Have you ever loved someone so much, the thought of not being with them hurts? Imagine part of your worst fears coming alive on a very special day of your life.
Today was a happy day for both Robert and Andy. Today would be the day they'd tie the knot and become one. Getting to spend the rest of your life with your one true love, your soul mate is a blessing, one that they were both looking forward to.
As firefighters, the job made them realize how easily the love of your life can slip away. It could be from something as simple as a hiccup, from a mere accident, or just unforeseen dangers. Since one wrong move could change the entire course of your life, living a fulfilling life now while you can is a must.
As Andy was all snuggled up in bed, she could hear the faint ringing from her phone, it was Robert's special ringtone. Still asleep she figured it was dream so she ignored the noise since Robert was supposed to be in bed with her. Her phone went off another time causing her to groan and turn to Robert's side of the bed. With her eyes barely open she realized he wasn't there so she dragged her feet to find her phone. 'Where'd he go so early?' She thought.
As it rang another time, she answered. Robert's voice boomed through the speaker of her phone "Babe, are you still asleep?"
"Where are you?" She questioned.
"I'm at the gym, plus you know you're not suppose to see your bride on your wedding day" he said with a smile. "Thought I'd get an early morning start so we don't jinx it officially"
"Yea, right! I remember you not believing in superstition. Also the whole thing would've meant you not see me earlier this morning when you got up"
"Well I guess now I do believe and this morning didn't count...Don't bother going back to bed, I'm sure the girls will be coming over soon. Another thing, you tend to be late so don't keep me waiting too long, I love you"
Andy laughed "I love you too! See you in a few hours"
Andy looked at her phone realizing it was just 6:00am. "God that man, why'd he wake me up so early." Her alarm was set for 6:30 so she could've gotten some more rest.
She headed to the kitchen to get some coffee to fully energize herself. While making the coffee, she sat smiling thinking of how she was about to marry the man of her dreams. The man who turned her world, the one who made her feel safe, the one who showed her it's possible to love someone else, so much, with your entire being. Ecstasy filled her as this was about to be the best day of her life.
As time passed she drank her coffee and soon was blasting her favorite playlist through the speakers. She was hyped and thus started gathering all the necessary items that she would need to go through the day.
An hour later she was making her way upstairs and heard deafening voices drawing closer. She immediately knew it was the girls. They had a key for emergencies, so she continued up the stairs knowing they'd let themselves in. "Mrs Sullivan" Vic called out nonchalantly entering the living area but not seeing Andy.
"We're here!" Maya chimed in.
"Hello! Mrs Andrea Herrera-Sullivan" Vic called out once again.
"I'm coming! You don't need to be so loud" Andy uttered as she made her way down each step.
As she got to the bottom of the staircase, the girls looked at her seeing a well lit face. "Well someone is glowing!" Vic let out.
Andy couldn't help but blush, she truly was happy. "Well today I get to marry the man I love and despite everything else..." Her mind reminded her that she had none of her parents alive to give her away and see her become a beautiful bride. "I have you girls with me so I expect today to be great."
"We got you!" Vic said pulling her in for a hug and Maya joined in.
Vic and Maya made themselves comfortable meanwhile Andy continued packing the essentials to avoid forgetting anything. Everything had to be perfect today. She was pulled away from packing upon hearing her phone going off. "Maya, can you see who that is and answer it for me?" She shouted from the room she was in.
"Okay...it's Michelle" Maya responded. Maya answered and then headed towards the door. "Hey girl!"
Michelle greeted her "Hey Maya" as she walked in with her bags and her vibrant demeanor.
"Hey Vic! Nice to see you again" Michelle said while giving her a hug. "Where's the bride to be?" She added while looking around.
"Over here!" Andy echoed as she made her way to the living room.
"Prima!" Michelle exclaims as she walks over to her "Así que como se siente la futura esposa?" (How's the bride to be feeling?)
"Feliz, Emocionada! No puedo esperar para casarme con el hombre que amo! (Happy, excited! Can't wait to marry the man I love)
"Okay vamos arreglarte" Michelle said while crying. (Okay lets get you hitched)
"Ladies...oh idk, remember we're here" Maya said while chuckling. Andy and Michelle looked at each other and laughed. They made their way over to them and they all started making conversation while organizing their makeup and outlining the finishing touches to be done on their hair.
Hours passed and the girls were almost ready. Andy had gone upstairs to her room to get ready, she wanted to surprise the girls, take in that moment when they looked at her with pure adoration. That feeling would help cloud out the sadness she felt deep down knowing that how her parents weren't alive to be with her today.
Meanwhile, Robert and the guys were getting themselves ready too.
"So Sully, you ready for this?" Luke asked patting his shoulders.
"Ready as can be. Today is the day" Robert said as he smiled and then beckoned for Luke to help with straightening his jacket. "I'm now joining the marriage club with you"
"That you are. Today you officially start living not only for yourself but for your wife. A very strong willed and passionate one" Luke added while chuckling.
"Yea Luke, it will be quite the journey"
Dean and Travis were having their own convo across the room.
They all continued putting themselves together with!merely one and a half hour to go.
Back at their home, as Andy looked at herself in the mirror, she smiled at how much she had grown. Marriage had never been a thing she wanted but here she was about to marry the man she wants a long future with. She felt a striking headache hit her and she let out a gasp. She had been having some bad headaches recently and today she decided to ignore it. She hoped it would go away as she planned on enjoying this very special day in her life.
She glided down each stair and seeing the looks on the girls faces made her even more joyful.
"Wow! You are gorgeous Andy!" Vic said breaking the silence.
"Eres preciosa mujer, Tan hermosa. Estoy tan feliz, Te Amo!" Michelle commented. (You are gorgeous girl! So beautiful. I'm so happy, I love you)
"I love you all so much...Michelle stop crying or else I'm gonna cry too."
Soon they were heading for the limousine and off to the hotel. It was a small beach front wedding and the day was perfect for it.
The men had already arrived and were waiting, welcoming the few close friends as they came.
"So how long do you think you'll be waiting today?" Luke joked while glancing in Robert's direction seeing him check his watch.
"Well I hope not for long" he replied smiling.
Prepping himself, they soon got the word that the girls had arrived. Just on time, so not so bad. Robert was happy and for a man who was so hardcore, he surely felt soft in this moment knowing he was about to make one of the best decisions of his life marrying this woman.
Andy was happy, but she still had a headache even though she had taken some pills earlier. It had become more intense and was taking a toll on her, which caused her to grab a seat in the nearest chair while everyone was anxious in anticipation to start the bridal party march.
Ben maintaining his 'Dad' cred was going to walk Andy down the isle. Being observant he saw her clutch to the seat "Hey, you okay?"
"Yea. Just need to catch my breath." Andy lied trying to hide the pain behind her smile.
"Make sure it's not cold feet" Ben joked since he could see she was a bit tense.
"Definitely not"
5 mins later and the sound of the music signaled the ceremony was about to begin.
Andy got up making her way over to Ben.
With each step, she felt dizzy and was sure she was about to topple over. She clutched on to Ben's arm "Ben, I don't feel..." and in an instant she lost consciousness.
"Need some help over here" Ben shouted getting the attention of those around him "and someone call an ambulance"
The audience and Robert were waiting and no one emerged even though the music was playing which would've signaled the start. He glanced at Luke who shrugged saying he too had no idea what's the hold up.
Seconds later they saw Travis coming towards them, he wasn't marching with Michelle so that was even more odd. He went up to them trying his best to be calm and not cause a frenzy. He told them what happened and without hesitation Robert ran off, not caring about the eyes of everyone on him. His thoughts were now running a million miles per second thinking how could this be happening? Luke signaled Travis to go with him while he updated the audience.
Luke sighed and told the minister what was happening. He then grabbed a mike and informed everyone. Gasps could be heard from everyone and deep concern filled their faces. Luke quickly made his way off, he had to be there for his best friend. He would need him more than ever.
——————————
Andy still had a faint pulse but hadn't regained consciousness upon arriving at the hospital. Robert had been by her side the entire ride and he would ask whatever higher being was out there to keep her alive. He managed to maintain a strong exterior but inside he was crumbling, he was in pain.
The doctors rushed off with Andy into a room doing whatever tests they needed to do and forced him to be on the outside looking in. Luke ran through the doors along with the others and seeing Robert he immediately went to his side. He placed a hand on his shoulder "I'm here" Robert only managed to nod, he had no words. He wasn't himself; he was in pain. How could what was supposed to be the best day of their lives, turn into such a nightmare?
He wouldn't leave Andy's side so he stood at the window like a soldier at his post. He had been in the marines, so even if he needed to stay for hours in that exact spot without food and water he would. His eyes never left her body and every thing around him seemed to have faded in the background. He was so far off he couldn't hear his bestfriend trying to get his attention. Andy's eyes fluttered open, and just when he thought his pain was at its worst, it dissipated, like fog off some terrible lake. He exhaled deeply and dormant tears that were welled up now fell from his eyes.
Luke who was still beside him gave him some gentle pats, reassuring him she's gonna be okay.
"Robert, where's Robert?" A confused Andy asked while taking off the oxygen mask and trying to get up from the bed.
A familiar voice calmly responded to her "Andy, it's Dr. Grey. You're at Grey Sloan. Robert is right outside but I need you to calm down okay." Andy nodded.
She turned to look for Robert outside and despite being the one on the hospital bed almost dying, she only cared about him, how he was. What she saw was heartbreaking and she just needed to tell him she was okay. She could see the tears trickling like drops of water down his face, a rare sight but considering the day and the circumstances he's allowed to.
Andy eyed Meredith and she instantly knew what Andy was asking. It wasn't the best course as they needed to tend to Andy but she'd give an exception. She beckoned to Robert and he turned to Luke as if begging to tell him if he looked okay to go in. After all he was his best man. Luke straightened his Tux and gave him the go ahead. Robert made his way inside while Luke went off to go update the others since they had to wait in the waiting room.
"2 minutes, then we move her and after we can talk about what happened" Meredith said moving to stand at the door.
He slowly made his way over to Andy whose eyes by now were filled with tears. "Hi"
"Hi"
"You can't scare me like that again" he said as he wiped her tears and caressed her face.
"I ruined our day" she let out closing her eyes trying to hold back all the emotion. "I'm sorry"
"Hey, it's okay. Don't worry about that," he said as he placed a chest kiss on her forehead "I'm just glad you're okay"
She managed to crack a smile "Now you need to stay calm so we can get you checked out"
They wheeled her off to the patient floor, but Robert wasn't allowed in just yet. Meredith told him he'd need to hold off for just a bit. While heading off she did show him the yelling closet though and told him to catch a breath there.
Closing the door behind him, he felt heat well up inside him and he quickly unbuttoned what was supposed to be a well clad Tux. He needed to breath and it didn't help that he felt as if the air around him wasn't enough. He slammed his fists against some medical supplies and let out a groan. He wondered what could he have possibly done for the universe to be against him like this. All he wanted was to enjoy some peace, just for a little while.
It didn't take long for him to make his way outside considering he was in public and being so vulnerable was not apart of his personality.
He found the others who all immediately rallied around him giving him, well, unexpected hugs and pats on the shoulder trying to comfort him. At this point they were just all glad she was alive.
"So Dr. Grey, when can I leave? As you can see today was suppose to be a great day" Andy said as she stared at her wedding dress now hanging on the wall across from her.
"You're not even going to ask about what's wrong with you Herrera?" Meredith chuckled.
"I feel fine. It must've been that headache that I had earlier"
"We'll need to talk about a few things. I'm assuming you need your fiancé to be here with you"
She wasn't wrong, but those words affected Andy; Cut deep wounds inside her heart. She was suppose to be calling him her husband at this point. Oh how she had longed for the day to make it official.
She gave Meredith confirmation and soon she was off to retrieve Robert.
"...so you're saying my blood pressure was high?" Andy questioned. "There's no history in my family...I'm healthy...too young even?" She said baffled as she continued trying to process the news.
"That's right. It's a very serious condition Herrera, one that's shouldn't be taken lightly. Planning a wedding can be quite strenuous and puts a lot of stress on the body. Lack of rest, all the trauma you've faced recently and also your job are all contributing factors..."
Andy knew she was right. The week had been hectic and she has had so much on her mind. Old memories flooding in at the forefront of her mind surely hadn't calmed her much.
The entire time Robert had been quiet but his hand hadn't let go of hers. The wheels were turning as to what he could do and how he could help her.
He spoke up grabbing the attention of Andy and Meredith "So What does she need to be okay? How long should she be off resting?
"We'll keep her under observation for today and start out with some meds to lower it. Based on the results we can determine the steps to move forward"
Meredith administered treatment and disappeared outside giving the couple some time to speak.
With longing eyes Andy stared at Robert who had taken the chance to pull up a chair and had now rested his head on the side of her bed "Babe..hey, I'm okay. Look at me" Roberts eyes gazed up to meet hers "See I'm even feeling better. Now you need to breathe"
His fingers trailed along her palm as he tried to calm himself. She gave him a smile and ran her fingers along his jawline.
The others got to visit for a few minutes then they all headed home. Hours passed and at the 4hr mark Andy's pressure had dropped a great deal, she was almost in the normal range. She became drowsy so she eventually dozed off into a deep slumber.
After watching her chest rise and falls for some time he made his way to get some coffee. He really needed the energy.
The next morning, Andy's pressure was in the normal range. Meredith gave the all clear for them to go home and highly recommended Andy stay on the list of meds to keep things under control. Once the papers were signed they both got ready to leave, Luke of course was on the outside with Vic waiting to bring them home.
A Month Later
"I promise I'm okay this time. I feel fine" Andy let out as she was walking with arms intertwined with Ben. The hotel had been kind enough to surprise them in re-booking a day and they took care of all the arrangements. Here for the 2nd time, Andy was about to be marched down the isle.
The past month had been filled with mixed emotions and she had a whole army looking out for her ensuring she was in top shape.
She and Robert became more closer, they had some days off after the initially accident so they spent that 'pre honeymoon phase' at home discovering more about each other.
The bridal march began and as each couple headed off, it was one step less for Andy to reveal herself. When she emerged, she saw him and she was reminded of how much she loved this man. A smile plastered across both their faces and in that moment, a shared glance, they were both ready to take on life together. They were ready to face the good times, the bad, confident they'd stick it out together.
A/N - Hope you all enjoyed this one. Lol I couldn't really go through with it being something drastic, I'm a softie, so I softened it. I know I worried many of you. Also, I am no medical expert, this medical bit is all meshed from an experience I heard.