AN:

So apparently I am a liar. I had intended for this fic to only be about ten chapters. However this is chapter ten and I am only around a third done. hopefully I will be more consistent with the updates. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Ten

"Good morning sleepy head." Elizabeth said smiling brightly when Ric finally opened his eyes.

"Morning." Ric said sleepily. He was excited to leave the hospital.

"How did you sleep?"

"Not bad but I think that's mostly because of the medication."

"You're probably right."

"What about you? Did you sleep? Should you even be at work today?"

"I'm fine. Beside were short handed and I just can't..."

Ric said interrupting Elizabeth. He knew she was capable of handling anything. "Elizabeth stop I didn't mean it like that. I'm just worried."

"I know, I know. It's just been a long couple of days." Elizabeth said regretting snapping at him.

"Believe me I can sympathize. I heard about Lulu. How are you doing?"

"Angry. Mostly with Jason but at Lulu too. She should have known better than to chase after Johnny Zacchara. Look at Carly or even me."

"You?" Ric asked in both surprise and confusion.

"Since I... made the mistake of sleeping with Jason... I think he wants more or something."

"Patrick told me he was hanging around."

"Yeah. I don't know how to make him understand it was one night." Elizabeth said softly with her head down. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"I should be letting you heal not dumping my problems on you."

"Hey you can always talk to me." He told her taking her hand in his. Immediately they both began to react to the slight touch.

"Thank you Ric." Elizabeth whispered as their eyes locked.

Patrick chose that moment to open the door effectively ruining the moment. "How is my patient?"

"Ready to leave."

"Well there are a few tests I want to run first. If everything looks good you should be able to leave this afternoon." Patrick said making a few notes on Ric's chart. He could not help but wonder what he had interrupted. The scene we walked in on made him even more determined to find out about Ric and Elizabeth's history.

"Would either of you know where my cell phone is?" Ric wanted to know. He had several things to accomplish before he was discharged.

"I put your things in my locker. After I finish rounds I'll go get them."

"Thanks... for everything."

"It's no problem. Now try to rest." Elizabeth told him sternly causing Ric smiled at her tone. He still had to get used to Elizabeth as a nurse. In his mind, she was still an artist. His thoughts were interrupted when Elizabeth kissed him quickly on the forehead. "I mean it Ric get some rest." She warned as she walked out the door.

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Not long after Elizabeth left, Ric went down to X-ray. During that time, all he could think about was Elizabeth's odd behavior. He still did not know what to think. Ric knew he still loved Elizabeth. In fact he couldn't image loving any one else. The problem was Ric didn't want to lose what they had now. He especially didn't want to lose any more time with Cameron.

"Mr. Lansing? Elizabeth asked me to give this to you." Nadine said handing Ric a small bag. When Elizabeth asked her to deliver it, Nadine wondered why. Only the answer her friend would give turning red. It made her even more curious and the hospital gossip did not help.

He pulled out his cell phone and wallet. "Thank you Nurse..."

"Nadine." The nurse said nervously. She was still jumpy from the ball several days ago.

"Nadine. Do you know what time Elizabeth's shift is over?"

"I believe it's three."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Patrick should back with your test soon."

Once Ric was, alone he called the nanny and made arrangements. He could hear the surprise and hesitation in her voice. He knew it was because of Alexis. Ric was not looking forward to her reaction either.

His next call was to start the process of getting Alcazar's assets released. Ric meant everything he told Skye yesterday. A part of him liked Skye. In fact, in another life he may have pursued her. However, he knew she was just after Alcazar's money. Ric was more than willing t let her have it.

Later Patrick came in with the test results. Everything looked fine. He told Ric he would need to let himself before Patrick decided about physical therapy. Ric was happy that he could leave. He worried though about the time he would be spending with Elizabeth. Ric did not know how long he could live as a family before breaking.