Chasing Forever

By Laurene Bobb-Semple

Chasing Forever is the third and final instalment of the Chasing Happy Trilogy.
After Rome survives an almost fatal accident and they welcome their bundle of joy into the world, Kieran Taylor struggles with balancing her motherly duties with being a business owner and wife to be but she knows that with her love, Rome, by her side she can do anything.
Kieran’s character is once again tested to the limits as she and Rome embark on the next chapter of their lives and. Facing situations that take them both by surprise, while still dealing with consequences for their past choices, they continue to both grow and excel as a couple and it seems that nothing can break them.
However, weeks away from their wedding date, Rome is suddenly pulled back into his old life leaving Kieran alone to question their relationship and even more surprising, his feelings for her and their future together.
Kieran thought the chase was over, she was sure of it, but as their relationship hangs in the balance, she is left wondering whether they will survive the biggest test of their relationship and make it down the aisle or will she forever be chasing happy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurene Bobb-Semple
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463218518

Laurene Bobb-Semple

If you’re anything like me, you’re usually curious about the person behind a book you’ve read, or plan on reading, so I thought I’d share a little about me.I was born in London, England, and have lived there my whole life. I am currently a stay at home mum to a wonderful and cheeky toddler who most definitely keeps me on my toes! I am also in the process of setting up my own Virtual Assistant business.My greatest passions are, of course, writing, reading, listening to music, travelling the world, shopping and spending quality time with my family and friends.My other interests include, dining out. Gosh! You would not believe how much I love food. My favourite is... that’s a tough choice, I can never really choose between Indian or Mexican cuisine. Still it’s usually washed down with a cocktail, or three:) I also enjoy dancing, visiting the theatre, and cinema, though to be honest I don't get to do too much of these activities these days!Chasing Happy which is the first book in the Chasing Happy trilogy was not meant to be published (I’ll get to that in a few), writing it was just a bit of fun and I stopped and started over a four year period then one day I decided to finish it, plus it was only ever meant to be one book.But as I added new characters, they became central to the plot and the ending (no spoiler alert here), I knew I had to write a sequel - 'Chasing Dreams', which I actually started before I’d even finished Chasing Happy. That became so long that it, too, had to be split and the final installment 'Chasing Forever', was born.During this time, members of my family and my friends read ‘Chasing Happy,’ and told me how much they enjoyed it and loved the characters and encouraged me to publish it. I decided to pursue releasing it officially, which was nerve wracking as I had kept it close to my heart for a very long time. I hope everyone who reads these books fall in love with the characters and enjoys reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. All three books are available on kindle and Paperback.I have also Co written a book called 'Hidden Sparks' with Cherry Ann Carew. It is the first in a series of books we are working on called 'The Millionaire Girls Secret'. We are working on the second title which we hope to have completed soon, its very tough finding writing time when you both have busy schedules!That’s about it for now, thanks for stopping by and I hope you visit again soon!Laurene xoxo

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Rome wished for a split second that he was still wrapped up in his duvet as he left the house and was accosted by the dark, cold and gloomy weather. Ironically, it matched his mood, given that he was mad at Kieran and refused to talk to her. Lying beside her was equally irritating. Within a few minutes, he felt raindrops on his face.

Fuck!

Pulling his hoodie over his head, Rome quickened his pace then began to jog toward Third Avenue subway station.

The day he rescued Kieran’s dog, Lily, he worked for another squad downtown. That day changed his life in many ways; Kieran came back to him and he had learnt he’d passed his training and was officially a qualified rescue firefighter.

Rome’s heart had been in rescue for as-long-as he could remember. He guessed he was a chip off the old block, given that his dad was the chief at a rescue company. Though the thought followed him around for some time, it wasn’t until the terrorist attacks on nine eleven, that he committed to becoming a fire fighter, and before his father retired, he encouraged him to apply for a transfer to his squad. He was accepted and became the youngest member in the squads history.

His dad hoped he’d follow in his footsteps and become Rescue Chief. However, Rome wasn’t sure he was cut out for such responsibilities, but was happy being in a squad of elite, specialist trained firefighters.

He had mixed feelings about what to expect on his first day. One thought was that the guys would think he hadn’t worked, or trained hard enough to warrant the job. He further speculated that they would think it was handed to him because his father was the chief. Rome needn’t have worried. The guys welcomed him into the fold and treated him as one of their own.

He settled in without fuss and though they had disagreements from time-to-time, they never lasted long and always had each other’s backs.

The rescue company was responsible for Manhattan, below 125th Street on the West Side, and 116th street on the East Side, which kept them pretty busy, as it was a large area to cover. The odd quiet day was always welcomed and he hoped it would be one of those days.

It wasn’t long before he was uptown at 42nd street. Rome exited the station and walked toward the short grey building that was wedged between two taller ones. Entering through the garage, he patted the truck for luck, as he did at the start of every shift. A silly superstition, perhaps, but doing so became a habit.

The smell of bacon and coffee caught his attention as it wafted past his nose. His stomach rumbled and he headed up the stairs to the first floor towards the kitchen.

Sup, Smitty, Rome said.

Jimmy Smith, aka Smitty, was busy cooking up a feast. He turned, grinned at him and said, You look like you could do with some coffee.

Coffee was needed for sure. Rome poured some into a mug. Yeah, long night.

Smitty turned his attention back to the bacon and flipped the strips of meat over, You better get used to long nights with that baby on the way.

I hear ya. Rome sat down at the kitchen table, not wanting to talk about the real reason. He didn’t know what went through Kieran’s mind sometimes. It was as if she was from a different planet. He shook his head, refusing to think about the situation. It would only piss him off further.

Something on your mind?

He looked up at Ariana, one the paramedics who worked in the fire house. At 5’5, with light brown eyes and skin the same complexion as Kieran, she had caught his attention the first time he saw her, when he met his dad for lunch one day after returning to New York.

Their attraction was instantaneous, and it wasn’t long before they started to date. He should’ve known better really, but he couldn’t put his life on hold for someone who said she hadn’t wanted to see him again.

Ariana was, naturally, pissed off when he ended their relationship when he met back up with Kieran. Rome expected her to be and understood. Things were strained since he severed their relationship, though it was ages ago. She hadn’t moved on and Rome found it difficult most times to have a normal conversation with her, because she interpreted every interaction as something else. He used to have feelings for her, sure, but Kieran was his love and he couldn’t let her slip away again, he knew Ariana didn’t understand, but what else could he have done?

Ariana and Kieran had met a few times since, not that Rome told Kieran about their history. Whether he was right or wrong to keep the truth from her was a different issue, but knowing how her mind ticked, he could do without her freaking out every time he worked with his ex-girlfriend.

Rome shook his head, no, in answer to Ariana’s question. She was the last person he would confide in; she’d get off on the fact that he and Kieran were fighting.

Are you sure you didn’t have a fight with Kieran? Ariana asked, as if reading his mind. She was good at doing that. They used to be close, good friends even, so she knew him well enough.

Tired, he said, before taking a sip of coffee.

Me, too, it was a long quiet night with no one to entertain me, she said, and stretched her arms over her head as she yawned.

Rome couldn’t help but notice how her shirt clung to her breasts as she arched her body.

Ariana smiled knowingly.

Of course, she did it on purpose. His stomach grumbled.

Ariana giggled then said. Wow, someone’s hungry.

Something in her tone made him think she wasn’t referring to food. He shifted in his seat thinking how to respond.

Okay, ladies, grab a plate, Smitty called, and broke the uncomfortable moment.

Rome was thankful and stood up to help himself to bacon and eggs. Not long after, as if they sensed breakfast was ready, the other squad members arrived. They greeted each other with familiarity and were soon cracking jokes with each other.

Dixon and Natasha, who recently got engaged and were in that sickly sweet, lovey, dovey stage, were the last two to join them at the table. They walked in holding hands.

Everyone cheered and Smitty made kissing noises.

Natasha, head paramedic and Ariana’s partner, giggled into Dixon’s chest.

Carter Dixon, who had recently been promoted to lieutenant and Rome’s closest buddy on the team, revealed a happy grin, like he was the luckiest man in the world and nothing could make him stop smiling.

Rome wondered if he looked that happy when he and Kieran got engaged then said, Enjoy the fun and games guys until someone gets pregnant, he winked at Natasha, and then starts acting like a crazy person.

Sitting next to Ariana, who faced Rome, Natasha asked,

Oh, no baby, yet?

Any day now, he replied, with a smile, despite his sour mood.

She squealed and clapped her hands together. This is so exciting.

Ariana sipped her coffee and said nothing.

I can’t wait for it to be over. Kieran’s hormones are driving me nuts, Rome grumbled.

Uh oh, Natasha said, go easy on her; it must be hard after what she’s been through.

You and Dixon will have all that to look forward to, Ariana said.

Rome noticed how she turned the attention away from him and Kieran. Ariana did every time Kieran’s name came up in conversation.

All what? Dixon asked, as he sat beside Natasha.

Hormones on overdrive, Rome offered.

And babies, Natasha said, as she stared at Dixon.

He held his hands up in surrender. We’ve just gotten engaged and you’re talking babies already? Are you trying to kill me?

Natasha threw her napkin down and pouted.

Dixon laughed and pulled her towards him, I can’t wait to have babies with you.

That should have been your first answer, she told him and rolled her eyes.

I just wanted to make you sweat for a bit.

Like I did to you when you proposed? Natasha hit back.

Dixon pretended to pout.

They were always winding each other up, and Rome wondered if they ever argued in private, because he’d never seen any evidence of them not getting along. He wondered how they did it; how did they manage to get along so well? He was about to ask them, but decided it would be insensitive to discuss in Ariana’s presence, plus he really didn’t want her to know he and Kieran were fighting.

His watch said eight a.m. on the nose. Rome considered calling her, but remembered how stubborn she could be and decided against it. He, too was stubborn. Maybe Natasha was right, he should go easy on her. He stood up.

You’re on dish duty today, bro, Smitty told him.

Stu, I’ll give you fifty bucks if you swap and do the dishes today.

Stuart Kingsley held up his hands to interrupt his conversation with Pauly DaLuca and Ben Bateman, who made up the rest of the rescue team and said, I would, but I just had a manicure.

Everyone laughed.

Asshole, Rome said grinning.

When’s the guy coming to fix the dishwasher? Dixon asked.

You didn’t call him? Smitty asked.

I thought you did, Dixon countered.

Rome shook his head and asked, Anyone?

Silence.

Dixon sighed and poured coffee into his mug, I’m on it.

How about you wash and I dry? Ariana suggested to Rome.

Not wanting to make anything of it, he said, Okay.

They stacked the dishes and carried them over to the sink. Her hand brushed against his as he handed her the dishcloth.

Rome did not react and kept his eyes ahead to avoid small talk.

She either didn’t notice, or could care less, as she asked, So you and Kieran did have a fight.

It wasn’t a question, per se, but more of a statement. It’s not a big deal.

But you’re pretty upset about it so it’s got to be a big deal, to you at least, even if it’s not to her.

Rome clenched his jaw and stayed silent. He was so not going down that road.

Rome?

Yes.

I’m always here if you need to talk, okay?

His eyes met hers. Thanks.

We were good friends once, remember.

I remember, but we were like that for a reason.

You think we were only friends because we liked each other?

The level of conversation was dangerous territory. He had said all he had to say on the subject. He rinsed a plate and held it out to her. Regardless, we can’t go back to how it was.

That’s your choice, but I’m here if you need a friend.

Listen, I love my fiancée, okay. I know it was shitty how I ended things with you, but it’s been a while now. We have to work together so don’t make this uncomfortable.

Who’s uncomfortable? she smirked.

Just be cool, okay.

She smiled. I’m not going to do anything you don’t want me to do.

He didn’t want her to do anything. It was safer that way. Still, she seemed to mean it. He nodded, and in silence finished washing the dishes.

After, he chatted with a few of the guys who sat in front of the TV watching the news, before making his way to his bunk. Rome hesitated before opening the door to the sleeping quarters. The room was empty.

For a split second, he had a horrible feeling that Ariana might be there waiting for him. It was as if every woman he got involved with ended up being bat shit crazy. Kieran would go ape shit if she ever found out about them, although she was probably suspicious. She seemed to have a kind of sixth sense when it came to women taking a liking to him. Or, maybe Ariana was that obvious when they first met. She’d been more than a little frosty towards Kieran.

He lay down and unlocked his phone to call Kieran, but changed his mind as his stubbornness kicked in. He’d done nothing wrong. She chose not to believe in them. An apology was owed and he wasn’t going to back down until he got it.

Rome jumped up and his phone clattered onto the floor. Picking it up, he checked the time. He’d slept for over two hours and Kieran hadn’t texted or called.

He went to the den. DaLuca and Bateman played cards in one corner, while the others sat in front of the forty-inch TV. Of course, the only available space to sit was next to Ariana.

Nice nap, sleeping beauty? DaLuca called out.

Rome stuck his middle finger up at him and said, Go to hell.

Tell Kieran to go easy on you at night, Smitty joined in, then you won’t need to catch up on your beauty sleep at work.

Rome laughed.

Ariana shifted in her seat.

Hey, how’s that guy you’re dating? Ben asked her, the doctor?

Ariana made a face. Loser, like most guys.

Maybe you’re searching in the wrong places, DaLuca said, and winked at her.

I mean this with every fibre of my being when I say, no matter where I search it will never lead me to you.

Ouch, DaLuca said, and clutched his chest.

Ariana was pissed off when she realised her insult didn’t hurt him the way she intended, Losers everywhere I go, she muttered.

Rome laughed.

Something funny? Ariana snapped at him.

No.

Good, no one wants to hear what you have to say.

Jeez, you’re feisty today, Stuart said, PMS?

Ariana flipped him off before she stood up, turned on her heel and stalked out of the room and into Dixon, she didn’t even apologise for barging into him.

He whistled as he entered the room. That’s your fault you know. He took a ball out of his pocket and threw it at Rome.

Rome caught it easily. Oh no, don’t you blame this on me.

Dixon signaled for Rome to throw the ball back at him, She’s mad because she can’t have you.

It’s been almost two years, gimme a break.

She still has feelings for you. When you love someone, you can’t just switch it off, Ben told him.

Rome raised an eyebrow, Who said anything about love?

The guys cracked up laughing. Clearly, they were more clued up about the situation than he was.

Dixon’s expression turned serious. She was gonna tell you, but you ended it.

Rome narrowed his eyes and threw the ball at Dixon, Did Tash tell you that?

Dixon nodded as he caught the ball. Do not tell her I told you either, she will have my balls.

Rome sighed. Now he felt like an asshole. He thought their relationship was casual, sure he liked her, but they’d only dated for a few months, it wasn’t love, not for him anyway.

She was smitten the day she met you, then you transferred here to be with her only to go and break her heart, Smitty added shaking his head in mock disappointment.

Dude, seriously?

You’re an asshole, Dixon threw the ball at Smitty.

He caught it just as the alarm sounded. They hurried down to the garage.

Rescue squad 1, ambulance 1, warehouse fire, Canal Street, came the voice over the loud speaker that was directly linked to 911.

Rome threw his uniform on with lightning speed, grabbed his gear and hustled onto the truck.

Ariana and Natasha rushed past him as they headed towards their ambulance.

Be careful, Ariana told him.

Don’t worry about me, he replied in a terse tone. He was still reeling from the news she loved him.

She rolled her eyes and jumped into the passenger seat.

The truck sirens blared as they pulled out of the station. Rome stared out of the window and observed that it was still raining. Everyone was silent. There were times when it was loud with laughter and the jokes went back and forth. Then there were times like now, when each of them wondered if this was the fire that would change their lives… who wouldn’t make it back to the fire house?

When they pulled up across the street from the fire, DaLuca cursed.

Rome reached for his phone to text Kieran, then realised he left it at the fire house. Shit. Whenever there was a fire, he’d message her to let her know he was okay.

Dixon threw open the truck door and everyone filed out behind him fastening their helmets and protective clothing.

The boys from Ladder Twenty were already on the scene. Dixon headed over to the fire chief and began discussing tactics, while the guys prepared the truck and their tools.

The Ladder company was tasked with gaining entry to the building to create ventilation and search and rescue. They already had their ladders in the air and were rushing in and out of the building.

Rome felt the heat radiating from the building as he stood on the sidewalk fitting his mask on his face. It was evident they would also go in for search and rescue; it was a huge fire.

Dixon returned and barked instructions. Rome, Smitty, first floor, secondary search, we have two people missing and their offices are on the first floor.

Rome nodded. He had to hand it to him, Dixon was a good leader and no one questioned his judgement.

Stay on your radios at all times, this one is unpredictable and burning fast, we aren’t sure how long the building will remain standing. You will only have a couple minutes. Dixon added.

Rome and Smitty bumped gloved hands and headed off in the direction of the entrance to the warehouse. A firefighter from another squad appeared carrying someone. Rome could tell from the way the body hung lifeless in his arms that the man wasn’t breathing. His eyes followed him as he ran to the ambulance and lay the body on the stretcher. The paramedics started CPR. Rome turned to see black smoke billowing out of the windows and began to sweat.

He followed Smitty into the building and they located the stairs on the left-hand side. There was no fire in that part, but there was a lot of smoke, which meant it probably wasn’t far away. Rome controlled his breathing as they made their way through the building and called out making their presence known, in case anyone needed help.

They rounded a corner and were at one end of a long corridor. Rome saw the faint glow of fire under one of the doors. They made their way towards it.

Fire department call out! Rome yelled.

Did you hear that? Smitty asked.

Rome strained his ears to listen and heard shouts and banging coming from one of the doors.

Fire department, call out! Rome yelled again.

There was more shouting and banging. He and Smitty followed the sounds; Rome turned the knob to open the door. It was jammed; the structure had begun to bow from the intense heat. He made an educated guess that the fire wasn’t contained to one floor, but to one side of the building. Using his shoulder to force the door open had little effect. The banging became frantic.

Stand back! Smitty shouted.

He and Rome counted to three then kicked the door in unison until it crashed open. A roar of heat and flames assaulted them from the far end of the room. The fire had sealed off the other exit.

A woman stumbled out coughing and gasping for air, followed by a man, with a bad burn that went from his shoulder all the way down his arm to his hand. They were covered in soot and sweat.

Rome and Smitty briskly escorted them out of the building towards the paramedics.

Debris fell from above as they made their way out.

Back at the truck, battalion chief – Chief Mills, who had replaced Rome’s father after his retirement, stood listening to his radio. He held his hand up signaling he had another mission for them. Rome removed his helmet, grabbed a bottle of water out of the truck and poured it over his head. It was the worst fire he’d been to in a while.

I need you boys to go back in, Chief Mills told them.

Where do you need us, Chief? Smitty asked.

Chief Mills sounded distraught when he answered, Bateman and Dixon are unresponsive. They went up the right-hand staircase.

Fuck! Rome ran towards the exit they came out of, Smitty at his heels. The chief yelled after them, but Rome couldn’t hear what he said.

All firefighters had personal alarms, if they didn’t move for eighteen seconds, the alarm sounded, signaling that they were in trouble; either trapped or injured.

Rome sprinted around the side of the building and through the entrance. Jesus Christ, he said, as thick smoke hindered his visibility. He turned his torch on, ran up the stairs and heard their alarms before he saw them. Dixon and Bateman were in the dark hallway, trapped under a concrete beam and part of the ceiling.

They were conscious and still had their masks on, which was good, as they wouldn’t have to worry about smoke inhalation.

Chief, we need a saw! We found them, second floor! Rome shouted into his radio, then began to remove debris off their bodies.

DaLuca is on his way, the chief responded seconds later.

Bateman screamed.

Rome’s eyes travelled over his body and he noticed his leg was broken exposing the bone. The chunk of building Smitty removed obviously released some pressure, allowing him to feel his injuries. He scanned Dixon’s body quickly. No broken bones, well none that he could see. DaLuca arrived and the three of them lifted one end of the beam together, freeing Dixon.

DaLuca then began to cut through the concrete that still had Bateman pinned down.

A loud explosion caused them to whip their heads around in the direction of the noise. Rome watched as a large piece of the ceiling collapsed above their exit, blocking them in.

Holy shit! DaLuca shouted, we need another way out of here! he turned his attention back to freeing Bateman.

Chief, we have a problem, Dixon talked into his radio. We’re trapped on the east side of the building on the second floor. We need an exit now!

Rome scanned the area. There was no time to deliberate. We should be able to kick out that window over there, he pointed, they can get a ladder up to us.

He ran towards the window, but before he could raise a leg to kick it, there was a sudden blur of orange and black and a whoosh of intense heat and air. It took him a split second to realise that he was falling; his body weight breaking through the floor. The air left his body when it hit concrete and he heard something snap. Rome cried out as a sharp pain shot through his shoulder and down his arm.

His helmet saved his life, but the impact of his head hitting the ground dazed him, and over the pounding of his heart and the ringing in his ears, he heard the roar of the fire around him.

As he struggled to catch his breath, he attempted to sit up, but couldn’t move. His alarm kicked in. Had it only been eighteen seconds? His throat tightened as smoke entered his lungs, his breathing became erratic and he started to cough.

Rome felt around for his mask as he heard his colleagues calling out to him. He peered through the hole, fifteen feet or so above him. Before he could answer, warm liquid trickled down the back of his head. Blood, sweat, or both, he wasn’t sure. His head began to pound and his eyes burned, blurring his vision. If he had a head injury, he didn’t want to think about it, or how bad it was. He just needed to get out.

He gave the thumbs up to his colleagues, and forced himself to sit up ignoring the searing pain in his shoulder; he spotted his mask a few feet away and began to shuffle across the floor on his bum to get to it. His cough became incessant and he stopped to catch his breath. Heat burnt his skin and he couldn’t focus, couldn’t breathe. He felt the need to lie down for a few seconds to catch his breath.

His alarm sounded again, loud at first then it faded, along with the voices of his squad, the crackling of the fire and his heartbeat. His body felt heavy like it was stuck to the ground, but he also felt like he was floating. Rome couldn’t hear or feel anything.

Am I dying?

This was the fire that was going to change everything and he would be the one who wouldn’t make it back to the fire house. With that thought, his daughter, Alana, entered his mind, then Kieran, pregnant with their child. Rome groaned and tried to push against the heavy feeling. He had to fight for them. Kieran would never forgive him if he left her.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, the heavy feeling lifted and he felt relief, peaceful in the darkness that surrounded him. Kieran’s face flashed before his eyes.

Babe, I’m sorry. I love you…forever….

1 CHAPTER ONE

Kieran lay semi-conscious. Please God, when I open my eyes let this all be a dream. The comings and goings of the medical staff, the bleeping of a machine and the vague murmurings of Christina and Chantelle’s voices reminded her that she’d passed out in the hospital.

The sound of laughter filtered in her direction and annoyance filled her that someone was so happy and carefree, when she felt dead inside. Rome was fighting for his life. Then she remembered; his heart had stopped. She wasn’t sure if he was still alive. A part of her wanted to know what his current state was, and the other didn’t, in case he hadn’t made it.

Oh, my god, how is this happening?

Kieran didn’t want to open her eyes, because it would continue the nightmare and she just wanted to get back to a normal life with her fiancé. She couldn’t comprehend how she would survive without Rome by her side. How would she cope raising their baby, seeing his face in the child they created? She pressed her lips together to stop from screaming. It was the first time during her pregnancy that she wished she wasn’t. It was extra torture thinking about Rome’s baby inside of her. Panic filled her, but she had to step up to the plate and face the real world; she just hoped it would be kind to her.

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Her friends were sat dutifully at her bedside, tired and concerned. From what she could tell, she was in a ward with two other women, one was opposite her breastfeeding her baby. Kieran moved her eyes to the nurse monitoring the other patient’s machine. Kieran guessed she was in early stages of labour. She consoled herself for months that her labour would be fine, because Rome would be with her, now she wasn’t sure.

She cleared her throat and said, Rome?

Christina and Chantelle’s heads rounded toward her.

He’s fine. Don’t panic. His heart stopped, but they brought him back and he’s stable, breathing by himself, Christina explained in one breath, and took Kieran’s hand.

Kieran burst into joyous tears. When she calmed down, she asked, What caused his heart to stop?

The trauma his body went through caused his blood pressure to rise. It’s back to normal and the doctor says there’s no damage to his brain, but he’s still in a coma, Chantelle explained.

His heart stopped. Technically, that means died. What if it happens again and they can’t save him?

Before she could stop herself, she vomited.

She awoke the following morning with a start; Kieran needed to be with Rome, she had already been away from him for too long. Chantelle and Christina were still there and though she was grateful, she insisted that they go home. Before they left, Christina checked with the doctor that Kieran was well enough to leave. He gave her the all-clear, advising her to eat throughout the day.

Kieran was surprised to see most of Rome’s squad camped outside his room and once again, burst into tears. Seeing them touched her. Rome was truly family to them.

Theo was also there and Kieran was glad they all had each other. If it was one of them, Rome would be there, too, that she was sure about.

They each hugged her as she approached. Ben was in a wheelchair, his leg in a cast. DaLuca’s arm in a sling, Dixon, was a bit bruised, but was otherwise okay. Smitty was the only one without injury. They were responsible for rescuing Rome and bringing him back to her and she expressed her gratitude.

Dixon told her it was a team effort; a harness was tied to him and he was lowered to Rome, he then attached another harness to him and the others lifted them to safety.

Kieran was grateful for their bravery and selflessness. Because of them Rome was alive.

She walked into his room. Natasha and Ariana were sat at his bedside. Ariana held his hand, but released it when she saw her.

Kieran met them a few times at the station, Natasha had always been nice to her, Ariana a little hostile. The dark and puffy circles under her eyes were evidence that she’d been crying - a lot.

Kieran didn’t have the energy to decipher what her actions meant at that moment, though. From the first time she’d met her, she sensed Ariana felt more than friendship towards Rome. If she was completely honest with herself, there was probably some history between them; Kieran didn’t want to know.

They hugged her and told her how sorry they were before they left, giving Kieran privacy, which she appreciated.

She kissed Rome on the lips before sitting next to him and taking his hand in hers.

A few hours later, Kirsten and Rose turned up, followed by Theo. Still no change? Kirsten asked, stroking her son’s head.

Kieran shook her head, no.

What happened last night? Rose asked, her voice hoarse.

His heart stopped; his blood pressure was high.

Everyone was silent for a while as they processed what

Kieran had told them.

And you, how are you doing? Do you want to go get some tea, or something to eat? Kirsten asked resting a shaky hand on Kieran’s shoulder.

Kieran really didn’t want to leave, but she needed to use the toilet and tea sounded good. She nodded.

*****

After they left, Theo took Rome’s hand, "Everyone is worried about you, son. You have to wake up. I know you haven’t always felt like you fitted into the family, but if you leave us I don’t think any of us will ever get over it.

We need you, especially Kieran and the baby. That girl loves you so much and it’s breaking my heart to see what this is doing to her. She said you’re her best friend and I know she’s yours, too, so you must wake up, Rome. She’s trying to be strong; and I know you don’t think she does, but she needs you. Theo swallowed the lump in his throat and at the same time felt Rome’s fingers twitch in his hand. Rome?

There was no further movement or response.

Theo sighed, for a moment he thought his words would wake him up. He kissed his hand. Keep fighting, son. Don’t give up on us.

He sat back and listened to the machine bleep in time to Rome’s heartbeats.

*****

The following morning, after a less than sleep filled night, Kieran arrived at the hospital bright and early. She didn’t want to leave Rome the previous night. Her parents forced her to, though she cried and stomped her feet with a tantrum worthy of a five-year-old.

They ignored her and physically led her out of the hospital and put her into a taxi. She had cried all the way home.

When she entered his room Tony and Amanda were at his bedside. Amanda had been crying, Kieran could see the devastation in her eyes.

Hey, Tony greeted her.

Hey, Kieran met his eyes for a second before turning away. It hurt her to see the turmoil that everyone felt while Rome fought for his life.

Here, sit down, Tony offered his seat.

Amanda leaned over and hugged her, How are you holding up?

I need him to wake up. I can’t deal with anything while he’s like this.

He’ll wake up, Tony reassured her.

She squeezed Rome’s hand. What she wouldn’t give for him to squeeze hers back. It was one of the worst things in the world; sat next to a loved ones’ bedside not knowing if they would ever wake up.

Have you eaten? Amanda asked.

Every time I do, I bring it back up.

We’ll go get you something from the cafeteria, Amanda offered, as she stood up.

I’m fine, thanks.

At least a hot drink? Tony suggested.

Kieran nodded. She probably wouldn’t drink it, but cooperated. She hoped Rome would do the same.

*****

Not long after French Fancy’s visit, Ariana turned up. A week had passed since her last visit, though everyone else from the station stopped by every day. Rome’s room was filled with get well cards and flowers. Natasha even brought Kieran homemade food and she was genuinely touched by her thoughtfulness, especially during Thanksgiving. Kieran had completely forgotten about it. Even his squad had taken time