Author's notes: thanks, as all ways, to all the wonderful people who take the time to share their thoughts. It's great to hear from you. And thanks to the followers, favs and readers. Some long-lost characters make an appearance in this chapter.
After the test is performed Patrick falls asleep. Teresa sits in the chair beside him trying to concentrate on the magazine to shut out thoughts she doesn't want to dwell on, but she can't escape the knot of panic in her stomach. An hour later Doctor Polly returns with another doctor in tow, who, Teresa suspects is the elusive Doctor. Bennion. She stands and moves to Patrick's side, she lays her hand on his arm to wake him, only to find his eyes open. He smiles and winks at her before pulling himself to a sitting position.
"I take it that the test confirmed your diagnosis."
Doctor Polly answers.
"Yes. So surgery's booked for 10am. This is Doctor Bennion, who will perform the operation and as I said, he's one of the best in the country. I wouldn't place my favourite patient in the hands of anyone else."
Patrick looks to Teresa with a cheeky smile.
"I told you I was her favourite. I win everyone over eventually."
"I think I can rattle off a list, without even thinking about it, that would spoil that little theory."
Patrick looks to Doctor Polly in mock horror.
"See what I'm letting myself in for."
"I heartily approve of your choice Patrick, it's just what you need, a woman who isn't dazzled by your smile."
He pretends to think about it for a moment.
"True, but on my sick bed, I think I deserve nice."
Doctor Bennion interrupts curtly:
"I have carried out many of these surgeries so you can be assured of excellent work. You will be put on a bypass machine while the replacement's attached. The surgery takes two to three hours but you can expect that it'll be ten to twelve hours before you regain consciousness in ICU. You will be released from hospital after around seven days and you should be back to normal in about eight weeks."
He looks at his watch.
"I have to go but any questions Doctor Polly will help you with. I will see you tomorrow."
He turns and leaves.
Patrick and Teresa are stunned in to silence. Doctor Polly looks a little embarrassed and apologies.
"I'm sorry, I know his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired but he really is the best. You know what bypass means?"
They nod their heads.
"I know bypass sound scary but it's quite safe. Other things you should know, is that you'll be on a ventilator for the first twenty-four hours after surgery, so try not to panic when you wake up and feel it down your throat. You can expect to be in ICU for a couple of days, then moved to a high dependency ward and finally to a surgical ward, should everything go smoothly. You can expect to have pain but don't suffer in silence."
She smiles at them.
"Any questions?"
Teresa and Patrick look at one another and then at the doctor, Patrick shakes his head. Teresa speaks up.
"I do have something I would like to talk to you about outside, doctor if you don't mind."
"Of course."
Patrick looks at her puzzled and opens his mouth to say something when Teresa starts to follow the doctor outside. She calls over her shoulder.
"Just trust me, you'll find out soon enough."
Teresa returns after a few minutes and instantly puts her finger to her lips before Patrick has time to open his mouth
"Shhh, no point asking, as I'm not telling."
The spark of a challenge flickers in his eyes.
"Oh really? Come here let me look at you."
"No."
Teresa sits down picking up the magazine and holds it in front of her face.
"Well, your question didn't have something to do with the surgery because you're too happy for that. Happy is too strong of a word, after all I am about to have a life threatening surgery but….you definitely look like the cat that got the cream….so my guess is…"
"Jane hush!"
Teresa looks at him over the magazine and he smiles devilishly at her. She can't stop the smile on her face.
"Sometimes Patrick you're so full of bull."
It's Patrick's turn to put his finger up to his lips.
"Shhh just don't tell anyone. Now put the magazine down, I'm missing you."
He moves over and pats the space next to him. She climbs on and he puts his arms around her as she snuggles in to his body. They lay like that for a while just enjoying being with each other, until there's a knock on the door. Teresa's startled and almost falls off the bed in her haste to get down.
"Steady woman, I don't think there's a fire, since whoever it is, knocked. Come in."
The door opens to a bouquet of balloons and as they move further in they reveal Grace Van Pelt, followed by Wayne Rigsby and Kimball Cho. Patrick throws a knowing look towards Teresa and smiles widely at them, the realisation hitting him that he'd missed them. He smiles broadly.
"Come on in guys, it's great to see you. Although we must stop meeting like this. Grace you look lovely and thank you for the balloons."
Van Pelt finds a place to put the balloons down and turns her attention to Patrick concern on her face.
"How are you feeling?"
"Me I'm fine, just a pesky thing to get out the way and then I'll be hunky dory. I'm sure Teresa's filled you in on the details so let's forget about that…"
As he sees the reaction of the team to using her first name he breaks out in a grin.
"..I guess she hasn't filled you in with all the details."
Teresa standing beside him, a slight blush in her cheeks. He takes her hand.
"While we were away, I finally came to my senses and realised that I was in love with this woman and she rather foolishly but miraculously accepted my proposal."
There is a stunned silence. Van Pelt is the first to break it, her face showing her delight.
"That's great news, she hugs Teresa and then Patrick, whispering in his ear.
"About time Jane."
He whispers in return.
"I know but matters needed to be dealt with first before I could see clearly."
She nods against his cheek.
"You better get well."
"I intend to."
"Good."
As she pulls back her eyes are glistening with tears and Rigsby hands her a handkerchief he has out ready. Then he and Cho take their turn hugging their boss, passing on their congratulations and shaking Patrick's hand.
Teresa looks at her team.
"Thank you guys. It's great to see you, it's been so long."
Cho answers.
"Yes, when are you coming back to work, I've had enough of keeping Rigsby in line, I didn't realise what a moaner he is."
Rigsby's head whips round.
"Hey."
Cho smiles.
"The doctor says it'll be two…"
Patrick cuts her off.
"She should be back in a couple of weeks, maybe three, a month tops."
He stops her objections.
"I know the doctor said eight weeks but I won't be an invalid all that time. You need to get back to work, being home all day with a patient no matter how good looking he is will drive you crazy. Besides despite Agent Cho's capable hands the place must be missing you."
"We'll see how it goes."
The team stay for about an hour, Teresa can see Patrick getting tired and motions for them to leave. Patrick protests.
"No need to leave on my account."
Van Pelt gives him another hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Good luck tomorrow, we'll be thinking about you."
Rigsby offers his encouragement.
"We'll be rooting for you man."
Cho nods his head. Teresa walks them out as Patrick waves.
"Thanks for coming guys."
Grace answers.
"It was our pleasure, we've missed you both and congratulations, it really is wonderful news."
"Thanks."
"We're coming tomorrow.."
Teresa starts to protest.
"It's already decided, we don't want you waiting alone."
"Thanks again guys."
They all give her a hug and as they leave she goes back to Patrick. He smiles at her.
"Thanks for setting that up, it was great to see them."
"It was."
"I missed them."
Teresa looks at him in surprise.
"I was thinking that when this is all over that I will come back to work, they've had it far too easy,"