Chapter 27

Heidi hummed as she packed her suitcase. Lachie was next door doing the same, and no doubt having a good time with Chase.

Chase. Heidi smiled at the thought of the person she thought of as her brother. She just wanted Chase to be happy. She hoped that he would meet someone soon. She knew that she and Lachie should do something nice for him, but she wasn't sure what.

She finished packing her suitcase and hefted it off the bed with her good arm and left it by the door. She was still shocked that she was going on vacation. She had never thought that they would ever get a chance to go on vacation together, but she was happy to be going. To get away for a little while.

Chase & Lachie

Chase laughed at Lachie as he decided over a few different outfits to put in his suitcase. "You really don't know what to pack?" Chase asked, laughing. "What is wrong with you? You are usually extremely decisive." Chase took a sip of his coffee and watched his brother.

"I'm nervous." Lachie said, surprised that he was admitting what he was thinking.

"Nervous? Why?"

Lachie folded the shirt that was in his hands. "Because… Because I am going to ask Heidi to marry me, that is why."

Chase nearly spit out his coffee at Lachie's admission. "You're going to what?"

"Ask Heidi to marry me. We nearly died together out there, and then I nearly lost her, not to mention you. Life is far too short to not act what you are feeling."

Chase nodded knowingly. He walked over to his brother and smiled. "Do you have the ring?"

"I have to go to and pick it up, but I didn't want to bring it to the States with me. Do you think you could pick it up for me while we are going? I am going to bring a fake ring with me and then give her the real one when we get back."

Chase smiled broadly. "Of course I can! I would be honored to do so."

Lachie clapped his brother on the back. "Thanks mate. I knew that I could count on you."

The next morning

Heidi and Lachie sat on the plane, smiling at each other. They hadn't realized when they had accepted the tickets that their seats were in first class. "They really went overboard, Lachie."

Lachie looked at Heidi and smiled. "That they did, Heidi. That they did." He gripped her hand and brought her knuckles up to his lips. "But you deserve this type of royal treatment."

Heidi blushed and smiled. "Thank you, Lachie." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I can't wait to sit on the beach and relax. Do nothing but enjoy the sun and the surf."

"Me neither." Lachie added. He was nervous, not because he was afraid of flying but because he was going to propose. He did his best not to appear nervous to Heidi.

Hawaii

Heidi grinned as she and Lachie arrived at their hotel, flower leis around their necks. Pink and white flowers bloomed, the sun was shining and the hotel was absolutely gorgeous. They stepped out of the van and Lachie put his arm around Heidi's shoulders. "How does it feel to be officially on vacation?"

"Wonderful!" Heidi exclaimed. She pulled out her camera and started snapping photos while Lachie texted the team that they had arrived safely.

They walked into the hotel and were greeted by friendly staff. They checked in, and went up to their room. When the door opened to their room, they discovered they it was not just any room. It was the honeymoon suite.

"Lachie... Look at this room... Look at the view! We have a balcony overlooking the beach! This is paradise!"

Lachie watched Heidi as she checked out every corner of the room and smiled. She looked relaxed and truly happy for the first time in months.

Heidi laughed. "Let's go down to the beach Lachie!"

"Sure. Lets get changed and head down." Lachie opened his suitcase and pulled out his swim trunks. Heidi pulled out her suit and they got changed.

Heidi practically raced Lachie to the sand and she twirled around in it. She went straight for the water. "Come on Lachie!"

Lachie couldn't help but smile at her. He still wasn't walking at his full capacity yet, but he was happy that the cast was off so he could enjoy this trip. He got to Heidi as fast as he could, his hands encircling her waist. He kissed her softly, tenderly.

Heidi smiled against his lips. This was vacation.

After an hour of playing on the beach, they went back to the hotel, showered and changed for dinner. Heidi left her hair curly, clipped a white flower in her hair that matched her white dress. She slipped her feet into her sandals and emerged to show Lachie.

Lachie turned when she stepped out in front of him. "Heidi... You look gorgeous!" He stammered as he stared. He was positively tongue tied.

Heidi smiled so brightly that it lit up her eyes. "You look pretty good yourself, handsome."

Lachie grinned again and reached for her hand. "Let's go eat, shall we?"

Heidi wrapped her hand in his and they walked out the door.

The Team

Vince sat in the office, waiting for the team to return from a call out. He had to admit that Heidi and Lachie's absence was felt even if they hadn't been back at work yet for a while. He couldn't possibly begrudge them this time away. He considered them to be family, and he just wanted his entire family back together.

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs had him swinging around to see who it was. He couldn't have been more surprised. "Jordan? What can I do for you?"

Jordan walked in hesitantly; shyly. "Hi Vince. Can I speak with you?"

Vince nodded. "Sure you can."

"I was kinda hoping that I could get my old job back." Jordan looked so nervous, Vince couldn't prolong the agony. He had already discussed Jordan's possible return with Michelle and it had been approved.

"I spoke with Michelle already about the possibility. You can come back, but you'll be on probation."

Jordan nodded happily, "sure. Of course."

"Come back tomorrow. I will have your uniform ready tomorrow."

Jordan grinned and practically danced down the stairs. "Thanks Vince!"