Johnny groaned and opened his eyes, blinking against the harsh light. Disoriented he tried to figure out where he was. He could hear a steady beeping nearby. "Good morning Johnny."
Dixie's voice. "Dix," he mumbled, still struggling to open his eyes, "what happened?"
He tried to sit up, but fell back with a groan as the room spun. "How you just stay still John Gage," Dixie said, taking his pulse. "You were dehydrated, your blood sugar was low, you were tired, and you passed out. Now would you stop worrying about everyone else and take care of yourself for once?"
"How's Joanne?"
Dixie had to smile, and shook her head. "Don't you ever stop? Joanne's fine. Her parents and the kids got here about an hour ago."
"And Roy?"
"Well you never stop, but you're completely oblivious. Ask him yourself."
Johnny turned his head carefully. "Oh. Hey Roy. How ya feelin'?"
Roy sent him a weak smile. "Okay, how about you."
"I've been better. Have you seen the baby yet?"
"Not yet. Dr. Brackett said they'll bring her down soon."
Dixie had left the room and the two partners sat in silence for a moment. "Listen, Johnny," Roy said finally, "Dix and Brackett told me what you did. All of it. Thanks."
"You're welcome," Johnny said quietly. "It wasn't anything more than what you've done for me."
"Yes, it was. And it's good to know…that if something were to happen…"
"Things would be taken care of," Johnny finished for him.
"Roy?" Dr. Morton stuck his head in. "Oh, hi Johnny."
"Hey Doc."
"Roy, Dr. Early has someone out here he wants you to meet."
Dr. Early entered the room holding a small bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. "Roy, I'd like you to meet your daughter."
He carefully placed her in Roy's arms. "She's perfect," Roy said softly.
After a moment he looked at his grinning partner. "You want to see Johnny?"
"Sure," Johnny said accepting the baby from Dr. Early.
He looked down into a face so like Joanne's it was startling. "She got your nose Roy."
Just then she started to fuss. "I'll take her back to Joanne," Dr. Early said. "You know Roy, you really should name her."
"Well things have been kind of crazy lately, even before all this. We just didn't really have time to talk about it. We'll figure it out."
Dr. Early laughed just as the baby let out a wail. "I'll see you two later. Get some rest."
"If I never hear that phrase again it'll be too soon," Johnny groaned.
"You can say that again," Roy grumbled.
"Doc, when can I get out of here?" Johnny whined hours later.
"Sh!" Dr. Brackett admonished as he listened to Johnny's chest. "Well things sound good. How are you feeling?"
"Great!" Johnny said.
"Any nausea?"
"No."
"Dizziness?"
"Nope."
"Pain?"
Johnny opened his mouth to answer and then shut it at Brackett's stern look. "Slight headache."
"Tomorrow."
"What?!"
"Tomorrow and that's my final offer."
Johnny threw himself back against the pillows and winced. "Fine," he grumbled.
"It could have been sooner. You know this is all your fault. Besides, I'm not letting my two best paramedics out of here until I'm sure they're perfectly healthy."
"Aw, gee. Thanks Doc," Johnny said.
"Well gentlemen, I have to be going," Brackett said with a smile. "But I think you're going to have plenty of company."
"Hey guys!" Chet's head popped around the doorframe, and he entered the room followed by the Captain, Marco, and Mike.
"How are you two feeling?" Cap asked.
"Getting there," Roy said.
"I'm great," Johnny asked, "Doc's keeping me here as punishment."
The guys stayed for about half an hour until Roy was tired. They said their goodbyes and promised to visit again soon.
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