Only You

Chapter 4

Natalie startled awake at the screech of monitors across the hall. Watching the PICU staff pile into the other room, she felt herself relax. Owen is going to be okay.

Except he wasn't in the cot.

She leapt up, about to call out in a panic but was stopped by the sight on the other side of the room.

Will was slumped in his chair asleep, his head practically on his shoulder, cradling her son in his arms. Owen was wrapped in his blanket, his head burrowed onto Will's chest, with one tiny hand pressed to Will's neck. They looked so peaceful and the whole thing seemed so natural that it stopped her breath. He seemed so comfortable with Owen in his arms, and Owen, who had never been soothed in the night by anyone other than Nat or Helen, seemed more than content to sleep in Will's arms.

The alarm on her phone began to sound – alerting her to the fact it was six am, almost time for rounds. She fumbled in her pockets desperately trying to silence the noise before it woke Owen and Will. Glancing up, she smiled as Will's eyes cracked open.

"Last I remember, you were heading home last night."

He offered her a tired smile. "Must have fell asleep." I adjusted himself into an upright position, careful not to jostle the boy in his arms. "Then this little guy woke up. I was going to settle him and then make a move but, I guess we were so comfortable we both fell back asleep."

"Uh huh." Natalie grinned. "I appreciate it – even with an armchair for a bed I managed to get a decent sleep last night."

"That makes one of us." He teased. Owen began to stir in his arms. "Morning kiddo." Will pressed an absentminded kiss to the boy's hair and Natalie felt her chest constrict. "How are we this morning? We good?" Owen met Will's gaze and smiled sleepily as Natalie crossed to the room to greet her son.

"Hey little man." The sound of his mother's voice had him twisting in Will's arms, straining towards Natalie, who willingly scooped him up. "Did you have a good sleep?" She nuzzled into his hair. "Thanks for being so good for Will last night and letting mommy sleep. I love you so much." She lay him in his crib and set about changing his diaper.

Will stood, stretching out his arms which, now devoid of Owen were beginning to cramp up. He knew he should check his phone – but he was worried about many missed calls and messages he would have from Nina.

Nina.

All he felt when he thought of her was overwhelming guilt. He had been thrilled when she had cancelled their date last night. Ever since leaving Owen's side he had found himself wishing he was back with Natalie and her son. He almost wished Natalie would call and ask for him to return but he knew she wouldn't. He hoped that she was only pretending to be happy that he had moved on – especially given their conversation across the crib.

I don't want to screw this up for you.

But what if he was doing that all by himself? He would have to talk to Nina sooner or later, and not doubt it wouldn't end well. The woman wasn't stupid. Suppressing a sigh, he reached in his back pocket for his phone.

We need to talk x

Shit. She knew. Well, she knew something was up. He cursed himself for not being a better liar when Nina had first brought up the topic of him and Nat. He regretted not communicating better with her while he had remained at Natalie's side, all the opportunities to call or text her to let her know what was going on and he had taken none of them.

He felt panic bubbling inside of him. He was going to end up homeless. Shit.

Well done Halstead you tool.