Title: What the heart wants
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
Sam was rushed to the Obstetrics on the third floor and Eddie ushered into a nearby waiting room with Zeus and Chris. Logically he understood why but Eddie just wanted to be by Sam's needed him. Exhaustion hit as the adrenaline wore off. The double whammy would've knocked Eddie off his feet if Zeus hadn't caught him. Eddie hadn't even realized his friend was in the room with him.
"Easy."Zeus cautioned as he eased Eddie onto the nearby blue sofa.
"I'm getting you some soup or broth and something to drink."Chris stated worriedly as she left.
Eddie buried his face in his hands struggling to keep from passing out. Sam needed him; he had to keep it together.
"I'm getting a doctor."Zeus said as he stood. "You need to be checked out too."
"I'm okay."Eddie replied as he removed his hands and met his friend's gaze. "Just the combo of lack of sleep and food and stress."
"Eat whatever Chris brings you."Zeus ordered as he sat in a green chair. "You won't be any help to Sam if you don't take care of yourself."
Eddie nodded. They were both silent for several minutes.
"Did I make the wrong move, Zeus?"Eddie asked hoarsely. "Should I have waited for them to negotiate?"
"She was under stress no matter what."Zeus responded with a shake of his head. "Ending it quickly was the best choice."
Chris returned with a tray of food and set it on the coffee table in front of Eddie. He gave her a grateful smile.
"Thanks ."Eddie acknowledged as he picked up a mug of chicken broth.
"Captain needs to debrief me."Chris said apologetically as she straightened. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Thank you."Eddie said again as he stood and hugged Chris. "For everything."
"Keep me posted."Chris replied as she left.
Eddie sank wearily back onto the sofa. He finished the broth and the two glasses of water which was making him feel a bit better. Eddie was just drained physically and emotionally.
"Get some shuteye."Zeus advised quietly. "Rest while you can."
"Can't."Eddie said worriedly. "Too much spinning around in my head. We didn't plan on being parents, Zeus. Hell, we didn't even really date, but she's my family. If I lose one or both...I..."
"I know."Zeus commented sadly. "But Sam's in good hands. Some of the best doctors in the country are at this hospital. Hold on to that."
Eddie nodded. Sam had turned his life upside down from the moment Syd introduced them. Now Eddie couldn't picture his life without her. All Eddie wanted was for them to welcome their child into the world and start the next chapter of their lives.
Two hours later Chris returned to the waiting room to find Eddie pacing. She'd hoped that the fact she hadn't gotten an update just meant no news was good news. She gave Eddie a hug and then sat down on the sofa near Zeus.
"This is taking too long."Eddie commented anxiously as he turned to face his friends.
"I'm sure they're just running tests and taking precautions."Chris said as she stood and took Eddie by his right arm. "Let's find you a change of clothes."
Eddie glanced down at his clothes as if realizing for the first time since his escape what rough shape they were. Chris's heart went out to him. Eddie looked so lost, worn down and worried. It made her want to take Chambers out of the morgue and kill him again.
"Come on."Chris urged tugging at the PI's hand.
"I'll find you if there's news."Zeus promised. "Go, it'll help."
They left the waiting room with Chris hoping that once they returned there would be an update.
In a clean pair of dark blue scrubs the medical staff had given him Eddie returned to the waiting room.
"Thank you both for waiting with me."Eddie commented breaking the silence. "I'd be going crazy by myself."
"What friends are for."Chris replied as they sat back on the sofa.
"I updated Berto while you were gone."Zeus interjected. "He's on his way."
"Okay."Eddie acknowledged with a nod.
The room fell into a tense silence.
Finally at almost the three hour mark Dr. Bailey entered the waiting room. Eddie jumped to his feet taking several steps forward.
"How is she?"Eddie demanded.
"Was touch and go for a bit but we have Sam stabilized."Dr. Bailey reported with a smile. "She and the baby are okay. I'm going to monitor her for a few days so she'll have to stay here. But if there's no further complications Sam can go home and we'll treat her condition with medication."
"Thank God."Eddie whispered as he ran a hand over his face. "Can I see her?"
"Sam's been asking for you."Bailey replied with a nod. "Follow me."
"We'll take off then."Zeus said as he clasped Eddie on his left shoulder. "Tell Sam I'll stop by tomorrow."
"Me too."Chris added with a smile. "I'm glad they're okay."
"I'll tell her."Eddie promised as he turned and quickly followed the doctor.
"I wasn't dreaming."Sam exclaimed as Eddie entered the exam room. "You really are here."
"I'm okay."Eddie replied softly as he sat on the edge of Sam's bed pulling her into an embrace. "You scared me to death."
"Scared me too when I woke up surrounded by doctors."Sam said tearfully. "I tried so hard to keep calm, Eddie...I really did."
"You were amazing."Eddie complimented.
"I thought he was going to kill me."Sam said quietly.
"It's over, Sam."Eddie soothed. "Your'e safe."
After a moment Sam pulled back and looked at her partner's bandaged hands.
"Eddie! Your hands!"Sam exclaimed worriedly.
"Just got scraped up when I escaped."Eddie explained. "Bandages will be gone in a few days."
Sam nodded and nestled back into Eddie's arms.
"I was so afraid I wouldn't see you again."Sam said quietly. "I love you."
"I love you too."Eddie responded huskily. "Both of you."
They sat like that for a long time. Sam knew how lucky they were. She was so grateful that Eddie was alright and so was their unborn child. She was looking forward to starting their life together.