Two weeks later, Johnny was working his last shift before he'd be asking Kim to marry him. With the engine out on an early evening call, the two paramedics were out back talking about Johnny's “big weekend.”
“Are you nervous at all, Junior?”
“Nope…not at all, Pally. You know, in my life there were a couple decisions that I made and I had absolutely no doubts about…the first one was becoming a firefighter and the second was when I decided to become a paramedic. This decision to ask Kim to marry me…it's a no-brainer.”
Roy couldn't help but to smile at his partner. “So when are you guys gonna be hitting the road?”
“Friday morning. Kim took the day off. That will give us three whole days together…no interruptions.”
“Does she have *any* idea what's going down this weekend?”
“I'm not really sure Roy . As far as I know, she thinks that we're just going away for the weekend. I can't wait to see her face when I ask her to marry me.”
Roy smiled at Johnny. “I promise you…it'll be a moment that neither one of you will ever forget. You can count on that. How did you come up with the idea of proposing in a hot air balloon?”
“I don't know…it just seemed romantic. How did you propose to Joanne?”
“We were walking in the park one summer evening, and we stopped and I kinda just blurted out ‘will you marry me, Joanne?'”
“I assume she said yes.”
Smiling back at his partner. “Yeah, she said yes.”
The next morning, Johnny was happily changing to go home.
“Good luck, Johnny.”
“Thanks Mike.”
“I hope she says yes, Johnny.”
“She will, Marco…she will.”
Ducking into the locker room, Captain Stanley offers a few words. “John, I just wanted to wish you luck, Pal. You're gonna do just fine. Kim is a lucky girl.”
“Thanks Cap. I appreciate the sentiments.”
After the other three men leave, Johnny is left in the locker room with Roy and Chet.
“What are you guys doing now?” The truth of the matter was…now that the “special moment” was getting ever so closer, Johnny *was* indeed getting a little nervous. He was hoping breakfast out with Roy and Chet would calm him down.
“Sorry, Junior. I gotta get home to Joanne and the kids. Call me later Johnny, but if you get held up…good luck to ya.”
“Okay Roy , thanks.”
“We'll be thinkin' of you. See ya Monday, Chet.”
“Sure thing Roy .”
Roy closes his locker and leaves.
“How about you Chet? What are you doing now?”
“Actually…I have a lot of errands to run. I'd love to chat, but I really gotta go. It's like Cap said Johnny…You'll do fine. Don't be nervous…Kim will say yes. See you on Monday.”
“Thanks Chet.”
The next morning Kim and Johnny arrived at their destination…a quaint bed and breakfast about three hours up the coast from Los Angeles .
“Johnny, this place is adorable. How did you ever find it?”
Grinning, Johnny answered. “I have my connections.” The reality was that Dixie had suggested it. This particular bed and breakfast was a favorite place that she and Doctor Brackett had frequented when they were dating many years before.
Opening the windows in their room, Kim took in the fresh sea air. “Right on the ocean. Maybe we could go for a swim later.”
“Sounds good. Hungry?”
“Starving.”
Johnny laughed. He was constantly amazed at what a good appetite Kim had. Looking at her, he always wondered where she put it all. “Let's see if we can do something about finding a place to eat.”
They did find a place…a very cozy restaurant not too far from where they were staying. Sitting down at their table, Johnny reached into his pants pocket. He had the small velvet box with the ring in it, in his pocket. Tempted to just “pop the question” now, Johnny fought the urge. **Being up in the clouds will be more romantic**
“You alright, Johnny? You seem a little distracted.”
“I'm fine…quite happy, in fact. It feels good to be out of the city, but it feels even better to be here with *you*. So…what looks good to you?”
Kim couldn't help but smile at Johnny. “Oh…you mean on the menu.” That comment earned Kim a big smile in return.
“Yes dear, on the menu.”
“I'm leaning towards a turkey club. How about you?”
“I don't know…maybe a burger and fries.”
“Your usual, huh.”
The two of them giggled. After only dating for about two months, they certainly knew each other well.
After lunch, Kim and Johnny went for a walk on the beach.
“This reminds me of that day I saw you on the beach. You were just sitting there looking so sad.”
“But *you* took care of that.” Johnny stopped and turned to face Kim. “Kim, I…I don't want you to ever doubt how much I love you…and what you mean to me. You'll always be a part of my life…an important part of my life.”
Kim laughed. “There was never any doubt in my mind about *that*. Johnny…what's going on? You've been acting strangely ever since we got here.”
John took a deep breath. “Kim…” He knew that if he asked her right now, his visions of the very romantic proposal he had planned would be for naught, but he decided that he just couldn't wait any longer. “Kim…I know it's fast, and you probably think I'm crazy…but…will you marry me?” He takes out the small velvet box out of his pocket and opens it up.
She answered him before even looking at the ring. “I will. I'll make you the happiest man on the face of the earth.”
“I already am.” Putting the diamond ring on Kim's finger, Johnny couldn't help but think to himself how lucky he was to have found somebody like Kim to finally share his life with.
“Johnny…this ring is beautiful.”
“It pales in comparison to the person wearing it. Kim…I meant what I said before…about how much I love you.”
“I know…and I love you.”
Taking Kim in his arms, he passionately kisses her. “I had it all planned out…this wasn't how it was supposed to go…it was going to be so romantic.”
“John Gage…*this* was the most romantic thing anyone's ever done for me. I couldn't imagine anything more romantic.”
“Well, I guess tomorrow can still be a surprise.”
“You can always ask me again tomorrow…and my answer will still be yes. I gather Chet knew all about this?”
“He sure did…Chet, Roy…all the guys.”
“Tell me Mr. Gage…do you have an idea of when you'd like us to become husband and wife?”
“Well…as much as I'd like it to happen tomorrow or even next week, I'm a pretty old-fashioned guy. I was thinkin' about next June…you can be a June bride…the most beautiful one there ever was. What do ya say to next June?”
“Sounds good to me. So, what *do* you have planned for tomorrow?”
“If I tell you…it won't be a surprise. But I promise, it will be special.”
“Johnny…I'll always remember this moment and how happy I am.”
Laughing slightly, John responded. “Remember that the next time I end up at Rampart.”
Continuing their walk on the beach, hand in hand…they walked for another hour talking about their plans for the future. Returning to their room, they decided to fore go dinner and instead spent the whole evening in bed.
The next morning Kim woke up to see Johnny awake and smiling at her.
“Mornin'.” Leaning over, Johnny kisses her.
“It *isn't* a dream. You really *are* here next to me.”
“I sure am. I was thinking we'd go down for breakfast and then go for a ride.”
“Sounds like a great idea.”
After showering and dressing, they enjoy a quiet breakfast and go for a ride. A few hours later they stop at a small country store and buy things for a picnic lunch. Looking for and finding a nice place to eat, they enjoy a romantic picnic.
“I wish life was always like this. It's going to be hard going back to work on Monday.”
“It won't be that bad. Look at it this way Kim, you can show off your new ring to all your friends at work…make the other girls all jealous.”
“I like that idea. Am I eventually gonna find out what your big surprise is?”
“Yeah…just a couple more hours to go.”
Finally the time came. Johnny pulled his Rover into a parking lot, and as they got out of the car, Kim saw the hot air balloon.
“A hot air balloon…Johnny…this is amazing.”
“I wanted to ask you to marry me, up in the air…but I couldn't wait. Yesterday…out on the beach…the moment was too perfect to pass up. I *had* to ask you. Come on, let's get on.”
They greeted the pilot of the balloon and got into the basket. Once they were up in the air, Johnny again asked the question. “Kim…will you marry me?”
Smiling at the paramedic, Kim responded. “John Gage, my answer is still yes. I would be honored to be your wife.”
They embrace warmly. When they turn around, Kim notices the beautiful sunset. “The sunset is so beautiful, Johnny.”
“I'm glad you like it…I picked it out just for you.”
After being up in the balloon for a half hour, they return to the ground. Thanking the pilot, they disembarked.
“Congratulations folks. I wish you both lots of happiness…you seem like a nice young couple.”
“Thank you, that's very kind of you.”
Driving back to their bed and breakfast, they decided to stop for a late dinner which was followed by another romantic walk on the beach.
“We *have* to go back home tomorrow, Johnny?”
“Yup…I'm afraid we do. We both have to go to work early on Monday morning. Hey…we'll always have the memories of this weekend.”
The next morning after eating a leisurely breakfast, Johnny and Kim spent a couple hours frolicking in the water. By mid-day they left to return home to Los Angeles . They both still had things to do before returning to work in the morning, so they said their good-byes when Johnny took Kim home.
“Johnny…” Kim was cut off before she could say anything else.
“Shhh…I want to say something first. I want to thank you for agreeing to marry me. You have made me so incredibly happy. I used to think my life was good…and it was. I have a job I love and people I enjoy working with…but something…something was missing. And that something was finding someone…someone special to share everything with. Roy …he has Joanne…I wanted *my* Joanne…and I found her…*you*. Kim, I love you with all of my heart.”
Kim was overwhelmed. Not usually overemotional, she started to cry…tears of happiness, of course. “I love you too, Johnny. Thank you for an incredible weekend…I'll always remember it. And…thank you for making me feel so special…*I'm* the lucky one. See you tomorrow some time?”
“Sure thing…I'll find ya.”
After a very passionate kiss good-bye, Johnny left to go home…smiling all the way back to his apartment.
When Monday morning arrives, Johnny is in a totally euphoric state of mind. Getting to work before the rest of his shift, he notices that both the engine and squad from the previous shift are still out. Changing quickly, he goes to the kitchen and brews a fresh pot of coffee and places the box of donuts that he brought in, on the table. As Johnny was sitting waiting for the coffee to finish brewing, he was contemplating his future with Kim. His reverie was broken by the arrival of his Captain.
“John…you're early, Pal. Everything alright?” When Hank sees the big smile on Johnny's face he remembers the plans that his paramedic had for the weekend. “I gather she said yes, huh John?”
Still grinning, Johnny answered. “She said yes, Cap…she said yes. I am an engaged man.”
“Congratulations…I'm glad everything worked out for you.” The two men shake hands.
“Thanks Cap. By next summer, I'll be joining you and Roy in the ranks of the married. You know…the chase is fun…but getting caught is even better.”
Smelling the freshly brewed coffee, the rest of the A-shift soon joins Johnny and Captain Stanley in the kitchen. His friends all look at him expectantly, which prompts a big grin on his face.
“She said yes.”
After a hearty round of congratulations, Roy offers his partner a “coffee” toast. “Well Partner, congratulations. You got yourself a great girl, and on behalf of all the guys…best wishes for a great life together.”
“Thanks Roy .”
Hearing the engine and squad returning, A-shift greets them.
“Did you guys hear the news?... Johnny's getting hitched.”
Charlie Dwyer, as well as the rest of C-shift was stunned at hearing Mike Stoker's news. “Who's…who's the crazy…I mean lucky girl, Johnny?”
Before Johnny could respond, Chet answers for him. “Watch your tongue, Pal…he's marrying my sister Kim.”
Laughter quickly broke out from the men of C-shift. Dwyer's partner Matt Gilmour was the first one to regain his senses. “You mean you and Gage will be family, Kelly? That's the funniest thing I've heard in a long time.”
The klaxons sound, calling the squad away on their first run of the day…and interrupting the current moment of silliness.
Squad 51, man down… 3240 Butler Boulevard , cross street McKenzie…timeout 850.
Captain Stanley responded on the mic, “Squad 51 responding, KMG-365.” He handed the slip of paper to Roy , and the squad took off.
Arriving on scene, they pulled up to a well-kept ranch house and were met by a young male who looked like he was in his late teens. While getting out their equipment, Roy asked him what the problem was.
The dark-haired boy answered. “It's Justin. He hurt his leg. We were playing soccer in the back yard when he fell. I think he stepped in a hole or something.”
Roy smiled at the boy. “Relax, we'll help him. What's your name?”
“My name is Wesley…everyone calls me Wes.”
“Okay Wes. Were Justin's parents called?”
“They're outta town…won't be home till next week.”
“How old are you guys?”
“Eighteen.”
“Good…at least we don't need parents' permission to treat him.”
As they came around into the back yard, they spotted Justin on the ground…another boy squatting next to him.
Roy set up the bio-phone, while Johnny started talking to Justin. “Hi there. I'm Johnny and this is my partner Roy. We're gonna take good care of you. I just want you to relax, okay?”
Justin nodded his head, but it was clear that he was in a lot of pain.
“How did this happen?”
The other fellow who was near Justin started to answer. “We were kicking the ball around, and all of a sudden Justin's feet went out from under him. I'm pretty sure he stepped in a hole or something.”
Johnny turned around, and in fact a couple of feet from them was a hole.
“I'm going to take your vitals, Justin…lay still for me.”
Between gritted teeth, he answers. “That won't be a problem…that's all I *can* do.”
After getting his vitals and calling Rampart, Justin is splinted and readied for transport.
“Will one of you guys be able to reach Justin's parents? Let them know what happened, but that he's not seriously injured.”
Wes spoke up. “Sure…we'll take care of it and meet him at the hospital.”
“Good deal, Wes… Rampart General Hospital .”
When Justin is loaded into the ambulance, Johnny gets in with him.
“See you at Rampart, Johnny.”
“Okay Pally.”
Roy closes the two doors and gives the customary two taps to signal all clear.
Following behind in the squad is Roy, who becomes very anxious as the ambulance approaches a green light…coming from the right side of the intersection is a red pick up truck that has a red light, but doesn't show signs of slowing down. As the ambulance crosses into the intersection, the red pick up truck plows into the ambulance.
Right away, after seeing the accident Roy radios for an engine, another squad and two ambulances. He knew that the occupants of the ambulance, especially the three in the back…Johnny, Justin, and the attendant must have gotten thrown around pretty good.
Roy grabs the crow bar from the squad and tries to pry open the back doors. Meeting him by the doors is Dave, the ambulance driver.
“You okay, Dave?”
“I'm fine…just a little banged up. Let me help you.”
Working together the two men were able to get the doors opened. What they saw surprised them. Cal the ambulance attendant and their victim Justin seemed to be just shaken up, but relatively unscathed. Johnny it appeared got the worst of it. As Roy was preparing to go into the ambulance, Dave went to check on the other driver…sirens could be heard quickly approaching.
“How is he Dave?”
“Unconscious.”
“Help will be here in a minute.” No sooner did Roy say that, then Engine 51 and Squad 110 arrived.
Captain Stanley arrived and started to talk to Roy . “You okay?”
“I'm fine…I was in the squad. I need help with Johnny…he took the brunt of it.”
The two paramedics from 110's got started on helping the other driver, while Roy was helping Johnny and the other two people in the back of the ambulance. Cal was helped down and checked out by Marco. They couldn't move Justin until they got Johnny out of the way.
“How ya doin' Justin?”
“My leg really hurts…but I'm okay. Your friend looks like he's hurt real bad, though.”
“We're going to take care of all of you, just relax, okay.”
Justin nods his head.
Roy starts to tend to Johnny, who was unconscious and slumped on the floor of the ambulance. “I need a c-collar and backboard, Cap.”
Chet runs to the squad to get the needed equipment. After helping Roy to get Johnny on the backboard, he establishes a link to Rampart on the bio-phone. “Rampart, this is Squad 51, how do you read?”
“We read you loud and clear…go ahead 51.” The voice was Dixie McCall's.
Chet continued. “We have four victims of an MVA…Squad 110 will also be transmitting from scene. Stand by for more information.”
“10-4, 51.”
After getting Johnny out of the ambulance, he's put on the ground and Roy does a more thorough examination of him.
“He's got a head injury for sure, Cap. Cuts, bruises, possible fractured right wrist and dislocated left shoulder. His vitals are a little weak, and he might have some internal injuries as well.”
The stretcher carrying Justin on it is placed into one of the newly arrived ambulances. After being checked out, it's determined that his only injury is the one he sustained playing soccer in his back yard.
Roy gets on the phone to Rampart. “Rampart, more information on MVA.” He gives all the information on the first three victims before continuing on about Johnny. “Victim four is Johnny. He was in the ambulance with our original victim.” Roy gives Rampart all of Johnny's vitals and possible injuries. After starting the IV, the paramedic is readied for transport.
Squad 110 had just left with the driver of the truck, when the second ambulance was being loaded.
“Chet, you take the squad in. Marco, you ride in with Roy in case he needs help. Mike and I will meet you at Rampart.”
To Roy , the ride to the hospital seemed to take forever. Looking down at his partner who was strapped to a backboard and unconscious, he couldn't help but to think of how such a happy morning had turned so incredibly ugly.
Arriving at the hospital, the ambulance was met by Doctor Morton. Justin was wheeled into one room, while Johnny was taken to another one. The two ambulance attendants waited in another one.
When Dixie entered Treatment Room Three, she was met by a very anxious Roy DeSoto. “Dix…Kim…Kim Kelly. Someone's gotta call her. She and Johnny got engaged over the weekend. She's upstairs.”
“I'll take care of that, Roy . Why don't you go wait outside with the others.”
Roy reluctantly left the room and was immediately met by the rest of 51's crew who was anxiously awaiting news on Johnny…no one more anxious than Chet Kelly.
“Is someone callin' my sister? She's…”
“ Dixie 's taking care of that. I have a feeling she's going up there, personally.”
The nurse did go up to see Kim. At first she thought Dixie was there to congratulate her on the engagement, but when she saw the concerned look on Dixie 's face, she knew something bad had happened.
“Something's wrong, Dixie …something happened to Johnny didn't it?”
“Kim, relax. We really don't know much yet. Johnny was riding in the ambulance with a victim and they were in an accident. All we know is that he's currently unconscious. Why don't you come down with me…you'll be able to see him before too long.”
For being so scared, Kim was able to stay calm. She told her boss where she was going and why, and left with Dixie . When she arrived downstairs in the ER, she immediately ran over to Chet who hugged her.
“It'll be okay Kim, Johnny'll be fine.”
Kim really hoped so. Now that Johnny would be a permanent part of her life, she *needed* him to be okay.
As the crew waited in the lounge for word on Johnny, Kim was sitting quietly being comforted by her big brother. Although Roy was experienced in waiting for word on his injured partner, he was not used to sharing his extreme concern with other people. Kim would now be in the same position as his wife. Joanne would be worried about Roy if something had happened to him, so to would Kim be about Johnny. It also made him realize that there was a lot more to Chet than just the Phantom. He too, had a very real stake in Johnny's welfare as well.
As the time passed and the minutes ticked away, it was over an hour before they received any news on the fallen paramedic. When Doctor Brackett entered the room, everyone jumped up.
Out of habit, Roy was the first one to speak up. “Doc, how's Johnny?”
“Well…he's still unconscious. The x-rays show a severe concussion. We're getting ready to send him for CT-scan. He has some fractured ribs, as well as a broken wrist and dislocated shoulder. Beyond that, we won't know until after the scan. I'll keep you all posted.”
Kim bravely spoke up, asking the question that she was almost afraid to hear the answer to. “Doctor Brackett…John will be okay, won't he?”
Kel smiled at the attractive brunette. “Just think good thoughts, young lady. Your fiancé is in good hands…and he's a fighter. I'll be back as soon as I know anything.”
As soon as Brackett left the room, Hank turned around to face Chet and Roy. It was a new experience for him, as well. Normally he'd take Roy out of service and put the engine back *into* service. But now with Chet and Kim, he had a dilemma. “Chet, you stay with your sister. Roy , can you continue or do I need another replacement?”
The senior paramedic was torn. His heart was with Johnny, but he also knew that he would no longer be the one completely shouldering all the worry. Before he could respond to his Captain, Kim spoke up.
” Roy , stay with us. Johnny needs his best friend, too.”
Hank smiled weakly. The situation ended up like he knew it would…with Roy staying. “Okay, keep in touch. Marco, you'll take the squad in.” He goes over to Kim and hugs her. “It's like Doctor Brackett said, Kim…Johnny's a fighter, he'll be okay.”
“Thanks Captain Stanley.”
“You really are family now…it's Hank…or Cap.”
“Okay…Cap.” She smiled at the man and kissed him softly on the cheek.
When Cap, Mike and Marco left, Kim went over to Roy for reassurance. “Johnny *is* going to be alright, isn't he Roy?”
“I certainly hope so, Kim. Brackett seems optimistic…we'll just have to wait and see. Chet, you okay over there?”
“I'm fine Roy …I just wish we knew that he was gonna be okay for sure.”
Another hour and a half later, Doctor Brackett and Dixie walked to the lounge to give them updated news on Johnny's condition.
Surprising everyone, it was Chet who asked about Johnny first. “John's going to be alright, isn't he?”
“He's going to be fine. As I said before, he does have a serious concussion but there's no bleeding or swelling in his brain. Aside from several cracked ribs, his wrist and shoulder injuries, he should be fine. His dislocated shoulder was put back into place and his wrist is currently getting casted. All things considered, Johnny's very lucky. However, the fact that he's still unconscious does concern me. We'll just have to continue to monitor him.”
“He's not in a coma, is he?”
The doctor smiled at Kim. “No, he's not in a coma. Hopefully he'll be coming around soon. We just have wait…and be patient.”
“What about his neck and back?”
“Everything looks normal Roy . He does have some deep bruises on his back, but nothing is broken and there doesn't appear to be any spinal damage. But, we won't know the true extent of his injuries until he wakes up. For precautionary measures, we're going to keep the cervical collar on him. When he does wake up…he'll be in a lot of pain. We'll take care of that when the time comes.”
“Can we see him?”
“It'll be another hour before he's done in the cast room and settled in bed. The three of you will be notified the minute Johnny's ready for company. Right now, I think you should go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat. I know it's been a long day.”
Dixie smiled at Kim. “Why don't you and me go for a walk. I think Roy and your brother can fend for themselves.”
Chet made a move towards Kim, but was stopped by Roy .
Dixie winked at Chet. “Don't worry, I'll take good care of her…she's in good hands. We'll be back in a little while.”
After the two women left, Roy walked over to his friend. “Chet…you can't protect her from reality. The reality is that she's marrying Johnny…a firefighter and paramedic. Things like this happen…have happened…to me…to you…to Johnny. Kim has to accept that fact. I think Dixie just wants to make sure she understands that. Frankly, I don't know how Joanne deals with all this, but then again I don't have Johnny's track record.”
Kim and Dixie walked down to the cafeteria. Getting two cups of coffee, the nurse led Kim to a table.
“You okay, Kim?”
“I will be…once Johnny wakes up and I see those brown eyes looking at me and that crooked smile of his.”
Dixie nodded in understanding. “You really love him, don't you?”
“ Dixie …I never thought I'd love anyone like I do Johnny. I didn't think that I'd ever be that lucky. I don't want to lose him.”
“You won't.” Dixie warmly smiled at Kim before her face once again became serious. “Roy and Johnny have a very special place in my heart, and when they're patients…it *is* scary. You never do get used to seeing people you care about injured or sick.”
“I guess I have to learn to deal with it, huh.”
“If you want to marry him it is. What the guys do is dangerous, but they're among the best at it and I know they have a tremendous amount of trust in one another.”
“I know it's dangerous, Dix. Johnny and I had a conversation about all this awhile back…but it doesn't make it any easier, now…but I wouldn't change anything.”
“You're a smart girl, Kim. You and Johnny are destined to be together for a long time, and will be very happy. Now…let me see that ring of yours.”
Holding out her left hand, Kim shows Dixie her ring.
“It's beautiful. You must have been blown away when he gave that to you.”
“That's an understatement. Dix…thank you. I feel better now. I know Johnny's going to be alright.”
Dixie grinned at her friend. “I'm glad you feel better. Some time, you'll have to tell me all about Johnny's proposal. Right now, I have to get back upstairs and you need to check on two worried firefighters.”
Kim embraced Dixie . “Tell me, Dix…how come an attractive, smart woman like you isn't married?”
“I'll tell you what, some day we'll get together for lunch and I'll tell you the story of my life.”
“It's a deal.”
The two women return to the ER, Dixie returning to the base station, Kim to the lounge.
“Any word on Johnny?”
Roy shakes his head. “No, but someone should be here soon. How are you holding up, Kim?”
“I'm fine, Roy . Did you call Joanne?”
“I did. She says to let her know if you need her…she'd be here in a heartbeat for you.”
“I appreciate that. I know Johnny means a lot to her…to all of you. I'm glad you're here Roy .”
“Where else *would* I be?”
Doctor Morton comes into the lounge. “Folks…you can see Johnny now.”
“Is he awake?” Chet was hopeful of the answer being positive.
“I'm afraid not. But, I can assure you that he is stable. Room 211.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
The three of them arrive at Johnny's room. Walking in quietly, they observe how still Johnny's body was. The head of the bed was at a slight angle. His casted right arm was propped up on a pillow, his left arm was in a sling, and he still had the cervical collar around his neck. Two IV's had been carefully inserted into his left arm and he had some bandages on his face from various cuts.
Approaching the bed, Kim gently touched Johnny's left hand. Softly she started to speak to him. “Okay Johnny, wake up…your nap is over. Roy and Chet are here with me, and it's not very good manners to be asleep when you have company.”
There was no response from the unconscious paramedic. Roy and Chet each spoke to Johnny and received the same response, as well…nothing.
“It could be hours or days before he wakes up, couldn't it Roy ?” The look of concern was evident on her face.
“It could, Kim…but I don't think it's going to be too long. The most important thing is that the doctors say he's stable. His body has been through a lot. When he's ready…he'll wake up.”
“Look, if you guys need a ride home, take my car. I'll get my purse so you can have my keys…I'll be right back.”
After Kim left the room, Chet looked over at Roy and softly spoke. “I'm worried about her, Roy …she's just a kid.”
“Chet, she's 23 years old…she's a grown woman. And as important as Johnny may be to both of us…we have to accept the fact that he's doubly so to her. Kim just wants to be alone with him…we have to respect that.”
“ Roy , if anything ever happened to Johnny…Kim would be crushed.”
“Nothing's going to happen to Johnny.”
The two firefighters were too involved in conversation to notice that Johnny had opened his eyes. It wasn't until they heard a very tired voice that they realized their friend had finally woken up. “Would you two *please* shut the hell up, you're giving me more of a headache than I already have.”
Chet and Roy did a double take before looking down at Johnny. “You finally woke up, Junior. How ya feelin'?”
“ Roy …please tell me that you didn't just ask me such a stupid question.”
Roy tried to stifle a laugh, but wasn't entirely successful. “I'm sorry Partner, I guess that *was* a pretty dumb question. We're just glad that you finally woke up.”
“Chet…where's…where's that beautiful sister of yours?”
“She'll be back, Johnny. She went to get her purse.”
Just then, Kim returned to the room. When she heard Johnny's voice, she thought she was imagining things. Looking down at him, she saw that he was indeed awake.
Kim did her best to maintain her composure. She didn't want to lose control of her emotions in front of the others, although she knew they'd understand if she did.
Smiling at Johnny, she bent down and gently kissed him on the lips. “Hey handsome…you woke up.”
“So I've been told. How ya holdin' up…you okay?”
“I'm fine. We…we were all so worried about you, Johnny.”
“Sorry ‘bout that.” It was at that moment that Johnny realized how much pain he was in. “ Roy …you…you wanna call for a nurse or somethin'…I'm really hurtin' here.”
Before Roy could press the call bell, Doctor Brackett happened to walk into the room. He was pleasantly surprised…and relieved to see that Johnny had finally woken up.
“Johnny, glad to see you finally came back to us. I'd like to take a look at you, then I'll give you something for the pain…I'm sure you're not feeling too good right now.”
With pain in his voice Johnny responded to Brackett. “Can you make it quick, Doc…I'm not sure how long I can handle this.”
“I'll do my best, Johnny.”
“Uh…we'll wait outside.” Roy signaled Kim and Chet to wait outside with him.
“Be back in a bit, Johnny.” She leaned down and once again kissed him.
“I'm countin' on it.” Johnny ever so slightly winked at Kim, trying to reassure her that he'd be alright.
Once the others left the room, Brackett started to examine Johnny. He asked the paramedic several questions to check his cognitive status, and checked Johnny's extremities to determine if there were any unknown spinal issues. Upon taking another set of vitals, the doctor was satisfied that Johnny didn't have any other injuries and was indeed stable.
“Doc…how…how's Kim? She okay?”
The doctor smiled at the paramedic. “She was very worried about you…all of your friends were…but she's fine Johnny. I think she just needs some time to deal with her emotions…that young lady sure does love you.”
“And I love her too, Doc.”
“That much is obvious. Listen, I know the collar's very uncomfortable, but I'd like you to keep it on for a few days. I suspect that you may have a slight neck injury that you'll feel in another day or two. Overall…you're doing fine, Johnny. Try to rest. I'll send a nurse in with some pain relief for you.”
“Bless your heart, Doc….and thanks.”
“Don't mention it. Get some rest.”
As Brackett left Johnny's room, he was met by the paramedic's three anxious visitors.
“How is he, Doctor Brackett? Johnny's okay, isn't he?” The concern Chet had for his friend was very evident.
“Johnny's fine. He's awake and alert…everything checked out okay…no spinal injury and his memory is fine. He *is* in a lot of pain, however. I'm about to send a nurse in with some pain meds, so he won't be awake for much longer. You can go back in as soon as the nurse is done. I assure you, Johnny will make a full recovery.”
Kim let out the breath she had been holding. “Thanks for the good news Doctor Brackett.”
“You're welcome, but Johnny's the one who did all the work. I'll see you guys later.”
After the nurse gave Johnny a couple pain-killing injections, she left and his visitors were able to go back in to see him.
Kim looked at Johnny with concern. “Feeling better?”
“I will be soon. Roy …how's…how's Justin…he alright?”
“Yeah, he's fine Johnny. He just had that leg injury.”
“And…and Dave and Cal…the ambulance guys?”
“Everyone's fine, Junior…you're the one who got the worst of it.”
Johnny quickly started to get drowsy.
“Junior…Chet and I are gonna take off. I think there's someone far better looking than we are who wants to stay with you for awhile. I'm glad you're okay, Partner. We'll see you later.”
“Okay Pally…later.”
“Gage…get better soon, the Phantom needs his pigeon back.”
“ Chester B…when I'm back on my feet…you'll get yours.”
“And I'll be waiting for it.”
Roy and Chet both hugged Kim and left with the promise that they'd both be back later that evening. Once they left, Kim moved her chair closer to Johnny's bed. She sat there stroking Johnny's hair.
“I know I have to get used to this…the real possibility that you can be seriously injured at any time. But, I'm not ashamed to tell you that I was scared today…scared that…that you'd never again hold me in your arms or flash that smile…or tell me how much you love me.”
“I'm sorry that you had to go through this…I really am.” Johnny paused for a moment. “I…I hope you still want to marry me.”
“Johnny…nothing could *ever* change my mind about that. I do want to marry you. I'm just grateful you're okay. I really thought I lost you today.”
“Nah…it takes a lot to keep *me* down. Besides, we have a wedding to start planning…June will be here before you know it.”
“Yeah it will…and I can't wait.” She kisses him gently on the lips.
Johnny's eyes were starting to close. “I'm glad…glad that Roy and Chet were with you today…I wouldn't have wanted you to go through this alone.”
“I'm glad they were here with me, too. I don't know what I woulda done without them.”
“Like I keep saying Kim…it's all in the family.”
Kim smiled as Johnny fell asleep…her “family” still intact. “Yeah, it *is* all in the family.”
THE END