Fireproof (Book 4 in the No Control Series)

Once Harry has helped Sara to calm down, he returns to Liz’s room. He finds Lizzie asleep, with Liam by her bed watching his wife and son sleep.
“Harry.” Liam whispers. “Let’s pop out to the hall.”
They find some chairs in the hall outside Liz’s room. “What’s up, Liam?” Harry asks concerned.
“The doctor shared something with me that I feel you should know.”
“About Lizzie?”
“Yes. Her condition was a bit more serious that the doctor let on to you both. Harry, if she hadn’t gotten here when she did...we could have lost her and the baby.”
Harry can see the sparkle of tears in Liam’s eyes as he feels his own form. “Is she alright now?”
“The doctor said they both are fine. He’s monitoring Liz’s bleeding though.”
“Liam, there is part of me that feels like I should apologize to you for how I feel about Lizzie. I’m just not sure I can bring myself to do that.”
Liam looks down. “I can’t deal with that right now. All I know is you were here for us when we needed you.”
“Does Lizzie know?”
Liam sighs. “Not yet. I’m just not sure how to tell her.”

When they return to Liz’s room, she is awake, feeding Olly.
“You two are still here?”
Liam bends down, kissing Liz then Olly. “Of course we are, Beautiful.”
“You both need to eat something and get some sleep.”
“We’re fine, Lizzie.”
“Harry, I know you’ve been up as long as I have, and you haven’t eaten a thing.”
Liam squeezes her hand. “Don’t worry about us, Babe.”
“I can’t help it, Handsome.” She smiles as she sends a text on her phone.
Paddy appears in the room. “Yes, Liz?”
“Paddy, can you please get these guys some food? Then please take Harry home to get some sleep.”
“You’ve got it, Liz.”

The three sit together on Liz’s bed, eating and laughing while little Olly sleeps.
Liz’s heart swells as she watches the two men in her life finally getting along again. Then looking over at the bassinet, she realizes there is a new man in her life.
Before Harry leaves, he tells Olly goodbye, then moves to Liz.
Liam turns to talk to Paddy.
Harry takes Liz’s hand, unable to find any other words, he whispers. “I love you, Lizzie.”
Lizzie smiles, laying her free hand alongside his face. “Thank you for everything today. I couldn’t have done it without you.” She squeezes his hand. “That place you hold in my heart got a bit bigger today, Harry.”
He smiles. “I can’t say the same to you, Lizzie. You already have my whole heart.” He kisses her on the cheek.
Liam shakes his hand, then pulls him in for a bro hug. “Thanks again, Harry.”
Liz watches as Harry and Paddy leave the room. Harry pauses once, turning back to look at her for a moment.
Liam checks on Olly, then climbs into bed with Liz. She cuddles into his embrace, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
All is right in her world again.

***************
After taking a shower, Harry sits down to write in his journal.

Harry’s Journal Entry:
This has been an eventful twenty four hours. I just thank God that I was home when Lizzie called. The sound of her voice when I answered the phone sent a shiver down my spine. She sounded so scared. My first thought was to get to her as soon as I could.
When I walked through the front door I saw my beautiful Lizzie looking pale and frightened. I knew at that moment, without a doubt, that I would do anything, give anything, to make her safe and healthy again.
Whenever I think that I may be finding a way to deal with my feelings for Lizzie, something always happens to cause me to fall deeper in love with her.
Helping her deliver little Olly left me speechless. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to find words to describe how witnessing that miracle made me feel.
Lizzie and I have always shared a special bond. After going through all this together, that bond became even stronger. I’m not sure anyone could ever break it, not even Liam.
I think Liam and I’s friendship has been a bit repaired. Both of us almost losing the woman we love may have put things in perspective for us.
I was there when Liam told Lizzie that she and the baby could have died. She was shocked, not realizing how severe the situation had been. I could see the look of fear combined with relief on her face. It truly broke my heart. Lizzie didn’t say much. She just looked back and forth, from Liam to myself.
I know she loves us both, perhaps in different ways. After today, I could never ask her to choose between us. Besides, I may not like the answer.
I spoke with Sara tonight to make sure she was alright. We talked for a bit. I mentioned to her that I’ll be going back to France soon. Apparently she has some work there as well. She suggested we get together while we’re both there.

Notes