Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

Liz hears the familiar voice say her name. Turning she sees Lucia and Mia. Liz rushes to give them both a hug. “Thank you both for coming.” Liz fills Mia in on what the doctor said, which she relays to her mother.
Taking Lucia’s hand, Liz leads her toward Harry. “Lucia, this is our friend, Harry.”
Lucia smiles, taking Harry’s hand. She pauses, and it’s obvious to Mia that she is feeling something.
“Hello, Lucia. Thank you for coming for Lizzie.” Harry says.
Lucia nods then moves over to sit beside Ella on the bed. She lightly touches her small arm. Sitting for a few moments with her eyes closed, then giving Ella a kiss on her forehead.
Lucia stands in front of Liz and Liam, saying something in Italian.
Mia smiles, then translates, “She says she will be fine.”
Liam wraps his arms around Liz from behind, resting his head on her shoulder, blowing out a relieved breath.
Liz puts her hands on his. “Are you sure, Lucia?”
She nods.
Just then the doctor enters. Looking around he asks Liz and Liam, “Is it okay to speak in front of everyone?”
“Yes, please.” Liz replies.
“Ella is allergic to the penicillin she was taking for her ear infection. She’ll need to stay tonight, but you will be able to take her home tomorrow.” The doctor says.
Liz and Liam both release the breath they’ve been holding. “So, Ella will be alright?” Liam asks.
“Yes, Mr. Payne. She’ll be as good as new. You just need to remember, no penicillin. She’s beginning to wake up, I would prefer no more than three people in the room for now.”
Everyone besides Liam and Liz leave the room. They hold each other tight, not saying a word.
“Mummy? Daddy?”
They pull back smiling, both taking a seat on either side of Ella’s bed. “How are you, Princess?” Liam asks.
“I’m sleepy, Daddy.”
Liz kisses Ella’s forehead. “We love you, Ella, and you will feel much better very soon.”

Later that day, Liz walks into Ella’s room. Harry is sitting on the bed beside Ella. They are coloring in a book Harry bought her. Liz leans against the door frame listening.
“So, Ella, are you feeling better?”
“Yes, Unkey.”
“I love you, Pumpkin.”
She grins. “I love you as well, Unkey.”
“Do I color well, Ella?”
She observes his work. “Not as well as I do, Unkey. At least you try though.”
Liz tries to contain her laugh.
Harry laughs out loud. “I think that you are quite right, Ella.”
Liz decides to interrupt. She enters the room, standing behind Harry, resting her hand on his shoulder. “ I think you’re right, Ella. You do color better than Uncle Harry.”
“Hey.” He laughs as he tries to tickle Liz’s waist.
Ella giggles.
“That is the best sound in the world.” Liz says.
Lucia enters the room, pointing to Ella.
“Of course, Lucia.” Liz says.
Harry gets up from the bed, allowing Lucia to sit. He speaks quietly to Liz, “I’m so glad she’s going to be alright. Lizzie, you know I couldn’t love her more if she was my own.”
Liz smiles. “I know. That’s why I had Rosa call you. I hope you weren’t in the middle of anything important.”
Harry rubs her arm. “You know you always come first.”
Liz looks down, blushing. Neither of them notice Lucia watching them.

“Rosa, has my mother talked to you?” Mia asks.
“About what, Tesoro?”
“When she met Harry earlier, I swear she felt something.”
“Felt what, Mia?”
“I don’t know, she gets a certain look when she’s getting a feeling about someone.”
“Maybe she was seeing Harry’s amica, his true love.” Rosa suggests.
Mia blows out a breath. “I thought it was that, but I saw her discreetly touch Liz’s arm at the same time she was shaking Harry’s hand.”
“You think it has something to do with Harry and Liz?”
“I’m not sure, just a feeling.” Mia replies.

Notes