She didn't have an option not to.
Neither did Thuy.
And like the firefighters who were in the hallway waiting for their friend, the nurses in the E.R. had the same kind of connection.
Together they were stronger.
Together...
"Doctor Ashley. Rock." Thuy's expression was strong and gentle at the same time. And Lexie hoped that she had a similar expression on her own face.
They were there, not just as nurses to help heal.
Not just there to ensure a safe and speedy transfer from the Emergency Room to the Operating Room.
They were there to provide the steady and stalwart support that people might need but not know that they were searching for.
"The Operating Room is open. They're ready for you."
Doctor Ashley looked up and nodded. "Kay?"
Thuy nodded. "She's scrubbed up and ready."
"Good."
Roan leaned in and whispered to his sister.
Kate nodded and leaned into her husband. "You come back to me."
Rock's expression wasn't just stoic.
It was exactly what his house name suggested.
Stoic.
Steady.
Determined.
"I love you, honey."
Kate lifted her gaze to the ceiling and if it hadn't been for Chief Campanelli pulling her into his side, Lexie was sure that the other woman might dissolve into tears.
Hold it back, Lex. Hold it back.
Together, Lexie and Thuy moved in and released the locks on the wheels and moved Rock down the hall and through the automatic doors toward the Operating Rooms.
He was going to be okay.
He had to be.
But...
But if something happened and they couldn't fix it and bring him back to where he was before he was hurt, this firehouse... this family was going to be there for him.
That was a guarantee.
TWELVE
