*Carry On*

**Tempest's POV**

I walk down the hallway of the hospital, so Kaylyn can be alone with her mom before they take her down to the morgue. "Tempty what is going on? When are you coming back? I'm literally dying without you," Jimmy says into the phone and my heart flutters slightly at his words.

I release a ragged breath of air, "Please promise me you'll never die. I can't handle any more death right now" I sob into the phone and try to control the mental panic attack I'm giving myself at the thought of living a life without Jimmy in it. "Kay's mom passed away literally within minutes of us arriving here" I clarify and he sighs loudly.

"Awe fuck, tell her we are all sorry for her loss" he whispers and I find myself nodding my head like a crazy person. Hey dipshit, he can't see you through the phone! I can't help but start to laugh at myself, which of course looks just as crazy as nodding to nobody. "Tempty are you ok?" Jimmy asks with the most sincere concern in his voice. Damn, I love this man!

I struggle to compose myself and lean my body against the hideous and sterile wall of the hallway. If I never step foot in another hospital, it will be too soon. "I think I'm insane" I chuckle out while still trying to curb my inappropriate laughter.

Jimmy laughs lightly into the phone, "Sanity is boring. I love your little crazy ass just the way you are" he teases and I start grinning like a fool. "Life is too short to worry about anything besides what makes you happy"

He's right, life is way too short..tragically, Barbara just proved that point. "Oh my gosh Jimmy, let's elope!" I half shout as I push myself off the wall. "I know I love you, and you love me too, so why wait? Life is short and you never know when your number is up, so-" I ramble out like a fool before realizing that there is nothing but silence coming from the other end of the line. "Jim-"

"Fuck yeah!" he screams into the phone and I squeal loudly with excitement. "Let's have a wedding, have a wedding...let's start the kil- oh sorry. I got carried away" he chuckles and my heart sores at the sound of his enthusiasm.

"I'll be back soon. Kaylyn just needs to get her mom's funeral arraignment and estate in order but-" I state before he cuts me off.

"I can fly out tonight and meet you in Atlantic City, while the guys drive to Detroit and Kay is dealing with the lawyers. I honestly don't want to wait." he states and I jump around and twirl like a crazed lunatic, carelessly bumping into people and gurneys before stopping and frowning.

"Wait, aren't the guys going to freak out if you just up and disappear?" I pout because honestly, I don't want to wait either.

Jimmy scoffs into the phone, "Relax, I'll get them all liquored up and then give them the slip. They won't realize I'm gone until you're Mrs. Tempty Sullivan. Hey, that had a nice ring to it, right?"

I huge grin spreads across my face, "You're damn right it does!! I love you but go and work your magic, and don't get so drunk you miss your flight, or get 'offloaded' like Johnny!" I chuckle and end the call as I make my way back towards Barbara's room. Kaylyn is gently holding her mom's hand and I feel uncomfortable intruding on their moment. I attempt to sneak back out of the room but wind up kicking the trash can over and having it clamor loudly across the floor.

Kay turns to face me and my heart breaks at the sight of her blood shot and puffy eyes. "You don't have to leave" she sniffles out before turning back towards her mother.

I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. "Did you tell your mom the baby's name?" I ask and she shakes her head at me.

"We didn't decide on her name until-" she chokes out and then clears her throat, "until it was too late"

I turn her around and tilt her chin to face me, "Tell her now" I whisper and she opens her mouth to protest but I wave her off, "Kay, her body is still physically here and for all we know, her spirit is too. Let her know that you honored her last wish...I think it will ease your heartache slightly." I say and she gives me a weak smile.

I hate seeing her so brokenhearted. I know I can't tell her about my impromptu wedding plans without sounding selfish. I hope she's not too upset once she finds out though.

**Kaylyn's POV**

I look down at my mother's lifeless body and frown. I don't understand Tempe's logic that telling her corpse our baby's name will somehow make me feel better. Honestly, I find it morbidly depressing to say the least, but I'll humor her anyhow.

"Hi mom...I know you can't hear me but-" I sniffle before Tempest slaps me on the shoulder.Ugh, I guess I have to pretend that this isn't completely ludicrous! "Anyhow..Brian and I decided on a name, Madelyn Marie Haner. I think it has a nice ring to it." I whisper quietly as a small smile tugs at my lips. Holy shit, is this actually working?! "We honored your last request by making her middle name Marie, just like ours" I say while motioning between us. "We want to thank you for your blessing and we promise to make sure that Madelyn-" oh God this is hard, "-That she know how badly you wished you could have met her. I love you mom, and I'm sorry I didn't come sooner" I sob out.

Suddenly, there is a knock at the door and I see a somber looking orderly standing there with a gurney. I guess he has the privilege of being the person who takes my mom downstairs to the hospital morgue. "Do you need a few more moments?" he asks and I shake my head. Unfortunately, attempting to hold onto her physical form for a bit longer won't change the fact that she's gone.

"No, I'm ok...I need to go home anyhow" I say before gently kissing my moms pale cheek and exiting the room. Tempe scurries after me but I turn around and stop her. "You know I love you like a sister right?" I question and she nods, "Well can you do me a favor and let me morn my loss privately. I'm struggling with the guilt of turning my back on her and ignoring her calls for help. I'll call you in a few days, once all the arraignments are made, if you'd like to come to the service of course."

Her jaw drops slightly but she quickly snaps it back into place. "Of course I'll come, and don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. Please take care of yourself and Madelyn, or Brian will kick my ass for leaving you alone." she pleads and I nod my head and let a small chuckle escape my lips.

I have so much planning to do and so little time to do it.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

So will Jimmy be able to sneak away to elope?

Will Brian behave without Jimmy's watchful eye or will Synyster Gates make his return?

Will Kaylyn and Madelyn be alright?

Will Brian find out Tempest left them alone?


Synyster Ryn

Notes