Chapter Six

Mary was unconscious for the next day and a half. Eddie did her best to take care of Bella with Frank and Erin's help. They headed to the funeral home while Mary was napping and made the selections for Joe's service. They wanted to put that off until Mary was feeling better, but she was still so weak and tired from her ordeal there was no way to do that.

"I'll stay with her," Erin offered. "We can watch TV if she wakes and I can read her a story. You two both need to say goodbye to Joey, and so does Dad."

Earlier that day, Danny had offered to take the hospital shift, but Frank quickly talked him out of that idea. "She's not ready, and I don't think Jamie is ready either."

"How badly is she blaming Jamie?" Danny asked, knowing Eddie's Serbian temper had quite an edge to it.

"He hasn't said she's blaming him," Frank replied. "They are still in the denial and depression stages, Jamie is blaming himself, Eddie is blaming herself, but the anger isn't there yet. They are keeping themselves going for Mary."

"How is Mary?" Danny felt so sick over the whole thing. He asked his brother for help and now two of his three children were impacted, one lost his life and the other might lose her leg. That was a huge burden in and of itself, never mind with losing their son on top of it.

"She's holding her own," Frank replied. "Both legs looked healthier today, but the one is still pale and cold. If it's not showing better signs in the next couple of days they are probably going to take that one leg so it won't turn gangrene. Danny and I know it's tough to have to stay away, but the best thing you can do for them now, is just that."

"I know Dad, just keep letting me know how they are, and let Jamie know I'm here, I am here for him to get him through."

It broke Frank's heart to hear that, to have his family divided, but it was Danny that set this tragedy in motion. Jamie needed Eddie, Eddie needed Jamie, and Danny didn't figure into that part of the equation. He just didn't.

They agreed on a small, private funeral. Eddie selected a small, white coffin with a baby blue silk liner.

Joe would be placed with the other family members in Brooklyn, he'd be included in every family visit.

He would be buried near his uncle, grandmother, and great grandparents for safe keeping. The day of the service Eddie and Jamie sat in silence with their arms around each other.

The priest spoke somberly saying a prayer over Joe. Jamie let out an uneven breath.

Frank sat behind Jamie and Armin was behind Eddie, Frank was able to get him a compassionate release for the service.

Eddie was shaking and turned to hide her face in Jamie's chest. "My baby..."

Jamie rocked her laying his head on hers, "I know Eddie, I know. It hurts me too," Jamie whispered. "Hurts so much."

Eddie cried into his chest as the priest sprinkled holy water around the casket.

There was an honor guard surrounding the church when they came out. Renzulli, Kara Walsh, Garrett and Baker were there to name a few.

Jamie only looked up at them walking with Eddie to the limo that would proceed to the cemetery.

They had a small graveside service with one simple hymn and white roses. Jamie and Armin flanked Eddie. "I wish you were tiny again and I could fix all this," Armin whispered to Eddie as she cried. Each one of her tears ripped at his heart.

Eddie turned to hug her father finding comfort in his arms as he swayed with her. She sobbed, her body shuddering. Armin whispered the same words that he used to whisper when she was small and fell out of a tree or off her bike. "Ssh," he soothed. "Daddy's here, Daddy is here sweetie. I'm here..."

When Eddie calmed down, Armin pulled back and looked at Jamie, "Take care of them. Bring them to see me soon."

"I will I promise," Jamie shook his hand somberly putting an arm around Eddie.

She laid her head on his chest. She didn't want a big repast or major event, she wanted to go home.

Jamie held her tight not saying much holding back his emotion to take care of her.

"Take me home, Jamie," Eddie said as they left the graveside. "I can't do this anymore. I need to just..."

"Okay Eddie I'll make you some nice tea and you can rest," Jamie kissed her head gently.

"You too," she replied. "You need to rest too. We both lost him." They laid together not talking not doing much of anything but listening to the quiet