A/N: So since I don't have a firefighter in the family, I'm not entirely sure how a proper funeral would go. But I did watch Ladder 49 recently, so I am going to go with that, lol. Hope you enjoy the chapter, and as always please read & review!

The weekend came, and with it came more visitors, bad weather and the visitation. That Sunday was the day of the funeral, and as Mike walked into spare bedroom he & Taylor had been staying in at Janet's house, he noticed the brunette by the window.

"Baby girl, are you ok?"

She shook her head. "No. It's the day I have been dreading. I wish there was a way I could just snap my fingers and it will be tomorrow morning," Taylor said as Mike wrapped his arms around her tiny waist from behind. "Do you know what I've been thinking about since we were told about dad?"

"What's that?"

"What were his last thoughts- was it of me & my mom? Was his mind still on the job? Did he suffer, or instant? Mike, if we ever plan a real wedding, he won't be here to walk me down the aisle," Taylor said through tears.

"I'm sorry baby," Mike whispered, hugging her tighter. "You know, I obviously don't know what your dad was thinking those few moments. But I'm sure he did know what a wonderful family he had, and was extremely proud of you and your mom both."

Taylor nodded, wiping her eyes. "He's my hero. I just…I never thought I would have to go through this. I mean, I'm not naïve or anything and knew some day my father would pass away, but didn't even think it would happen this quickly. When you're so close to someone, you think the person is invincible, you know?"

Mike only lightly squeezed her shoulders as Taylor walked away from the window. "We should probably get ready," she finally stated, heading toward the bathroom.

Another hour later, Mike was downstairs adjusting his black & white striped tie waiting on the other ladies. He happen to look down at his wedding ring, and softly smiled. Over the past few days, it seemed as if he and Taylor were back to normal. But, that is how she wanted it, and they had yet to talk about what happened. For all Mike knew, Taylor could still go through with the annulment papers. But all he could do was hope for the best.

Back upstairs, Taylor had just finished curling her hair and slipped into a dark red dress. "Mom, do you have a necklace I can borrow?" she asked once slipping into her heels.

"Sure," the elder woman said as she went to the jewelry case. "So…I see you and Mike are getting along nice."

Taylor smiled. "Yea, we are. But we really haven't talked about…the situation yet."

"You haven't?" Janet repeated. "Why?"

"When Mike came, and told me he was staying…I wanted things to be normal. I knew this weekend would be stressful, and I just wanted to lean on him for support. Maybe even for love. I told him that once everything was done that we would talk. I haven't completely forgiven him, but this weekend has shown that we can live like we did before he cheated."

"I just want you to know that whatever is decided, I fully support you," Janet smiled.

It was then that both women heard noise on the stairs, and Mike appeared in the doorway. "I hate to interrupt, but the car that the fire department sent is waiting."

Janet nodded. "Ok. I'm ready to get the worst day of my life over," she said before leaving the room.

"How is your mom?" Mike asked as they also started down the stairs.

Taylor shrugged, linking her arm through Mike's offered one. "Probably as best as she can, but handling it a lot better than me.

Once everyone was in the car, they first drove toward the fire station, where the fire trucks would follow them in the processional. When everyone got to the church, Mike got out first with an umbrella and held Taylor close so she wouldn't get wet. He also held out his big umbrella for Janet until she got hers situated. They then moved to the side of the church steps and watched as Steven's fellow fire fighters, and pall bearers, grabbed his casket and headed inside. As they passed, Taylor burst into tears and instantly accepted Mike's open arm for support.

Once everyone was seated, the priest offered a prayer and sprinkled holy water over the casket. After listening to a eulogy from Steven's supervisor, the same procession drove the short distance to the cemetery. After another prayer, a couple of the fire fighters folded the American flag and then handed it to Janet. Once the short service was over, both Janet and Taylor grabbed flowers that sat on top of the casket & then headed back toward the car.

Later on that night, a few people were still in the house. After heating up some leftovers, Mike went in search of Taylor. And just like he thought, she was on the back deck sitting at the patio table.

"Hey," he called. "I brought you some chicken," he said, gesturing toward the plate.

"I'm not really hungry."

Mike sighed as he sat next to his wife. "I know you may not be, but you really haven't ate anything all weekend. I would like to see you eat something."

Taylor sat for another moment, and then started picking at the skin. "Mike, we've been putting off the inevitable all weekend. I think it's probably a good idea if we talk."

Nodding, Mike sat across the table. "Yea, your probably right. What can I say so you'll come back home?"

A few moments of silence passed. "Maybe…ask?"

A big smile spread across Mike's face. "Really? You mean it?"

Taylor nodded as she rose from her chair, and slid into Mike's lap. "Yea I mean it. Mike, you didn't have to stay home from your road trip to be with me, but you did. And while we've been together this weekend that incident hasn't even crossed my mind. Don't get me wrong, I am still beyond upset that you did that to me but then, some advice from my mom comes to mind."

"What advice was that?" he asked.

"You caused the pain, but the only way to make the pain go away is if you are around. You're the only one who can completely take the pain away. The first thing Monday morning, I am going to call the lawyers office, and withdraw the annulment papers."

"That's the best news I've heard in a long time," Mike said as Taylor lowered her lips upon his. He instantly deepened the kiss. "So, does that mean your coming home?"

"Oh if you really want me to," she replied sarcastically as Mike laughed out loud, kissing her once more.

The next morning, after saying good bye to Janet, Mike and Taylor headed toward her house to pack up clothes and any other belongings she took. "You know what I was thinking," she began as they drove back.

"What's that babe?" he replied, grabbing a hold of her hand.

"We should really sell my house. I like the space of yours, or ours now, and there are some changes I'd like to make, but that doesn't have to happen right away. What do you think?"

Mike nodded. "Yea that sounds good. We don't need to keep two houses, but then I don't want to make you do something you don't want to do."

Taylor smirked. "You aren't making me do anything. I thought about maybe finding a renter, but that would just be a pain in the butt."

Just then, Mike pulled into their driveway. After shutting the car off, he looked toward the passenger seat. "I'm glad your home."

"Me too," she smiled as they kissed.