Chapter 2

Taylor looked at her planner and the one she had made for Joe. It wasn't his planner per se, but the one she kept to keep track of his work schedule. She discounted June because she wasn't one for tradition, and she didn't want to be married in June. With the baby due in July, she didn't want to waddle down the aisle. July was out because she didn't know when she would be giving birth. August was a potential month. She wrote down the two weekends she was off on a sheet of paper. She checked Joe's book and saw that their weekends off matched. So far, so good.

She flipped to September just as a backup. She wrote down her two weekends off, and checked Joe's book. He was off. She wrote them on the paper. She looked up the number for the Navy Pier and called to see if anything was available. She lucked out. Her first choice date in August was available. She called the rectory at St. Hedwig's and asked if anyone was available to officiate. She got the usual lecture about being married in Church, but she explained that the Pier was the site of their first date. The priest relented and said that someone would be available.

She picked up her phone and sent Joe a text.

We have a date, a place, and a priest. Just need the rest. XXOO

Joe felt his phone buzz. He pulled it out of his pocket and read the text. He smiled, then texted back the question.

When's the date?

August 8th 1600

Joe read the text and smiled. He punched the air. "We've got a wedding date!" he announced to the common room.

"Finally," Otis said.

"So when's the big day?" Mills asked.

"August 8th. Navy Pier," Joe said. "And you all had better be there."

"We'll be there, Cruz, don't worry."

"Of course you will, Mouch. You're all up for free food and drinks."

"Ok, Otis, that's enough," Casey said as he positioned himself between Mouch and Otis. He looked over at Joe. "Congratulations, Man. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Casey. We had a talk last night and decided we should set a new date."

"Glad to hear it, Cruz. I know you and Taylor will be happy."

Pagano knocked on Taylor's office door. He opened it and stuck his head in. "We got a call. Gotta go."

She grabbed her helmet and followed him out. "How bad?"

"Nonresponsive after seizure."

"Oh, crap," she said as she and Pagano made their way over to the helicopter.

Pagano jumped in and held out his hand to her to help her inside. Taylor accepted it and got in beside him. She was glad he was with her on this run. He was an excellent nurse and if she were sick or injured, she would want him taking care of her. Taylor checked the helicopter to make sure that they had all of the equipment that they needed. Everything checked out.

"Ok, we're ready," Pagano told the pilot as they slowly lifted off.