Part 7

Rampart General Hospital , Later That Day

Anne looked up when Louisa tapped her on the shoulder. “Hello, Mrs. Stanley,” she said. “How are you today?”

The young woman smiled. “Fine, thank you. Could I speak to you in private, please?”

The nurse shrugged and put down the chart she was reading. “I guess so. What's this all about?”

“You'll find out soon enough,” answered Louisa, steering her towards the lounge. “Before I begin, let me make one thing perfectly clear. This stays between us, unless you want what you did to get back to Mrs. Brackett.”

Anne licked her lips nervously and nodded. “What are you talking about?” she stammered.

“A conversation that I had with Patrick McConikee that you just happened to overhear,” she replied in a quiet voice. “Or should I say, half a conversation. You were so excited about what you heard that you just couldn't wait to tell Ed that I asked the Chief to resign.” The young woman leaned forward, her eyes hard. “Let me tell you something, lady,” she hissed. “If I hear that you're spreading false rumors about me or anyone I know, I'm going straight to the hospital administrator, after I deal with you personally. Do you understand what I'm saying?”

“Are you threatening me?” whispered the nurse. “You can't prove that I was behind any of this.”

“Don't be so sure of that. Marlowe told Chief Houts everything,” answered Louisa with a sneer. “I know Dixie has reprimanded you for gossiping in the past. How would you feel if someone started a rumor that you and Dr. Early were having an affair because they saw the two of you joking around?”

“I'd be mad as Hell,” retorted Anne. Her eyes widened when she realized what the other woman was trying to say. “I see what you mean,” she murmured contritely, her face turning red. “All right, you have my word. I promise to mind my own business. Satisfied?”

“I will be, once you admit to McConikee what you did.” The young woman grinned and stuck out her hand. “Let's shake on it. You cover my butt and I'll cover yours.”

“It's a deal,” smiled the nurse. “I'm sorry I caused so much trouble, Louisa. Maybe we could get together for lunch some time.”

“I'd like that. By the way, if anyone asks, we were discussing the new orderly.”

Anne chuckled softly. “He is pretty cute, isn't he?”

“Adorable,” agreed Louisa with a bawdy wink. “But don't tell my husband I said that. He thinks I don't notice other men. Boy, has he got a lot to learn!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Monday Morning

“Honey, you really didn't have to drive me to work,” said Hank. “Brackett gave me a clean bill of health, so there's nothing to worry about.”

“Humor me, okay?” smiled Louisa, reaching over to squeeze her husband's hand. “It's your first day back and I want to be around in case Chet has something planned.”

“He wouldn't dare,” chuckled the Captain. “On second thought, he would, the twit. If you tell anyone else this, I'll deny it until Judgment Day, but I've missed his antics.”

“Kelly does kinda grow on you after a while, doesn't he?” answered the young woman, her eyes twinkling.

“Yeah, like fungus,” laughed Hank. “Things would be pretty dull without the Phantom around, though.”

“Be sure to remind Johnny of that fact the next time Chet douses him with a water bomb.” Louisa pulled her car into the lot and parked. “Looks like half the County is here. Come on, sweetheart. Let's go greet your public.” She took his arm and dragged him towards the station's rear entrance.

“They're coming!” shouted Marco. “Get ready!” He straightened his dress cap and went to stand in line with the others. The men snapped to attention and saluted as Hank entered the room. “Welcome back, Cap!” they chorused.

The Captain stopped in his tracks, his jaw hanging open. He recovered quickly and a broad grin lit up his face. “Thank you, gentlemen,” he said, his eyes moist. “It's good to be back! Dress uniforms, very impressive. For a bunch of scruffy hose jockeys, you clean up nicely.” He raised an eyebrow when Stoker handed him a bouquet of flowers. “What, no tiara?” he joked, making everyone laugh.

“We're saving that for your retirement party,” snickered Johnny. “Wait, someone's missing. Where's that crazy partner of mine?”

“Right behind you, Junior!” shouted Roy , throwing an arm around his best friend's shoulders. He flashed a toothy smile and held out a clipboard. “We took the liberty of preparing something special for you, Cap.”

Hank skimmed the top page, then burst out laughing. “The bearer of this voucher is eligible for one paperwork-free shift, to be used whenever he chooses,” he read. “Said bearer will also receive a pair of industrial-strength earplugs to block out the sound of any argument that may break out between The Phantom and his Pigeon. If these are not effective, a roll of duct tape will be supplied as an alternative.”

“This one is for you, little sister, but don't read it aloud,” put in Mike, handing her a sealed envelope.

The young woman opened it and pulled out a sheet of notebook paper. Her lips twitched as she scanned the message. “I'll take care of it right away,” she replied with a cryptic smile. “Might be a couple hours, but it will get done.”

“When you two team up, I know there's going to be trouble,” joked the Captain. “Why don't you just tell me what you're up to so I can start planning damage control?”

“Not a chance, pal,” giggled his wife. “You've got more important things to do, like sitting in your office and not doing paperwork. Now might be a good time to read that book on Native American history I gave you. Start with the Omens and Superstitions chapter. If you have any questions, write them down and I'll answer them when I get back.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

LaSalle's Bakery, One Hour Later

George was nowhere in sight when Louisa entered the little shop. An elderly woman stood behind the counter, chattering gaily with a tall man dressed in faded jeans and plaid shirt. “It won't be any trouble at all, Mr. Wayne,” she was saying in heavily-accented English. “It's an honor to serve you, sir!”

“My assistant was right when he said you made the best pastries in town,” answered the man. He saw Louisa out of the corner of his eye and tipped his hat to her. “How do, Miss?” he grinned.

The young woman's eyes widened in recognition and she stared. “Oh my God! You're John Wayne!” she gasped.

“That I am,” chuckled the actor. “And who might you be? If I had known I would meet such a pretty lady here, I would have come around sooner.”

“Louisa Stanley,” she answered, blushing to the roots of her hair. “It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I've seen all your movies.”

“Glad to know I still have some fans,” laughed Wayne . “I didn't think anyone gave a damn about a broken-down old cowboy like me.”

“Are you kidding? You're a bona fide legend! You practically invented the western genre! Everyone else pales in comparison!”

The actor laughed heartily. “I should hire you to do my publicity, darling,” he joked. “You'll have people believing I walk on water. If I can ever do something for you, don't hesitate to call.”

“I couldn't do that,” said Louisa with a giggle. “I'm sure you're very busy. My husband is going to flip when I tell him I met you! He's a huge fan! Which reminds me, I'm supposed to pick up a cake for him. Is it ready, Tillie?”

Mrs. LaSalle nodded. “Sure is, Mrs. Stanley. A full sheet should be more than enough to feed a bunch of hungry firemen!”

“”One can only hope,” laughed the young woman. “But they'll eat anything as long it doesn't bite back! They're like a pack of wolves sometimes!” She paid and turned to leave. “It was nice talking to you, Mr. Wayne.”

“I'd like to get a peek at this husband of yours, if you don't mind me tagging along,” replied the actor. “He's a lucky man to have you for a wife.”

“I'm the lucky one,” she demurred. “Just watch out for Chet Kelly. He's the station's resident prankster and has a tendency to go a little too far.”

“A real pain in the ass, huh? Don't worry; I can handle him.”

“Famous last words,” muttered Louisa.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“ Who did you say?!?” gasped Johnny. “No, I won't say a word. Okay, Lou, see you in a few.” The paramedic hung up the telephone and grinned. “Man, Cap is gonna flip!”

Chet and Marco were shooting hoops when Louisa's Mustang pulled into the parking lot. “About time you got…..”Lopez started to say, the words dying in his throat when his sister's passenger opened the door and climbed out.

“What's the matter, big brother?” she teased. “Cat got your tongue?”

The Latino fireman gaped at her for an instant. “Guys, come quick! You won't believe who's here!” he yelled.

Mike dropped the rag he was using to polish Big Red and walked out of the bay with Roy and Hank right behind him. Johnny brought up the rear, his camera bouncing against his chest.

The young woman took her new friend's arm and smiled broadly. “Mr. Wayne, I'd like you to meet the men I was telling you about. This is my husband, Hank Stanley, Engineer Michael Stoker, Marco Lopez, Chester B. Kelly, and our paramedics, Roy Desoto and John Gage,” she said, pointing to each man as she introduced him.

The actor grinned and stepped forward to shake hands. “It's an honor, gentlemen,” he replied. “I hope I'm not taking you away from your duties.”

“Not at all,” answered the stunned Captain. “Would you like a tour of the station?”

“Sounds good to me. Your wife told me what happened to you and Mr. Desoto. If I was you, I'd march right down to Headquarters and give them a piece of my mind.”

Marco snickered and elbowed Louisa playfully. “My sister already did that,” he snorted. “I'm sorry I missed it, too.”

Wayne chuckled and shook his head. “A regular firecracker, huh?” he smirked. “Ain't nothing better in this world than a woman with spunk.”

“Yeah, but they can be a whole lot of trouble, too. Isn't that right, honey?” Hank teased his wife.

“I keep you and our brood in line, don't I?” giggled Louisa. “Sometimes I wonder if I'm raising four children or five ! Thank God I work full-time; otherwise, I'd lose what little sanity I have left.”

“Insanity is hereditary,” quipped Stoker, his eyes twinkling devilishly. “You get it from your kids.”

“Hate to break it to you, Mikey, but that theory has one major flaw,” answered the young woman. “Chet doesn't have any offspring, that we know of anyway, and he's nuttier than a jar of Skippy.”

“How many times do I have to tell you?” protested the Irishman. “I prefer Jif, because it has that great peanut taste! Besides, you're not exactly the poster child for mental stability yourself.”

“Does that mean I have to return the award they gave me?” questioned Louisa soberly. “Damn, I love that trophy. There's nothing classier than a moose who can wear a fedora and sunglasses without looking stupid.”

“Sure there is,” argued Johnny. “Ever seen a buffalo smoking a cigarette? He looks cooler than Sinatra.”

The young woman broke into peals of hysterical laughter. “I must have missed that last time I was in Montana ,” she said between howls. “That certainly would be something I'd never forget!”

“It's a sight to see,” grinned the paramedic. “Maybe you could go to the Autumn Festival with me next month. What do you say, Cap? Can I take your beautiful wife with me and show her off to the rest of the clan?”

“On one condition, pal. Make sure everyone knows you're related and not otherwise involved, if you catch my drift,” replied the Captain.

“There goes that idea,” muttered Gage. “It could give a whole new meaning to the term ‘kissing cousins'.”

“Try it and I'll bust you in the mouth,” grumbled Louisa, playfully shaking a fist at him. “I'd much rather smooch with Roy , but don't tell Joanne I said that.”

Desoto turned red. “I won't say a word if you don't,” he joked. “Why don't you kiss Chet instead?”

“And let my lips touch that scraggly growth he calls a mustache? Not for all the tea in China ! No offense, Gopher Puss.”

“None taken, Pocahontas,” snickered the Irishman. “I already have someone to tongue wrestle with.”

“Are they always like this?” Wayne asked Marco.

“No, most of the time they're worse,” answered Lopez. “We usually just ignore them until they shut up. If that doesn't work, there's a roll of duct tape in the toolbox.”

Just then, the phone rang. “Saved by the bell,” muttered Hank. “L.A. County Fire Department, Captain Stanley speaking. Yeah, she's right here. What? Okay, I'll let her know. Lou, Joanne wants you stop by her place before you go home.”

“Did she say why?” questioned the young woman. “We'll finish this later, Kelly. Mr. Wayne, can I give you a ride back to LaSalle's?”

“No, thanks, Mrs. Stanley,” replied the actor. “I'd like to stick around for a while. I'll call a cab when I'm ready to leave.”

“Play nice, boys. Johnny, call me tomorrow about the Autumn Festival. Buck mentioned it in his last letter, but didn't go into detail.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Thank you for coming,” said Joanne, her face curiously hostile. “Please sit down.”

“Is something wrong? You look upset. Are the kids all right?”

The petite brunette nodded stiffly. “They're fine, but that's not why I wanted to see you.” She folded her hands on the tabletop and took a deep breath. “I want know why you didn't come to me the second you suspected that Roy and Hank were still alive!” she spat.

“I-I didn't want to give you false hope,” stammered Louisa, unnerved by the venom in her friend's voice. “If I had been mistaken, you would have been devastated. Lord, Jo, I didn't believe it myself! I'm sorry that you're angry, but I had to be sure before I told you my suspicions.”

Joanne leaned forward, her cheeks flushed with rage. “You still should have told me!” she hissed. “I guess I was wrong when I thought we were friends.”

“You're like a sister to me!” retorted the young woman. “I didn't keep you in the dark to hurt you, honest!”

“No, you just let me go on thinking that my husband was dead,” shot back the other woman. “To put it plainly, you lied to me and because of that, I don't feel I can trust you anymore. I think it would be best if we didn't see each other for a while. Please leave my home.” She stood up and walked away, slamming the kitchen door behind her with a crash.

Louisa stumbled out to her car, tears streaming down her face. “Someday you'll understand why I didn't say anything, Jo,” she whispered. “I just pray that you can forgive me when you do.”

Part 8

Three Weeks Later

“Then Jo said that she couldn't trust me anymore and asked me to leave,” Louisa was saying. “I don't understand, Dix. I just wanted to find some solid proof before I went public. Was that wrong?”

“I understand your motivation, but put yourself in her shoes,” answered the nurse. “Wouldn't you want to know?”

“Of course, but what if I had found their remains?!?” the young woman shot back, slamming her fist down on the table. “Do you seriously believe I would want her to experience something that horrible? About a year after I moved to Montana , our neighbor's house caught fire in the middle of the night. Mr. and Mrs. Willis were burned beyond recognition, Dix. The coroner had to use dental records to identify them because their faces were nothing but charred bone covered with ash. How do you think Joanne would react if she saw her husband like that?”

“She'd probably freak out,” shuddered Dixie . “I know I would. But Hank and Roy weren't killed in the fire.”

“We assumed they had been,” said Louisa. “You were there when McConikee broke the news. It would have been beyond cruel to force her to go through losing her husband twice.”

“I see your point,” answered the nurse slowly. “When Joanne calms down, I think she will, too.”

“I hope so, because right now she can't to even be in the same room with me,” murmured the young woman sadly.

Dixie smiled and patted her hand. “Have faith, honey. Now, let's talk about something more pleasant. How's your research going?”

Louisa's face lit up. “We're getting very close to a significant breakthrough!” she exclaimed, her eyes glowing with joy. “We may have found a way a drug that will stop the cell mutations in their tracks! If the clinical trials are successful, it could change the course of modern chemotherapy!”

“That's wonderful,” enthused the nurse. “When will you know if it works?”

“We should have the first results within the next month or so. The waiting is driving us insane. Of course, Dr. Brady says he's not worried, but I know better. He's just as nervous as the rest of us.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Billy's Diner

The crew of Station 51's A-shift and their families were gathered around a table, sipping coffee and waiting for Chet Kelly to arrive. Louisa fidgeted in her seat when she felt Joanne glaring at her. Johnny watched the women curiously, sensing the tension between them. He glanced at his partner quizzically, silently asking him what was going on. Roy shrugged, indicating his bewilderment. He opened his mouth to make a comment, closing it with a snap when Kelly entered the restaurant with Rachel Potter in tow. The redhead was beaming, her cheeks pink with excitement. “Hi, everyone,” she greeted. “Sorry we're late.”

Marco put down his cup and smiled. “What's up, amigo ? You look like the cat who ate the canary.”

The Irishman grinned and pulled up chairs for himself and Rachel. “What are all of you doing on around the last week of December?” he questioned, his eyes sparkling brightly.

“I haven't thought that far ahead,” replied Hank. “Probably go to midnight Mass or something. Why do you ask?”

“Well, don't make any plans for Christmas Eve,” answered Chet. “Rachel and I would be disappointed if you missed our wedding.”

Louisa gasped and stared at him, her jaw hanging open. “Seek shelter, boys and girls,” she joked. “Armageddon is upon us. The first part of the prophecy has come to pass! Next stop Judgment Day!” She leaned against her husband's shoulder, laughing hysterically.

“What is she talking about?” queried Chet. “What prophecy?”

“You don't want to know,” snorted Gage. “It would spoil the surprise.”

“ I do,” said Rachel. “Lou, will you please stop giggling and tell me what you meant?”

The young woman wiped her eyes with a napkin and struggled to regain her composure. “When I was in my coma, someone on the other side predicted that you and Chet would get married,” she squeaked.

“Why is that so humorous?” grumbled Joanne. “I think it's great.”

“That's not why I'm laughing,” retorted Louisa. “It's the second part that tickles my funny bone. Johnny's right; you should find out on your own.”

“Come on, Junior,” chuckled Roy . “I want to hear what the future holds for them. If you spill your guts, I'll let you drive the squad.”

“Oh, making me an offer I can't refuse, huh?” grinned the paramedic. “Okay, you twisted my arm. I hope you've been saving for a rainy day, Kelly. Raising six kids can get pretty expensive.”

The Irishman swallowed his coffee the wrong way and started to cough. “Stop kidding around, Pigeon,” he wheezed. “There's no way we're gonna have that many kids. Whoever told you that was just guessing.”

“I can assure you that my source is extremely reliable, Chet,” smiled Louisa. “He wouldn't lie about something this important.” She leaned over to whisper her informant's name in his ear. “ Now do you believe me?” He nodded dumbly, the blood draining from his face.

“What kind of wedding are you having?” asked Lara Stoker.

“Nothing too elaborate,” answered Rachel. “Just family and close friends, which reminds me. Lou, will you be my matron of honor?”

“Hmm, wear a pretty dress, carry a bouquet of gorgeous flowers, and watch my best friend marry one of my favorite hose jockeys?” teased the young woman. “Do you even have to ask? You bet I will!”

“Cap, would you be my best man?” asked Chet. “I want the rest of you guys to be my groomsmen. It would really mean a lot to me.”

“Of course, you twit,” grinned Hank. “Maybe we can get Rachel to jump out of a cake at your bachelor party, like Lara did at Stoker's.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One Month Later

“I can't wear that !” moaned Rachel. “It looks like something out of a burlesque show. Where's the rest of the bodice?”

“It's the latest style, Miss Potter,” sniffed the wedding planner. “Skin is in.”

The redhead breathed an exasperated sigh. “In case you've forgotten, we're having a Catholic ceremony, which means my shoulders have to be covered ,” she grumbled.

“Maybe you would be more comfortable in a nun's habit,” muttered the woman sarcastically.

“Maybe you should lose the attitude,” growled Louisa. “We can always take our business elsewhere. My sister-in-law and I both purchased our gowns here without being treated like second-class citizens.”

“Yes, I remember,” replied the saleswoman. “You were the one who chose to wear cowboy boots instead of the shoes I recommended. I'm not surprised, since you used to live in Montana .”

“And I suppose that means I don't meet your high standards?” she answered with a chilly smile. “Let me tell you something, lady. I would rather be a country hick than a snooty, stick-up-my-butt old fossil like you.”

Dixie looked down at the floor, her shoulders quivering as she tried to maintain her composure. Joanne covered her mouth and turned away, her face red with embarrassment. The bride-to-be stood beside her matron-of-honor, her eyes dancing with glee. “I think you picked a fight with the wrong person,” she grinned.

The wedding planner's mouth tightened. “Well, I never !” she huffed, beating a hasty retreat.

“Maybe you should!” the young woman called after her. “It might do wonders for your disposition! Decrepit old biddy.”

Rachel burst out laughing and hugged her friend. “You're terrible, but I love you anyway,” she giggled. “Come on, let's head over to Glendale 's. Somehow, I don't think anyone here is going to deal with us.”

“That was rude, Louisa,” scolded Joanne. “Don't you know how to behave like a human being? Honestly!”

Louisa rolled her eyes. “I'm so sorry that I don't allow people to walk all over me,” she muttered. “I was raised to stand up for myself.”

“If you two don't quit sniping at each other, I'm going to knock your heads together,” threatened Dixie , only half-joking.

“My teacher would make them stand in the corner,” piped up Jennifer. “Mommy, why are you and Aunt Lou being mean? Don't you like each other anymore?”

“Of course we do, honey,” answered Joanne. “We're just being silly.”

“Yeah, sweetie,” the young woman agreed. “Your Mom and I are just playing a game.”

“Kinda like Uncle Johnny and Uncle Chet,” said the little girl. “They pretend to be mad at each other when they're not. That's why Uncle Cap says they're twits, right?”

“Exactly,” chuckled Rachel. “You know, I just thought of something. I shouldn't have any trouble getting my husband-to-be to clean the bathroom. He spends most of his time doing that already.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Across Town

“Why can't we just wear our dress uniforms instead of these monkey suits?” complained Johnny as he struggled to fasten his cummerbund. “I feel like I should be serving drinks in this get-up.”

“For once, I agree with you, Gage,” answered Chet with a grimace. “But Rachel and my mother insist on a formal wedding, which means black tie for the men and evening gowns for the ladies.”

Marco straightened his waistcoat and walked over to the mirror. “I look like a carnival barker! Step right up, folks, and get your tickets for the Greatest Show on Earth!” he joked.

“What about these shoes?” groused Roy . “I haven't worn anything like these since I was in the Army. Remind me to keep a first-aid kit handy. I have the feeling we're going to need it for all the blisters we're gonna get!”

“If we don't strangle to death first!” muttered Stoker. “I hate bowties!”

“At least we don't have to wear pumps,” grinned Hank. “My wife walks like a drunken sailor in high heels. Last time she wore them, she slipped on the hall carpet and landed on her keister. I won't repeat what she said, but her language would have made a teamster blush!”

“I hope she doesn't do that during the ceremony,” quipped Johnny, making the men laugh. “Hey Roy ? What's going on with Lou and Joanne?”

Desoto bit his lip before replying. “I wish I knew, Junior,” he said. “When I mentioned it to Jo, she told me to mind my own business.”

“My sister told me they had a disagreement, but didn't go into details,” put in Marco.

“It must be something big,” commented Mike. “Did you see the way they were glaring at each other at Chet and Rachel's engagement party?”

“Yeah, I thought I was gonna get frostbite,” smirked the Irishman. “You think we should try to find out what's going on, Cap?”

“And get caught in the crossfire?” answered Stanley . “That's the last thing we should do, you twit! Let them hash it out on their own. If that doesn't work, we'll call in the big guns.”

“Mama and Nurse Dixie?” questioned Lopez with a grin.

“Precisely,” chuckled the Captain. “I adore Maria, but she could scare Satan himself when she gets mad! And Dixie could make a grizzly bear run for cover!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One Month Later

“You got us seats for what ?!?” exclaimed Hank, staring at his wife in horror.

“ The Nutcracker ,” answered Louisa with a smile. “Relax, hose jockey,” she teased. “It's not like I checked you into the hospital for a vasectomy! It's just a ballet.”

“ Just a ballet, she says,” muttered the Captain. “I'll take the kids shoe shopping and cook a seven-course meal, but I draw the line at watching a bunch of guys prance across the stage in pantyhose! A real man wouldn't be caught dead within twenty miles of that!”

“Oh really?” she retorted gleefully. “Then why did I see Chief Houts standing in line to buy tickets? You're going and that's final. Who knows? You might even enjoy it.”

“If I don't fall asleep,” grumbled Hank. “Beethoven is so boring, he probably put himself into a coma!”

“He didn't write The Nutcracker , you goof,” the young woman laughed. “Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky did. You want to hear one of old Ludwig's compositions?” she asked, glancing at their newly-acquired grand piano.

“Sure, why not? We might as well get some use out of that thing. All it's doing now is collecting dust.”

Louisa rolled her eyes and sat on the bench in front of the instrument. She played the opening notes of Für Elise, her fingers dancing gracefully over the keys. Emma came out of the kitchen to stand beside her mother, humming in time with the tune. When the music ended, she clapped joyously, her eyes glowing with excitement. “Can you teach me to do that, Mama?” she questioned. “Wasn't it pretty, Daddy?”

Her father nodded, awestruck. “Incredible,” he breathed. “I had no idea you could play so well, honey.”

“I took lessons for three years,” she replied. “When I was sixteen, my teacher, Mrs. Patterson, convinced me to enter the state competition up in Sacramento . I didn't think I had a snowball's chance in Hell, but I walked away with first prize! I'll never forget the look on Papi's face when I came home with the trophy. His smile was bright enough to light up Times Square !”

“He was so proud of you, querida ,” said Maria from the doorway. “I'm not sure if I ever told you this, but your Papi used to hide in the church while you practiced after Mass. He said the sun would fall through the stained glass windows onto you as you played. He took it as a sign that God was listening, too.”

Louisa smiled fondly, tears welling up in her eyes. “I didn't know he was doing that until Father Herrera told me. Knowing Papi was there made me work even harder. Why do you think I spent so much time practicing? I didn't want to let him down.”

“You didn't,” answered Maria. She held out a small cardboard carton. “I found this on a shelf in the hall closet the other day.”

The young woman took the box and removed the lid. “It's my trophy!” she gasped. “I always wondered what happened to it.” She reached inside again and pulled out a handful of envelopes. “To My Daughter, Louisa,” she read. “These are all in Papi's handwriting!”

“He wrote them a few months before his death,” whispered Mrs. Lopez. “He asked me to give them to you when I thought the time was right.”

Louisa dug deeper and came up with a stack of faded pictures and a reel of movie film. “The Lopez family home movies!” she giggled. “I don't know whether to get out the projector or burn them!” She looked at the date written on the outside of the can. “On second thought, these could be very entertaining,” she snickered, winking at her mother. “Don't you agree, Mami ?”

“Tell me that after your brother strangles you,” teased Maria, her dark eyes sparkling with mirth.

“All right, honey,” interrupted Hank. “You've sparked my curiosity. I want to see that film.”

“Assemble the troops, hose jockey,” grinned his wife. “We might as well get it over with.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One Hour Later

“ Please tell me you're not actually going to show this,” groaned Marco. “I'll never live it down.”

Louisa grinned and slid an arm around his shoulders. “Where's your sense of humor, big brother?” she joked. “It might be fun to revisit our childhood.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” answered Lopez. “I just wish I didn't look like such a jackass.”

“You're not the only one, pal,” laughed the young woman. “Everybody get comfortable. You're about to see the Three Graces in action.” She turned on the projector and took her seat as the grainy images began to flicker across the screen.

“Hey, Marco!” hollered Chet. “I didn't know you were a skier!”

“I wasn't,” muttered the Latino fireman. Before long, he was giggling hysterically as he watched the scenes unfold. “Lou, you're supposed to go around the trees, not straight through them!”

“ Now you tell me,” she replied, drawing loud laughter. “I think the instructor forgot to mention that. Oh, my God; look at Consuela! She looks so mad!”

“Maybe because she just slid down the hill on her butt?” quipped Mike. “This is better than The Three Stooges !”

“Your skis should be registered as deadly weapons!” hooted Johnny. “How did you manage to come out alive?”

“Soft snow, hard heads, and a whole lot of dumb luck,” quipped Maria. “The only one who ended up getting hurt was Armando, though. He tripped on the stairs going back into the lodge.”

“Maybe we shouldn't have told him that the bartender was making hot buttered rum,” grinned Marco.

Hank burst out laughing. “Honey, remind me never to take you skiing,” he joked.

Louisa poked him with her elbow. “You're just jealous of my form,” she giggled.

The Captain bit his lip thoughtfully. “Yeah, you do look pretty good in a snowsuit!”

“She looks even better in a swimsuit ,” cracked Gage. “Well, she does!” he added when Stanley glared at him.

The young woman snickered. “I didn't realize you've been checking me out, Johnny,” she teased. “Just remember that I'm a married woman.”

“We should use this as a training film,” smiled Roy when the film was over. “We can call it The Dangers of Winter Sports. ”

“Or How to Make an Ass of Yourself in Three Easy Lessons ,” giggled Rachel. She waved a stern finger at Louisa. “No skiing for you until after the wedding, young lady. You can't perform your matron-of-honor duties in a full-body cast.”

“What about crutches?” retorted the young woman with a smile. “I could give Chet a good whack if he forgets his lines.”

“And damage his last remaining brain cell in the process,” laughed Johnny.

Part 9

Rampart General Hospital , Four Days Later

“Morning, Dix,” greeted Louisa as she walked into the ER. “I'm filling in for Heather today.”

“I heard,” answered the nurse with a smile. “Dr. Hunter left a tape of chart notes for you to transcribe. He wants you to go through and proofread these charts, too.”

“Lucky me,” grinned the young woman. “Rachel asked me to remind you that we have an appointment with the dressmaker tomorrow at eleven o'clock . If that woman sticks me with one more pin, I swear I'm going to give her a pinch!”

“You sound like Johnny and Roy,” replied Dixie with a chuckle. “They were complaining about having to wear tuxedos instead of their dress uniforms.”

“So was Hank, until I told him how sexy he looked,” giggled Louisa with a sly wink. “If you need me, I'll be in Kel's office. He promised to let me use his typewriter.”

An hour later, Dixie was chatting with Roy and Johnny when an odd noise coming from the office caught her attention. “What in the world?” she said, sliding off her stool. She pushed open the door and saw Louisa hunched over the typewriter, her back quivering. “I need some help in here. Louisa, are you all right?”

The young woman looked up, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Diffuse brain atrophy!” she squeaked between giggles.

The paramedics gaped at her in confusion. “What did you say?” questioned Roy .

“Diffuse brain atrophy!” repeated Louisa, hysterical tears running down her cheeks.

“I don't get it,” muttered Gage. “What's so funny about that?”

“Because someone transcribed it as disuse brain atrophy!” howled the young woman. Her chair teetered on its back legs and fell over with a resounded thud, spilling her onto the carpet.

The nurse's lips twitched and she sank into a chair, laughing helplessly. Johnny bent down to retrieve the chart Louisa had dropped and glanced at it. “Well, I'd say the diagnosis is right on the money. This patient definitely wasn't using their brain.” He handed the folder to his partner. “It's an autopsy report,” he grinned.

Desoto raised an eyebrow and shook his head ruefully. “And I thought she was just cracking up.”

Louisa sat up and wiped her face with her sleeve. “Not quite, buster,” she chuckled. “Oh man, I haven't laughed that hard since Chet bathed in motor oil. You know, he might be a candidate for disuse brain atrophy! His sure doesn't get much exercise.”

“What is going on in here?” questioned a deep voice. Dr. Hunter stood in the doorway. “Are you finished with my transcription, Mrs. Stanley?” His brow furrowed when she started to giggle again. “What did I say?”

“Nothing, sir,” replied the young woman. “One of your chart notes just struck me funny, that's all. I'll be done very soon.”

Hunter grinned, his eyes twinkling merrily. “Let me guess. You saw the post-mortem on Mrs. Rodman. I've been meaning to change that, but I haven't had time. I don't blame you for laughing; I thought it was pretty funny myself. I think my secretary needs to have her hearing checked before she embarrasses me any further.”

“We better get back to work,” said Roy . “If you find any more weird stuff, let us know, okay?”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

November 24 th

“I really appreciate you inviting us for Thanksgiving, Louisa,” said Rachel. “Are you sure we're not imposing?”

“Of course not,” answered Louisa. “The more, the merrier. Besides, it might be interesting to see Chet interact with his family. From what I hear, Mrs. Kelly is the only one who can get him to shut up!”

“How many people are coming?” asked the redhead. “You're making enough food to feed a small army.”

“I have to, the way these guys eat,” smiled the young woman. “I'm just glad I don't have to feed them every day. To answer your question, there will be about nineteen people here, counting the Delvecchios. Wait until you meet Alberto; he's quite a character!”

“How is Amanda holding up? Chet told me she was having some problems.”

Louisa nodded sadly. “It's been pretty rough, but I think she's relieved to finally have Angelo out of her life. He starting drinking heavily after their son died and took everything out on her. If she hadn't gotten the courage to divorce him when she did, I probably would have killed the son-of-a-bitch myself.”

“If I hadn't done it first,” commented Hank as he poked his head into the kitchen. “I'm leaving now, honey. I should be back in an hour or so, depending on the traffic.”

“Don't forget to stop by the grocery store, sweetheart. Do you have the list I made out?”

“In my shirt pocket,” grinned the Captain. “See you later. Anyone who's going with me, get in the car right now!”

Footsteps pounded on the stairs, followed by the shrieks of children. Buddy, the Stanley 's dog, barked wildly, adding to the chaos. “Hush, you crazy mutt!” shouted Louisa. “Lord, what a racket!'

Rachel laughed. “You love it and you know it!” she giggled.

The young woman chuckled. “My family can drive me nuts sometimes, but I wouldn't trade them for anything,” she admitted. “Let's get these pies in the oven so we can take a break. I wish everyone liked the same kind. It would make my life so much easier!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Are you sure Mrs. Stanley won't mind if we drop in unannounced?” Charlotte Kelly asked her son. “Maybe we should have called first.”

“Trust me, Mom; it's okay,” answered Chet. He knocked, shifting the flowers he was carrying to his other hand.

Louisa opened the door and welcomed her guests with a broad smile. “Come on in. You must be Mrs. Kelly. I'm Louisa Stanley.”

“Please, call me Charlotte,” replied the woman, drawing her into a warm embrace. “I hope this isn't a bad time.”

“Not at all. Rachel and I were just taking a breather.” She was about to close the door when Johnny's Land Rover turned into the driveway. “Help yourselves to some coffee and cookies. I'll be along in a minute. Hey, cousin!” she called.

“Hey, yourself!” hollered the paramedic. “Has Cap left yet?”

“You just missed him,” replied the young woman. “What's that?” she asked, pointing to the box he was holding.

“It's a surprise,” he said. “You'll just have to be patient.” He put the carton on the floor and walked into the kitchen. “All right, you two. Break it up. There's plenty of time for you to smooch after the wedding.”

“Jealous, Gage?” teased Kelly with a smirk. “Mom, this is one of the guys I work with, John Gage.”

Johnny bent and kissed the woman's hand, making her blush. “This can't be your mother, Kelly. She's much too young to have a son your age,” he smiled. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you, ma'am.”

“Someone get me a pair of boots; it's getting deep in here,” giggled Charlotte . “You're right when you said he was an incorrigible flirt, Chester .”

“Only with the most beautiful women,” winked the paramedic. “What smells so good, Mrs. Cap? Are you baking pumpkin pie or is that your new perfume?”

“What do you think, Cousin?” grinned Louisa. “If you tell me what's in that box, I might let you sample a piece.”

“You ask too many questions, sweetheart,” teased Johnny. “I'll bring it out when Cap gets back and not before. Santa doesn't like nosy people, so you better watch out.”

The young woman rolled her eyes. “I'm not nosy; I just like to know what people bring into my house.” She jumped when the box moved. “Oh no, please tell me didn't!”

“One way to find out,” snickered Kelly, removing the top of the carton. “Hey, Lou, what has four legs, shaggy fur, spots, and a wet nose?” he joked.

“Oh, I don't know. Could it be a Dalmatian puppy? John Gage, you're impossible, but I love you. The kids will be so excited!” She knelt down and scooped the wriggling animal into her arms. “Does she have a name and is she potty trained?”

“Yes to both questions,” laughed Gage. “I've been calling her Skeeter, but you can change it if you want. Are you mad?”

“I should be, but I guess I could let you off the hook this time,” answered Louisa. “It'll cost you, though. Skeeter can stay if you help wash the dishes tomorrow, deal?”

“Deal! I got a bed for her in case you said yes,” replied Johnny. “Where do you want it?”

“Let's see if Buddy will accept her first.” She put Skeeter down and whistled. Buddy dashed into the room and sniffed the tiny puppy. After a brief inspection, he lay down on the floor and looked up at his mistress as if wondering what all the fuss was about. Skeeter jumped around her new friend, yipping with delight.

“I'd say that's a yes,” laughed Rachel. “I guess that means you now have six kids, Lou.”

“Seven, if you count my husband,” quipped the young woman with a grin. “He's just as bad the rest of my brood, if not worse!”

“Uh huh, then who climbed that big elm in the backyard for the sole purpose of playing sniper with a squirt gun a couple weeks ago?” the paramedic asked.

“You're just mad because I thought of it first, hose jockey,” retorted Louisa with a giggle. “”You did say that you needed something to cool you off.”

“That wasn't quite what I had in mind. I meant that I was thirsty, not that I wanted to be drenched from head to foot,” answered Gage.

Charlotte watched as they sparred, a faint smile on her face. “This certainly brings back memories,” she chuckled. “Are they always like this?”

“Only if they're in the same room,” said Chet. “You know, its not polite to fight in front of company.”

“What company? You're family, Chester B., relatively speaking,” answered the young woman, laughing at her own joke.

“Ha ha, very funny,” muttered the Irishman. “Not one of your best one-liners, babe.”

“Stop harassing my wife, you twit,” interrupted Hank as he walked in. The children spotted the puppy and ran forward, shrieking loudly. Skeeter yelped and hid under the table, whimpering softly.

“Hold it!” hollered Louisa. “You kids take Buddy outside and play for a while. I'll introduce you to our new family member when you've settled down. Now, march! Come on, baby,” she crooned, coaxing the quivering animal into her arms. “It's all right.” She smiled at the Delvecchios. “How was your flight?” she asked.

Alberto laughed, reaching out to stroke the puppy's head. “The usual,” he grinned. “Screaming babies and nervous mothers. Good to see you again, darling. Who's this sweet little thing?”

“Her name is Skeeter, and it's good to see you, too. You might change your mind after being around the kids. They'll wear you out!”

“We don't mind, dear,” replied Sofia . She turned to greet the others, gasping when she saw Mrs. Kelly. “Lottie, is that you ?!? I don't believe it!”

Captain Stanley's jaw dropped. “You two know each other?”

“Sofia and I grew up in the same neighborhood,” answered Charlotte . “We haven't seen each other in years.”

“Don't you dare say how many,” laughed Mrs. Delvecchio. “Berto, this is the lady I was telling you about. I showed you her picture, remember?”

“Yes, love, I do,” replied her husband. “Hello, Johnny. How are you, my boy?”

“I can't complain,” grinned the paramedic. “Unless Cap doesn't want to keep Skeeter, that is.”

“Let me take a look at her first, pal,” said Hank. He studied the dog for a minute, then shrugged. “I suppose it'll be okay. She is kinda cute. What do you say, Mom?” he joked, sliding an arm around his wife.

“At least I won't have to breastfeed this one!” she giggled. “Right now, I think we should take her outside. She just sprung a leak.”

“Let me take her,” said Amanda, leaning over to kiss her sister's cheek. “I have something to tell you, but it can wait until later.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanksgiving Day

Joanne looked down when Jennifer tugged on her apron. “Hi there, sweetheart,” she smiled. “What's the matter?”

“Mommy, is Uncle Johnny coming over today?” asked the little girl. “I wanna show him my new dolly.”

“No, honey; he's having dinner with Uncle Cap and Aunt Louisa,” answered her mother with a frown.

“But he always has turkey with us!” whined Jennifer. “It's not fair!” She stomped out of the room and bumped into her father. “Daddy, make Uncle Johnny come over for Turkey Day!”

“He has other plans, but I'll call and ask him to drop by for a little while, okay?” said Roy . He picked up the phone and dialed, but no one answered. “He probably left already. I'll try the Stanley 's. Hi, Lou; Happy Thanksgiving. Is Johnny there yet?”

“He just walked in; I'll get him for you.” She handed the receiver to the paramedic. “It's Roy .”

“Thanks. Hey, Pally; what's up?” he questioned. “I'd like to, but I promised to take Emma riding after dinner.” He covered the mouthpiece with his hand for a second. “Lou, is it okay if I invite Roy and his family over this afternoon?”

“Ask them to join us for dessert,” she replied. “But I doubt Joanne will agree.”

“Lou wants you guys to come over for pie after dinner,” Gage told his partner. “Maybe around three o'clock ?”

“Sounds good,” answered Desoto. “See you later then.” He hung up and turned to his wife. “We're invited for dessert.”

The petite brunette shook her head vehemently. “You and the kids can go, but I'd rather stay home,” she spat. “The less I see of that woman, the better.”

“Jennifer, go outside and play,” ordered Roy . “I'd like to speak to your mother in private. A couple months ago, you and Louisa were best friends and now you can't stand to be around her. What changed?”

“I don't want to discuss it!” retorted Joanne. “Let's just say she's not the person I thought she was and leave it at that.”

“No, I demand an explanation,” growled the paramedic. “This has gone on long enough!”

“You want to know why I'm angry? I'm mad because Louisa didn't bother to let me know that she suspected you and Hank were still alive!” she yelled, her eyes blazing. “I didn't even hear about the search until it was over!”

Roy stared at her incredulously. “What if she had been wrong?” he asked. “What if all she found was our bodies, Jo? Would you still be angry?”

Joanne bit her lip. “That's exactly what she said,” she grumbled. “You think I'm being silly, don't you? Damn it, Roy , I had a right to know what was going on!”

“I understand that,” murmured Desoto. “But, you're blowing the whole thing out of proportion. Heck, I didn't even find out what happened until a couple weeks ago!”

“I can't help the way I feel,” whispered the brunette. “Wait a minute! How did you find out?”

The paramedic blushed. “Johnny told me,” he admitted. “He was there when Louisa went back up to Jawbone Canyon . Marco was, too.”

“Oh, isn't that just perfect?!?” Joanne exploded. “The three of them probably planned this together! Well, I guess I know who my friends are!”

“Honey, no one intended to hurt you. The way Johnny explained it, they didn't want to get your hopes up in case they were wrong.”

“I can't believe that you're being so calm about this! The kids and I went through Hell thinking you were dead!”

“And Louisa and her family didn't?!?” shouted Roy , finally losing his temper. “They went through the same thing you did, Jo! Did you ever think about their pain?”

“Of course, but it doesn't change anything! Louisa lied to me, and I can't forgive her for that!”

“That's your decision,” he replied. “I have to get out of here for a while.”

“What about our dinner?” gasped Joanne.

“Eat it yourself or give it away; I really don't care right now.” He stood up and walked out of the kitchen, slamming the front door behind him without a backward glance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Stanley Ranch

“Smells great, honey,” said Hank as his wife carried their turkey to their loaded dinner table. “Looks good enough to eat, too.”

“Keep it up, hose jockey, and I'll give your portion to the dog,” Louisa threatened playfully. She was about to take her place at the foot of the table when someone knocked on the door. “Who could that be?”

“There's only one way to find out, little sister,” teased Marco with a grin. “ Answer it.” He ducked when she aimed a slap at his head. “Missed me!” he joked.

“Nothing up there to damage anyway,” smirked the young woman. She gasped in surprise when she spotted Roy standing on the porch. “ Roy ! What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

“I'm sorry for just dropping in, but Joanne and I had a fight and I didn't know where else to go,” answered Desoto sheepishly.

“You're always welcome here,” smiled Louisa. “Pull up a chair and I'll get another place setting. Look who stopped by,” she said, leading him into the dining room.

“”Happy Thanksgiving, everyone,” he said.

“You, too, pal,” said Chet. “Mom, this is Roy Desoto. Roy , this is my Mom, Charlotte, and her friend, Monty Sumner.”

“Nice to meet you,” murmured the blond paramedic. He felt Johnny staring at him and raised an eyebrow. “See anything green, Junior?”

Gage shook his head, shooting his partner a questioning look. “Just the salad,” he said mildly.

Captain Stanley motioned for quiet. “Alberto, would you like to give the blessing?”

Delvecchio grinned and bowed his head. “Heavenly Father, we thank You for providing for us on this day of Thanksgiving. Bless all that have gathered here today and enrich our lives with Your gifts. Shine Your light upon us, Oh Lord, and help us to remember others who are not as fortunate. In Your son's name, we pray. Amen.”

Louisa cleared her throat. “I'd like to add something if I may,” she smiled. “Lord, thank You for watching over Hank and Roy and brining them home to us. Oh, and if it's Your will, let Chet and Rachel's wedding go smoothly and without any surprises. Heaven knows what he has planned for the reception. Amen.”

“Hey!” protested the Irishman, shouting to be heard over the laughter. “I promise that I'll be a perfect angel, at least until I get my new bride alone,” he grinned.

“In that case, maybe you should go to Confession before the ceremony,” needled Johnny.

“Nah, wait until after the honeymoon,” quipped Stoker. “You'll have more sins to share that way. Where are you guys going, Kelly?”

“I booked a little place in the heart of Sioux Country,” answered Chet, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “The owner assured me that it was very secluded.”

“And it has a pretty sordid past, too,” snorted Louisa, winking at her husband. “It's seen a lot of victories over the years, right sweetheart?”

“Sioux Country?” echoed Gage. “Are you going to the reservation?” He glanced up when Louisa tugged on his sleeve and made a few simple hand gestures. “Oh, now I get it. I can guarantee you'll have all the privacy you want,” he snickered. “Especially this time of year.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After dinner, the men gathered in the living room to watch football while the women discussed their plans for Christmas. Robert climbed into his mother's lap and closed his eyes, worn out by all the excitement. “Sleep, my little angel,” she whispered, stroking her son's dark curls with a gentle hand.

“Don't you wish they could stay this age forever?” murmured Lara. “Out of diapers, but still years away from thinking they know all the answers?”

“I know Hank does,” answered Louisa with a grin. “You should have seen his face when Emma told him that her gym teacher looks hot in tight shorts! His expression was absolutely priceless !”

“Sounds to me like she has her mother's taste in men,” said Maria. “Mr. Elliott looks a lot like your husband, querida .”

“I noticed that, too, Mami . I just hope she doesn't repeat my mistake and get involved with a man like Tom Parker. I'd probably end up in jail for killing the guy.”

“Her uncles would never let that happen,” chuckled Lara. “They already guard her like Fort Knox ! I'm sure Mike will be the same way with our daughter,” she added shyly, patting her rounded stomach.

Amanda giggled softly. “Have you told him you're carrying a girl yet?” she asked.

“No, I plan to tell him Christmas morning,” she answered. “I put a picture of my ultrasound in a box of pink baby clothes. He should be able to figure it out.”

“If he's had coffee, that is,” said Rachel. “But he might need something a little stronger after opening that present!”

Marco looked up he heard the women laughing. “You think they're talking about us ?” he wondered.

“I wouldn't be surprised,” smiled Hank. “You know how much they like to gossip.”

“I heard that, Henry,” called his wife. “You better be a good boy or Santa won't bring you any toys for Christmas.”

“I already have everything I need,” he hollered back. “But I wouldn't complain if I got a new truck.”

“I'll tell Santa next time I see him. Any particular color?”

“Nah, I'm easy,” replied the Captain.

“Believe me, darling, I'm fully aware of that,” giggled Louisa. “Another surprise visitor. Must be a full moon,” she said when the doorbell rang. “Joanne! You're the last person I expected to see today!”

“Sorry to spoil your day, Louisa, but we need to talk,” answered the petite brunette. “May I come in? This won't take long.”

To Be Continued

Disclaimer: I don't own the guys, I just use them to flesh out my stories. The poem that Emma Stanley reads at her father's memorial service is titled “Death Be Not Proud”, written by John Donne. It had it stuck in my head while writing this story and felt that it was a fitting tribute.