle came over to me; it was then I noticed that she had changed into comfortable jeans with a pullover top. Her choice for a top showed just how wonderful her breasts were - not too big; not too small... just right. My real thought? Just what the doctor ordered. Okay, not original at all.

The hug we exchanged was firm and lasted a few moments.

"I've worried about you," I whispered in her ear as we hugged. "And, I have missed you."

"There were days when you should've worried," she told me softly. We broke the hug and smiled at one another. She silently mouthed the words, "I have missed you, too." Andi came up and the three of us had a group hug, then the timer went off.

I knew the fact that there was about a two year age difference between Andi and Michelle, but as I looked at them together, I saw Michelle as five or six years older. She carried herself differently, she took time to understand before she spoke; and, she just dressed a bit older.

"I hope you're hungry," I told them both. "Dinner is ready. And, no, there is nothing you can do except sit down," I said smiling as I went to the kitchen and removed the pizzas. I sliced them and brought them to the table. Wine was already open on the table as well as a pitcher of water. I grabbed the salad, put dressing on it and brought it to the table. Satisfied everything was there, I sat down.

I enjoyed watching them take their first bites of the pizza. Andi just closed her eyes as she chewed with a soft smile. Michelle, well, Michelle had a different reaction. She just moaned as if she was in the throes of a powerful orgasm.

"Is it that good," I asked her.

"Jim," she said with a smile after swallowing her bite, "it's almost better than any orgasm I have ever had." Her answer surprised me and as I looked over at Andi, she was just smiling.

"Michelle, I'm so sorry," I told her sincerely. "Are you sure about that?"

"Well, there were these several months a few years ago..."

"My orgasms with Daddy are so much better than this pizza," Andi interrupted. "Although the pizza is very good."

Michelle nearly choked on her food and I sat there in a state of shock. I was surprised that Andi would bring it up so soon.

"What," Andi started, "what did I say? It was going to come up sooner or later."

I smiled and nodded as I reached my hand out to Andi's just to touch her. I also reached out to Michelle and held both of their hands for a moment. I was surprised but not angry. Her comment really broke the ice.

I looked at Andi and took a deep breath. We weren't trying to hide anything from anyone; I just didn't think we'd announce it. But, Michelle was not just people. Michelle had been a big part of our lives. A big part of my life. After she graduated with an MBA in Finance and Accounting, she was scooped up by some wealth management firm. But, I needed to explain Andi and my life to Michelle before we could get into her life.

"Michelle," I started and she turned her incredible eyes to me, "Andi was in a terrible relationship and came home after breaking it off. Unknown to the other until just a few months ago, we were in love with one another. I admitted to myself I was in love with her at her high school graduation, but thought nothing would ever come of it."

"And, I have been in love with Daddy since I was about 16," Andi jumped in. "That's why my relationship was so screwed up; I wanted Daddy but took Russell instead. When I came home, Daddy made sure everything was just right for me including making me an incredible office since I work from home so much. He did more for me in three days than Russell had done in over five years."

As Andi was speaking we were holding hands on the table, which Michelle obviously noticed.

"As Andi began to recover from the abuse she had been given," I continued, "I began to get the courage to tell her how I felt. But, first we had to put some weight on her, get her into a doctor for an evaluation, and begin to get her in a stable, loving place. With the help of friends, we were able to do just that."

"Once that was done, I explained to Andi how I felt and it was okay if she didn't feel the same way," I told Michelle. "I know how society would criticize us and some would be very abusive to us, but to me that is a small price to pay for a life of love and happiness. Andi agreed."

I watched Michelle as I explained what had happened between Andi and me. I watched as her lovely blue eyes filled with tears, but I didn't know if they were happy or sad tears. A glance at Andi revealed she was tearing as well.

"About a month ago some friends were throwing a celebration for us and an uninvited guest showed up: Russell, Andi's ex. He brought a gun with him and was determined to hurt people. I couldn't let that happen..."

"I read about that," Michelle interrupted. "That was you? You got shot saving the others." She seemed surprised as she learned about what happened at Mario's.

"That was my brave, loving Daddy," Andi confirmed.

"I don't know about brave, Sweetie," I told Andi.

"So, that brings you up to date, Michelle," I said changing the subject.

"I agree with Andi," Michelle said. "You were brave, Jim. You protected Andi and the others from harm... and you got shot. I wish someone loved me enough to do that," she said sadly as she looked down at the table.

"They do," I told her softly. "They still do."

I glanced over at Andi who was just kind of staring at me trying to communicate something. Did I understand what she was trying to tell me? If I did, did she understand the ramifications? As if she could hear my questions she slowly nodded her head as she looked from me to Michelle. Did Andi understand the implied commitment?

"Daddy," Andi said softly, "our hearts and life are big enough."

Okay, maybe she did understand. I reached out to Michelle and lifted her chin with my fingers. Once we were looking at one another eye to eye, I spoke gently.

"Michelle, I love you that much. We love you that much."

Michelle looked shocked but something in her eyes wanted to believe me.

"You don't know what you're saying," she told me.

"I do," I assured her, "and have the scars to prove it," I added with a small smile.

Michelle broke into deep, body wracking sobs. Andi moved to her and just held her friend while I simply held Michelle's hand. The sobs went on for a few minutes; she was clearing her soul. Slowly the sobs stopped.

"I'm so sorry," she sniffed as she pushed her golden hair back from her face.

"Never be sorry for expressing yourself with us," I told her. "I think we will probably see you cry again," I told her with a soft smile. Andi just continued to comfort Michelle by rubbing her back.

"Now, drink some water. Drink some wine and tell us what's been going on with you since you graduated," I asked her. "But, first, let's get more comfortable in the family room. I need to talk with Andi in front of you, Michelle." I knew I had to tell Andi about the relationship Michelle and I once had.

"Wait," Andi said loudly, "we need dessert, Daddy. Need it, don't we, Michelle?" Michelle just smiled and nodded.

"We don't have much for dessert, Sweetie," I told Andi.

"Michelle's favorite is Mario's cheesecake. I'll just go get some," she offered.

"You only had a half-glass of wine, so you'll be okay," I said. "We could all go..." I started to suggest...

"No, you and Michelle stay here and talk. I'll be back soon," Andi told us. Then, just before she walked out of the door, she turned and just looked at Michelle and I for almost a minute as she smiled softly. "My two favorite people in the world," she stated. "I love you both so much." And then she was out the door before I could tell her to take my car. When I glanced at the keys on the hooks, I saw she did indeed take my smaller car.

"It's so relaxing to just be here," Michelle said after looking around. "It's like a beach house should be, even though it's not at the beach."

"Thank you," I said smiling, "that's exactly the effect I was trying to achieve. Is that what you'd like? To live at the beach?"

"That's the dream," she said wistfully. "Who helped you," she asked.

"I got the basic color scheme from that photo," I said as I pointed to a large format picture of the beach, grasses, and water. "I actually took that picture at a beach a few years ago. The wall color is the tan of the beach grass; the trim is the white foam from the waves; and the floors were inspired by the color of the sand. I did get help selecting furniture and fabrics."

"Well, it's beautiful," Michelle said.

"So, Miss Michelle, tell me what's been going on in your life the last year and a half," I said gently, knowing it might be hard for her to tell me what happened. "I have missed you so much; my heart ached when we stopped talking. I didn't know what happened to you. I left messages, but didn't hear from you at all and I think I was afraid of just showing up at your door if you had moved on from me."

"Oh, God, I'm so sorry, Jim. You meant, and mean more to me than anything in the world," she exclaimed through more tears.

"That's all I need to know, Michelle," I told her. "So what happened?"

"I need to start at the beginning, so be patient," Michelle said and continued. "I told the company before I was hired that I was going to become more feminine and would be going through a transition; that I would look more like a tall woman," she smiled. "Everyone from the owner to the director to HR to my co-workers seemed to be supportive. And, for the first almost two years everything went very well. I was doing better than expected and was on track to become a partner sooner rather than later." She paused as she took time to recall and a fleeting look of hurt and disgust crossed her pretty face.

"Then," she continued, "I got breast implants and a bit of surgery to soften the angles of my face. You helped me through that," she said as she caressed my hand. "I returned looking and feeling great. I was still the same me inside but in a slightly different wrapper, I guess. Some of my coworkers, mostly male, started to make comments quietly about how I was a slut and that was the only way I was being successful. In fact, I found out that one of them made up a chart showing what kind of sex I'd have with a client depending on the size of the portfolio, and somebody sent me a copy of it."

"I was the same person after the surgery that I was before," Michelle declared with a quaking voice. "It was so fucking humiliating. I couldn't go to my direct boss because he was one of the "boys" making derisive comments about me. And, the HR Manager was in the office when some of the comments were made and did nothing to stop them, which only made it worse. I was too embarrassed to call you, Jim. I know now that was a mistake, but I wasn't thinking straight."

"Michelle," I said gently as I sat there watching her relive the hell she'd been in, "you don't have to continue."

"I need to tell you. Tell the person who I love why I fell off the face of the Earth," she told me. I sat in silence as Michelle took several deep breaths to relax herself.

"I let it go on for about a year. My work suffered. There was nobody to go home to and be held. I stopped eating and lost weight. God, I was a mess. I was letting those ass holes get to me. And, then one day, I told myself no more."

"Please understand," Michelle went on, "they weren't all sob's, just a loud few that included my boss and the HR Manager. Most of the people I worked with were decent, but only a few tried to stop the comments; unsuccessfully and they paid a price with their co-workers."

"I decided to record the comments for one week. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but knew this was the beginning of getting my life back."

"I had my standing monthly appointment with the Director one afternoon. My coworkers thought nothing about me seeing him because everyone did. However, on that afternoon almost a year ago, I brought my recordings and played them for him. He asked if I had copies of the recordings and if he could have this one. I assured him I had multiple copies. He apologized profusely and told me it would never happen again. That afternoon seven people were fired including my boss and the HR Manager. Security escorted them out of the office with their personal belongings. All phones and computers were company owned, so customer lists stayed."

"The Director called me into his office at the end of the day. He started out by apologizing again and then told me he was assigning the biggest clients to me."

"Sir,' Michelle told the Director, "I don't want the biggest clients. I want my clients. I'll be marked by what happened here today. In a few days everyone in the industry will know what happened and why. No matter that I was in the right, I will be black balled."

"The Director told me I was probably right and asked me what I wanted. We quickly came to a deal. A very large cash settlement. I would keep my clients, if they wanted me to continue with them, and would run trades through the office at a deep discount. Also, I wouldn't come into the office, but would work remotely, he would be available for advice whenever I needed. In the end only seven clients decided to stay with me," Michelle added sadly.

"Just a few more moments and you will be up to date," she told me. "I haven't ever recounted the whole story at one time before."

"Take your time," I told her as I reached out to hold her hand.

"I returned here to the happiest place and times I had ever known about three months ago. I have driven by this house so many times wanting to stop, but was afraid to. Those bastards did a real job on me. And, Jim, if I hadn't fallen into your lap, I might not still be here," she said with an honest smile.

"I... we are glad you are here," I told Michelle. "I'm glad you're finally home."

"Let me finish," Michelle said, "before I break down again. The seven clients who stayed with me aren't very big and don't generate much in the way of income, so while I have investments that pay me, I have some extra time. I took a part-time volunteer position with the doctor who did my implants to help transwomen when they decide to get implants. I feel like I'm helping others. I like that", she said with a smile as she looked at me. "You taught me the importance of giving."

Michelle was finished with her story and I could see the tears beginning again. Not tears of self-pity, but perhaps tears of sadness. I went to the couch, sat next to Michelle and put my arm around her. As she cried, she worked her way closer. I think she felt safe and protected at that moment for the first time in many years.

We sat like that for several minutes. Music softly playing. Feeling her body relax as the tension left it.

"I need to tell Andi about us," I told Michelle.

"I already did in the office and she understands. She knows how great you are and wants us all to be a family."

I nodded and thought there might be challenges, but was relieved that Andi knew about Michelle and I.

"I might be able to help you gain a few clients," I told her softly. "Nice, caring people."

She sat back with a smile looking at me, and then suddenly I felt something dark and empty move through me. There was a tightening of my chest, but it wasn't a heart attack.

"Jim, what is it," Michelle asked. Glancing up I could see she was worried.

"I don't know," I told her. I know I must have looked scared. I didn't know what had just happened. "Michelle, I'm sorry. Something has happened and it's not good. I just don't know what." I didn't tell her that I had felt this same way when Russell was abusing Andi, but only learned that after talking with her when she came home. All I could do was wait.

My phone rang and I nearly jumped out of my skin. It was my friend Mario, who owned the restaurant that Andi had gone to get the cheesecake.

"Mario, what is it," I asked, knowing it was not good news.

"Jim, there's been an accident..."

"Is Andi okay?"

"She's hurt. You need to get down here. A police escort should be pulling up in front of your place about now. Come down here with them," Mario told me. Sure enough I saw the red and blue lights of a cop car in front of the house.

"I'll be there soon," I told Mario just before ending the call. Then I turned to Michelle.

"Michelle, there's been an accident. Andi is hurt. I don't know any more. Can you come with me," I asked her. Michelle choked back a sob and nodded her head as she rose to get her purse.

There was a knock on the front door. A uniformed cop asked me to follow him to an accident site. I thanked him and nodded. Michelle and I got in my SUV and with the police escort we were at the crash site in five minutes. It was a mess.

One car crashed into a light pole and caught on fire. The fire department was working hard to extinguish the flames.

The other car, the one Andi was driving, looked as though it had been hit and spun into another car. It's a good thing she chose to take the BMW coupe - that might have been the only thing that saved her life.

I ran over to where the paramedics had Andi on a gurney. Her face was bloody; they had a neck collar on her; and, I noticed she was on a back board. A cop tried to keep me away from the paramedics. I had to get to her and pushed him away.

"How is she," I asked one of the paramedics. The paramedic nodded at the cop and he backed away.

"She is a very lucky girl," one of the paramedics told me. I noticed his name was Alan. "She has a cut on her forehead and those bleed a lot. As far as we can tell, that is her only injury."

"The collar and back board," I asked.

"Just routine in these instances," he assured me. "But, we need to get her to the hospital to have her fully checked out. They will probably keep her for a night or two."

"Thank you, Alan. I feared the worst," I admitted.

"I get it, but the car saved her life," he commented. "I drive one, too, for just that reason."

"Daddy, I'm sorry," I heard a weak Andi say.

"Baby, I'm just glad you're alive," I told her softly. "I can replace a car, but I can never replace you," I told her as I leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Alan here," he smiled, "will be taking you to the hospital just to get cleaned up and checked out. Michelle and I will be right behind you."

"Michelle's here?"

"I'm right here, Andi," Michelle said as she walked up to the gurney. She had been standing a few feet back to give Andi and I a moment. They held hands for a minute.

"Sir, we really need to be going," Alan told me.

"Michelle, take care of Daddy." Andi said.

"I will honey," Michelle assured her.

They loaded Andi into the ambulance and took off for the hospital. Damn, I forgot to ask which hospital it was going to. I looked around in a bit of a panic.

"They're going to University Hospital," Michelle told me with a soft smile. "I asked the paramedic while you were talking with Andi."

"Thank God you were here, Michelle," I told her and then we just hugged one another tightly

We released the hug as Mario walked up to us with a thermos and a couple of cups.

"Hospital coffee is crap," he said. "Take this. It's just like you like it. I'm glad she's going to be okay."

"Me, too, Mario," I told him. "Michelle, do you still like your coffee...."

"I still drink it the same way you do, Jim," she interrupted me with a soft smile.

"Going to the hospital with me," I asked Michelle.

"Do you have to ask," she replied. "Now that we have found one another again, I'm not letting you out of my sight. Besides, I told Andi I'd take care of you for her."

We turned and walked to my car, a BMW SUV, and before we got to the car, we were stopped by the Chief of Police.

"I'm so sorry this happened, Jim," he said. "If there is anything I can do please let me know. Witnesses and camera footage confirms that the driver was going almost 100 mph and ran the red light before he hit Andi. It's a shame. He was only 19. You have grounds to sue the family."

"They've lost enough, Chief, and we need to get to the hospital," I told him. "Thank you for everything."

"Just follow Ben," he pointed to a police car that had pulled up as we talked. "He will get you there fast."

"Thanks, Chief," I told him as I opened the door for Michelle. "I'll let you know how she's doing in the morning."

The Chief waved as we started to follow Ben, who had already started his lights flashing. Eight minutes later we were walking into the Emergency Room where a nurse greeted us.

"The Police Chief called and told us you were coming," she told Michelle and I. "He must really like you because he never does that. We've run some preliminary tests and Andi is fine except for the cut on her forehead and a mild concussion. The best plastic surgeon in the city is suturing the cut so there won't be a scar."

"Oh, thank God," I told her. The tension that was in my body just left me. "And, thank you nurse for the update."

"The doctor will be out when he can," she told us. "It might be an hour or two."

Michelle and I found chairs in the waiting room and sat down. We began to sip the coffee Mario had given us and sat back to wait for the doctor. Michelle didn't try to talk with me, she just stayed with me and literally held my hand.

Over the next hour all of Mario's employees, 35 of them, came into the waiting room to wait with us. After taking a deep breath, I got up and thanked each one of them for coming and let them know Andi was okay but it would be awhile before we knew details. A few were crying and they all settled back to wait; nobody left.

"They all care about you and Andi," Michelle told me softly as I sat down and then hugged me tightly.

Mario and his son, Tony, walked in. When I stood, Tony just looked at me and shook my hand, then sat down next to Michelle. Mario just wrapped me in a big hug.

"We think Andi will be okay," I told Mario. "You guys don't need to be here."

"You can be an idiot," he told me. "We're family. We're all family," as he swept his arm over the room. "This is what family does. Besides, I brought pastries and fruit for you and Michelle. You need to eat," as he handed me a bag.

"What about them," I asked as I indicated the full waiting room. Mario thought for a minute.

"Tony," he said to his son, "can you take Ben and Drew and go back to the restaurant and make 50 egg burritos and get three cases of water."

"On it, Dad," Tony said as he got up. "We should be back in 25 minutes."

Mario and I sat down, Michelle took my hand again and we just waited. Twenty-three minutes later, Tony was back with the burritos and water. The three of them made enough for the hospital staff, as well. Everyone looked better after eating.

I put my hand into my pocket to get money for Mario. Someone had to pay for the food.

"Don't insult me," Mario said. "After all you have done for me and these people this is the very least I could do. This is what family does," he told me.

I had never had a family like this and began to cry silently. I gained control of myself after a minute and turned to Michelle.

"Are you sure you want to be part of this family," I asked her.

All she could do was nod and smile as I saw the tears running down her cheeks.

The doctor finally came out. He was surprised at how many people were there for Andi. Michelle and I stood up as he just looked at the folks in bewilderment.

"Mr. Palmer," he asked.

"Thank you for everything you've done, doctor," as I stood.

"Andi is doing well. A talented surgeon has closed the wound in her forehead. He doesn't think there will be a scar. She has some bruising but I don't think there are any broken bones. We'd like to keep her for a day or two because she has a mild concussion. And, the truth is we worry about any concussion."

"Thank you. When can we see her," I asked.

"Andi will sleep through the night due to the anesthesia," he told us. "Why don't you come back at about 10:00 tomorrow morning after we have run a few more tests. We will know a lot more then. The best thing you can do for Andi is to get some rest." He looked at the waiting room and loudly said, "Andi is going to be okay. You can all leave and get some sleep." The group broke out in cheers and slowly left the waiting room. Three stayed back to clean up the paper and water bottles. How Mario's people worked together just amazed me.

"Tomorrow morning, then," I said. "Thank you for everything you have done. See you in the morning."

I told Mario and Tony good night and thank you. As Michelle and I were walking out, Alan, the paramedic who helped Andi, walked in.

"Hi, Alan."

"Hello, Mr. Palmer," he said, "I just got off and came in to see how Andi is doing."

"Thank you for coming by, Alan. According to the doctor she will be okay. There will be bruising and aching as well as the cut to her forehead which they closed. They will be keeping her for observation for a couple of days due to a concussion."

"That's great news. Would it be okay if I came by in the morning to see her?"

"Of course," I told him. "I think she'd be very happy to see you." His smile lit up his face.

"Thank you," he said blushing slightly. "Maybe I will see you, well, later today."

"I hope so. Michelle and I have to get some rest, so we have to get home. Please excuse us."

"Sure. Sure," he said and started looking around. "There were a lot of people here," he observed.

"They were all here for Andi," Mario told him. "Andi has a lot of people who care about her."

"I'm seeing that," Alan admitted.

"Alan, this is Mario and his son Tony," I told him. They nodded at one another and there were a few moments of sizing one another up. I didn't have time for this.

"Mario, Alan is the paramedic who treated Andi at the scene," I told him. Mario broke into a wide smile.

"Thank you," he said as he shook his hand.

We all walked out together. Michelle and I went home where we collapsed in bed. Michelle cuddled up to me and I held her. She felt so good. When I woke up the next morning, Michelle was gone from the bed, but her scent and warmth lingered.

I walked into the kitchen where I found a note.

Jim,

Be back by 9:00. I had to get some clean clothes! So glad Andi is going to be okay.

I do love you,

Michelle

I went to call Michelle, but then realized I didn't have her number. I needed to take care of that this morning. I wanted her to bring enough clothes for at least a week. After a quick breakfast I set up Andi's old room for when she got back from the hospital. I tried to make it more comfortable and realized I should probably get a TV, since I thought she'd be spending time in the room. Also, I thought Alan might be around and we wouldn't have to explain things. I checked to make sure the bathroom had everything she'd need.

At 9:00 there was a knock on the door. When I opened it I found a smiling Michelle.

"I'm sorry," she said,"I don't have a key." She was balancing clothes on hangars and a suitcase. I took the suitcase and brought it in, which made it much easier for her. She put the hanging clothes on the couch while I left the room. Returning, I handed her a key.

"Now, you have a key to your home," I told her.

"Really?"

"Yes, really," I answered smiling."Andi said we are a family and there is room for you here. She expects you to be here and I want you here," I told her, smiling.

"Oh, Jim," she exclaimed as she fell into my arms.

"I'm moving Andi's clothes into her old bedroom," I told Michelle. "Between therapists, and I expect Alan to be around for some reason, I don't want to make any explanations. You can put your things in the Master. I'm sure we will figure it all out later."

Michelle put her clothes away in the master bedroom, while I moved Andi's clothes to her new room.

At 10:00 we were walking into Andi's room. She and Alan were deep in conversation and seemed to be enjoying one another. Her room had several flower arrangements and toys in it already.

"Daddy! Michelle!" Andi exclaimed.

"How are you feeling, Baby," I asked as I walked around the bed to give her a hug. Michelle followed me and hugged her tightly, as well.

"I'm a little groggy, have a head ache and my body just hurts," she told us. "Alan has told me that is all to be expected," she said looking at him and smiling.

"Playing Doctor, huh," I joked.

"Daddy!"

"Jim, let them be," Michelle said softly, which got a soft smile from Andi.

Just then I was saved by the doctor walking in. He confirmed that Andi had a mild concussion and that other than bruises and soreness, she was just fine. He told us that Andi would probably be going home the next day just after lunch. We all just smiled and began making plans for her homecoming.

"Mr. Palmer," Alan said, "can I talk to you in the hall for a minute," he asked.

"Of course."

"Excuse us," I said to Andi and Michelle.

Alan led me to a small waiting room and we sat down.

"The Fire Chief and Police Chief have both already talked to me about Andi. They made it very clear that I was to be careful and not hurt her in any manner. They inferred I could look for a new job if that happened," he told me.

"I didn't ask them to do that."

"I know. Mario and Tony sent me the same message non-verbally when I met them. I heard that they crushed a guy's wrists with their bare hands. And while they don't scare me, the two of them do make me pause."

"They love Andi," I told him, "and only want the best for her. Andi has a lot of people who truly care for her."

"I know and can see why," he said. "I would like to get to know her better."

"Does she want to get to know you?"

"Yes," he said with a smile.

"Okay, Alan. I know she will talk to me about it," I told him. "And, you already know what will happen if you are ever cruel to her. Let's go back to the room."

"Before we go," Alan said, "I just wanted to tell you that I don't always want to be a Paramedic. I am waiting to get into a physician assistant program to work in the emergency room. I was a Pararescue Jumper in the Air Force."

"I'm impressed," I told him. PJ's are specialized special operators. Thank you so much for what you have done... and will do," I added with a smile. "You have a wonderful future planned, Alan. I imagine you've already told Andi."

"I have, Sir."

I smiled. Alan might be the One for Andi. Time will tell.

"If you need any help for anything, please come to me," I told him sincerely.

We stood up and before we left the room, we shook hands that turned into a hug. I told him that he was a good man and everything would be alright.

When we returned to the room I could see Andi and Michelle had been talking. Both of them were wiping away tears. I went to Andi and hugged her.

"It's okay, Baby," I said softly.

"Really, Daddy?"

"Yes," I assured her. "I knew it would happen with the right person. Is Alan the right person?"

"I think so."

I gave her a kiss on her hair and told her we'd be back later in the afternoon. Michelle and I said bye to Alan and left. We didn't say a word until we got to the car.

"How are you, Jim," Michelle asked.

"I'm okay."

"Really?"

"Yeah," I assured her. "Michelle, I love you like a man loves a woman. I just ask that you never disappear again - that would hurt me more than you could know. I believe we can face anything. And, I have found that I still love Andi like she's my little girl so I expected her to find the right person for her life."

"Jim Palmer, you are stuck with me," Michelle said.

"Good."

When Michelle and I returned to see Andi in the afternoon, Annie Waters was just leaving Andi's room. Annie is her unofficial godmother, mentor and friend. Annie is also one of the most beautiful women I'd ever seen, and like Michelle, she is trans. Well, the truth is that it's kind of a tie between Michelle and Annie. We stopped to talk with Annie in the hallway.

"Andi is in great spirits but her poor body is so bruised," Annie said. 'Why don't you bring her to my house so I can help her after she gets out?"

"She'd love that Annie," I said. "Let me talk to her."

"Annie Waters, this is Michelle Baker," as I introduced them to one another.

"Michelle Baker," Annie asked incredulously. "My husband has wanted to meet you for years."

"He has? Who is your husband?" Michelle was really confused.

"Nat Waters."

"The Nat Waters," Michelle asked. "Waters and Company?"

Annie just nodded and smiled watching Michelle's reaction.

"Jim," Annie said, "why don't you and Michelle come over for dinner tonight? Say about 7:00?"

"We'll be there," I assured Annie.

"And, why don't we see more of you, Jim" Annie asked.

"I have always thought you and Nat were very busy and I didn't want to intrude," I told her.

"You are one of our favorite people," she told me. "We will expect to see more of you." I knew an order when I heard one.

Waters and Company was over 100 years old. It was started by Nat's great great grandfather to serve folks who needed sound investment advice and they could provide legal services as well. Their reputation was incredible. Honest, ethical and caring weren't just words to them. And, I was fortunate enough to be a client. Nat Waters was the recipient of generational wealth and due to his own work was hedge fund guy wealthy, but you'd never know it to talk with him.

We had a short visit with Andi that afternoon. She was still tired and needed her sleep. I did ask her about Alan, though.

"I like him, Daddy," she said, afraid she was going to disappoint me.

"Baby, I have expected that a special person would come into your life," I told her.

"So, you aren't mad?"

"Of course not," I assured her. "But does Alan know..."

"That I am special," she asked. "That I have a cock?"

"That's one way to put it, yes," I smiled.

"He knows and he doesn't care," Andi said with a smile. "He likes me - all of me as I am."

"Annie wants to take care of you after you get out of here," I told her.

"Daddy, no offense, but I'd love that," she told us with a smile.

"It's okay, Baby," I told Andi. "I'll let her know. Get some rest now," I said as I kissed her cheek.

Andi's eyes were already closing as Michelle and I eased from the room.

"You never mentioned anything about Nat Waters," Michelle said to me as she looked for an explanation.

"I have never talked about Nat Waters to anyone," I told her. "I knew they were good, but kind of assumed there were a lot of companies like them."

"Baby, you don't really know, do you?"

"I don't think so," I told her. "My grandfather set up a trust for the house with Waters and Company many years ago. Then my dad invested through them and always spoke so highly of them. So, when I won the lottery about ten years ago, there really wasn't a question of who I would turn to. It was Waters and Company. We've been with them for three generations and over the years the families have become friends."

"So, he's just good ol' Nat to you," she asked.

"Pretty much," I admitted.

"Waters and Company is the gold standard," she informed me. "The platinum standard. If you are an ethical and honest advisor and want to do the right thing every time for your clients, Waters and Company is the only place to be."

"And, you're meeting him tonight," I told her. "Just be yourself, please. He's way too smart to miss your great heart, sharp mind, and you are driven to do the right thing. You heard Annie, he's been wanting to meet you for years."

Dinner with Nat and Annie went well that evening. Annie was excited about having Andi there and showed us the room where she'd be staying and that she had already organized Andi's physical therapy. I told her that I would bring some of Andi's things in the morning.

Both Nat and Annie were very impressed with Michelle and by the end of the evening the three of them were going to be very good friends. Michelle was going to start on Monday at Waters and Company, which meant she could do the work she loved helping people. Annie was going to introduce Michelle to a few friends, The Group, who ran the most successful non-profit in the state and were successful in their work lives.

Michelle was finally starting to live again.

Andi was released from the hospital and recovered fast under Annie's care. Because Marissa visited Andi so much at Annie's house, Marissa became one of Annie's Special Girls. Three years later, Alan married Andi in a small but elegant ceremony at Annie's house. In those three years, Alan had become a beloved physician's assistant in the emergency room at University Hospital where he truly saved lives. That seemed to be the perfect place for him since he had spent eight years as a Para Rescue person in the Air Force trained to find downed crew members, do first aid and bring them back from behind enemy lines.

Michelle and I? Three months after Andi's accident, I asked Michelle to marry me and gave her a very nice ring. I went for the quality of the diamond and not the size of the ring I gave her, which really symbolized our relationship. A year later we were married. Michelle became one of Nat's best advisors who was loved by her clients and co-workers. Nat and Annie insisted that we honeymoon at their house in Hawaii.

Life didn't turn out like I planned; it turned out better.

******

And, as always, thank you for your time. Did you like the revisions? Please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email.