silent gift 1

The Silent Gift
by Betty and Kajakat

Weeks had turned into months since Kaitlin's return. Her kidnapping had cut Johnny and Jenny's long over due honeymoon together short, when they received the phone call from Roy about Kaitlin's disappearance.

Although immediate arrangements were made for their quick return to LA from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the elapsed time placed stress on them both. Like flipping a switch, Johnny reverted to his stoic self like he had so many times while he worked as a paramedic. It was his way of not let the job get the best of him, destroying his sanity. And considering the circumstances, he needed to be level headed.

Jenny on the other hand, resented her husband for his calm cool approach to the situation. It angered her believing he didn't care as much for their daughter as he let on. Anger erupted, words were exchanged, and a wedge was beginning to develop between them.

Once back in Los Angeles, reality set in when they faced the police and their questions.

The absence of their baby in their lives, not knowing if she was dead or alive or if they'd ever see her again, almost destroyed them, causing quarrels to easily erupt. Their anger fueled words that normally wouldn't have been said, but were.

A strain in what they thought was a perfect marriage thickened, pushing them both to the point where neither wanted to see the other. Each made excuses to be apart from the other and each delved deeper into their work, hoping to elevate some of the pain they felt from their loss. Over time Johnny and Jenny grew further apart. At times, neither spoke to the other, for words would only spark another disagreement leaving both of them frazzled and angry. At one point both Jenny and Johnny wondered if their marriage would survive the loss.

Roy suffered too. His guilt, over loosing his only grandchild while she was in his care escalated daily, as Kaitlin's whereabouts continued to be a complete mystery to the authorities. There were days he couldn't face his daughter or his son-in-law even though neither blamed him for Kaitlin's disappearance.

Chris, who tried to appear strong for his family, was slowing being torn apart inside as well. He too missed the little girl that captured his heart. His partner, Jeff was his anchor. Even though Jeff was hurting too, for the little girl he came to care about like she was his own niece, remained strong for his best friend. They spent many hours on and off shift talking, trying to relieve some of the frustrations, and the pain each other was feeling.

JoAnne, like the strong wife and mother she had always been when the children were young, remained brave in the faces of her loved ones. She felt remaining strong was the only way for her and her family to survive the loss they all felt so deeply. It was only in private she wept and allowed the pain within her heart to escape.

When Kaitlin suddenly reappeared, virtually unscathed, everyone, friends and family alike rejoiced and cried, thankful for the joyous outcome to an incredibly heartrending experience.

Over the months, the pain Johnny and Jenny both endured, pain that scarred them deeply, pain they would always remember, subsided enough to where they were finally able to let their baby out of their sight for brief periods. They would leave Kaitlin in the care of her grandparents and her uncle when they had plans that didn't include her. It was then, that Johnny and Jenny realized how exhausted and drained they were. They saw how much they needed some time together, alone, to rebuild, to apologize, to remember how much they loved each other.

The long hours endured at work while Kaitlin was missing came to an abrupt halt upon her return. Schedules were rearranged at home as well as at work. Kaitlin never experienced a moment of her day where she wouldn't have at least one of her parents around.

Then in a blink of an eye, things changed.

The fire department and the state wanted to restructure the current paramedic program, implementing new protocols, and upgrading the current paramedics training requirements. Johnny spent extra hours between meetings with the medical staff overseeing his work, writing up new lesson plans and designing a new program for the instructors to have more time in the field. And it didn't help that he was missing an instructor too.

Jenny was officially part time, but due to a nursing shortage, more hours was added to her schedule as well. As a result, new pressures were placed on the Gages'. So, a schedule was devised to not only see to Kaitlin's care, but to make sure she was safe at all times. Considering Montgomery Bodine had never been caught, the fear that his threat he could 'take her any time he wanted to' was forever etched in the back of Johnny's mind.

With all the long hours at Rampart, Johnny and Jenny barely found enough spare time for their daughter let alone each other. Finally after two months of double duty at work, the couple finally agreed they needed a weekend alone together. So they asked JoAnne and Roy to take care of Kaitlin for two days, so the exhausted couple could unwind and recapture long denied love.

Even with the changes to Kaitlin's schedule while he and Jenny worked extra hours, Johnny was still skittish about leaving his daughter for long periods of time. Johnny knew it wasn't Roy's fault she disappeared and he hoped that maybe by letting Kaitlin stay with his in-laws; Roy could find a way to forgive himself.

The best intentions of a long relaxing weekend were dashed, when Jenny had to work an overnight Friday shift.

She came home Saturday morning tired, so Johnny let her sleep, although he had other plans for the bed's use. He decided to do some chores around the house and to treat Jenny by making dinner reservations at a nice restaurant.

"So you won't tell me where you're taking me? You just want me to dress up?" Jen stated. She just walked out from the shower wearing a terry cloth bathrobe and a towel wrapped around her hair.

Johnny came up from behind her, untied the robe and wrapped his hands around her waist and started kissing her neck.

Jenny giggled. "Stop that or we won't make our dinner reservations." She slapped his hands away.

Defensively Johnny walked backed with his hands in the air like he gave up. He changed into black slacks, a light blue oxford shirt and a rep tie. Jenny wore a fire engine red silk sleeveless dress that showed off her womanly figure. Bare legs and black sandals finished her ensemble. Her long ashen hair cascaded down her unadorned neck.

Johnny looked at his lovely wife and went to their safe and took out the heirloom pearl and diamond necklace, and put it around her neck. How beautiful it looked adorning her neck he thought. He wished there were more occasions he could take her to that would demand a piece of jewelry like this.

"Are you going to wear yours?"

Johnny looked confused. "I don't have a pearl necklace." He pointed to himself.

"No silly. The watch. The gold watch."

Johnny laughed and shook his head no. Its one thing for a woman to adorn herself with jewelry, it's quite another for a man to. "No, Angel, that watch stays in the safe."

"You never wear it."

"I know. But, it's just…I don't….." the words fumbled out of his mouth.

"That's okay ole man. I understand. That watch is the last thing you have of your dad." She patted her husband's shoulder, got on her tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek. Johnny brightened up and had a trademark grin on his face.

"Should we call your folks before we leave?"

Jenny shook her head no. "Johnny, she is okay. You have to ease up a bit."

"I know Angel, but it's difficult to forget what our lives were like without her and I never, ever want to go through that again. Look how long it's taken 'US' to get back together...to get back some of what we lost."

Jenny thought about what her husband said. He acknowledged the strain their marriage was under as a result of Kaitlin's disappearance. She looked into Johnny's eyes but didn't say anything. She picked up a black shawl then they walked out the door and headed toward their white rover.

E! E! E! E! E!

"So you still won't tell me where we're going?" Jenny pouted slightly.

Johnny looked at his wife, smiled and said, "You do that pout stuff very well. And you've used it over the years on me and I thought I'd be immune to your maneuvers but I'm not." His smile turned into a mischievous grin. "We're going to MacAskills."

"MacAskills? Jenny stated her words sharp with surprise. "Can we afford it?" Jenny added.

He took his right hand off the steering wheel, reached out and grasped her hand. He raised it to his lips and kissed it. "For tonight, we can afford anything we want," he replied touching her hand to his cheek.

Jenny beamed. Johnny was so unlike the guys she dated during college. And that was a difference. At college, the guys were boys who thought they were men, but Johnny was a man and made darn sure any woman with him knew it.

Leaning her head back against the head rest, Jenny closed her eyes and smiled remembering other times Johnny swept her off her feet, using only a few words and sensuous gestures to up lift her spirits.

Her thoughts drifted back to the time when he took her in after her dad tossed her out. He not only gave her a place to stay, but showered her with affection. Their love for each other grew ten-fold as they began building their life together. A few times, while she was pregnant, she doubted his love for her simply 'cause he made no attempt to make things permanent between them. She never realized how serious he took their relationship until after she had Kaitlin. She watched in awe as he faced and asked her father for her hand in marriage. Often since that time, she wondered had her father said no, would he have married her anyway? Not that it really mattered. They made a life for themselves and Kaitlin, and he never once showed anything but love for her and their daughter.

Despite all the turmoil in their lives, angered words tossed back in forth, Jenny knew they were meant to be together 'till death do us part.'

"We're here," Johnny said turning into the parking lot of the restaurant. Jenny opened her eyes and smiled.

They had the car valet parked and strolled to the entrance, arm in arm.

Johnny stopped in his tracks. "Wait right here." He jogged backed to his car, as best as he could, being a man with a reconstructed hip. He took out his spare keys and took a box out of the trunk of the car and walked back to Jennifer.

"This is for you."

Her eyes lit up and then she looked at Johnny with a quizzical look on her face. "Go on open it." He said.

She opened the small jewelry box and found a gold pin in the box in the shape of a rose. The petals were rubies and the leaves were emeralds.

Jenny's eyes lit up. "Johnny, this is so beautiful. I mean, how? Why?" Jennifer took the pin out from the box and looked at it. Johnny took it from her hands and placed it on her dress.

Taking his wife's hand, he replied, "I saw it in the store and thought about how much I'd save by not having to buy you real flowers any longer." A smile crossed his face.

Jenny punched him in the shoulder.

"What's that for?" He asked faking indignation.

"You still have to buy my roses!"

"Of course!"

"Thank you ole man. This is beautiful, Johnny, I really mean it. But why did you buy it?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "do I really need a reason when it comes to you, Angel?" Jenny pulled Johnny closer to her and kissed him passionately.

They walked into the restaurant. Jenny kept looking at the pin wondering why Johnny bought it for her.

"Can I help you?" The maitre'd asked.

"The name is Gage. We have an 8:00PM dinner reservation."

The maitre'd checked his book and escorted the handsome couple to their table in the back. People stopped eating to watch this good looking pair walk by.

Jenny was glowing. She was so happy. "Johnny I knew you told me to dress up, but I never expected this!"

Johnny took his wife's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it. Again a devilish grin spread across his face. "We've been pushing it Jen and I guess this is my way of pampering you tonight."

"Care for a drink?" The waiter asked.

Jenny wiggled her eyes. 'Nice dinner, a bit of wine, no child, I couldn't have planned it better myself. And he has no idea how I want to be pampered later.'

"What is that, 'look' for?"

Jenny giggled.

Looking at the waiter Johnny said, "We'd like a bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay."

"Certainly sir."

Johnny held onto Jenny's hand and looked at her. The dark circles that once were so pronounced on her face ebbed. Those circles were the reminders of how life was when Kaitlin was missing, a time when he thought things would never be right again. Memories of that horrible phone call, the flight home, the tension between him and Jenny, diving deeper into his work to escape the pain he felt so deeply. Then there was the strain between him and Roy that surfaced again. There were also thoughts of loosing Jenny forever as they grew further apart.

Taking a deep breath, he shook his head pushing the pain back to the depths of his mind, burying it once again. He looked over at his beautiful wife and smiled in appreciation, his life was filled with precious irreplaceable gifts.

"What's the smile for?" Jenny asked.

"Just thinking, that's all," he replied reaching out to take her hand into his.

"Good thoughts, I hope."

"Always," Johnny replied, lifting her hand to his mouth and kissing it.

The waiter brought the wine and the couple ordered their meal. Johnny, whose appetite never waned, ordered lasagna and Jenny ordered chicken francaise.

The two talked about nothing in particular while they ate. Both laughed, enjoying their slow paced meal. Jenny was going to wait 'til dessert to bring up the subject of a surrogate womb. She was going to tell Johnny that JoAnne offered her services and if all went well, her mother would tell Roy this weekend.

"Wanna piece of lasagna before I finish it?" He dangled the food ladenned fork in front of her, teasing her.

"No, that's okay. I'm just enjoying a quiet slow meal. Between scarfing down food at the hospital or home with Kaitlin, it's real nice not to be rushed."

"Tell me about it. The way things have been going with this new upgrade the state wanted in place 'yesterday'," he chuckled then added, "I don't even get a lunch hour."

"Then I think we both deserve tonight," Jenny stated giving an affirming nod.

"I agree, my Angel!" Johnny replied grinning then winking.

Jenny laughed. She wasn't sure if it was the wine, the atmosphere, the company or what, but she loved to see Johnny genuinely happy for a change.

Johnny poured the rest of the wine into the glasses when a commotion at the other end of the room caught his attention, a man clutching his chest. Johnny took his spare keys out from his pocket and gave them to Jenny. "Go get my bag out from the trunk."

Jen stood up with Johnny and walked briskly out from the restaurant. Johnny walked over to the distressed man.

"Sir, where does it hurt?"

"My chest. My chest and left arm."

Johnny noticed the man was diaphoretic and having troubled breathing. "Can you describe the pain to me?"

"It's clenching."

"Are you a doctor?" One of the women at the table asked.

"No ma'am, I'm a county paramedic." At the same time Jen came back with the black bag. "An' she's a nurse. Both out of Rampart." Johnny looked around for the maitre d as he rolled up his shirtsleeves. "Did someone call the fire department?"

"I'll do that right now." The maitre d' left the group.

"Folks, can you step back a bit, please." Johnny asked as he took his spot next to the man. While one of the women moved back, she accidentally spilled her drink down Johnny's back. He looked up and grimaced but didn't say anything.

Johnny took his blood pressure cuff out from the bag. Jenny was taking the man's pulse and respiration. She looked at Johnny nodding in agreement. This man was suffering a heart attack.

"Okay let me loosen your tie and make you more comfortable." Jenny said.

"Hey mister, I'm really feeling bad now." As soon as he said that, he clutched his chest and passed out.

Johnny checked his pulse. "No carotid."

"He's not breathing either," Jen stated.

He looked at Jen and she shook her head in agreement. She began CPR while Johnny performed mouth to mouth. The two worked smoothly trying to bring this man back to life. After five or six minutes, Johnny saw that the CPR was taking its toll on Jen. He looked up after his last mouth to mouth breath and said, "On three, let's change."

Jen looking worn nodded her head in agreement.

"One. Two. Three." The two changed places and Jenny performed the mouth to mouth with Johnny doing the CPR. Jenny checked the carotid for a pulse but didn't find any.

Thankfully, the sounds of sirens were heard and the crew from Station 8 entered.

"Cap'n Gage? Jennifer? What are you doing here?" Paramedic Joe Sanchez asked.

Johnny looked up and said, "No carotid and no spontaneous breaths. Vitals were……."

"Okay, let us take over." Joe and his partner, Ray Cha Cha Smith, took over for John and Jenny. The couple stood up and backed off, allowing the team of Smith and Sanchez to do their work.

The members of the stricken man's extended family watched, as the defibrillator was used. But, it paid off as the man's heart was brought back. Sanchez smiled and gave the thumbs up signal to Johnny and Jennifer.

After several more moments, Johnny was satisfied with the treatment. He bent down to gather his equipment and put it all back in his bag.

The couple, tired from their excitement returned to their table and sat down.

The paramedics loaded up the sick man and pulled the gurney to the awaiting ambulance.   All but four members of that dining party gathered their stuff to leave and head towards Rampart.

Johnny reached for his glass of water and drank it. Jenny leaned her tired head on her hands and closed her eyes. Softly she said, "It's been some time since I had to do CPR like that. I'm outta shape."

"No, honey, you're not. I'm just kinda used to it. Too many years and miles of adrenaline. It's good to know I can still do it and my hip didn't protest, at least not too much." Johnny thought a bit. "We made a good team, didn't we?"

The two smiled.

"Yes ole man, it was kinda nice working with you." Her eyes twinkled.

The waiter approached the table. "The owner wants you to know that dinner is on him and he thanks you for what you did. Would you like any coffee or dessert?"

Jenny shook her head no, "I'm too tired. I guess I'm dehydrated too, from the wine an' all."

"Could you bring us some more water?"

"Certainly. Are you sure I can't tempt you with one of your desserts? It's not too often that the owner comps a meal."

"Whaddya recommend?"

"Tiramisu."

"Okay, we'll split it."

The waiter walked away.

"I'm so sorry, Angel. I thought we could leave work behind."

"Johnny, I'm just glad we were here to help. Isn't that why we both love what we do."

The waiter brought the water and the dessert with two forks. Johnny dug into it, but Jenny just watched her husband and smiled.

They didn't notice that two men from that dinner party approach their table.

"Pardon me for interrupting your dessert. I wanted to thank you both for saving my son-in-law's life." He extended his hand to Johnny and they shook. "I heard one of the firemen call you captain.

Johnny stood up. "Yes, I'm Captain John Gage of the LA County Fire Department and this is Jennifer Gage."

"You have a very capable and beautiful daughter, Captain Gage."

Jennifer blushed. It wasn't the first time someone confused her for Johnny's daughter. Although it embarrassed her, it made Johnny more uncomfortable. "Eh, Jennifer is my wife."

"Oh I see." The gentleman was a bit self-conscious for his comment, so he decided to change the topic. "Do they teach all of that stuff to all firemen?"

"Yes, all firemen are basic EMTs."

"But, John's not only a paramedic, he trains them at Rampart, hence the title Captain." Jenny had to say, as she was very proud of Johnny's achievements considering what he had to put himself through to not only return to the fire department, but also got recertified as a paramedic and trained to be an educator.

"Well, you both did a wonderful job for my son-in-law. I've been telling him to lose weight and exercise, but he doesn't listen to my daughter or me." Looking at the stain on Johnny's blue shirt, he said, "I'm so sorry she spilled wine on you."

Johnny smiled, "that's okay. I've had much worse over the years."

Everyone laughed.

"I'd like to buy your dinner, to thank you for……"

Johnny shook his head no. "That's okay Mister? I'm sorry I don't know your name."

"Mr. Lake. Andrew Lake."

"Ah, Mr. Lake, you don't have to buy us dinner. First of all, it's what we're trained to do and secondly, the restaurant took care of it."

"Oh I see." Reaching into his wallet, he pulled out a business card. "If I can ever be of service, please don't hesitate to ask. I have many friends in Los Angeles. Thanks again. You and your beautiful wife look exhausted. You should go home and rest." Andrew Lake walked away with his silent friend following.

Johnny picked up the business card and saw just a name and a telephone number. He shrugged his shoulders and put the card into his wallet.

"Wanna go home Jen? I feel sticky and want to take a shower."

Jenny giggled remembering an evening a few years back where something similar happened.

Her only regret out of the whole experience was the destruction of a rare friendship forged between Johnny and her father. She never intended on hurting either of them and to this day she carried that pain with her. The friendship they forged in the 70s was gone forever to be replaced with something new, a man and his son-in-law, a relationship that was a reminder to any father that no one, not even his best friend would be good enough for his only daughter.

"Why are you giggling? Did I say something funny?"

"You don't remember do you?"

"Remember what?"

With an impish smile on her face she said, "Never mind."

The two got home after midnight. Jenny was too tired to talk with Johnny about her plans for another child. She heard him in the bathroom with the shower running. A devilish idea came to her. She took her new pin off and placed it with the pearl necklace back into the safe. After hanging up her dress and taking off all of her clothes, Jennifer entered the bathroom.

The sudden breeze of cooler air alerted Johnny that Jenny entered the bathroom. "Angel, can you hand me some shampoo?" Jenny didn't respond.

Instead, she pulled open the shower curtain and stepped into the bathtub. Johnny was a bit taken aback.

"Well, you said you needed shampoo." She had the bottle of shampoo right directly over her navel. He took the bottle away from her and put it down. The water cascading over her body, dampening her hair, had a direct effect on him. "You remember what happened the first time we dined at MacAskill's?"

Johnny thought for a minute and then a huge smile appeared on his face. He pulled Jenny closer to him and whispered, "I was seduced by a beautiful woman." He nipped her ear. Jenny poured some soap onto a loofah and started washing his stomach in a slow circular motion. Johnny moaned from the sensation the loofah caused. She put the loofah down and picked up the shampoo and poured some in her hand. Johnny bent his head down and Jenny massaged the shampoo on his scalp. Using her thumbs she gently applied pressure to his scalp. She took the hand held showerhead and rinsed his head clean. Johnny turned the shower off when he knew they were both clean.   He pulled two plush towels from the towel warmer. He dried off Jenny and then dried himself.

"If memory serves me correct, I lamely carried you to my bed. So if we are going to replay that evening, Angel….." He didn't complete his sentence, but picked her up and walked to their bed and gently placed her on their down comforter.

Once comfortable, he lay down on top of her with his still slightly wet hair dripping. He began to kiss Jenny, which she gladly accepted. The two continued their passion which culminated in a wonderful night of lovemaking, the likes of which the two hadn't experienced in many, many months.

E! E! E! E! E!

"Granma. Granma!" Kaitlin was crying and standing in JoAnne and Roy's bedroom trying to wake her grandmother up.

"What's wrong Kaitlin?" Joanne rubbed her eyes trying to get the sleep out of them. Roy stirred too, hearing the commotion. He sat up in bed to look at his Katie Roo.

"I'm scared."

"Scared?" This conversation brought back a flood of memories where a young Chris or Jenny came into her bedroom, scared or afraid or sick or any of a million things that could wake a child up. "Did you have a bad dream?"

Kaitlin shook her head yes.

"Come on Kaitlin. Come into the bed with me and Poppie." Kaitlin obliged and crawled in between Roy and JoAnne. Roy moved over to give Kaitlin more room. "Tell me what your dream was about."

"I was with daddy playing. He went in the house and when he came back it wasn't him. It was Monty. But Monty was very nice to me. He brought me a kitten. Daddy came out and yelled at him." Kaitlin continued sniffling.

JoAnne pulled her granddaughter closer and hugged her. "It's just a bad dream, Kaitlin. And you know you're safe here. Poppie and I would never let Monty near you."

"Granma? Why is Monty a bad man?"

JoAnne looked at Roy as she didn't know how to answer that question. Roy spoke up. "Kaitlin, Monty was a bad man because he took you away from your Momma and Poppa without asking if he could." Roy tried to make it simple as possible, which was difficult given it, was two o'clock in the morning. Kaitlin looked at Roy and smiled. He leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I think you should go back to sleep now." Roy started to get up to bring her back to her bed, when JoAnne put her hand on his arm.

"Let her fall asleep here and then move her Roy." Roy didn't want to do that, but didn't want to argue with JoAnne either. Plus, it was kind of nice having that little person in their bed.

Kaitlin snuggled in next to JoAnne and fell asleep within ten minutes as JoAnne rubbed her back. Roy gently picked her up and brought her back to her room. He saw that her nightlight was off, so he turned it on. To make sure she was still asleep, Roy stood over her bed for a few moments. Satisfied she was okay; he left the room with the door slightly ajar and returned to his bedroom, closing his door.

"That brings back memories." JoAnne said as Roy returned under the blankets.

"It sure does." He snuggled next to her.

"I just wish she wouldn't think about Monty any more. I wish she would forget him."

"I know, Jo, but he was part of her life for a large amount of time."

"I wonder how Johnny and Jenny deal with it."

"Don't know and don't like bringing up that man's name while I'm with them. You can just see them both tense up at the mere mention of his name." Roy said as he moved closer to JoAnne, spooning her.

"I'm just glad they let us have her for the weekend. It took a lot of convincing by Jenny to let us have her. She told me Johnny really didn't like the idea of us having her for two nights." JoAnne turned around and faced her husband. "We should have used the monster spray."

"Monster spray. What is that?"

"It's something Jenny told me about. You take a can of air freshener and spray it in the closets and under the bed. You tell the child that its monster spray and the nice smell keeps the bad guys away." JoAnne chuckled.

Roy pondered what JoAnne said, but had no response to the monster spray so he changed the subject. "Well I'm wide awake, up and alert now." Roy said, hoping JoAnne would get the hint.

"Oh yeah? I think I know one way to relax you." A smile became visible on JoAnne's face and she started to rub Roy's stomach then let her hand slip south.

"Do you think she'll stay asleep? I don't think we want to be interrupted….." Roy tried to finish his statement but found it difficult due to JoAnne's touch.

JoAnne sat up suddenly and stopped her massaging. "Roy, how do you think we did it all those years ago with two young children in our home?"

"Settle down, Jo. I'm only joking." He said that, and then pulled JoAnne back down into his arms, so he could get some more of her recommended therapy to fall back asleep.

E! E! E! E! E

Jenny woke up early Sunday morning with a big smile on her face. It was a very long time since she had such a passionate night with her husband. Memories of their first time together making love entered her thoughts. Being inexperienced, she never really noticed how awkward and rushed their union was. And when he finally entered her, bonding their two souls, breaking the sacred barrier, he belonged to her, her to him forever, no matter what would come once the night was over and they returned to living in the real world.

As time went on, their love making grew more passionate. He slowed, taking his time to explore her entire body, bathing her with attention, bringing her to heights she only imagined in her dreams. She thought their lovemaking couldn't get any better that is until last night. Never before had he spent so much time worshiping her body, massaging, kissing, and nipping her flesh leaving her totally enraptured. And Johnny wasn't the only one giving. In the beginning of their relationship, he taught her how to explore his body and Jenny was an avid learner. Certain sexual acts were awkward for her, but as she became more comfortable with her own erotic desire, she was quite capable of bringing Johnny pleasure he never dreamed was possible. And last night was no exception.

Sighing she stretched out only to find the bed next to her was empty. Sitting up and pulling the top sheet up around her, she smiled when she breathed the scent of coffee waffling through the room. The smell reminded her of all the mornings Johnny woke before her, letting her have a few extra minutes of sleep, while he prepared himself for the day. Several times he'd prepare breakfast and bring it upstairs on a tray adorned with a rose freshly cut from their garden.

It seemed like forever since they both shared a morning like that. First Kaitlin's birth changed the priorities in their lives, and then her disappearance caused bitter moments and the two stayed far apart.

Climbing off the bed Jenny quickly ran into the bathroom and tended to her bodily needs. As she stood in front of the mirror and brushed her teeth, she stared at her reflection, and wondered. Would there be enough time to talk with Johnny about having another child before her parents brought Kaitlin home? From the moment Johnny broke the news to her, about her medical condition soon after Kaitlin's birth; her heart ached. She always wanted a large family, but she tried never to let her disappointment show, especially to Johnny. Having more children was a topic they never really discussed, even while she was pregnant. She never knew what his feelings were about having a family in the first place. Kaitlin's conception was thrown upon him and like any dutiful father, he accepted his child without hesitation. 'I hope he wants to have another child. I know I only briefly broached the subject before, while Kaitlin was still missing, but…I guess I'll just have to talk with him and hope his reaction is a positive one.'

Her parents were due to bring Kaitlin back at noon and have brunch with them. Chris was also invited, but Jenny doubted he'd be by. She sensed he was dating someone, but wasn't ready to tell anyone.

Chris was another mystery to her. Even though they grew up under the same roof and many times confided in each other, she never really knew the real 'Chris'. He seemed as complex as Johnny. She wondered if it had anything to do with all the time they had spent with Johnny growing up. Chris and Johnny's friendship grew and a bond was formed, much like the one between her father and husband.

Putting one of Johnny's t-shirts on, she went downstairs and found her husband sitting on the couch, sipping coffee and reading the LA Times.

"Morning ole man." She came up behind him, kissed the top of his head and began to lightly massage his shoulders. "But after your behavior last night, I'm gonna have to think of another name for you," She chuckled then leaned in to brush a kiss across his cheek from behind.

Johnny put both his paper and coffee down leaned his head back and looked up at Jenny with an expression of 'now what.'

"I'll have to think of something like 'studly'." She laughed.

Reaching back Johnny grabbed her, pulled her over the back of the couch and down onto the cushions. Silently she lay back and looked up at him, her hair spilling over the cushion under her head and a surprised look appeared on her face. Johnny gazed down at the woman he'd fallen hard for several years before. He drank in her beauty, eyeing her from head to toe before running his hand upward along her bare leg. Smiling he moved so he could cover her body with his.

For several long minutes they kissed and caressed exploring the passion they held for each other. Finally the need for a full breath pulled them apart. Gazing into each others eyes, they whispered, 'I love you' to the other. A knowing smile crept onto their faces. They were bonded to each other, body and soul forever.

Jenny nudged him to move so she could get up. Settling herself on the couch beside the man she loves, she helped herself to a sip of his coffee. After taking the first sip she glanced over that the clock '11:00am'. "Oh my gosh! I better start getting ready for my folks." She started to get up but Johnny grabbed her with one arm.

"It's okay. I already called them and asked to come by at 1:00 instead of noon. I told them what happened at the restaurant and that we got home later then we thought we would. They bought it." Johnny said.

"You're so smart ole m…..studly. Lemme go. I still gotta shower and prepare some stuff and you know…."

"Yes, Angel, I know." He released her and watched as she ran up the stairs to their bedroom. The sight of his t-shirt, barely covering her sexy bottom caused a shiver to trail his spine leaving him tingly all over. Life was real good, Johnny thought.

E!e!e!e!e

Chris awoke with a start, not remembering where he was. When he looked around he remembered. 'Meg Hall's townhouse'. He smiled and let his thoughts drift.

She invited him over to her home for dinner for their sixth date. As the evening progressed, Meg made it very clear she wanted Chris to stay for the night.

"I know you don't have to work tomorrow, so why do you want to run off."

Chris smiled then pulled Meg in close to him. "I don't really, I just want…"

"…to continue being a gentleman," she purred next to his ear.

"Meg, you're making this soooo hard." He laughed at the double entendre of his comment.

"Then make it easy…stay," she whispered.

Chris wanted to be a gentleman. He wanted to treat Meg like a lady. She was so unlike any of the other women he dated…and slept with. It wasn't just her good looks that attracted him, she was very self-assured, independent, and had this inner strength that reminded him of his sister. She was definitely a woman no man was going to push around. He loved the way she'd toss her hair back with just a shake of her head, her leaning into him and whispering into his ear, or when she'd slip her arm through his when they went for a walk together. With each encounter they had, the more he wanted to spend time with her. And now, with the way she seductively spoke to him, he was certain she wanted him to spend the night.

Bringing his hands up to her face, he wove his fingers through her tresses cupping her head. Leaning in, he tentatively brushed his lips over hers. Pulling back he gazed into her bright green eyes. He saw the want, the desire drawing him closer to her, pulling him into her web. Leaning back in, he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss, gentle at first became fevered, as they explored the depths of their feeling for one another.

They met several months ago when Chris and his partner Jeff gave a demonstration for one of the local television stations. Meg was the reporter doing the story. When their interview was finished, Meg gave Chris her business card with clear instructions to him to call her.

Chris was slow to make the call, being a bit shy with this particular woman. Jeff teased him off and on, calling Meg 'Mrs. Chris DeSoto.' Of course Chris would give his best bud a punch in the arm or a slight cuff across the head, reminding him, he'd never marry and his reasons, that weren't up for discussion.

Although Chris didn't want to admit it, Meg stirred something inside him, something that caused his mind to often drift back to their first meeting, something that caused his libido to react in a way it never had before. And with Jeff's teasing, his desire grew, until he finally made the call, a call that left him temporarily tongue-tied and very nervous. Meg didn't let Chris's awkwardness stop her, she quickly accepted and they made plans for their first encounter.

His schedule made it difficult to get together and Meg's travelling didn't help either. But when they met, Chris really had a nice time with her, considering he thought anyone involved in television would be snobby and self centered. Meg showed none of those qualities, instead he found a woman he was fast falling in love with.

Dating went slowly over the ensuing time. Chris found himself thinking more of her when they were apart. And finally, the planets all lined up, schedules coincided, and Meg invited Chris over for a home cooked dinner. In the days leading up to their dinner date, Chris wondered what the evening would entail. What kind of music would Meg play? Would it be something soft, slow, and romantic? Or Would Meg want to listen to her favorite tunes? Would they dance?

Many times he allowed his mind to drift, to conjure images of him and Meg standing close to each other, embraced, and swaying to the music. He convinced himself he could smell a light tinge of her shampoo and the soap she used under the erotic fragrance of her perfume. Everything about the evening captured his heart, caused his head to swim, and aroused him. He wanted, no, needed to make love to Meg, but only if she was willing, only if she'd invite him to stay. And so it happened, he came, he stayed, and the entire experience was beyond words, far better than he could have imagined.

Looking at his watch, he knew he would never make it to his sister's place for their noon brunch. Chris was glad his sister was laid back about stuff like that, not insisting that he must attend. Again Chris looked around the room. "Where was Meg?" he wondered. He got up, put on his boxer shorts and went to use the bathroom. While he was washing his hands, he smiled when he noticed a spare toothbrush, still in its package lying next to a tube of Crest. Picking them both up, he brushed his teeth.

When Chris came back into the room, Meg was sitting on the bed's edge wearing only a LACoFD t-shirt that Chris brought the day they first met.

Feeling a bit awkward, Chris sat back down on the bed, leaning against the headboard.

"Hi." Meg said.

"Hi yourself."

"I brought up some orange juice." Meg pointed to the night table where two large glasses of orange juice were placed.

"I just brushed my teeth and you know how OJ tastes after that." The two giggled, but then the awkward silence set in.

Meg took Chris' hand and held it. "I'm having a wonderful date with you Chris DeSoto. Do you have to be anywhere today?"

Chris shook his head no. "My sister invited me over for brunch, but it's an open invitation without any obligation."

"Chris, you know you've never told me about your family. I mean, I know your father is semi retired from the fire department. Until now, I didn't even know you had a sister. Is she older or younger?" Meg took a glass of juice and took a sip.

"Um, she's younger than me by fifteen months and her name is Jennifer."

"I guess your close with her."

Chris smiled, "yup, she's my munchkin."

"What does she do?"

"She's an ER nurse at Rampart."

"I see," Meg replied then added, "Chris, why does it feel like I'm pulling teeth with you?"

"I don't know Meg. I'm just a bit uncomfortable talking about myself. I'm pretty private when it comes to my family. Bad stuff happened and we just kinda keep things tight lipped. I'm sorry. I don't mean to be abrupt with you about it and it's not you, it's me."

Chris reached over, grasped Meg's glass of juice and took a sip. Glancing up, he looked into her eyes. "My niece was kidnapped last year, several months before we met." There he said it and knew he was opening up some bad memories, but he needed someone of his own to confide in.

"Oh my God Chris, what happened? Why didn't you tell me? Is she okay? Oh your poor sister."

Chris smiled and squeezed Meg's hand. "Yeah, she's okay. We got her back eight months after the kidnapping. And my family was totally devastated. She was only 3 ½ when she was taken and as time went on, we thought we lost her for good."

"Did they catch the people who took her?"

Chris shook his head no. "The FBI and police knew who took her. He was someone from my brother-in-law's past. For some reason, Monty, the kidnapper, decided to return her to us. But the toll it took on all of us was pretty bad, especially my sister and brother-in-law. We are all diligent now when it comes to watching Kaitlin, 'cause we know Monty is still out there."

"Oh Chris, that's horrible. Now I understand why you were hesitant to talk about it. Is your brother-in-law rich? Is that why she was targeted?" Meg paused, feeling the reporter in her was too probing. "Am I being too nosy Chris, just tell me. Sometimes the reporter in me takes over." A smile appeared on her face.

"No, Meg, it's okay. I've wanted to talk with someone about this for some time. And I do feel really comfortable with you.' He placed his hand over hers. "My brother-in-law, Johnny, rescued this guy and ended up testifying against him."

"Rescued him?"

"Yeah, Johnny was a fireman/paramedic."

"I guess it was someone recently he testified against."

"Actually no, it was someone who was convicted in the 70s." Chris said it knowing Meg was going to do the mental calculations.

"But doesn't that mean he has to be in his mid 40s?"

"Yes, he is in his 40s."

"So he's about the same age as your dad, isn't he? I bet your mom and dad weren't too thrilled with your sister marrying someone nearly twice her age.

Again Chris smiled, "well Mom was okay with it, but my dad freaked out."

"Do they get along now, your dad and Johnny?"

Chris laughed. "Best friends."

"Best what? Friends? How?"

"Meg, we've known Johnny for more then twenty years. He was my father's paramedic partner. Jen and I grew up with our "Uncle Johnny" always around helping out and such.

"Oh wow. That's a mind numbing. Your dad's best friend marries your sister. I think I've heard everything with this one, Chris."

"It's not so strange. I knew my sis had a crush on him from day one. An' if you knew Johnny, you'd understand why."

"I hope I get a chance to meet them all sometime, Chris."

"I think that can be arranged some time, Meg. But not now. I think I have other plans for our day." Saying that, Chris took the juice from Meg's hand set it aside then moved her down onto the bed with him.

E! E! E! E! E! E! E

"JOHNNY!"

"WHAT?"

"MY FOLKS ARE HERE. COME ON DOWNSTAIRS!!

"OKAY!"

Jennifer walked over to open the door just as Kaitlin ran in. "Momma!"

"Kaitlin! How was your weekend with Poppie and Granma?" Jen escorted her daughter to the couch as Kaitlin was telling everything (that) they did that weekend. JoAnne followed Roy into the house, but he detoured toward the coffeepot, knowing a fresh brew would be waiting for them. Seeing the mugs on the counter, Roy poured two cups, one for himself and one for JoAnne.

"Shouldn't you be drinking decaf, Roy?" Johnny said as he ambled into his kitchen.

Roy stopped mid sip. "Today I need leaded." He resumed drinking.

"Long night?" Johnny asked with a hint in his question, knowing how his own night went.

"Not like you think, Junior. Your little one had us up with a bad dream. She kept us up awhile til she settled down." Roy wasn't going to tell Johnny what else transpired.

"Oh, sorry."

Roy smiled at Johnny's obvious embarrassment. "That's okay." Roy poured another cup of coffee. "Let me bring this to JoAnne and then you can fill us in with what happened last night."

All four adults and one child sat in the dining nook eating brunch going over the events of the weekend.

After the meal was complete Roy and Johnny settled down outside, doing some light work in the yard. The women cleaned in the kitchen and talked about more private matters.

"So how did Johnny react to your request? He doesn't seem to be as upset as you thought he would be unless he's hiding it well, which I doubt, knowing him."

"Well, er, I didn't get the chance to ask him. I was going to Friday night, but worked late and was too pooped when I got home. So I thought during dessert last night I would, but didn't, well you know why. And I slept in this morning…."

"Slept in? You never sleep in. Are you feeling okay?" There was concern in JoAnne's voice as she touched her daughter's head.

"Well, Johnny and I didn't do much sleeping last night." A blush appeared on Jenny's face.

"Oh, I see." JoAnne took a look at her daughter and saw how happy she was.

"I can guess you didn't tell daddy either."

"How can you tell?"

"Well, you see the smile on his face? It wouldn't be there if he knew what you wanted to do. I doubt he'd be here now either and certainly wouldn't be talking to my husband til he cooled off."

"Don't you worry about your father? I've been handling him for more than half of my life. And remember, this is something I want to do, and although I love him, he can't tell me how to run my life, just as I never told him how to run his."

"Okay mom, relax. It was just a question. I will try tonight, after Kaitlin's asleep."

"Good idea. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can proceed with the next step. I already have an appointment with my ob-gyn to get his okay."

"Good mom, that's great!" Jenny hugged her mom.

E! E! E! E!

"Look at those two." Johnny pointed. "I hope they're not plotting against us."

Roy looked up and said, "Probably so. I've got the feeling JoAnne is getting ready to ask me something that I'm not gonna like."

"Such as…."

"Not sure. Think it has to do with school, but I could be wrong."

"Well I gotta ask you something Roy. How would you feel about working full time again, if you have medical clearance?"

That caught Roy's attention and he looked up. "Sure would. I don't like this semi-retired stuff. Who's leaving?"

"Brice."

"Brice?"

"Yup. His wife got a job offer up in Seattle and the two are gonna settle up there. Brice, being Brice, gave me six weeks notice. But I figure you can take over his classes and I can get another part time guy, or even split up your stuff between all the instructors."

"Brice is leaving. Never thought that would happen." Roy stated handing Johnny the shovel.

"Well I don't think he ever got over the fact that I head the department and not him. How do you feel about that Roy?"

"Not sure I know what you mean?"

"How do you feel about me being your boss?" Johnny had a huge grin on his face and slapped Roy on his back.

"Doesn't bother me Johnny. I still will always know more than you." Roy returned his answer with a grin of his own.

"In your dreams Pally. In your dreams." Johnny replied plunging the tip of the shovel into the dirt and turning the sod. Over the next hour Johnny and Roy weeded and turned the soil in the newest garden in the Gages' backyard, readying it for Jenny's plans of growing their own vegetables.

At four o'clock the DeSotos said goodbye and left, leaving the Gages on their own.
"Kaitlin, are you feeling okay?" Jenny asked of her daughter. Kaitlin just shrugged her shoulders. "Come here and let momma feel your head." Kaitlin obliged and Jenny determined that her daughter had a fever. Jenny picked her daughter up and brought her upstairs to the small bedroom adorned with everything Pooh and took her temperature. Not liking what she saw she said, "I'm going to give you a bath and some Tylenol, Kaitlin, which will make you feel better."

Kaitlin didn't argue, which further confirmed Jenny's suspicions. After the bath and the child took the liquid, Jenny tucked her into her bed, turned on the night-light and partially closed the door. Before leaving the room, Jenny looked at her daughter settling in with her pooh bears around her. No matter how many pooh bears Kaitlin had, she always went for the one that Roy 'borrowed' during his bypass surgery.

"I think Kaitlin is battling a bug or something." Jenny said to Johnny as she walked down the stairs."

"What's that?" Johnny asked in between sips of his water.

"I bathed our daughter and gave her some Tylenol. It didn't take long and she fell fast asleep. I hope it's nothing too serious.

"Well your dad said she woke them up last night with a nightmare, so maybe she's just tired."

"Nightmare? About what?"

"Roy didn't say, but I bet it was about Monty," Johnny replied remembering how they dealt with Kaitlin's nightmares.

"Oh."

Johnny stood up. "I'm gonna take a shower, BY MYSELF!" Johnny looked at Jenny for some type of reaction, but was disappointed there was none. "I repeat, by myself." Again, Jenny just looked at him doe eyed. Seeing his plan didn't work, he trudged upstairs.

While Johnny showered, Jenny prepared dinner. She checked in on Kaitlin several times. By touching her daughter's head, she knew the fever decreased a bit, which relieved her immensely. She had no idea what illnesses her daughter may have been exposed to while Monty had her. This troubled her terribly.

Johnny came downstairs to the kitchen and saw Jenny staring out the window. He came up from behind, wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. "Everything okay?"

Jenny nodded and wiped the tears away with her arm.

Johnny turned her around and noticed her reddened eyes. "What's wrong Angel? Is Kitty Kate okay?"

Jenny nodded. "She's okay. Her fever is down. It's just…I mean….oh Johnny." The tears came forth and Jenny buried her head in her husband's chest.

"Tell me Jenny, what's wrong." Now Johnny was concerned; he had no idea what was causing his wife to cry. He stroked her hair to comfort her.

After crying for several minutes, Jenny sniffled and looked up into Johnny face. She took his hand and led him to the living room and sat him down. She sat next to him wearing a serious expression.

"What ever it is Angel, it will be okay." Johnny was distressed seeing his wife upset and tears spilling freely from her eyes. Not since before Kaitlin's return had Jenny cried like she had just now.

"Johnny. I'm going to tell you something and I'm not sure how you are going to react, so let me say it before you get upset. Okay?"

Johnny ran his nervous hand through his hair and reluctantly shook his head. Sudden thoughts of his wife being seriously ill plagued his mind. What would happen to him, to Kaitlin if…How would they survive without her? Shaking his head, he pushed the horrible thoughts aside and tried to concentrate on what she was telling him.

"…While Kaitlin was gone, you and I talked about having another baby. I know I let the topic go 'cause Kaitlin came back. But now I'm bringing it up again. Johnny, I want to have another baby."

Furrowing his brows, Johnny replied, "Jen, I thought we discussed the options and most of it was out of our range. You know, my age and the money….." Johnny paused to collect his thoughts and think about this important issue. "Not that I'm necessarily agreeing, have things changed since we talked last?"

Jenny brightened. "The best option is a surrogate mother."

"But you know how that scares me, Jen. We don't need some crackpot woman coming back and saying she wants 'her' child back, even if she did sign away her rights. Plus, we really don't have the money to pay for her services."

"Johnny! What would you say if I told you I found a woman who would do this for us and not charge us anything except her uncovered medical expenses?"

Johnny sat back in the couch and sighed heavily. "That scares me even more, Jen. Who've ya found?"

Jenny took a breath, it was now or never. "My mother."

"YOUR MOTHER? JOANNE? WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY?" Johnny yelled jumping up from the couch. He began to pace back in forth then suddenly stopped, looked at his wife and ran a hand through his hair. "IS SHE CRAZY? ARE ALL OF YOU DESOTO WOMEN INSANE?" Johnny finally figured out the plot the women were hatching earlier in the day while he and Roy worked on the garden. 'Oh poor Roy.' he thought.

"Johnny," Jenny grabbed his hands, "mom said she would do it for us. She got checked out by her gynecologist and was given a preliminary green light. Yes, she is older, but mom keeps in good shape. And she has no plans on keeping any baby. She told me her diaper days are way long over, except for her grandkids." Jenny smiled remembering her mother's comment.

Johnny was floored by Jenny's revelation. He shook his head 'no'. "I can't do this. I can't do this to your dad. Jenny, Roy and I…we've finally got to a point where…I don't want to ruin what's left of our friendship…Please Jen, don't…"

Jenny held onto Johnny's hands. "Don't rule it out Johnny. Please. There is no other way for US to have our own biological child."

"Jen, I'm not saying yes, but even if JoAnne agreed. Did Roy? Knowing him the way I do, I can't see him agreeing to this." He continued to shake his head.

"Mom is going to talk to him about this tonight. No matter what he says, she is going to go through with this for me; for us." She pointed back and forth between the two.

Johnny was stunned and didn't know what to say. If Jenny hadn't had the emergency hysterectomy Johnny would consider another child. But this was way too much for him. "Jen, if you father agrees, then I'll consider it...but…"

"Oh gee, Johnny, thanks for being so magnanimous. Didn't know you were that generous!" The sarcasm tore into him.

"Now you're acting like a child."

"I'm not acting like a child," She snapped, raising her voice.

"All your life you've manipulated me so you could have your own way. It didn't matter when you were younger; I loved it. But now your maneuvers have wide reaching consequences. I said I'd consider it and I mean it. I am a man of my words." Johnny shouted back.

Jenny was about to respond to her husband when Kaitlin slowly walked down the stairs, trailing a pooh bear with her. She wailed at the shouting going on. Jenny jumped up and ran over to her daughter and picked her up.

"Shhh, Kaitie, its okay. Momma and Daddy are just talking loudly." Kaitlin leaned her head onto her mother's. "Johnny she's warm. Can you get the thermometer?" He shook his head, got up from the couch, went upstairs and returned with the thermometer.

Jenny sat on the couch gently rocking her daughter. Kaitlin was softly crying as Johnny applied the thermometer strip to her head. "It's 102, Jen." He placed his hand on Kaitlin's neck and felt how warm she was. "Let me get some icepacks and wrap 'em in towels to cool her down. How long ago did you give her the medicine?"

"About two hours ago. Her neck looks swollen, Johnny." Jenny checked her daughter's glands. "I wonder if she has the mumps?"

"Mumps?"

"Yes, it's going around the daycare center. I bet that's what she has, the mumps."

E!E!E

At the same time the Gages were tending to their ailing child, Roy and JoAnne were sitting down for dinner.

"YOU WANT TO WHAT. NO WAY! THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN." Roy threw his fork down on the table in disgust and shouted at JoAnne. His face reddened indicating how angry he was.

"But Roy, she's our daughter." JoAnne pleaded.

"BELIEVE ME, I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN THAT PART, BUT…"

"But what Roy?"

"SHE IS MARRIED TO JOHN GAGE AND THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL I'M GONNA LET YOU CARRY HIS BABY."

JoAnne took a deep breath, "but Roy he's your best friend."

Roy glared at her. "HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND, BUT NOW, I TOLERATE HIM CAUSE OF MY DAUGHTER. I STILL HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN WHAT HE'S DONE TO MY FAMILY."

"Roy, you are being ridiculous." JoAnne snapped.

"RIDICULOUS! RIDICULOUS? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING! FIRST HE TAKES MY DAUGHTER AND NOW HE'LL BE TAKING MY WIFE!"

"You say that like I'm your property. Roy, just how in the world do you think I'm gonna get pregnant anyway?"

Roy scowled at JoAnne again. "JOANNE, I'M NOT DUMB. I KNOW HOW IT'S DONE. BUT I DON'T LIKE THE THOUGHT OF JOHN GAGE HAVING A PIECE OF YOU. YOU ARE MINE AND NOT HIS!"

JoAnne shook her head as she couldn't believe what her husband was saying. "Roy that's absurd. This baby is gonna be my grandchild, our grandchild, not my child."

NO JOANNE, I WON'T HAVE IT. NOT IN THIS LIFETIME. YOU WILL NOT, UNDERSTAND ME, NOT DO THIS!"

"Need I remind you Roy, that this is my body?" JoAnne pointed to her body. "You don't own it or me. I can and will do this for our daughter." JoAnne pushed her chair back from the table and left the room."

As she was leaving Roy shouted, "I WON'T ACCEPT THIS JOANNE, SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL FORGET IT."

The two didn't speak to one another for the rest of the evening. Roy was glad he didn't have any classes scheduled for Monday 'cause he didn't want to see Johnny either. What did Johnny say earlier, 'Do you mind if I'm now your boss?' Roy knew if he saw Johnny at work, disagreeable words would be exchanged. Why did JoAnne think he was still my best friend? Our friendship started to disintegrate that day in the mountains when he was shot. Our friendship never really recovered from that moment and then later on, when he took my daughter…defiled her…made her pregnant…I wonder if that was that what he intended all along from the day we first met until the day I tossed him out of my life. Did he want my family? Was he jealous of me…of the happiness I had with my family…Did he want it for his own…And then, when he got shot and he couldn't be a paramedic and a fireman any longer? Maybe all of this…taking my daughter…and now trying to take my wife… Is his way of getting back at me…'cause he was the one who got shot instead of me…'cause he had to give up his career, not me...? I don't know. Damn you John Gage… I may have given my blessing for the marriage between you and my daughter, but I sure as hell won't give my blessing to impregnate my wife with your seed…not now, not ever. When did life get so damn complicated.'

Roy sighed heavily. Walking over to the living room window, he pulled the drape back and stared outside. Although it was dark, the street lights that lined both sides of the street cast a glow over the neighborhood. 'What am I gonna do? I love Jo and Jen…but how can they ask this of me. 'JoAnne is right about one thing, it's her body and I can't tell her what to do with it. In the end it will be harder on her then me. She's not that 18-year-old who had Chris…but how can I agree to Jo carrying Johnny's baby, a man I want to hate, but can't seem to, even though he's done so much to hurt me.'

Letting the drape fall back into place, Roy sauntered across the room and dropped his weary body into his favorite chair. 'Whether I agree to this pregnancy for not, she'll need my support, both physically and emotionally. God I can't believe I'm even considering this. I know how Jen has longed for another child. She always wanted lotsa kids. And the hysterectomy wasn't her fault. The uterine abruption could have happened with any pregnancy she had…But why did it have to be with her first? Why at all? I can't even blame Johnny for it happening…it could have happened no matter who she loved and became pregnant by…One thing about Johnny, he has shown nothing but love and devotion towards her…truly I could never have asked for a better man for her to spend her life with…He'll protect her and I know he'll always be true to her even though in his younger days he was the biggest philanderer I ever knew. I'd do anything to make 'my little one' happy'. But how will this impact Jo's health? I guess the doctors will confirm if she's okay enough to do this.'

Roy shook his head and sat down on his chair. 'I guess I'm crazy, but I love my wife and my daughter and if this is what they want then, I guess I'll have to put my feelings for Johnny's part in this aside and let it happen of which I have no doubt will happen whether I agree or not.'

Roy got up from his favorite chair and walked upstairs. JoAnne was in their bedroom watching television. He walked into the bedroom and sat down on the bed.

In a very soft-spoken voice he said, "Mind if we talk?"

JoAnne took a deep breath and with out even looking at her husband, spoke keeping her voice even. "Roy DeSoto, if you're going to yell at me again, then no. I told you my mind is made up and I want to do this for them, Jennifer and Johnny, our daughter and son-in-law."

Roy raised his hands in defeat. "Okay, you win. If you want to do this, I'm not going to stop you."

JoAnne's looked over at the man who she spent the better part of her life with. Her face brightened, realizing that he was agreeing to her request. "You mean it? You're not kidding me?"

He moved closer to his wife and took her hands in his hand. "Yes Jo, I mean it. I do love you and I love our daughter. And I guess Johnny is still my best friend. You know you're asking a lot from both of us. This is going to be harder on you then me."

"Don't you think I know this? I know what's involved, but it's for us and our daughter and our 'son-in-law'." She laughed every time she said that term for Johnny. She beckoned for Roy to sit next to her, which he did. She hugged then kissed him. "This is a good thing Roy. We're going to bring a new life into this world. And we are gonna give two wonderful people the chance to become parents again."

Roy looked down and blushed. "I know," he said under his breath.

"I love you Roy DeSoto. And believe me, Roy, only good can come from this. Think about it, we get to enjoy having another grandchild who we can spoil."

"It sounds like we are getting the better part of this deal," Roy chuckled.

"We are," JoAnne assured her husband. From the first moment JoAnne mentioned being a surrogate for their daughter to him, Roy was actually happy. Images of his 'old' friend, changing diapers again, heating up formula and doing 2am feedings, dealing with the teething, the terrible two's, three's, fours, and so on, made him smile.

"I love you too JoAnne DeSoto." He ran his hands threw her hair and stared into her eyes. There was something about having a fight and making up. He hated the fighting part, but enjoyed the making up part.

"Um, Roy, we really can't um do it for a couple of weeks. At least til I know I'm with child."

"Oh yea, I guess so. Guess I'll be taking some cold showers." He smiled and his blue eyes twinkled. "Is it okay to sit next to you?"

"Try and stay away." She put her arm around her husband and leaned her head into his chest.

E!E!E!E!

"HE SAID YES?!"

"Well it wasn't easy but yes, your dad agreed."

"I can't believe it." Jenny moved the phone to the other ear. "Johnny said if dad agreed he'd consider it. You know what that means mom? I'm going to have another baby!"

"Jen, don't get your hopes up. I still have to have some blood work done, but I'm not expecting anything to come up."

"When do you go to your doctor, mom?"

"Next week's my appointment."

"I can't wait!" Jenny replied, barely able to contain her excitement.

JoAnne laughed, "Well you're going to have to. His practice is so booked up. That was the earliest appointment I could get."

"Mom, hold on a minute. Kaitlin's crying." Jenny put the phone down and went to her daughter. "You still there?"

"Yes. Is everything okay?"

"I'm bringing Kaitlin to the doctor today. I think she has the mumps. She had a fever yesterday, after you left. She kept us awake most of the night. She was inconsolable."

"Rough night. I think back on those days and wonder how I survived them. It's true what they say about having kids early in life; you've got more strength to handle it."

"Well, mom, you survived it with us. I can't wait to tell Johnny. I'll tell him tomorrow evening."

"You working today?"

"Yes, as soon as Johnny comes home, I'm heading in for an overnighter. He'll have the joys of his sick and cranky daughter."

"With that Gage charm, he'll have her in bed in no time."

"MOM!?!?"

"Honey, it's a joke."

E!E!E!E!

The Next Day.

"I'm bushed." Jenny said as she plopped down on the couch.

"Hi Angel." Johnny said as he kissed Jenny's forehead.

"How was last night?"

"She was uncomfortable, but slept off and on. The rash is on her body and she's a bit stuffy. But, she had breakfast and went back to sleep willingly."

"I can't believe she's got German measles. I don't know where she got it from. I called the daycare center and no one else has it, but the mumps is rampant. Boy these childhood diseases…."

"On the rez, these diseases were widespread, which was kinda funny considering how far apart we lived from one another. If one kid got it, the entire household got it." Johnny shook his head. "At least I know I had it as a child."

"Me too. And I'm glad she's got it now. To have it as an adult is worse. Sorry you had to take today off from work, ole man."

"Oh so now I'm ole man and not studly?" Johnny grinned melting the heart of his wife.

"Get over here studly!" Jenny demanded.

Johnny sat down on the couch and took the sneakers off her feet and started to massage them.

"Hmmmm, that feels really good, Johnny."

"My pleasure, Angel."

"Er, Johnny?"

He dropped his hands knowing an impending manipulation attack was forthcoming. "Yes dear."

"Mom called me yesterday and told me dad agreed to the surrogacy." She stared at her husband in order to see the expression on his face.

"He what?" Johnny replied flabbergasted.

"Dad said yes. Mom can be our surrogate womb."

"I don't believe it. I guess I really don't know Roy after all."

"So will you reconsider it Johnny. Please? For me. For us. I promise that two children will be it for us."

"What if it's twins?" He squeezed her toes.

"Twins?"

"Yea twins. Does that mean JoAnne gets to keep one?"

"You are so bad." She pulled her feet back. "I'm going to check on our daughter." Jenny ran upstairs, smiling, knowing she was on her way to having another child.

E!E!E!!

"So JoAnne, you are going to go ahead with the surrogacy."

"Yes Dr. Goldman. Everyone agreed after some wrangling."

"I can only imagine. Well, I'm going to need a urine sample now and we'll take blood and run the usual tests. And after I get the results back, we'll talk about what you can expect."

The nurse led JoAnne to the bathroom to comply with the first request. She returned to the examination room shortly thereafter.

"I'm going to give you a basic exam and then we'll talk about what I'm going to need you to do from today on, until you're pregnant. And then we'll talk about your new needs. You are in a high-risk group JoAnne, due to your age, even though your overall health is good. And things have changed a bit since you had your last child. Well medically that is. Women have been giving birth long before doctors were invented." They both chuckled but were interrupted by a knock on the door. A nurse poked her head in and asked to speak with the doctor.

He left JoAnne alone for several minutes, so she picked up a magazine to read. The doctor came back in with a nurse.

"JoAnne, I'm going to take some blood right now. Let Carrie have your arm." JoAnne obliged, letting Carrie stick the needle into her vein.

"I don't know how my husband did this for some many years." JoAnne commented.

"Your husband's a doctor?"

She shook her head no, "he was a paramedic. Now he teaches them."

"Paramedic. Wow. I could never do that. Those guys are a rare creature." JoAnne smiled hearing the doctor say that.

"All done, Mrs. DeSoto."

The doctor said something to the nurse, but JoAnne couldn't hear it. "Okay, let's get this done with."

After the examination, JoAnne changed back into her clothes and was to meet the doctor in his office. She walked into his office and noticed the very serious expression on his face.

Goldman got up and closed the door and sat down in the chair next to JoAnne, instead of the one behind his desk.

"JoAnne, I don't know how to tell you this, but you are pregnant."

"I'm what?" She replied, the shocked expression on her face reflecting what she just heard.

"The urine test indicated it and that's why I had blood drawn early on. Both show that you are pregnant. When was your last menstrual cycle?"

"It was three weeks ago."

"Have you and your husband been intimate since then?"

She blushed and shook her head, "yes we have been, but we always take precautions." Then she remembered the weekend Kaitlin slept over. That Saturday night she and Roy made love, but didn't use any protection. They weren't as diligent as they used to be and every once in awhile, they "cheated" the system. "There was a night recently…eh…we didn't use anything." She shook her head and hung it down in disbelief. "It can't be true. Are you sure?"

"Well, that's why I took blood. The urine tests are 99.9% accurate. The blood test is 100% accurate." He saw how visibly upset she was. "Are you okay? Do you want to call your husband?"

She shook her head no. In an unnerved voice she said, "No, just give me a few minutes."

"I understand JoAnne. This was the last thing you expected considering what you were planning to do. If you decide to have the baby, we still will need to discuss it. You should schedule your next appointment."

"What do you mean if….?"

"Well, there are options out there for you to consider. Go home and discuss it with your husband." Goldman saw how unsettled JoAnne was. "Stay in my office for as long as you need it JoAnne. He stood up and squeezed her shoulder, opened the door and walked out.

the story continues