A/N: Sorry for the delay ya'll. I posted that first chapter and got stuck with where to go from there. I think this story will either end up being 4 or 5 chapters. Anyways, Enjoy! Until next time--PCGirl.

"Thanks again for dinner, Nat," said Paul as they looked across from each other at the cottage kitchen table.

"It's not like I cooked it--it was takeout from Rodi's, I already told you that."

"Yeah, well after being in the military anything that doesn't get served to you using an ice cream scoop tastes like homemade. Can you cook?"

"Yeah, I make some awesome macaroni and cheese," she smiled as her mind went to that day at the cabin with John--and how they talked about lonely Christmas' together while eating macaroni and cheese.

She stopped herself at that thought. She had promised herself she would focus on Paul tonight, not John--who knew when he'd finally be ready to move on, but she was ready to move on and move on now--and Paul was the perfect person to help her do that.

Paul coughed and pulled her back to reality, "So I was wondering--what's for dessert?" he grinned as she leaned over and kissed him.

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"Thanks for coming along with me on the stakeout for a bit—I figured that Jess might try and follow me. If she sees that I'm with you—well maybe her anxiety level will go down a bit."

"Her and Natalie both have too much stress with their mom and her condition to have to stress out over guys also," grinned John as he took a swallow of beer. "Besides, I had nothing better to do tonight."

"Life that boring, huh? Jessica didn't tell me anything incriminating about why you and Natalie are acting the way you are lately—want to spill the beans?"

"Nah—not really," he said with a slight laugh, "So you saw her earlier?"

Antonio laughed, no matter how much John denied it and ignored the questions, he wanted Natalie and hated the thought of her with anyone else but him, "Yeah, at Rodi's—she was picking up a to go order for two. That's why I first didn't offer you to come with me tonight—thought you two might have finally worked everything out."

"I don't know if it'll ever get worked out now."

"Give it time."

"Yeah, well that's another story," he said as Antonio's cell phone began to ring, "Who is it?"

"Kevin. Hold on," he said answering it, "This is Antonio."

"Hey—it's Kevin. Listen, I wish I didn't have to say this over the phone. My mom had a massive heart attack while visiting Ben—I'm on my way over to the hospital, can you get Jessica and Natalie and meet me there?"

"Yeah, I've got John McBain with me—he'll go get Natalie and we'll see you there," he said hanging up and looking at John. "So much for a slow night doing a stakeout," he said quietly as they both hopped off the bar stools, paid there tab and grabbed their jackets.

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John knocked on the door softly, "Nat—," but got no response. He knew she was here, and he knew who she was with too as he turned and looked at the black car that was parked next to her silver BMW. "Nat, open up—it's me," he said louder and it was still silent. "NATALIE!" he yelled and the door opened for him to see his mom.

"Mom—where is she?"

"Well," she bit her lip and looked up to the stairs.

"This is going to be fun," he grinned quickly before putting no expression on his face and running up the steps. "Natalie—I need to talk to you," he said as he leaned his head on the door.

"I'm kinda busy John," she said through giggles as Paul kissed her neck.

"Nat—this is serious, please come out here."

"No—I'm having fun and really don't want to be bothered right now," she said sitting up in the bed and pushing Paul off of her.

"Well, guess what—I don't take no for an answer," he said walking into Natalie's bedroom.

"What is your problem McBain?" asked Paul.

John ignored both the question and what Paul was, or was not wearing, "Natalie—I need to talk to you in private please."

"No, if you have something to say you can say it in front of Paul," she said looking at him, but saw that he was pleading with his eyes not to do this and she gave a sigh and walked out of the room.

John turned to leave but was pulled back by Paul, "Man, you have some serious hold on her because whenever you come around she completely ignores everyone else. But you know what—you made your choice and you didn't want her so step aside and let someone else have their shot.

"You don't know anything about the choices I've made in my life. I know some of yours, and from where I'm standing they all have to do with money. My guess is the only reason you want her is money also. Right now isn't about Natalie and my feelings for her—so let me go before you get what's coming to you Cramer."

"Ooo—big bad cop thinks he's going to scare me out of my date—well think again bucko."

"I'm not trying to scare anyone—just trying to help out a friend," he said as he pulled back and punched Paul right in the face causing him to stumble backwards onto the bed and roll around in agony as he held his bloody and broken nose.

"This better be good, friend," she scowled as she watched the gears in John's head turn with a way to say what he needed her to know. "What's going on? Is it my mom? Is something wrong with her?"

"Kevin called Antonio while I was with him—she had a massive heart attack in Ben's room. Antonio went to pick up Jessica, and he asked me to come tell you rather than telling you on the phone."

Natalie's mouth dropped her eyes filled with tears, "This can't be happening—this really can't be happening. I mean I've only known her a little while—I can't lose her like this. Am I dreaming? Is this some really weird whacked out dream I'm having and I'm going to wake up any second in a cold sweat?"

"Do you want me to drive you to the hospital?"

Natalie just looked at him while biting her bottom lip and shook her head yes.

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"Jess," said Natalie as she walked up to her, Antonio, and Kevin standing around waiting for some news.

"Thanks for bringing her, John," said Kevin as he shook his hand and him and Antonio went over to the corner to talk.

"Any news yet?"

"No, we're waiting on Larry to come out and tell us something. Dorian was the one who found her—who knows when the next person would have gone into that room."

"Thank God for small favors," he said as they turned and saw Dr. Larry Woleck come out of the room.

"How is she?" asked Kevin.

"Kids—it's not good. Your mom's heart was severely damaged and will need a heart transplant soon."

"How soon are we talking?" asked Jessica.

"I'd say within seventy-two hours."

Natalie and Jessica both gasped and Jessica went into Antonio's arms for comfort immediately. John looked awkwardly at Natalie and finally pulled her into a hug, but she pulled away and ran off seconds later.