15. CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 15
Maya paces a few steps here…a few steps there. Her wife is awake…and somehow already annoyed at the fuss everyone is making. When Carina woke up Maya thought her heart was going to burst out of her skin. She honestly thought that she was never going to see her wife’s eyes again…which would have been the cruelest of fates. So when she saw those big brown orbs…her heart stopped. The family of three sat silently until Maya deemed it necessary to inform the cavalry that Dr. Carina DeLuca was awake.
The six women who camped outside her window all ran in to get a look at the now awake woman…each feeling incredible amounts of relief. The four doctors immediately swarmed Carina to get a look at her monitors and vitals while Andy went over and placed her hands on top of Maya’s shoulders. Katherine watched for a moment before motioning Maya to hand her the baby so they could have room to run their evaluations. Maya nodded appreciatively and watched as Katherine slipped out of the room with the baby. When they disappeared she turned all of her focus back to her wife who was smiling along with her friends.
They each ran their own examinations over the next two hours until the only people left in the room were Amelia, Andy, Carina, and Maya. Dr. Shepherd wanting a throughout examination insisted on running everything twice…just to make sure.
Amelia shines the light again in Carina’s eyes before pulling away.
“Well?” Carina asks impatiently.
“Well?” Maya asks worriedly.
Amelia puts her light back in her pocket before smiling to her friend. “Your reflexes are looking really good.”
“Really?” Maya asks with her breath still stuck in her chest.
“Yup.” Amelia says with a big smile before crossing her arms across her chest. “I do great work.”
Andy nods her head and holds up her hand. “Yea, you do.”
“Thank you Andy.” Amelia says before high-fiving the other woman.
“Okay.” Carina drawls before looking up at her wife. “We should call them…you said they’ve been worried.”
Maya lets out a sigh not sure if this is the best idea. “Everybody has been worried.”
“It’s true.” Amelia says with a nod of her head.
“You’ve only been awake for a couple hours.” Maya says trying to reason with the injured woman. “Are you sure your okay for visitors this soon?”
Carina just nods her head and points to her wife. “Yes….text them all.”
Maya just shakes her head and takes out her phone. “Fine.”
“But just for a little while…you still need to rest.” Amelia reminds Carina.
“Isn’t that what I have been doing?” Carina chirps back.
“Very cute Dr. DeLuca.” Amelia snickers before shaking her head. “We really do make the worst patients.”
“I want to go home.” Carina says as she slaps her hands down on her thighs. “When can I go home?”
Maya’s mouth drops at the crazy notion and she starts to panic. “What! You can’t--”
“You’re not ready to go home yet.” Amelia says firmly cutting in.
Carina frowns immediately. “But I want to be -”
“Nope.” Maya cuts her off abruptly.
Carina looks to her wife and raises an eye brow. “Did you just cut me off?”
“Yes, I absolutely did.” Maya says as she goes back to typing on her phone.
“You should be nicer to me.” Carina pouts before leaning back against her pillow. “I got hit by a truck.”
Maya leans over and kisses her wife on the side of her head. “You’re staying here as long as you’re told.”
Amelia watches amused before leaning close to Carina on her other side. “Is she always bossy like this…if you know what I mean?”
Carina shakes her head. “No, actually I usually take--”
“Nope!” Maya cuts off embarrassed not wanting to go down this road. “Nope, nope, nope.”
Andy bites back a laugh before looking to Amelia. “Knew it.”
“Me too.” Amelia replies.
“Okay!” Maya exclaims loudly wanting to take the focus off me. “I texted the team that you are awake…they should all be here in about 30 minutes.”
“Or 30 seconds.” Andy mumbles und her breath.
Maya turns to Andy confused. “What?”
The the door to the room flies open to reveal a handful of eager and out of breath looking firefighters. Maya’s mouth drops open when she sees them struggle to take some breaths….did they run here?
“Carina!” Travis cheers with a huge smile as he walks in.
Carina laughs and holds out both her arms. “Travis!”
“What?” Maya sputters out as she watches the rest of the team pile into the room. “How did you all get here so fast?”
“We’ve been over at Joe’s.” Jack says filling in the blanks.
“This whole time?” Maya asks before squinting her eyes at the group. “Are you all drunk?”
Ben shakes his head. “No.”
“Heh.” Vic hums as she shakes her hand.
“Okay, Hughes is a little bit tipsy.” Ben says correcting his previous statement.
“Can I hug her?” Travis asks Amelia as he points to Carina.
“No.” Maya answers instead with a tiny growl.
Carina looks to her wife amused. “Bambina.”
“No hugging.” Maya insists.
“My hand is fine.” Carina says offering a compromise as she holds out her hand for Travis to take.
Travis steps over and takes Carina’s hand to kiss the back of it. “I am so happy to see those eyes.”
“Yea.” Carina says through a breath as Maya runs her hand down her long brown hair.
“You look good…you know considering.” Dean says with a soft smile.
Carina smiles over at her friend. “Thank you Dean.”
“You’re awake...thank god.” Vic says as she gets closer to Carina to examine her for herself.
Carina gets a quick sniff and squints up at Vic. “Do I smell tequila?”
“Maybe…I was really worried about you.” Vic says as she starts to ramble. “I thought you were going to die.”
“Vic!” Travis shrieks at his best friend.
“What!?” Vic exclaims nervously before waving her hand around. “She’s obviously not going to die…I mean right?”
Dean just shakes his head. “Seriously.”
“Oh my god.” Andy mumbles under her breath before placing her hand over her eyes.
“We should have cut her off.” Theo Ruiz says before reaching over to rub his hand over her back offering a bit of support to his girlfriend.
“Right…she is not going to die.” Amelia says to Vic.
“It’s okay Victoria.” Carina says sweetly to her friend. “I know that it was close.”
“DeLuca’s going to be fine.” Amelia says to the fire fighters before grinning yet again. “Because I am just that good.”
“Oh boy.” Carina huffs before turning to Amelia. “I delivered your son…can’t we call it even.”
“Damn it…I do love my son.” Amelia says mostly to herself before letting out a breath. “Fine.”
“Speaking of yours.” Carina says as she looks to her wife. “Where’s our baby?”
“My mom took her out during your examinations.” Maya answers.
Carina then turns back to Amelia. “Are you done?”
“Almost.” Amelia says as she goes over to take Carina’s hand before looking to the monitor.
Carina rolls her eyes and raises her hand in the air. “Non devi continuare a controllarmi! Mio Dio, sul serio!” (You don’t need to keep checking on me! My god, seriously!)
“And she’s yelling at me in Italian.” Amelia smirks before nodding her head. “I’m going to say you’re good.”
“Thank you!” Carina cheers before turning firmly to her wife. “Maya.”
Maya lets out a sigh and rolls her eyes. “I’ll go get her.”
“You stay….I’ll go track her down.” Jack offers for his friend before stepping out of the room to look for Katherine and Ginny.
“I do think that Carina could use some rest.” Amelia says to the visitors hinting that they should come back and visit another time. “So…”
“We’re leaving?” Travis asks disappointed before noticing the tiny glares coming from Maya and Amelia. “We’re leaving.”
Ben nods his head and smiles at his friend. “We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Why don’t we see how Carina is feeling tomorrow?” Maya urges her friends not wanting them to become overwhelming.
Carina reaches for Maya’s hand lovingly. “You can come back tomorrow.”
“Carina.” Maya says to her wife.
“What?” Carina asks innocently.
Andy laughs at the two wives before placing her hands in her front pockets. “Do you need anything from your apartment?”
Maya shakes her head before answering. “My mom packed us a bag.”
“Just let me know if you do.” Andy says before pointing to her chest. “I got you.”
Carina nods her head and waves at the firefighters as they all get ready to head out.
“Bye Carina!” Travis calls out.
“Glad you’re okay!” Vic calls.
Carina offers a smile to them but then a thought enters her mind and she knows she needs to say something to this group of extraordinary people before they leave.
“Wait!” Carina calls after them getting them all to stop in their tracks.
Maya hearing the urgency in Carina’s voice looks down at the woman. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Yes, I just wanted to say…” Carina starts but then wavers when her emotions bubble up to the surface. “Uhh…thank you all for saving me.”
The firefighters stand there silently and look at each other before back to Carina. They all know how close they came to losing the woman in the bed during the crash. That night has been etched in their brains and the fact that she is okay enough to tell them thank you door saving her…means everything. Maya leans over and kisses her wife on the head before taking her hand in her own.
“I don’t remember much.” Carina goes on to explain slowly. “But I swear I could feel myself being lifted off the ground…I knew I was going to be okay.”
Maya blinks back her own tears and looks to her team with just as much appreciation and offers them a nod…no words needed.
“So…thank you.” Carina says through a watery smile as she wipes the lone tear away. “You are worth the hype Station 19.”
Travis sees this and turns to Maya. “It’s happening.”
Vic nods her head emotionally and waves them all towards Carina. “We need to bring it in for a”—
“No hugging!” Maya yells.
Travis holds up his hands in surrender and backs up. “Sorry! Sorry!”
“We’re going!” Ben exclaims as he helps guide Travis and Vic back towards the door.
“Carina…” Dean says to the woman before winking at her. “Stay gold, Ponygirl, stay gold.”
“I don’t know what that means.” Carina says simply.
Maya rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “It’s not important.”
“Also too close.” Andy says to Dean before pinching his arm. “He dies at the end of the movie.”
“We love you!” Travis yells as he and Ruiz help guide Vic out of the hospital room.
“Bye Dr. DeLuca!” Willet says before following the others out of the room.
Andy watches the group leave before turning back to Maya and Carina. “I’m gonna go make sure that the probie is driving Montgomery and Hughes home.”
Maya smiles at her appreciatively. “Thank you.”
The three women left watch as the firefighters of Station 19 all leave the hospital room as quickly as they came.
“Hughes.” Amelia says as they are left to themselves. “I like her…she’s got spunk.”
Maya chuckles before tilting her head back and forth. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“That’s how Amelia describes herself.” Carina says to Maya.
Amelia’s mouth drops offended. “You all need spunky people in your life…or it would be boring.”
“Hey.” Carina says as she again takes Maya’s hand in hers. “I meant it…thank you for saving me.”
“Anytime.” Maya says with a smile before clarifying quickly. “And by that I mean…please never again.”
Carina bites her lip to keep from laughing. “I’ll try.”
The two women take a moment to smile at each other but are quickly interrupted by a knock at the door. The three woman look up to see Katherine Bishop at the door with a very special person in tow.
“Knock Knock.” Katherine says as she slowly walks into the room with Ginny. “Special delivery.”
Carina’s eyes light up when she finally sees her daughter awake. “Mimma!”
“Oh my god.” Amelia says to Maya at the sight of Ginny smiling back at Carina. “The cuteness is almost too much.”
“I know.” Maya gushes back as she looks back at the two most important people in her life.
Katherine walks in and bounces Ginny in her arms. “She has been fed and changed.”
“Hi Baby.” Maya smiles at her daughter as she reaches to take the baby. “Come here.”
Carina smiles as she watches Ginny almost leap into her mommy’s arms. “Oh my god…has she gotten bigger?”
“Carina, it’s been two days.” Maya reassures her wife as she starts to rub circles on Ginny’s back.
Carina sticks out her bottom lip. “It feels like longer.”
“Well…that I would agree with.” Maya says back.
Carina offers her wife a reassuring smile before nodding her head towards her. “Bring her closer Bambina.”
“You need to be careful.” Maya urges her wife.
“If I don’t give sweet kisses to her little cheek I am going to explode.” Carina snaps coolly.
“Here.” Maya says amused as she holds Ginny out towards Carina so her wife can kiss the little girl’s cheek.
Carina places a couple sweet kiss on her cheek before running her hand over the soft brown locks on top of the baby’s head. “Sei la luce della mia vita.”(You are the light of my life.)
“Did you hear that?” Maya smiles into Ginny’s ear. “Mama says you are the candle of something.”
Carina just shakes her head. “No.”
“Was I close?” Maya asks.
“No.” Carina repeats.
“I was close.” Maya says to Ginny.
Carina laughs at her wife and daughter before turning to her mother-in-law. “Katherine, thank you again so much for coming.”
“Of course Sweetheart.” Katherine says sincerely. “You are my family.”
Carina offers her a sweet smile. “Well, thank you for looking out for my girls over here.”
“They are pretty great.” Katherine says as she watches Ginny try to get her mouth around Maya’s nose. “And fair warning…I already have about sixty photos on my phone of this little peanut.”
“She deserves all the photos.” Carina laughs before gushing over the baby once more. “I missed her little nose.”
“Should we let Mama kiss your nose?” Maya whispers to Ginny as tickles her tummy with her fingers getting a little laugh. “Should we?”
Carina smiles as Maya brings a still giggling Ginny closer to her so she can land a tiny kiss on her little nose. “Muah!”
“She got you!” Maya teases as she bounces Ginny a little bit before placing a kiss on her cheek.
“I can’t…it is too adorable.” Katherine gushes before pointing to the door. “I am going to go get some coffee…can I get anybody anything?”
Carina just shakes her head and softly smiles. “I’m good Katherine, thank you.”
“Dr. Shepherd?” Katherine asks.
“No thank you.” Amelia replies politely back before going back to looking at Carina’s monitor.
Maya clears the lump in her throat before pointing to the door. “I’ll walk with you.”
“Oh…okay.” Katherine mutters out surprised that her daughter would want to go with her.
Carina just shakes her head. “Maya...don’t even think about leaving this room with--”
“I’ll take her.” Amelia says offering a solution to keep the peace.
“Or I could take her.” Carina suggests.
“I don’t think so.” Maya says to Carina before handing Ginny off to Amelia. “Thank you…I will be right back.”
Carina smiles as Maya leans down to kiss her lips. “I love you.”
“You’re a little scary…but I love you too.” May says back before following her mom out of the hospital room.
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About 15 minutes later Maya sits on a bench against the large windows in the hallway outside the cafeteria. When she saw how busy the cafeteria was she felt overwhelmed all of a sudden and asked if her mom would go get the cups of coffee while she waited in the hallway. It has been a long couple of days and the thought of being around a large group feels like it could push the tired woman over the edge.
As Maya sits on the bench she focuses on her breathing and reminds herself that her wife is going to be okay…everything is going to be okay. She closes her eyes and exhales as she feels a hand on her shoulder. Maya looks up and sees her mom holding out a cup of coffee for her to take.
“Thank you.” Maya says.
“Of course.” Katherine replies back before taking a seat next to her daughter on the bench.
Maya takes a look at the cup and then over to her mom. “This is black.”
“Yes?” Katherine asks confused.
“How did you know I usually take my coffee black?” Maya asks confused.
Katherine snorts before taking a sip of her own coffee. “You used to sneak black coffee past your father.”
“I didn’t realize you knew that.” Maya says before taking a sip of her own.
Katherine just shrugs her shoulders. “I’m your mom…I do know some things.”
“Well, you are great with babies.” Maya says to her mother. “Ginny is in love.”
“I’m the one in love.” Katherine says through a small giggle. “She’s incredible.”
Maya smiles at the thought and nods her head. “She is.”
“I’m so happy for you Sweetheart.” Katherine says as she reaches over and puts her hand on top of Maya’s.
Maya squeezes her hand. “Thanks Mom.”
“How are you doing with everything?” Katherine asks.
Maya takes a breath and closes her eyes trying to figure out the right words. “I’m foggy.”
“What do you mean?” Katherine asks.
“It’s foggy…until it’s not.” Maya says as she tries to explain. “I’ll struggle to remember everything that happened one second and then the next…I am replaying every single second of finding her in the ER.”
“I’m sorry.” Katherine says as she reaches around Maya to rub circles on her back. “I know how much she means to you.”
Maya shakes her head and bites her bottom lip. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through that night without you.”
“Maya.” Katherine mutters.
“I was barely hanging on there.” Maya says as she replays what Bailey told her when Carina was in surgery. She remembers how she felt in that hallway before seeing her mom. “You kept me from losing it.”
“I know that I haven’t been a perfect parent but I’d like to be better.” Katherine admits hesitantly to her daughter. “My arms are here for you whenever you need them.”
“Good.” Maya says with a shy smile as she leans into her mother. “I’ve gotten better at being held.”
Katherine wraps her arm around Maya and pulls her close. “I’m guessing Carina has something to do with that.”
Maya snorts and nestles closer into her mom. “Carina has everything to do with that.”
“She is one tough cookie.” Katherine says.
Maya nods her head and pulls away so she can look her mom in the eyes. “Thank you for coming and helping me take care of my family.”
“Of course.” Katherine says as she takes her hand to cup her daughter’s cheek. “You have a beautiful family.”
“They are more than I could have ever dreamed of.” Maya says through a laugh as she wipes at her watery eyes. “Who would have thought that I’d be surrounded by beautiful Italian women?”
“Carina and Ginny are very lucky to have you too.” Katherine says with a smile. “They adore you.”
“Yea?” Maya questions.
Katherine nods her head and places her hand on her chest. “Every time I see you with Ginny…I think my heart is going to burst from my chest.”
Maya smiles and gets lost in the way Carina looks at her and now Ginny. She knows that she is wanted and needed by the two and wouldn’t want it any other way. Maya shakes her head in shock at how lucky she is as she enjoys her mom’s arms around her.
“You’re a pretty kickass grandma.” Maya says to her mom.
Katherine’s mouth immediately drops open. “Oh my god!”
“What?” Maya asks confused as her mom continues to get more and more excited.
“I’m going to get that on a t-shirt.” Katherine says with a goofy smile. “Kickass Grandma.”
Maya just shakes her head. “Of course you are.”
“Do you think you can help me order one from the internet?” Katherine asks her daughter.
“Sure Mom…sure.” Maya mutters as she resists the urge to roll her eyes.
Katherine claps her hands together excitedly. “Kickass Grandma.”
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Meanwhile upstairs Carina is talking with Amelia about her recovery as the neurosurgeon sways with Ginny in her arms. Just as Amelia’s phone goes off there is a knock at the door. Carina looks over as Amelia looks at her phone to see Dr. Webber smiling.
“Hey.” Richard says as he peaks his head around the door. “Are you up for one more visitor?”
“Only if it is you Dr. Webber.” Carina says to her dear friend.
“This is perfect actually…I was just paged for a consult.” Amelia says as she looks over to the clock on the wall. “Can you take the baby?”
Carina rolls her eyes and glares at her friend. “She won’t let me old my own child.”
“You cannot risk ripping your stitches this soon after surgery…Dr. DeLuca.” Amelia says for the hundredth time.
“Yea, yea.” Carina grumbles.
Of course I will take Ms. Ginny.” Richard says as he holds out his hands.
“Awesome.” Amelia says as she hands the baby over before looking to Carina. “I’ll be by tomorrow to check on you.”
Carina nods her head and smiles. “Thank you Amelia.”
“You are a rock star…you know this.” Amelia says with a smile.
“I know this.” Carina says back as Amelia heads out of the room.
Richard watches Amelia leave before walking closer to Carina. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a truck.” Carina deadpans.
Richard sucks a breath through his teeth. “Not many people get to use that phrase honestly.”
Carina nods her head before noticing Ginny looking at Richard. “She likes you.”
“Well, I like her.” Dr. Webber says as he starts to sway with her in his arms. “Though I haven’t met a DeLuca I don’t like.”
“What about my dad?” Carina jokes.
“I like him too.” Webber says before tilting his head back and forth. “Though I like him far better across the Atlantic.”
Carina can’t help but chuckle. “Yea...I tend to agree.”
“Have you told him about Ginny yet?” Richard asks.
“I was going too…..but then….” Carina begins to explain to the man before clapping her hands together. “Truck.”
“Your mommy’s got jokes.” Richard says to Ginny.
Carina chuckles again before all of a sudden feeling really dizzy. “Ooof.”
“You okay?” Richard asks as Carina lies back against the pillow. “Do you want me to get Bishop or I can bring back Shepherd?”
“The pain comes in short waves…for now.” Carina reassures Dr. Webber. “I’m guessing when they start me moving around the pain is going to be much worse.”
Richard nods his head. “We are all here to help with your recovery.”
“I know.” Carina smiles as she places her hands on her lap. “I am lucky to have you all in my life.”
“We’re the lucky ones.” Richard says sincerely to Carina. “I’m just glad you decided to stay to study orgasms.”
Carina laughs out loud and raises an eye brow. “Now who is the one with jokes?”
“I’ve always been funny Ms. Ginny.” Richard defends to the baby as Carina continues to get comfortable in the bed.
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Downstairs Dr. Jo Wilson is at the floor’s nurse’s station looking over some of her charts concerning new patients being brought in. She has been working overtime trying to cover Carina’s patients as well as her own. Jo stretches out her neck and takes a long breath as Jack rounds the corner and sees her.
He looks around before walking over to Jo who is so busy reading something off a chart that she doesn’t see him arrive.
“Hey.” Jack greets the doctor trying to get her attention.
Jo looks over and sees the fire fighter. “Hey.”
“I was looking for you.” Jack says as he steps closer to Jo by the surgical desk counter.
“Oh yea.” Jo says with a smile as she sets the iPad down on the counter. “Is Carina okay? I haven’t gotten up to see her yet.”
“She’s awake.” Jack tells her with a smile. “She’s spending time with the baby.”
“Oh.” Jo gushes happily before closing her eyes and taking a breath. “Thank god she woke up.”
“Right.” Jack agrees as he sticks his hands in his pockets. “I can’t even imagine…you know.”
“But she’s okay.” Jo reassures the man, not wanting them to focus on what could have happened.
“She’s okay.” Jack agrees with a smile. “And because she’s okay, Maya’s okay.”
Jo smiles and tilts her head at him. “You really care about her.”
Jack nods his head before shrugging his shoulders. “Our history is complicated but I do.”
“You are a good friend.” Jo says.
“You too.” Jack says before waving between them. “Are we friends?”
“You caught me in a stairwell by myself in tears so…sure.” Jo says as she picks up the iPad again to look at her patient’s chart.
“Good….it was nice.” Jack starts to explain. “You know…in the chapel.”
“It was.” Jo agrees as she lets out a breath. “I think it helped.”
Jack runs his hand over his hair. “I was freaking out…and sitting with you helped.”
Dr. Bailey rounds the corner and the first thing she sees is the two doctors talking and just shakes her head as she listens in on their conversation. Bailey walks over to the counter and puts down the paperwork she was delivering.
“Me too.” Jo says as she swipes to a new page on the iPad before smiling at Jack. “It definitely helped.”
Jack swallows a lump in his throat. “Are you--”
“No.” Bailey cuts in.
Jo turns to her boss confused “What?”
“Just…no.” Bailey chirps as she picks up another iPad from the counter to look for updates.
Jo shakes her head still confused. “Chief.”
“No?” Jack asks just as confused.
Bailey squints her eyes and points to the two. “Whatever this is…no.”
“We aren’t doing anything!” Jo exclaims loudly.
“We really aren’t.” Jack agrees.
Jo nods her head and points to the man next to her. “Jack and I are just talking.”
“Mmmmmm.” Bailey hums before going back to her work.
“We are just friends.” Jo says to Bailey. “I’m not looking for anything...so.”
Jack nods his head. “Me neither.”
“Mmmmm.” Bailey hums again before walking away. “No.”
Jack watches the woman walk away before looking to Jo. “She’s pretty scary.”
“Her bark is worse than her bite.” Jo chirps back.
“That is not true Wilson!”
Jo rolls her eyes before letting out a sigh. “She does have impeccable hearing.”
“Yea.” Jack sighs before biting his lip to keep from laughing.
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Later on Carina finally finds herself alone with Maya and Ginny and wants to relish in every moment. She doesn’t know if she’s ready to think about what truly has happened to her...and she thinks that is okay for now. All she needs is the sound of her wife and baby giggling with each other as they continue to play their silly game by her bedside.
“Where are your toes?” Maya asks Ginny before tickling her toes lightly resulting in a giggle when she finishes. “There they are!”
“Uh-oh.” Carina says to Ginny.
“Where is your tummy?” Maya teases as she reaches over to tickle Ginny’s tummy resulting in an even bigger laugh from the baby. “There it is!”
“Goofy.” Carina laughs as she leans back against her pillow before admiring the sight in front of her.
“This is nice…she is so relaxed.” Maya says before kissing the top of Ginny’s head.
Carina immediately gets worried as she watches Ginny pick up a yogurt bite from the bed. “She hasn’t been?”
“No…I don’t know.” Maya sighs before resting her cheek on top of the baby’s head. “I think she knew something was wrong.”
Carina heart breaks at the thought and she sticks out her bottom lip. “Poor baby.”
“Hey, we’re good now.” Maya reassures her wife not wanting her to worry. “We’re together.”
“The three musketeers.” Carina teases as Ginny holds up a yogurt bite to Maya’s lips.
“Oh, thank you.” Maya says as she takes the yogurt bite with her teeth before smiling at her baby. “Yummy.”
“You are such a good sharer.” Carina gushes to the baby who leans back into Maya’s arms.
Maya smiles at Ginny before there is a knock at the door which gets all three ladies to look over.
“Come in.” Carina calls out.
Bailey walks in to the room and smiles at the DeLuca-Bishop family. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Maya greets their friend.
Carina smiles and waves tiredly. “Hello Chief.”
Bailey gives Ginny a smile before stepping closer to the bed. “Pierce just called and said she will be in tomorrow morning to take a look at your abdomen.”
“I already took a look.” Carina says before scrunching her nose. “It’s gross….I’m going to have a scar.”
“Scars are badass.” Maya argues back before looking to Ginny for backup. “Right Ginny.”
Carina smiles before her eyes start to feel heavy and she feels the need to close them just for a second. Maya notices this immediately and can finally see the exhaustion on her wife’s face take over. She knows that the adrenalin from waking up is wearing off and Carina is going to crash soon…which her body desperately needs.
“We should let you sleep.” Maya says softly to her wife.
Carina grumbles and shakes her head. “I’ve been sleeping enough.”
“You haven’t been sleeping DeLuca.” Bailey says firmly. “You’ve been unconscious.”
“I don’t remember anything.” Carina says.
“That’s normal.” Dr. Bailey assures the younger woman before tilting her head. “Can you remember that day at all?”
“I think so.” Carina says trying to think back before a thought slams to her head. “Oh my god!”
“What?!” Maya asks worriedly as she reaches for her wife’s hand. “What is it?”
“We were supposed to have the adoption ceremony this week!” Carina exclaims before clapping her hand to her forehead annoyed that she forgot. “What day is it?”
Maya takes Carina’s hand away from her forehead so she can hold it. “Honey, it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay.” Carina says sadly as her eyes stat to water. “We were supposed to officially adopt Ginny and I have gone and screwed it up.”
“You didn’t screw up anything.” Maya says firmly to her wife. “You survived something horrible.”
“Maybe, we can still make it to the court house.” Carina suggests hopefully.
“Babe.” Maya sighs sadly knowing that is not going to happen.
“Carina.” Bailey says gently as she reaches down to squeeze Carina’s leg to show support. “You just had two major surgeries…you need time to heal.”
Carina nods her head knowing they are both right before resting back against her pillow once more. “This sucks.”
“We will call Amy and Joseph.” Maya says trying to make Carina feel better. “We will figure out another date for the adoption.”
Carina lets out a sigh and looks to her little girl. “I’m sorry Mimma.”
“Hey.” Maya murmurs keeping her voice gentle. “We’re her mommies…period.”
“Bishop’s right.” Bailey agrees as she smiles softly at the two women. “Ginny could care less about a piece of paper…she knows where she belongs.”
“I just was looking forward to it.” Carina says as she looks to Maya.
Maya nods her head and moves her hand to cup Carina’s cheek. “I know.”
Carina nestles closer into Maya’s hand when there is another knock on the door.
“Hey.” Katherine says as she walks into the hospital room.
Maya offers her mom a small smile. “Hi Mom.”
“I have put everything in the car.” Katherine tells the two women. “Are you ready for me to take her for the night?”
“No.” Carina frowns.
“Yes.” Maya corrects her wife with a snicker. “You need to get some rest.”
“Maya is right.” Bailey says to the stubborn Italian woman in bed. “The best thing for your recovery is sleep.”
Carina rolls her eyes but gives in. “Alright, alright.”
“Do you need any help getting her to the car?” Maya asks her mom.
“Nope…I’ve got it.” Katherine says with a smile. “Is there anything else you need from me before we go?”
Maya shakes her head. “Nope, we’re good.”
“Thank you Katherine.” Carina says to her mother-in-law. “Maya will see you at home tonight.”
“Maya will see you tomorrow.” Maya corrects.
“Bambina.” Carina sighs lovingly. She knows that Maya has been by her bedside since the accident and could really use a good night’s sleep.
Maya just shakes her head. “I’m staying Dr. DeLuca.”
“You are a bossy woman you know that?” Carina says with a smirk.
Katherine snorts from the door. “She knows.”
“Thank you Mom.” Maya says before resting her nose against Ginny’s cheek. “I’m going to miss you.”
Carina smiling waves the baby over. “I need kisses.”
Maya obliges and moves Ginny closer to Carina. “Say goodnight to Mama.”
Carina gives her a tiny kiss before whispering. “Have sweet dreams Mimma.”
“You be good for Grandma.” Maya says as she gives her one last kiss before walking over to her mom.
“Let’s go.” Katherine says as she takes Ginny in her arms. “Say bye-bye.”
Carina smiles sweetly at the little girl as she waves. “Bye-bye.”
“I will see you both tomorrow.” Katherine says before walking out of the room with Ginny.
“She waved goodbye and everything.” Maya says as she sticks out her bottom lip. “She’s practically her own woman…she doesn’t need us anymore.”
Carina hears this and shrieks. “What?!”
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” Maya laughs as she walks back over to her wife in bed.
Carina just shakes her head not amused. “What is the matter with you?”
“I’m sorry.” Maya apologizes, still laughing at her wife’s antics.
Carina glares back at her wife before letting out a breath. “I think she’s smitten with your mom.”
Maya nods her head in agreement. “Grandma is a good look on her…she deserves it.”
“You deserve it.” Carina says to the fire captain.
“I’m going to head out.” Bailey says before turning to Bishop. “Please make sure she gets some rest.”
Maya nods her head. “You got it Chief.”
“Thank you Captain.” Bailey retorts.
“Oh brother.” Carina says as she rolls her eyes. “We get it boss ladies.”
“Note to self.” Maya says as she shakes her head amused. “She gets sassy after surviving a near death experience.”
“I will check on you tomorrow.” Bailey tells the two wives.
“Thank you.” Carina tells her boss as they walk her head out of the hospital room. They both take moment to enjoy the silence between the two of them. “We’re alone.”
Maya nods her head and smiles softly. “We are.”
“Come here.” Carina urges as she puts her hands down on her bed to help shift herself over on the bed.
“No…no, no, no.” Maya mutters nervously as she watches her wife try to move herself on the bed. “What are you doing?”
Carina rolls her eyes and slowly starts to scoot over. “I can move 8 inches to make room for my wife.”
“Carina.” Maya admonishes.
“Owe.” Carina winces as she struggles to move just a little more. When she notices enough room for Maya she lets out a relieved breath before nodding her wife over once more. “There.”
Maya just shakes her head. “Maggie told you to be careful of your stitches.”
“I’m good.” Carina says as she waves her wife over. “Let’s go.”
Maya looks to her wife unsure. “They’re bringing me in a cot.”
“That’s great.” Carina chirps simply. “Up please.”
“You’re the bossy woman.” Maya mutters to herself before giving in. “Fine.”
“Victory.” Carina says with a smile as she watches Maya carefully get into bed with her.
Maya shifts on her side, careful to leave enough room for her wife. “Happy.”
“Yes.” Carina says as she reaches across her body to grab hold of Maya’s arm. “You close to me is the best medicine I need.”
Maya nods her head and closes her eyes to soak up this moment with her wife. There was a moment where she didn’t know if she was going to get to do this again...lay in bed together after a long day. Her bottom lip begins to quiver and her eyes start to water again when she thinks pictures her wife’s beautiful hair sprawled out beneath that slab of concrete. Carina looks over and can see the quiver from Maya’s bottom lip and the watery eyes.
“Hey….” Carina whispers gently at the sight of her wife’s tears. “Hey….”
“I’m sorry.” Maya says as she bites her lip to keep her emotions under control. “I think it’s hitting me again.”
Carina shakes her head and runs her finger down Maya’s cheek. “Don’t be sorry...I’m sorry I scared you.”
“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Maya whispers with her eyes closed. “I don’t know what I would have done.”
“You found me…didn’t you?” Carina says softly.
Maya’s eyes shoot back open and her mouth goes dry. “What?”
“I know you.” Carina says with a small smile. “You came in looking for me.”
Maya nods her head slightly. “Yea.”
“I’m sorry you had to see me like that.” Carina says with a frown.
Maya reaches over to rest her hand on Carina’s cheek. “Do you know how unbelievably strong you are?”
“So strong.” Carina jokes softly. “So tough.”
Maya laughs softly at her wife. “You’re a fighter Carina DeLuca.”
“Well….Maya Bishop…” Carina whispers as she leans closer to Maya’s face. “You have given me so much to fight for.”
Maya leans over to Carina’s lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Carina whispers back before bringing their lips together.
Maya enjoys the feel of Carina’s lips on her own. But when she pulls away she can feel a shift in the room. Maya immediately notices Carina getting quiet…lost in her own thoughts.
“Thank you for staying.” Carina says as she takes her hand to grip Maya’s hoodie…bringing her closer.
Maya nods her head and notices her wife stifle a large yawn. “Are you getting sleepy?”
“No.” Carina lies before another yawn escapes her lips.
Maya has to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud before resting her forehead against Carina’s arm. “Close your eyes…I’m right here.”
Carina closes her eyes and lets out a long breath. “Promise?”
“Always.” Maya promises.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside the hospital room Dr. Taryn Helm and Dr. Zander Perez are watching the two wives comfort each other through the window. They like everybody else in the hospital were beyond excited and relieved when they heard their favorite OB/GYN was awake.
Helm lets out a grumble and keeps looking at them in a daze. “I can’t stop starring at them.”
“I know.” Perez sighs as he continues to gush adoringly. “They are so cute.”
“I know.” Helm whines before shaking her head. “It makes me want to throw up.”
“Helm….salty.” Perez gasps through a smirk before shoving her arm. “I like it.”
Helm rolls her eyes before pouting. “I’m never going to find love like that.”
“Girl…that is not the right attitude.” Perez scolds before placing his hand on his hip. “What would Alice Pieszecki do?”
Helm raises an eyebrow. “Who?”
Perez looks at her in shock. “I thought you were part of the alphabet mafia?”
“I am.” Helm says confidently as she points to herself before going back to stare at the wives in the hospital room.
Perez shakes his head and grabs her arm to shake her. “Stella! We gotta help get your groove back.”
“Who is Stella?” Helm asks still confused.
Perez’s mouth drops again but he just goes back to starring in the window. “I can’t talk to you anymore.”
Dr. Bailey comes walking over and immediately rolls her eyes when she sees the two staring at Bishop and Deluca through the window in the hallway.
“What are you two doing?” Bailey asks her two residents.
“Thinking about love.” Perez sings.
Bailey shakes her head and looks at her emails. “Stop spying on DeLuca and her wife.”
“What?!” Perez exclaims insulted at the suggestion. “Why?!”
“Because it’s creepy Perez.” Bailey says before waving him away. “Go save lives.”
Perez and Helm begrudgingly slink off down the hallway to leave Dr. Bailey to her work. As she looks at the clock on the wall her focus is soon brought to her husband who is walking straight for her.
“Hey.” Ben smiles.
“Hey.” Bailey greets back sweetly. “I thought you left.”
“You thought I’d leave here without my smoking hot wife…please.” Ben teases back as he wraps his arms around her waist before nodding towards the window. “Everything still good?”
Bailey nods her head. “She should make a full recovery.”
“Good.” Ben says back.
“Except we have a problem.” Bailey says as she steps out of her husband’s arms to look at her phone.
“Okay.” Ben says confused with his arms still open. “What is it?”
“Well, I actually have a solution to the problem.” Bailey says simply.
Ben just shakes his head and slips his hands into his pockets. “Of course you do.”