Chapter 40-A Promotion May 30, 2003

Alex walked into the firehouse feeling a little queasy; some of her morning sickness was staying all day. It was bearable though. Today was Doc's last day with the 5-5. June 1st started his term downtown. Everyone had gotten used to the idea of Doc leaving and Kim being senior, but it was still going to be weird without Doc there. Kim, Carlos, Alex and Heather all started with Doc at the house, now he was leaving. He wasn't riding today, he was just cleaning up odds and ends and making sure everything was in line for Kim to take the reins. After the shift everyone had planned a little party for Doc, congratulating and saying good-bye.

After changing Alex came back down and joined Kim and Heather in the kitchen. For the time being, it was protocol for Kim to ride with Heather, since she was the newest medic. She hadn't had a lot of experience by herself. Once she got used to how things work and working alone in the back then Kim was free to switch up the rotation based on people's preferences.

Kim walked down to Doc's office to see if he needed any help or thought of anything else she may need to know. That left Alex and Heather at the table.

"How's your pregnancy coming along?" Heather asked.

"It's not too bad, I have some morning sickness, but it's bearable."

"That's good, I had really bad morning sickness for like 2 weeks with Amberleigh."

"I guess I'm lucky then."

"When are you due?"

"My date is February 3, but they said I'll probably deliver early because of what happened."

"What happened?"

"I forgot, you weren't here then." Alex sat back in here chair, remembering the events of that day. "I had just found out I was pregnant that morning and I came directly to work from the appointment. I wanted to see Ty before he went out on his run, but as soon as I got changed we had a call for assistance with a motor vehicle accident. The person in charge of the scene directed Kim and I to a car off to the side of the main wreck. I was inside checking on the patient and as I turned to walk to get the bag I heard Kim scream my name, there was a car heading straight for me that I had not seen. The car hit me. The next thing I knew I woke up in the ER and immediately thought about the baby, they did an ultrasound and said that the baby didn't make it. I didn't even get a chance to tell Ty that he was a father before I had to tell him the baby was gone," Alex fought the tears that were forming, but one escaped down her cheek.

"Oh god Alex, I'm sorry."

"Thanks. They said that delivering early should be my only side effect."

"That's good."

"Yeah, we really want this baby."

"They are amazing things."

"So I've heard."

"Adam 5-5-3 respond to 181 River St. Apt. 4C for cardiac," came the dispatcher's voice.

"That's me, I'll talk to you later," Heather said getting up.

She met Kim as they headed downstairs. Alex sat back in her chair thinking about everything. Things were changing at the house, Ty had taken the sergeants test, and they were having a baby. It seemed like everything was moving on. She just hoped everything was going to be for the better.

Alex and Carlos received a call a little while after Kim and Heather left. Alex hadn't ridden with Carlos in a long time, she was curious if he had changed at all since being with Kim. Their call was a simple transport, but Alex immediately noticed a change in Carlos. She wasn't sure if it was because of Kim or because she was pregnant, but Carlos offered to take most of the bags upstairs when they arrived at the scene. She had made a mental note to mention that when they were leaving the hospital and she did.

"So this new Carlos I am riding with sure is different," Alex said.

"What do you mean?"

"Carrying all the bags, you never did that before."

"You're pregnant, you shouldn't be lifting a lot."

"You sure that's the reason?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"

"I just thought maybe being with Kim was softening you up a bit."

"Maybe she has changed my views a little, but I don't want to be the reason for something happening to your baby because I made you carry too much."

"I was just busting you Carlos. It's nice to know you care."

"I'm happy that you and Davis are having a baby."

"Thanks. We are too."

They got another call; Alex flipped the lights while Carlos answered dispatch.

Alex and Carlos were on their dinner break. They had chosen a small diner to eat at, neither of them wanted to be in a busy place.

"Since you're the only one who knows, I'll ask you. What do you think of Kim and I?" Carlos asked.

"I think it's great, Kim is obviously happy and you have changed for the better."

"I'm just surprised we have been able to keep it quiet for this long."

"I know, it's been like what 8 months. When are you going to tell people?"

"I don't know, I'm afraid that they might have to transfer one of us if we are found out."

"I don't know about transferring, but maybe they will request you aren't partners."

"Even if that's the case, nothing will really change. We won't be able to be physical at work, the only difference would be that people knew."

"Then why don't you say anything?"

"I don't know, maybe we'll find time to mention it if we get married."

"That would be a good time."

Alex looked down at the clock. It was time for them to head back for Doc's party. Carlos agreed and they headed back. Kim and Heather were already back making sure everything was in order. Doc had to run down to his new working place and said that he would be back shortly before the shift was over, so they sent DK downstairs to be on lookout. About 15 minutes before 11 DK came running upstairs telling everyone that Doc was coming. Everyone took their places and listened for Doc to come upstairs.

"Surprise!" Everyone yelled.

"Oh my god, what's this?" Doc said surprised.

"It's a little party for you on your last day," Kim explained.

"You guys didn't have to do this."

"It's the least we could do Doc, I know all of us paramedics have been trained by you here. A lot of the guys have been here with you a long time too. We're going to miss you," Alex said.

"Thank you guys."

Everyone enjoyed the food and had a great time. The house pitched in a got Doc a 5-5 ring and a plague. It was about 1:00 in the morning by the time people started leaving. Alex walked into the apartment and found Ty asleep on the couch. She walked over to him and gave him a light kiss. He began to stir.

"Hey baby," Alex said sitting on his lap.

"Hey, how was the party?"

"It was good, Doc was surprised."

"I'm glad it went off good."

"How was your evening?"

"The couch and I did some bonding," Ty laughed.

"So I noticed."

"Well I think I'm going to bed, care to join me?"

"Yeah, I'm beat."

Ty picked up Alex and carried her to their bedroom. Alex complained about gaining weight as her pregnancy progressed, Ty knew it helped her feel better about herself when he picked her up.