A/N: I forgot to mention the disclaimer….Don't own any of it. Yes the chapters are lengthy but they are well worth it.
It was a month before Christmas when Phineas had convinced his brother to come to a well-known restaurant. Ferb was less than thrilled to find out that he and Gretchen were asked there to be peacekeepers between Sienna's father and the red-head. Ferb's displeasure was obvious to the red-head and Gretchen. Ferb remained polite because this man was his niece's grandfather and he enjoyed spending time with the now eight month old girl. The conversation was very light and easy going until Sienna's father, Heinrich Cophagen, asked Phineas a question in thickly accented Dutch.
"What makes you think that you'd be a suitable father to my granddaughter?"
"Well, sir, I love your daughter and I love our child," Phineas replied, taken slightly off guard by the older man's question.
"He stayed when many boys would leave," Gretchen quickly added, an incident from their youth coming to mind as she spoke.
"Don't get me wrong, Phineas does have his faults; but he's man enough to admit his shortcomings. He's always been there for the ones he loves," Ferb said.
This lead to a quick conversation between Sienna and her father in Dutch. Phineas shifted uncomfortably as the conversation continued. Ferb glanced at his wife, who was desperately trying not to blush. Then the conversation made a turn towards Sienna's and Phineas' 'intimate' relations, at which point Gretchen covered her ears.
"This young man is married," Mr. Cophagen said, gesturing towards Ferb.
"They got married when they were both fairly young," Sienna replied.
"Do they have children?" Mr. Cophagen asked his daughter.
"Well, no," Sienna answered.
"So, they are waiting. Making sure they have a stable home before bringing a child into this world," Mr. Cophagen remarked.
"That would appear to be the case," Sienna replied.
Gretchen cast Ferb a worried look. Ferb gave her a reassuring look, both had caught the words 'children', 'waiting', and 'world'. They were fairly sure that their relationship was being scrutinized and being compared to that of Phineas and Sienna. He then placed a hand on her leg, and gave her a gentle smile. Phineas looked between his girlfriend and her father and then his step-brother and his wife, his confusion was evident. Mr. Cophagen's eye twitched slightly as he once again spoke in English.
"Very well if it'll make my daughter happy, I will consent to let you marry her," He grudgingly gave his blessing to Phineas.
The rest of the dinner continued without incident. Since neither Ferb nor Gretchen had driven to the restaurant, Ferb's car was in the shop and Trudy had borrowed Gretchen's; they carpooled with the young unmarried couple. The small child in-between them in the back seat. Phineas was driving.
"So what exactly happened?" Phineas asked.
Ferb raised an eyebrow in response.
"Phineas, it's best if you don't know," Sienna replied.
"What did your dad say about Ferb?" Phineas asked.
"It's nothing important, Phineas," Sienna answered.
"It must be something, Ferb's being quiet," Phineas remarked.
"Ferb's always quiet," Sienna replied with a glance at the green-haired man in the back seat.
"Not this quiet," Phineas replied, he cast a quick glance at Gretchen, "Is something wrong?
"Not a thing," Gretchen replied quickly, and then muttered under her breath in German, "Why must I always feel as though I'm doing something wrong?"
"Shhh, Later," Ferb muttered as he placed his right hand on her left.
"Are you sure?" Phineas asked.
"Yes, I'm sure," Gretchen replied, now slightly annoyed.
"Phineas don't push your luck...You did kind of spring this on them," Sienna said nudging the red-head in the ribs.
Lillian started fussing a little, and Gretchen immediately started entertaining the small girl. This went on for a few minutes before the girl started fussing again, so Gretchen switched tactics. She started singing a soft lullaby in German. Ferb leaned back in his seat and listened to the lullaby contentedly.
"Aww, I've not heard that since I was little," Sienna commented.
"Gretchen, you know, you'd make a great mother someday," Phineas commented.
Gretchen instantly stopped singing, and Ferb leaned forward, his voice was dangerously low and even, "Phineas stop the car."
"Ferb, what's the-" Phineas said as he pulled over and stopped the car.
"Just stop talking Phineas," Ferb growled.
"Ferb you're scaring me," Phineas said, sounding very unnerved.
"Open mouth and insert foot," Ferb said as he got out of the car.
Phineas' door opened and the red-head was pulled out by Ferb. Both doors were promptly shut. Ferb dragged the red-head a few feet away from the car.
"Oh, no. No, no, no," Gretchen muttered.
Sienna turned around in her seat to face Gretchen, "You don't think Ferb's going to hurt him, do you?"
Gretchen shook her head, "No. Ferb'll just give him a piece of his mind."
"You understood what my father said," Sienna's eyes went wide with shock.
"Yes, Gretchen replied, sadness clear in her voice.
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea Phineas was going to pull that stunt," Sienna replied, covering her mouth with her hands.
"Your father really doesn't seem to like Phineas too much," Gretchen said uneasily.
"He's never liked any boy who's tried to date or marry my sister or me," Sienna said with a sigh.
Gretchen looked at the now sleeping girl, "Your daughter's very beautiful."
"Can I ask you something?" Sienna asked.
"Sure," Gretchen replied looking from the sandy haired girl to the girl's mother.
"Did Ferb ask your father for your hand in marriage?" Sienna asked.
Gretchen smiled, "He did," then added after a pause, "My parents were hesitant, but they knew we were right for each other."
"Your parents must be lenient. My father was livid when he found out that I was moving in with Phineas," Sienna replied.
"My father invited us to live with them again after we got back from school," Gretchen said with a slight shrug.
"Again?" Sienna asked.
"When we were teenagers, Ferb had to come and live with my family due to a few...things," Gretchen replied.
"Were you two dating at the time?" Sienna inquired.
"Yes, but he stayed in my brother's old room," Gretchen replied.
"And your parents didn't have a problem with that?" Sienna asked an eyebrow half raised.
"We were taking our relationship slow. Very slow. We weren't doing half the things our peers were doing," Gretchen replied with a shrug.
"And your parents knew you were dating?" Sienna repeated herself.
"Yes. My father invited Ferb to come live with us," Gretchen answered.
"Phineas said there was some tension between Ferb and your father," Sienna said with a slight frown.
"They have a mutual respect for each other," Gretchen replied.
"I wish Phineas and my father had a mutual respect," Sienna muttered.
"It would make things easier, wouldn't it?" Gretchen said, with a slight chuckle.
"Yeah, but my father is stubborn and old fashioned," Sienna replied.
"I'm sure there must be some common ground that Phineas and your father share," Gretchen said.
"I doubt it. My father likes to travel, take photographs and polish his antique clock collection," Sienna remarked.
"Sounds like he'd get along famously with Lawrence. There must be something," Gretchen mused aloud.
"What do Ferb and your father have in common?" Sienna inquired.
"A love of history, politics and classic cars. They also believe that family is very important," Gretchen answered.
"Ummm... I could tell Phineas said something wrong," Sienna changed the subject.
Gretchen simply raised an eyebrow and Sienna once again changed the subject.
"When you were singing the lullaby...umm... who taught it to you?" Sienna asked.
"My parents used to sing it to me when I was young," Gretchen replied simply.
"If you don't mind my asking, you've been married for a couple of years; why don't you have children yet? I agree with Phineas, you'd make a great mother."
Gretchen looked sadly at her niece, "I don't want to talk about it."
"Gretchen-" Sienna began but was cut off by Gretchen getting out of the car.
"Okay, okay, I won't say anything like that again," Phineas was saying as Gretchen came up to the two brothers.
"Good...Gretchen, love, what's the matter?" Ferb said when he noticed his wife standing a few feet away.
"Can we just go home?" Gretchen mumbled.
Ferb lurched in his step and looked at her closely, "Gretchen?"
Gretchen burst in to rapid-fire German.
"Slow down," Ferb said gently.
"I want to go home," Gretchen repeated, trying her hardest not to cry.
By now Phineas was standing by the driver's door of the car, "Okay. I'll drive you home."
"NO! We'll call for a taxi," Gretchen screamed.
"I don't feel okay with just leaving you two-" Phineas began.
"It's fine. I'll call a taxi. Just go Phin," Ferb quietly interrupted.
Phineas looked uncertain but got in the car. Ferb heard the car engine turn over but Phineas didn't pull away. A cold breeze blew by the couple and Gretchen's teeth started chattering. Ferb took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"You're shivering," He said quietly.
She pulled the jacket closer around her body, taking in its warmth, "Thank you."
Ferb pulled out his phone and made a call for a Taxi pick-up. As he returned the phone to his pocket, he noticed that Phineas still hadn't pulled away.
"Why isn't he leaving?" Ferb muttered.
Phineas got out of the car, "Come on just get in the car. It's better than standing out in the elements waiting for a taxi."
"Phineas, I think you have done enough," Ferb replied tightly.
"Ferb, it's supposed to snow tonight. I'd feel terrible if you two caught a cold or worse," Phineas returned.
"Its fine Phineas, They've already sent it," Ferb replied.
"The car is warm and doesn't smell like B.O. or vomit," Phineas said.
"Phineas, you and Sienna should just go. We can manage on our own," Ferb retorted.
Phineas walked over to Ferb, "Reconsider."
Ferb folded his arms across his chest. He gave Phineas a look.
"Now you're just being stubborn," Phineas told him.
"You're being obstinate," Ferb returned.
"I'm sorry, okay? Just get in the car," Phineas said.
Ferb turned his back towards his brother.
"GET IN THE CAR!" Phineas yelled.
"Damn it Phineas, can't you leave well enough alone?!" Ferb shot back.
"Just get in the car," Phineas said once more, his voice raised.
"Phineas, I'd-" Ferb stopped and grabbed at his chest.
"Ferb!" Gretchen gasped and watched as Ferb collapsed to the ground.
Phineas rushed over, "Ferb?"
Gretchen took off the jacket and draped it over Ferb, "Ferb honey," She then took his pulse.
"Is he going to be okay?" Phineas asked, clearly worried, Ferb's last heart attack playing through his mind.
"I don't know," She replied, her mind switching from concerned wife to professional nurse, she then whispered to herself, "Oh Ferb. Please be okay."
Phineas had pulled out his phone and dialed 911, his voice was shaking as he spoke to the dispatcher, "My brother just collapsed...uh the intersection of Ashwood and Vineyard...I don't know..."
"Give me the phone Phineas," Gretchen said.
"What?" Phineas was taken aback by the order.
"Give me the verdammte phone," Gretchen snapped at the red-head.
Phineas shakily handed her the phone and she quickly took over.
Sienna got out of the car, "Is everything all right?"
"Get back in the car Sienna," Phineas replied shakily.
Sienna came a bit closer, "What-"
"I said get back in the car," Phineas snapped at her then began shaking violently.
"Yes, every day with breakfast. Seven years ago. Twenty-two," Gretchen continued speaking with dispatch.
The taxi pulled up followed shortly by the ambulance, its lights flashing. Two EMT's got out and observed the scene.
"Well this is-" The first one began but was quickly interrupted by his fellow.
"Just hush up and help me here," The second one snapped.
"Phineas could you go and tell the taxi that its services are no longer required?" Gretchen asked of the still shaking red-head, but he nodded in response.
"Sienna are you able to drive?" Gretchen now asked the sandy haired woman.
"Yes, but what's-" Sienna answered.
"I want you to get Phineas in the car, and go home. I'll be going with Ferb," Gretchen said nodding at the ambulance.
"Gretchen is everything-" Sienna tried to ask.
"Just go," Gretchen said before turning her attention back to her husband who was now loaded on to the gurney.
"What happened? Was he hit by that car?" The first EMT asked.
"He had a heart attack. He's got a congenital-"Gretchen tried explaining but was interrupted.
"Just stand back miss, we'll take it from here," the second EMT said.
Gretchen bit back a withering remark, choosing instead to pull out her phone, "Cardiology: Dr. Thomas" She waited a few moments as the call was transferred, "Duncan, it's Gretchen. My husband had a heart attack and is coming in via ambulance. Thank you."
"Which one of you is-" The first EMT asked.
"I am," Gretchen said simply.
"Family only," The EMT commented.
"He's my husband," Gretchen replied tightly.
"Uh…All right then," The EMT said uncertainly.
Gretchen climbed into the back of the ambulance and the EMTs were monitoring Ferb's blood pressure.
"BP... 105/65," The first EMT muttered.
"He normally has low blood pressure and a slow but regular heart rate," Gretchen said.
The second EMT shot Gretchen a look, "Are you trying to tell us how to do our job?"
"No, I'm giving you vital information," Gretchen replied as the ambulance pulled into the Emergency Entrance of the hospital.
As they moved Ferb from the ambulance to the hospital Dr. Thomas handed Gretchen a stethoscope and a temporary badge.
"You know the drill, Fletcher," he said.
Gretchen nodded and continued to monitor Ferb's vitals as they took him further into the hospital. The EMTs watched as he was wheeled away.
"Wow that was the easiest call I've been on," The first remarked.
"Corner of Main & Railway, we're on our way," The second said answering his radio.
Once Ferb was settled into his room, Gretchen made a discreet call to Candace. She apologized for waking the red-headed woman. She asked a favor of her sister-in-law, to which Candace agreed, only upon finding out why Gretchen was calling so late. Candace arrived a half hour later with the requested items.
"Are you planning on spending the night?" Candace asked of the brunette.
"Well my mom has my car and Ferb's car is in the shop, so yeah," Gretchen replied.
"It's snowing now… You might want to have someone pick you up tomorrow," Candace informed her.
"Mom's dropping off my car tomorrow…. I'm going to have to put in the call to her tonight," Gretchen said with a slight sigh.
"Are you going to be all right?" Candace asked giving the younger woman a concerned look.
"Yes, I'll be fine. I'm sorry I made you do this for me," Gretchen replied.
"It's okay. Can you keep me updated?" Candace asked with a half glance at Ferb.
"Sure, I'll let you know," Gretchen answered.
Candace hugged the shorter woman, "Take care of my brother."
Gretchen nodded and dabbed at her eyes with the cuff of her blouse, "I will."
"I'll see you later," Candace said and left quietly.
It was the next evening when Ferb awoke. He was panicking slightly until he saw Gretchen lightly dozing in the chair next to his bed.
"Hey," Ferb said gently.
Gretchen jerked awake and then said tiredly, "Hey."
Ferb made to sit up, and grimaced slightly, "What happened?"
"Well…." Gretchen was a bit hesitant to tell him what had happened.
"Gretchen," Ferb said gently.
"You had a heart attack," Gretchen said quietly.
Ferb leaned back and closed his eyes, "I-I'm sorry love."
"I called Lawrence and my father. Dad said he'd let your supervisor know that you'll be unavailable for a while," Gretchen informed him.
"The last thing I remember-" Ferb began, but was quickly cut off by Gretchen.
"Don't... don't work yourself up again," Gretchen said quietly and gently.
Doctor Thomas came into the room. He smiled slightly, "How's my patient this evening?"
"Stubborn," Gretchen answered for Ferb.
Dr. Thomas chuckled.
"Has she gone home?" Ferb asked pointing at Gretchen.
"I'm not sure," Dr. Thomas replied.
"Ummmm…nope," Gretchen answered, turning nearly the same shade as her maroon uniform.
"Gretchen…" Ferb sighed.
"Don't get worked up," Gretchen said quietly.
Ferb gave her a hard look.
"I had to work my shift," Gretchen said with a shrug.
"Did you eat anything?" Ferb inquired.
"Um..Does picking the carrot off your plate count?" Gretchen asked in return.
This caused Ferb to give her another hard look.
"Then no, I have not," Gretchen said.
"Gretchen you can't-" Ferb began.
"Excuse me for a minute, I need to use the restroom," Gretchen said quickly and got up.
"Gretch-" Ferb was cut off by the soft click of the lock then he sighed.
"She was quite worried about you," Dr. Thomas remarked.
"She worries too much," Ferb said, as he laid back and let the doctor examine him.
"That makes her one of the best members of my team," Dr. Thomas replied.
Ferb smiled slightly, "How long?"
"You arrived at 8:30 last night and it's now 6pm," The doctor answered with a slight glance at his watch.
"I was out for nearly ten hours?" Ferb asked.
"Well patients have been out longer," Dr. Thomas replied.
"Where did she spend-" Ferb started.
"In here," Dr. Thomas said simply.
"She's going to be a wreck when she gets home," Ferb muttered under his breath.
"My recommendation is that you stay here for a few days," Dr. Thomas said, looking over the clipboard.
"What?!" Ferb was gob smacked, his exclamation came as Gretchen re-entered the room.
"Mr. Fletcher, I recommend that you stay here for a few days," Dr. Thomas repeated.
"Is it that serious?" Gretchen inquired.
"I just want to make sure that he's all right," Dr. Thomas said.
"Last time he went home the next day," Gretchen said quickly.
"Last time, he was fifteen, was discharged into the care of his parents but he didn't have a heart attack. This is precautionary, you know this," Dr. Thomas said gently.
Gretchen looked questionably at her co-worker, "No, he did have a heart attack."
Ferb shook his head, "That was after I got home."
Gretchen pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes while Dr. Thomas made some notes. He then turned his attention to Ferb, "Just relax and get some rest."
"Sorry. I should know better than to let my emotions come into play," Gretchen said quietly.
Shane came up and tapped Gretchen on the shoulder, "You know, female nurses aren't supposed to look after male patients."
"This is different," Gretchen instantly became flustered.
"Oh? Do tell," Shane spoke up.
"Well, he's-" Gretchen began, flushing a bright red.
"I'm her husband," Ferb spoke up.
"Ah, so you're the one who can get her blushing when you call her on lunch break," Shane commented with a slight smirk.
Ferb raised an eyebrow in response.
"You do the same when" Gretchen shot back at the male nurse.
"I know, I know," Shane said, raising his hands, knowing when he was outwitted.
"I'll compile some notes for your chart," Gretchen said.
"I'm sure Mister Fletcher can provide me with the required information, now that he's awake," Shane said with a slight smirk.
"Everything seems okay at the moment. Just relax and let these two professionals figure out how best to care for you during your stay," Dr. Thomas said quickly.
"Thank you," Ferb said.
"You never told me he was British," Shane remarked to Gretchen.
"That's completely irrelevant, especially right now," Gretchen replied, blushing a deep red.
"All right," Shane said, then muttered to Gretchen, "You are so not off the hook."
"Behave yourself, Steinway," Gretchen muttered back.
"All right," Shane raised a hand in defeat.
Ferb raised an eyebrow and Shane looked at Gretchen, "Okay that's creepy, he's better at that than you are."
"Where did you think I picked it up from?" Gretchen shot back.
"I'm laying right here," Ferb coughed.
"Oh honey I'm sorry…Let me adjust the back for you," Gretchen said quickly pressing the bed controls.
"Let's see, Mister Fletcher, initial F," Shane said looking over the chart in his hand.
Ferb gave a nod and Shane continued, "I'll need some medical history from you."
Ferb fielded all the questions asked by Shane. They were done shortly.
"I think that's it," Shane said finishing the paperwork.
"Something the matter?" Ferb asked when he caught Gretchen's thoughtful expression.
"Well, since you're going to be stuck here for the next few days, would you like me to bring you anything?" she asked.
Ferb raised an eyebrow.
"I could bring you a book, your computer, some real food," Gretchen offered.
Ferb's eyebrows rose higher.
"What?" Gretchen asked.
"I want you to actually go home after your shift," Ferb said gently.
"But-" Gretchen tried protesting.
"For me?" Ferb asked gently.
"But-" Gretchen began again.
"Sweetheart, you need to have a proper sleep," He beckoned her forward, "I want you to go home, have a proper dinner and a shower. Then I want you to snuggle down into the bed and get the rest you've earned," Ferb said quietly.
"But-" She tried for a third time.
"Do I have to call your father?" Ferb gently threatened.
Gretchen shook her head, "Okay, Ferb. I'll see you tomorrow."
Ferb smiled slightly, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Gretchen exited the room and Ferb gave a soft sigh. He was alone for a short time until his father arrived to visit.
"Good evening son," Lawrence greeted Ferb.
Ferb looked over and gave him a nod.
"How are you feeling?" Lawrence asked.
"Fine," Ferb replied.
"Gretchen called last night saying you were taken to the hospital after dinner," Lawrence said.
Ferb gave a nod, "That's an accurate assessment.
"What happened?" The elder Fletcher inquired.
"Phineas and I got into an argument," Ferb replied with a sigh.
"Must have been one he-" Lawrence started.
"Things were said that shouldn't" Ferb stopped himself with the shaking of his own head.
"Ferb, it's not my place to pry, but I am your father. You know you can talk to me," Lawrence said gently.
Ferb nodded, "I said some things, Phineas said some things. I lost my temper."
"You had another heart attack? Oh, son, I…I'm sorry," Lawrence said.
"It's not your fault. I shouldn't have lost my temper," Ferb responded.
"Ferb, son, you don't usually lose your temper unless a subject was touched upon that was sensitive," Lawrence noted.
"Yes," Ferb sighed.
"Would you like to tell me?" Lawrence asked.
"You know how there are certain subjects that one doesn't normally discuss with others?" Ferb inquired.
"Such as?" Lawrence replied.
"Finances," Ferb said quickly.
"Are you and Gretchen having financial difficulties?" Lawrence asked, noting there was an underlying notion being prosed.
Ferb paused slightly, "If we were having financial difficulties, it's none of Phineas' business and he shouldn't be asking about it.
"Fair point son," Lawrence said.
Could I ask you something?" Ferb asked, a thought coming to his mind.
"You can ask me anything," Lawrence replied.
"Did you and my mother have…..difficulties becoming parents?" Ferb asked.
Lawrence rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, "Ferb, I'm sure you've realized by now that most women try to delay having children for as long as they can."
"They'll use birth control," Ferb said with a nod.
"You see, your mother was on that for many years and it did take a while for her to become pregnant," Lawrence explained.
"How long?" Ferb asked.
"Oh, from the time she stopped…. let's see… almost two years," Lawrence answered.
"Oh," Ferb muttered and picked some lint off the blanket.
"Is there something the matter Ferb?" Lawrence asked.
Ferb shook his head and then Lawrence pointed out, " You wouldn't ask things like this if there wasn't something wrong."
A look of worry fleetingly crossed the younger Fletcher's face before it became unreadable.
"Are you and Gretchen having, as you put it, "financial' difficulties?" Lawrence asked.
Ferb took a breath before replying, "I don't know."
"Is Gretchen-" Lawrence started to ask.
"No. No she's not," Ferb interrupted, assuming it was the same question people had been asking.
"I was going to say stressed," Lawrence said gently.
"Yes…..She's frequently tense, but she won't say anything about it," Ferb said quickly.
"Oh?" Lawrence raised an eyebrow.
"I can feel it in her back," Ferb replied.
"Might I suggest something?" Lawrence asked.
Ferb looked around before replying, "I'm not going anywhere."
Lawrence chuckled, "Take her away for the weekend."
"She works most weekends," Ferb pointed out.
"Ah, but not all. Figure out her schedule," Lawrence leaned in closer, "You know what I mean. Take her away, someplace nice, quiet, away from everyone. Wine and dine her, you know how to do that; don't you?"
Ferb gave a smile and nodded; he knew exactly how to do that.
"Hating to interrupt a father/son moment but I need to check everything before the end of my shift," Shane commented as he checked in on things.
"Quite all right," Lawrence said leaning back in his chair.
Shane quickly did his duties and left.
"He seemed…" Lawrence trailed off..
Ferb stifled a laugh. Lawrence looked at his son, who looked fit to bust a gut laughing.
"Am I missing something, Ferb?" Lawrence asked.
"That's Shane, he's one of Gretchen's co-workers, and he's quite happy with his partner," Ferb said with a light chuckle.
"Part-oh," Lawrence said as he realized what Ferb had said.
"He's harmless," Ferb said quickly, "Father?"
"Son," Lawrence returned.
"Don't tell Mum, Maggie or anyone about our conversation. Gretchen would kill me," Ferb said.
"Of course, my lips are sealed," Lawrence replied.
"Thank you," Ferb said.
"No problem Ferb. Speaking of Gretchen, I'd thought she would be here," Lawrence noted.
"I made her promise me that she would go home. She spent all of last night here and then worked. She didn't really eat anything either," Ferb explained.
"She does care for you," Lawrence said.
"But I don't want her running herself into the ground because of me," Ferb mumbled.
Lawrence picked up Ferb's left hand and pointed to the solid gold wedding band, "What is this?"
Ferb looked at it, "My wedding ring."
"Who gave it to you?" Lawrence asked.
"Gretchen, you know this. You were there," Ferb replied.
Lawrence pointed to the ring, "This is a symbol of her love for you. That she will do anything for you."
Ferb fell into a pensive silence. Lawrence looked at his watch.
"Ferb, it's getting late. Are you going to be okay?" Lawrence asked.
Ferb nodded in response. Lawrence left his son to his thoughts. Ferb did not sleep well that night. He found that without his wife's smaller body curled up next to him, that he couldn't fully relax. He was awake a full hour before the visiting hours began. He heard the door open and close quietly.
"Ferb?" He heard Gretchen's voice quietly call his name.
"Hmm? Gretchen, you're here early," Ferb said noting the time.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" Gretchen asked.
"No. Why are you here so early?" Ferb asked, now noting that she wasn't in scrubs.
"I couldn't sleep too well without you," she said quietly.
Ferb sat up and wrapped his arms around her protectively, "Neither could I."
Gretchen rested her head on his chest, "This is the first time in two years we've been apart."
Ferb hugged her a bit tighter, "I'm sorry. Would you like to take a stroll?"
"You're not supposed to leave the floor," Gretchen said.
"I need to stretch my legs," Ferb replied.
"As long as we don't leave the floor," Gretchen insisted.
"We won't," Ferb promised.
Gretchen raised an eyebrow, "What are you thinking Ferb?"
Ferb pulled on a pair of slacks and a shirt, "Are you on shift?"
"No, today's my day off," Gretchen replied.
Ferb offered her a hand, "Shall we?"
"Ferb, where are we going?" Gretchen asked.
Ferb leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Paradise."
"You're not making any sense," Gretchen said.
"Come on then," Ferb said gently.
"Ferb, you're seriously not making any sense," Gretchen said.
Ferb led Gretchen out of the room until they came to a sitting area near a large window. He looked out the window and sighed. Gretchen looked at him intently.
"Honey, are you feeling okay?" She asked.
He nodded then noted, "It's snowing."
Gretchen glanced out the window and then back at her husband, "Yes it is. The roads are a complete mess."
"It looks peaceful out there," Ferb said quietly.
"Ferb, it's cold, damp, windy and miserable out there," Gretchen said.
"Do you ever just want to get away?" Ferb asked her gently.
"What do you mean?" Gretchen asked.
"Just get away from the city, the people, the stress," Ferb said then added quietly, "your job."
Gretchen just stared out the window for a few minutes.
"I didn't mean it like that love. I meant like a weekend get away," Ferb said gently.
Gretchen looked at him, "It's difficult for me to get a full weekend off."
"You do get some weekends off," Ferb pointed out gently.
"Not very often, besides…you're not supposed to drive or have any strenuous activity for a few weeks," Gretchen replied quietly.
Ferb nodded, "I know, I'm just thinking out loud."
"My dad's offered to carpool until you're allowed to drive again," Gretchen said.
"That sounds fine, since your schedule changes so often," Ferb replied.
"I could request-," Gretchen began.
"No, it's fine," Ferb interrupted.
Gretchen sighed, "Why is it that when I work the night shift both of us can sleep just fine, but now-"
"It's because we knew the other would be home," Ferb said quietly.
Next chapter will pick up right after this.