Title: Fever

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

An hour later Tim stood in the Peds ward watching his daughter sleep. He leaned against the wall in the curtained area. A huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Grace had reported that all of Ellie's tests had come back normal or negative. It was just a normal head cold that had morphed into a fever. Tim was beyond grateful.

Walking over to the crib Tim lightly placed a kiss on Ellie's forehead. He'd been so scared that they could lose Ellie. She'd had his heart since they'd found out Lucy was pregnant. That love had only grown; more than he'd ever thought possible. Gently Tim tucked the stuffed penguin closer to Ellie and stepped away. Lucy would be home in a few hours. Tim had told her the good news but she'd already been at the airport. Tim knew his wife wouldn't relax until she saw their daughter for herself.


Lucy made it to the hospital just as visiting hours were ending. She didn't care about the hours; nobody was keeping her from her daughter. No matter how many times Tim told her Ellie was alright Lucy still felt the fear; still felt the panic of his initial call. She could still hear her husband's words.

/Ellie's fever spiked; they're keeping her overnight./

Ellie was only six months old. Small, and fragile. A fever could do a lot of bad to someone that young. Lucy more than anything just wanted to hold her daughter. Finally Lucy reached the Pediatric ward and found her way to where Ellie and Tim were. When she pushed aside the curtain Lucy stopped and smiled. Tim was sound asleep in the visitor's chair and Ellie was asleep in the crib tiny hands wrapped around the stuffed penguin that was one of her favorites.

Lucy placed a light hand against Ellie's left cheek. Then she went over to her husband and gently shook him awake.

"Tim?"Lucy called.

Tim blinked and smiled then leaned in and kissed her. At that moment she was very grateful to be home.

"Hi."Tim greeted once they broke apart.

"Hi."Lucy responded returning his smile.

"How was your flight?"Tim asked as he stood.

"Good."Lucy replied."Glad to be home."

A gurgle told them Ellie was awake. Lucy moved quickly to the crib and picked up her daughter penguin and all. She held Ellie tight placing a kiss on her forehead. Tim wrapped an arm around Lucy's shoulders drawing her close.

"I was so scared."Lucy admitted softly.

"So was I."Tim said as he took one of Ellie's tiny hands in his. "Grace assured me that the medicine and cool blankets are working; her fever's dropping."

"Best news ever."Lucy exclaimed with a smile.

Sensing her mother's happiness Ellie laughed and smiled. Lucy sent off a silent prayer of thanks that her daughter was going to be alright.

"I love you."Lucy said to Ellie and then turned to her husband. "And you too."

"Love you both, always."Tim replied huskily.

end