by Kris Jacen
“But she’ll make it?” Jack asked hopefully.
Doctor Papin stood there for a minute before answering. “We did a lot of work and almost lost her on the table. If she makes it through the night she has a fighting chance. As much as we surgeons like to think we’re gods, we’re not. Now it’s up to Him and her. The nurse will be here shortly to take you back to your sister.”
As he turned to leave, Jack called him back. “Doctor Papin? Thank you.”
§ § § §
Sandy looked a little better when they were brought to her bedside, maybe. The ICU area was semi-open like the ER so the nurses could see the patients clearly. Tank stood there holding Jack up as they watched the machines help her breathe.
A nurse came up to them softly. “I’m sorry, Mr. Dillon?”
“Jack please. I think I’ll be here for a while,” Jack said.
“They need you in pediatrics. Need to talk to you about some results.” She walked away after giving Jack the message.
“You need to go and find out what’s up with the triplets. I’ll stay here with Sandy,” Tank told Jack before he gave Jack a hug and pushed him through the door. Tank walked closer and put his hand gently on Sandy’s wrist. Not sure what to do, he just started talking.
“Hey lady, I don’t think this is in the plans. Ethan, Faith and Grace are fine. Just a little bruising from the straps. You and Tom bought good seats to protect them. I don’t think they’ve told Jack what happened yet but they’re going to let him take the bugs to his house. They’re all snugged in the crews’ arms, fast asleep. Jack went to talk to their doctor. You’d be shipping all over him. He’s got to be my age? You know that the crews and me will be there for Jack and the bugs. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but you better know how much we all love you. We had each other before you wanted a ‘fam-damn-ily’ and that’s what you created…” Tank trailed off. It was so quiet except the sounds of the machines.
He closed his eyes and said a little prayer that whatever was God’s will would be done swiftly.
Chapter Twenty-six
Jack was headed back to Sandy and Tank. The doctor had told him that everything looked good on all the CTs. Barring anything happening, he’d be able to take them home tomorrow. Briar and Randolph were coming back upstairs with him now that they knew that the bugs would be okay. The crews had decided that they all didn’t need to watch the babies sleep— four would do on guard duty.
As they got off the elevator, Jack could see people running. It looked like they were moving toward where Sandy was. He didn’t say anything to Briar or Randolph, he just ran.
§ § § §
Tank had just been standing there rambling on about nothing to Sandy. With the beeping driving him crazy then it hit him. The beeping wasn’t coming as often then an alarm went off.
A nurse came flying into the cubicle and pushed Tank out of his way. He looked at something then leaned over and hit a button on the wall. “Code red, ICU bed two. Code red, ICU.” He turned to Tank. “Sir, I need you to go to the waiting room, please.”
Tank moved toward the curtain opening and got pushed to the side as staff came running. A different nurse looked at him and said, “Sir? You need to leave now. Escort him out.” She nodded to someone who came over and guided Tank out.
Jack came running down the hall and when he went to go into Sandy’s cubicle, he was stopped. “Sir, you need to stay out here.” She looked at Tank. “Hold him here or we’ll contact security.”
He moved over to Jack’s side. “Don’t make them contact security.” Tank didn’t offer any empty promises like ‘she’ll be fine’ or ‘it’s a mistake’. Briar and Randolph came up beside them and put their hands on Jack’s shoulders.
It seemed like centuries but it couldn’t have been more than twenty, maybe thirty, minutes when some of the staff exited the room. Doctor Papin was the last to come out and he came directly over to Jack.
“Doctor Dillon, I’m sorry. Your sister went into cardiac failure. We were unable to revive her.” Doctor Papin didn’t wait for a reply before walking away.
Tank knew that his heart had just broken and he’d only known Sandy for a year. Blinking back his own tears, he pulled Jack to him. “I’m so sorry, Jack. So sorry.” Jack was standing stiffly, hands at his side. Tank wasn’t sure if Jack even heard him.
When a nurse came out and motioned to them, Jack jerked out of Tank’s arms and walked into the cubicle, by himself.
“Sir, please accept my sympathies. Let us know if there’s anything we can do,” the technician said as he started to walk away.
“What do you need us to do, Tank?” Randolph asked quietly.
“Can you tell the others? Call Top for me?” Tank asked. Jack needed the crews… he needed the crews… but wasn’t leaving Jack alone.
§ § § §
Jack wasn’t sure he was feeling anything right now. Standing next to the bed was surreal. He expected Sandy to sit up and argue with him; tell him her girls were more than princesses; that Ethan might be outnumbered but he was going to learn not to coddle them and respect the strength of women.
He remembered thinking his sister was the smartest, most beautiful girl in the world. Playing games with her; her helping him on his bike; him wanting to kick her boyfriend’s ass in high school for breaking her heart; her saying that she didn’t care if he was gay; being suspicious of Tom; dancing at her wedding; holding her as she cried when they heard Dad’s diagnosis; seeing her holding Ethan for the first time; demanding her ‘fam-damn-ily’ holiday; her telling him that Tank was good for him and giving her permission for Jack to date Tank.
“How— I can’t—” Jack cleared his throat, it was thick with tears. “I promised this before and I’m going to promise again. I will always be there for your babies. They will be raised with love and strength. They will have all the support to do and be whatever they want. I love you, Sandy. Go be with Tom and watch over us.”
Tank had come up behind Jack at some point and wrapped his arms around Jack, offering silent support. Jack leaned back into Tank, just being for a minute.
“She gave me approval to date you,” Jack said. “Said that you passed her checklist and that you’d be good for me. She loved the way you connected with Ethan.”
“I hoped I did after the inquisition she gave me. I expected her to ask boxers, briefs or nothing at one point. Sandy was an amazing sister, mother and wife. She loved you and the bugs with all she could. I know in my heart that if she’d had any choice to stay here, she would have.” Tank was tapping his finger against Jack’s wrist. “I’ll take care of Jack for you, Sandy. Help him with the triplets as long as he lets me.”
“The crews still with the bugs?” Jack knew that he needed to accept that Sandy was gone but he just couldn’t right now. It wasn’t time. He needed to take care of the bugs. He’d promised.
“Yeah, Briar and Randolph went to tell them about Sandy.”
Jack nodded before he leaned down and kissed Sandy’s cheek. “Love you, sis.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
Tank walked across campus. He’d left Jack and the bugs at the house with Siah and Briar. One of the crew was always around these days. It had only been a week since Tom and Sandy died. Mama was coming in tomorrow. She’d cried when he called her and said she’d be there for the services.
The babies didn’t know what was going on. They kept looking around and they’d had a few bouts of crying that went on and on. Tank wasn’t sure if they really understood what had happened, but he could tell that they knew there used to be two special people for them.
He’d skipped class the other night but with mid-terms coming soon, he needed to go tonight. At least it was Debbie’s class so if he zoned out, she wouldn’t call him on it in the middle of class.
“Tank, wait up!” Debbie called out from behind him. “I wanted to check on you. Are you okay? It’s not like you to skip class.” She shifted her bag on her shoulder as she got to him.
>
“It’s been a difficult week. Sorry to miss class the other night.” Tank didn’t know how much to really say.
“More problems at the unit? Did you call Luny?” She resumed walking toward the building.
“Nothing with the Army. I guess I should…” Tank paused. How do you tell someone that your boyfriend’s sister died? “Jack’s sister was in a car accident and didn’t make it.”
Debbie stopped short and pulled Tank to a stop. “Jack’s your partner now, right? I think the boys said something about that. Maybe Luny, too.”
“He is. He’s got custody of the triplets, too.”
“Where’s her husband?”
“He was in the car, too, died instantly. Never made it to the hospital. At least the triplets were protected by their car seats.”
“The babies were in the accident, too? Are they okay? What do you need?” Tank watched as the senior wife mode kicked in. It was amazing to watch.
“They’re fine. Just had some bruises from the straps. Jack was finalizing the funeral arrangements today. I think they’ll be buried this weekend. Visiting hours on Friday I think.” Tank was doing a mental check as he talked to answer her last question. “I can’t think of anything, right now. Maybe notes from last class?”
Tank really hoped that she took the opening to take his mind off things with class work.
§ § § §
He knew he’d snap at some point but kept hoping today wasn’t the day. There was so much to do. Even though Tom had his driver’s license on him when everything happened, Jack had had to positively identify him before the hospital would release his body to the funeral home along with Sandy’s. It was still so hard to think in terms of never seeing her again.
When Jack had called Harry to tell him about Tom and Sandy, all the jackass had asked was where did he have to pick up the brats. That had almost pushed Jack over the edge, but somehow through gritted teeth he’d just told him that they were safe with Jack.
Calling his parents hadn’t been much better but for a different reason. His dad didn’t remember anything about the triplets. He’d had a difficult time remembering Sandy and Tom. His mom held it together, barely. Jack could tell that she was crying but trying to be strong and not scare his father. Mom was trying to see if there was someone that would stay with Dad so she could come to the funeral. Dad couldn’t travel and wouldn’t remember it anyway.
Jack had sat down with Kate and Bobby and talked about the practice. Everything would be shifted around for a bit until things could settle. Kate had known Sandy and cried when she came over. They’d told Jack to take what time he needed and everything would work out.
Fussing came through the baby monitor so Jack headed to the spare room… nursery. It was the nursery now. Right now there wasn’t much in there but the cribs and a changing table. Barbie had rattled off some legalese about not taking anything from the house yet, but had gotten permission from a judge to relocate the cribs, table, high chairs and clothes for the triplets with a sheriff’s deputy supervising. They were all waiting for Harry to be the jackass they knew him to be and demand to be given what he thought he was due. Having a deputy there was just a precaution against Harry saying that Jack looted the house.
“Jitterbug, you’re awake and trying to wake your sisters. Shhh, let them nap.” Jack picked up Ethan and headed to the living room. “Maybe some floor time will make you happier.” Ethan was chewing on his hand with drool going everywhere. “Or maybe are you getting a tooth?”
The triplets had started crawling about a month ago. They were getting really good at moving across the room fast. Jack kept trying not to think about all the firsts that Sandy and Tom weren’t going to be there for, but at least they’d gotten to see the triplets mobile.
Siah and Briar were watching some show when he got to the living room. Bending down, Jack put Ethan on the floor. “Off you go, Jitterbug. Work those legs.” He looked at the guys and asked, “Anyone need anything? I’m going to get a sippy cup for the little one.” When neither of them answered him, he just shook his head. “Watch the baby.”
Jack grabbed one of the drying cups and reached for the formula. He needed to figure out how much longer they’d need this. Somewhere there had to be the name of their pediatrician. He did remember Sandy saying something about transitioning to milk soon but he hadn’t really paid attention.
“Jack! Quick!” Briar yelled. Jack dropped the cup and ran to the living room. He couldn’t figure out what had happed so quickly.
“Look!” Siah said as he pointed.
Ethan had scooted over to BB, climbed up his side and was pushing himself up. BB was just lying there letting Ethan do whatever he wanted.
Jack crouched down across from Ethan. “Go Jitterbug. You can do it. Use those legs of yours.” A flash of light caused Jack to glance away from the baby for a minute.
Siah was standing there with his phone out. “What? You’ll appreciate my photo skills someday.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
The visiting hours were tomorrow. Tank wasn’t sure why they were having them. Jack said that they needed to. Tom and Sandy had a lot of friends and he wanted to let them have a chance to say goodbye. Funerals were for the living, not the dead.
Jack had finally broken last night when Tank’s mama had gotten there. May had picked her up at the airport and brought her to the house. She’d walked right in and over to Jack. Mama had sat down next to Jack and pulled him in and that was all it took. Tank and May had picked up the babies and left the room. He didn’t want the bugs to get scared. They’d put them in their high chairs and let them have some crackers and juice. The mess they’d made was worth the cleanup when Jack walked in and started laughing like a loon.
They’d just gotten the bugs settled for the night and were going to relax in front of the TV. Jack was flipping through the guide for something… anything to distract them. Jack settled on Mysteries of the Abandoned. Ooh, that building looked so cool. Wonder what it used to be?
Tank had just gotten comfortable resting against Jack’s chest when Jack started talking. “Need to figure out who’s going to stay with the bugs tomorrow. I don’t want them there. Do you think your mama would stay with them?”
“I’m sure she would. She loves those babies like they were her grandchildren.” Tank patted Jack’s hand and tuned back into the show. It had been a weapons factory in World War II.
“They kind of will be,” Jack said softly. Okay, that got Tank’s full attention. He propped himself up and half turned to Jack.
“They will be?” Tank was hopeful that Jack meant what Tank thought he did but… Jack had referred to Tank as his fiancé at the hospital.
“Yeah, when you marry me. You’ll be their guardian, too, so they’ll be Mama’s grandchildren.”
“Are you asking me something?” Tank teased. “Maybe you forgot a step or two?”
Jack dropped a sweet kiss on Tank’s lips. “I love you, Richard Martin. I know we haven’t been together for a long time but I hope we’ll be together forever. Will you marry me and help me raise those beautiful babies in there?”
Tank had to blink a few times before he could speak. “I love you, Jack Dillon. Forever sounds just about right to me. Yes, I will marry you and help raise those marvelous little ones.”
§ § § §
Leaving the bugs with Tank’s mama was the best decision he’d made this month. Okay, maybe the second, right behind asking Tank to marry him. The babies were well behaved for almost one-year-olds but there would have been no way, even with the crews helping, that they wouldn’t have had a meltdown. Ethan might not have, since his favorite person was here. The bond that Tank had with Jitterbug eased Jack’s heart a bit.
Looking around and seeing how crowded the funeral home was eye-opening for Jack. He really hadn’t expected this many people to show up for the visiting hours. Guess he’d underestimated how well liked Tom and Sandy were. He knew how much they meant to him and his friends, bu
t to hear the different stories of how they’d impacted those around them was heartwarming.
“Can you ask if they could turn down the heat or something? It’s getting warm in here and with these flowers?” Jack murmured in Tank’s ear. Tank nodded, headed across the room.
“And you are?” a man asked Jack. He was an older gentleman with a paunch. A lovely woman was standing next to him holding on his arm.
“Jack Dillon. Sandy was my sister. And you?” Was this ever going to end? Jack felt someone come up to his side and just stand there. Sometimes situational awareness training sucked.
“Jim and Cheryl Standard. Tom worked for me before he moved up the ladder. I was sorry to hear about the accident. He would’ve ended up in the corner office, if you know what I mean. Really cared for staff, too. My sympathies,” he said as he shook Jack’s hand before moving off, his wife smiled as she followed.
“I’m going to make sure to grab a few of these flowers and pressed them for the triplets,” Bree said. “Do you need anything?”
Jack put his arm around her and just held on for a minute. He was tired, no surprise. “Maybe some water?”
“Taken care of.” Jack watched as Bree waved at Neil and motioned a drink. Jack smiled as he thought that without joining the dojo and if Siah hadn’t been beaten all those years ago, none of them would have met. Fate worked in strange ways and right now he had to believe that there was a bigger plan in place for Sandy and Tom to have died. He needed to.
It didn’t take long for Neil to come over with a bottle of water. “Thanks. Do either of you know the time? How much longer do we have?”
Before either of them could answer a loud noise had everyone looking toward the entry. Shit. Tom’s brother was standing there with the shrew and it didn’t look like they were going to be quiet about anything. People separated for him as he stumbled to the caskets. Harry didn’t even look at Sandy’s. When he got to Tom’s he put his hands on the edge and looked down.
