A Wedge Between Friends   continued Jenny stayed overnight in the hospital.  She had plenty of time to think about her situation.  She figured she was about eight weeks pregnant so she knew she'd have a few weeks before she started to show.  She would have had a restless sleep if she hadn't been given a mild sedative.  Now, with everything she took, she had to think about the baby.  Brackett assured her that the diazepam would not hurt the baby.  He squeezed her hand when he told her that.  If only she would confide in him. Roy arranged to change his shift the day after Jenny's attack, so he and JoAnne could pick her up and bring her home.  Dixie gave her several days off to rest up and to heal her facial marks. Dixie jokingly said she didn't want her to scare the patients with the black and blue marks. Jen began to daydream while she was waiting for her parents to arrive to take her home. A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts,  "Come in," she said. Pushing the door open, Chris walked in carrying a stuffed white bear.  "How are ya feeling, Munchkin?" he said. Jenny's face brightened. "Chris, you didn't have to buy this for me!  I love it," she said as she held her arms out to grab the bear.  Chris leaned over and kissed his sister on her head. "Of course I didn't, but I wanted to.  Seeing you on the pavement, Jen, was really scary.  Are you okay?  Did the police talk to you?"  Chris sat down on the bed's edge. "Yeah, the police came by.  I told them what I remembered, which wasn't much.  But to answer your other questions, I'm okay.  I'm just gonna be sore for a while.  Dix gave me some time off to recover, so I'll be going home."  Jen made a face as a bit of nausea hit her. "You okay?"  Chris asked with concern.  "You look a little pale." Jen shifted in her bed.  She thought about confiding in Chris, but knew she couldn't.  She didn't know how Chris would react finding out that she was pregnant and that Johnny was the father.  She took a deep breath and continued, "I'm just tired." "Okay, I won't stay any longer."  Chris got up to leave.  "I'm pulling an extra shift tomorrow so I'll call you at home.  If Mom and Dad start getting to you, you can always camp out at my place when I'm on duty.  Mi casa es su casa," Chris said with a smile. Jenny tilted her head and grabbed her brother's arm.  A tear ran down her face.  "I don't know what I'd do without you Christopher DeSoto." Chris didn't expect his sister's sudden weeping.  He leaned over and held her while she cried.  "Come on Munchkin, let it all out."  Chris rubbed her back while Jen sobbed.  "It'll be okay.  I won't let anyone hurt you.  Don't worry about anything." Jen pulled back, looked up at her brother and smiled.  "Okay hose jockey, go on and get outta here."  Chris smiled back at his sister and messed up her hair before he left the room. Chris was walking out of the hospital when he ran into Johnny. He was in uniform and on his way to work. "Hey Chris, what brings you here on your day off?"  Johnny asked with a grin. "Oh hi, Captain Gage," Chris said with a bit of playful sarcasm. "Oh it's Captain Gage now.  I remember the days when the most you could say was Uncle Johnny." "Oh don't remind me!" Chris said jokingly.  His tone changed.  "To answer your question, Jen was assaulted last night." "SHE WAS WHAT?" "Yeah, after work some nut mugged her.  But, she's okay.  I just checked on her.  My folks are gonna pick her up soon." With a worried look on his face, Johnny asked, "What room is she in?  Why didn't anyone tell me?" "Captain, like I said, besides the bruises, she's okay.  She's in room 312." "Thanks, Chris."  Johnny said as he patted Chris on the back. He hurried as fast as he could into the hospital. His limp and using the cane prevented him from running. He acknowledged different staff members as he threaded his way through the hospital.  His concern for Jen increased as he waited for the elevator to arrive at the third floor.  Once outside Jenny's hospital room, Johnny took a deep breath before tapping on the door. "Come in," Jennifer said. When Johnny pushed the door open, Jenny's face lit up with both shock and joy at seeing Johnny there. "Can I come in, Jen?"  Johnny asked hiding his concern with a lopsided grin. Jenny sat up in her bed.  "Of course, you can come in." "Chris told me what happened, Angel.  Are you okay?"  Johnny asked as he moved closer to her bed. "Besides looking like I went ten rounds with Mohammad Ali, I guess I'm okay," Jenny chuckled slightly.  "I just have to take it easy for a few days, that's all," she continued with her eyes cast downward. Johnny walked over to her and touched her face.  "You still look beautiful to me, Jen.  Remember that." Johnny said leaning in and brushing a kiss over Jenny's puffy lips.  Jenny closed her eyes for a second and smiled savoring the kiss. Jenny then patted the bed so Johnny could sit. "Thanks. It's good to get off the old leg," he said grinning. Jenny then took Johnny's hand in hers and kissed it.  Johnny sighed, "I've been meaning to call you Jen, but I've been kinda busy."  What Johnny couldn't say was how could he call her at home and risk JoAnne or Roy answering the phone. "Johnny it's okay.  I understand."  Jen closed her eyes and took comfort that the man she loved was sitting next to her on the bed.  She looked up, "Johnny?" she said. "I need…" Roy pushing the door opened caused Jenny to stop mid sentence. "Johnny," Roy said a bit surprised to see his best friend sitting on his daughter's bed when he entered her hospital room. "What are you doing here?" Johnny quickly pulled his hand away from Jenny's and stood up when he heard Roy speak. Fearfully, Johnny turned to face his friend. "I found out a little while ago that Jenny was here, so I stopped by on my way to work, to see how she's doin'." "I'm glad you did Johnny," JoAnne said as she followed Roy into the room, preventing him from saying anything else. "After all, you are part of the family. I'm sorry. We should have called you last night, but it was late when Jenny was finally settled into her room." 'Part of the family, I only hope that you'll always think of me that way JoAnne. ' Johnny thought. "That's okay, JoAnne. No harm done. Look," Johnny said nervously checking his watch, "I'd better get going. I have a class that's probably already waiting for me." "Sure thing, Johnny. How about you drop by the house tonight for dinner?" Roy asked. "Yes Johnny. You have to come over for dinner. It's been quite some time since you've dropped by the house. We'd love to have you," JoAnne added. "Sounds good, JoAnne. Thanks. I'll see you both tonight. You too Jenny," Johnny replied lingering just a bit.  He looked at Jennifer and then he hurried out of the room. "See you tonight Johnny," Roy hollered after his departing friend. When the door closed he said to no one in particular, "I wonder what that was all about?" "Oh Daddy. You know Johnny. He's just being himself. Besides, he has a class waiting on him." Jenny answered.  She was happy that Johnny stopped by.  She wished she had more time to talk with him and perhaps tell him her news. "Guess you're right. Are you ready to leave yet?" Roy asked. "NO. I have to wait for my discharge papers. Don't tell me you've forgotten about that part of the stay in the hospital, Daddy." Roy laughed, "No. I haven't forgotten. It's just been a while that's all." "And if you ask me, it better be a good long time, and I mean a long time, before you have to stay in a hospital again," JoAnne added. "Yes Ma'am. I hear you." Roy asserted his understanding with a grin.  He put his arms around JoAnne and gave her a squeeze.  He was relieved that his daughter was okay. Before any more could be said, Dixie walked into the room pushing a wheel chair and clutching Jenny's discharge papers. "How about we get this show on the road?" Dixie asked. "Sounds good to me, Dixie," Jenny answered. Jenny didn't mind working in the hospital, but she really didn't like being a patient. ***** By midmorning, the ER was swamped due to a school bus accident. It was almost 2pm before Dixie could take a break and have her lunch. Walking into the gallery after purchasing a sandwich, Dixie found Johnny sitting alone at one of the tables. Dixie studied her friend for a moment. He seemed deep in thought as he both stared at and fingered his coffee cup. She wondered what was going through his mind. She wondered if he heard about Jenny's overnight stay in the hospital. Then she thought about her conversation with Jenny from the night before. Curiosity got the best of her.  She approached her friend. "A penny for your thoughts," she said. Johnny looked up and smiled, "Hi Dix." "May I join you?" "Of course," Johnny said standing and pulling a chair out. "I'm sorry. My manners are lacking. I guess my mind was somewhere else." "No need to apologize Johnny. You're a busy man with a hectic schedule," Dixie answered. Johnny smirked then nodded. "So do you want to talk about it," Dixie queried. "Talk about what?" Johnny asked. "What ever it is that has you a thousand miles away from here." "It's nothing, Dix." Johnny replied with his eyes downcast. "You can't fool me John Gage. I've known you for far too many years not to know when something is troubling you." "It's kinda hard to explain. Besides I'm not sure…lets just drop it Dixie." "I don't think so Johnny. Talk to me. I'm a good listener." Johnny realized that Dixie was right. She was a good listener. No matter what it was that plagued his mind over the years, she was always there to talk to no matter what.  She always remained neutral and never judged him. "It's a girl Dix." "I might have known, John Gage, that a woman would be involved somewhere. You get this way every time things get a bit serious in a relationship. So tell me, do I know this girl?" "Can't tell ya," Johnny chuckled. "What can you tell me then?" "Well, she's the most wonderful person in the world. She is everything I ever wanted in a woman and more," Johnny said smiling. "Then what's the problem?" "Dixie, she's younger than me." "So?" "She's a lot younger than me." "I see." "It's not what you think Dix. I love her and she loves me, but…" "But you're afraid to commit." "No. Not really. I don't want her family to be disappointed in her or me. I don't want my friends to get disappointed with me and end up hating me. It's complicated Dixie. Too complicated to even explain." Dixie placed her hand over Johnny's. "Johnny, talk to me. I promise I won't be disappointed in you." Dixie was almost certain that Johnny was referring to Jenny. She knew, no matter what, both of them would need a sympathetic ear, and soon. Johnny paused knowing he would have to tell someone at some point.  He looked up at Dixie and took a deep breath. "Dixie, I'm in love with Jennifer DeSoto."  He looked at Dixie to see her reaction and was surprised to find none. Dixie paused before answering.  She played with her coffee cup.  "I see." "Is that all you're gonna say, Dix?  You're not gonna yell at me and tell me I'm crazy?  Come on, out with it.  God knows I'm tearing myself up over it," Johnny said. "Johnny, how long have we known each other?  Don't answer.  I've known you long enough to know I want you to be happy.  All of your friends, including Roy and JoAnne, want you to be happy.  Whether they'll accept you and Jen, I can't say.  But she's an adult and she can make her own decisions. She is the one that will have to live with the consequences." "I know, Dix, but am I ready to live with those consequences?"  Johnny wanted to continue but his beeper went off.  He looked at the number then said, "Well, I gotta go, but thanks Dix.  I had to tell someone."  Johnny slowly got up from his chair.  He grabbed Dixie's arm and gave it a squeeze, then walked lamely away. Dixie continued to drink her coffee wondering what was going to happen when Johnny found out he was going to be a father. *** From the time the DeSotos arrived home, Roy and JoAnne did nothing but fuss over Jenny.  JoAnne wanted to make sure she was comfortable.  Roy kept peeking in on her to see that she was okay.  After several hours of being observed, Jen had enough.  She put on her sweats and went to confront her parents. "Mom? Dad?  Can I talk to you?" JoAnne put her book down and Roy came into the living room. "Is everything okay?"  Roy asked. "Yes, Dad, everything is okay.  I know I'm living under your roof, but PLEASE, stop checking on me.  I'm okay.  I'm more than okay.  You're making me crazy!"  "Well honey, we're concerned about you.  You lived in Boston for five years and we worried long distance.  I guess all of that is coming out now."  JoAnne said. Roy was not happy with what Jennifer said.  He walked over to his daughter.  "You're right.  We are a bit overprotective. But you're living with us and you're gonna have to tolerate it."  He put his arms around his daughter and kissed her on her head.  He was holding her when Jen clutched her stomach.  The paramedic in Roy noticed his daughter tense up. "Jen, honey, are you okay?  Is it your ribs?" JoAnne walked over to Jen.  "Come on let's sit down."  Roy and JoAnne both noticed that Jennifer was shaking. Alarmed, they guided Jenny over to the couch and had her sit down between them. "Jen, what's wrong, honey?  Why are you shaking?"  JoAnne asked with concern.  She didn't want to tell them, but knew she couldn't keep her pregnancy from them.  She took a deep breath. "I have something to tell you both and I want you to hear me out before you jump to any conclusions."  Roy and JoAnne looked at one another, then at Jennifer.  "Okay sweetie. Talk to us. Tell us what it is." JoAnne said with a soothing voice. Jenny glanced first at her father, then at her mother. Taking a deep breath, she uttered, "I'm pregnant." "YOU'RE WHAT?"  Roy yelled as he stood up.  JoAnne raised her hand to her mouth. "Yes, Dad, I'm pregnant.  The hospital ran blood tests and confirmed it." Roy was clearly agitated.  "When did this happen?  Who is the goddamn father?  Jen do you know what this means?" Jennifer stood up.  She played this scene out in her head many times, but it didn't prepare her for her father's anger.  "Dad, it doesn't matter when this happened.  I'm not going to tell you who the father is.  And yes, I know what it means to be a single mother.  It's the 90's Dad and I can take care of myself." "With what, may I ask?  You are living at home, paying off your college debts and you've just started a career.  Please explain to us how you are going to get through this?" JoAnne stood up and walked over to Roy.  "Roy, you're overreacting." "OVERREACTING?  OVERREACTING?  Whaddya mean?  She's only 23 and has her whole life ahead of her and she does this.  If I find out who the son of a bitch is that did this..." he trailed off. JoAnne looked at Jennifer.  "Honey, I thought you were on the pill?" "Mom I was, but the script got messed up when I moved home. I missed taking it for a couple of days.  Believe me, this is not what I had in mind."  Jen looked down realizing this conversation was not going the way she expected. A knock at the door interrupted the tension.  JoAnne looked at a clearly shaken Roy. "I'll bet that's Johnny.  The one time he's early..." JoAnne moved her hands over her hair.  Roy looked down at Jennifer who was now sobbing. JoAnne walked over to the door and opened it.  She saw Johnny standing there with a bottle of wine in hand and a lopsided grin on his face. "Hello JoAnne," he said.  "I got out a bit early so I figured I come by and see how Jenny's doing." "Come in Johnny." JoAnne said a bit glumly, stepping back from the door. As Johnny entered the house he detected a chill and instantly picked up on the somber mood that seemed to encompass the house. The grin he sported faded as he walked into the living room and heard Jenny sobbing. "What's wrong?" he asked with alarm. Jenny looked up at Johnny, then quickly jumped off the couch and ran to her room, slamming the door behind her. Roy still stood near the couch, trying to regain his composure. Although Roy thought of Johnny as his best friend and considered him part of the family, he wasn't sure he wanted to confide in him what Jenny just told them only moments before. Part of him was angry as hell with his daughter and another part of him was embarrassed. He wondered where he and JoAnne went wrong while rearing their daughter. "Roy?" Johnny said becoming anxious. "Johnny. I don't know if dinner tonight is such…" "Roy," JoAnne said cutting her husband off.  "We invited Johnny to dinner and he's staying. Why don't you both head on out to the deck and relax for a bit while I check on dinner," she said looking at Roy with pleading eyes.  Roy nodded. He came to the realization over the last several minutes, that it didn't matter how upset he got or how much he yelled at Jenny, nothing was going to change the fact she was pregnant. Taking a deep breath, Roy motioned for Johnny to follow him. "Would you like a beer?" he asked. "Sure, Roy, that sounds fine," Johnny replied as he followed his friend through the kitchen. They stopped at the fridge long enough to grab a couple beers, and then went out onto the deck. Taking a seat in one of the lounge chairs, Roy took a long pull on his beer. He sighed and then looked at his friend. If Johnny didn't know any better, he could have sworn that Roy had aged ten years since he saw him earlier that day. "What's up?" Johnny asked arching his brow. "Johnny. I've tried to be a good father. I raised my kids to not only respect other people, but to respect themselves. JoAnne and I instilled our values into both of them, hoping they would choose the right path in life. I don't know where we went wrong. I…" "Roy. You're starting to scare me. Has something happened to one of the kids?" Roy looked into Johnny face with sorrow etched on his own. "Jenny's pregnant," he whispered before dropping his gaze to the deck. Johnny wasn't sure what he heard.  "Say again, Roy.  She's pregnant?"  Johnny said putting his beer down. Roy looked up at his long time friend.  "Yeah, you heard me.  She's with child."  Roy said as he looked down at his beer. Johnny did the mental calculation and knew that it was his child.  He took a long hard swallow on his beer and didn't say anything. "If I find out who the son of a bitch is that did this to her, I'm gonna kill him." Roy said as his face flushed.  "I want to kill her too.  How could she throw her entire life away like this?"  Roy got up and paced. "Roy, ya gotta calm down.  This will work out." "Johnny, you're my friend, but you don't know how this is." "Why?  Are you afraid what people are gonna say about you, Roy?" Roy looked at Johnny and never thought his partner would respond like this.  It's almost as if Johnny was defending Jennifer.  If Roy weren't so distracted, he would have figured out where his daughter was two months ago. "Johnny, it's just that she's too young to have to go through this.  Jo and I didn't want our kids to have to go through what we did.  I think you know that Chris wasn't exactly planned." "Yeah, Roy.  I know." "Not that it's a bad thing, Johnny, but it kept me and JoAnne from pursuing other options." *** While Johnny and Roy were outside talking, JoAnne went upstairs to talk with Jennifer. "Jen, can I come in?"  JoAnne asked as she knocked on her daughter's bedroom door. "Sure mom."  JoAnne pushed the bedroom door open and walked into her daughter's room. JoAnne found her daughter with teary, bloodshot eyes.  Taking a deep breath, JoAnne walked toward Jenny's bed and sat down. "Mom, I didn't expect this to happen; you've got to believe me."  Jennifer said between sobs. Gathering her daughter in her arms, JoAnne said, "I know honey.  Does Chris know?" Jen looked up. "No mom, I haven't told him yet." "So what do you plan to do?  Does the father know?" "No." "When do you plan to tell him?" "I'm not sure I am, mom."  Jennifer said, wiping the tears away from her eyes. "What do you mean, Jen?  It's his fault too." "Fault?" Jenny said half glaring at her mother. "Mom, do you think that you can chock this up to just being someone's fault?"  Jennifer said agitated. "Well, the father has moral and financial obligations to you.  Why? Was this a one-night stand, Jen?  Is this why you won't tell us who the father is? "Why is so important for everyone to know who the father is?  I can't take this anymore!" Jenny yelled jumping off the bed. "Okay, Jen, calm down.  I only want to do what's right for you and the baby.  Have you considered an abortion?" Jennifer was surprised by her mother's question.  "No mom. I want to have this baby." Holding her daughter's hand JoAnne said, "I'll do anything I can to help you, honey.  But, I can't speak for your father.  It's going to take a while for him to understand." "Oh Mom," Jenny sobbed as she embraced her mother. **** Outside on the deck, Roy continued to pace. The more he talked to Johnny about how his daughter ruined her life the more frustrated he became. Johnny on the other hand listened intently to his best friend, wondering how long their friendship would remain intact once Roy found out the truth. That he was the father of Jenny's baby. "Johnny, I don't understand how you can sit there so calmly. I mean Jenny has ruined her life." "Roy. I know it may seem like that, but…" "But what Johnny?" "Roy. Would it be okay if I talked to her?" Roy sighed. "I suppose. I can't see any harm in it. I know how close you two have been over the years," he said. "Heck, maybe she'll tell you who the father is," Roy snorted. Johnny swallowed the lump that had risen into his throat. 'Tell me who the father is. Believe me, Roy, she doesn't have to. I already know.' he thought. "I'll be back in a bit, Roy," Johnny said standing. Roy nodded then grabbed his beer from the patio table. He drew a long pull on the bottle as he watched his best friend enter his home. ******* A soft knock at the bedroom door interrupted JoAnne consoling her daughter. "Yes?" Jenny choked out between sobs. "It's me Jenny. May I come in?" Johnny whispered. Jenny squeezed her eyes shut. "Yes," she answered. Pulling away from her mother, Jenny grabbed a Kleenex to blow her nose. "I'll be downstairs, Jenny," JoAnne said. As the older woman walked from the room, with a slight smile she gave Johnny's arm a little squeeze. Johnny placed his hand over JoAnne's giving it a slight squeeze, but he couldn't meet her gaze nor could he return her smile. Once JoAnne left the room, Johnny leaned his head against the closed bedroom door. He sighed heavily before he turned to face his Angel. "Jenny," he said. Jenny couldn't face the man she loved. She was ashamed at how things had gone with her parents, especially with her father. "Jenny, honey. Please. We need to talk." "Why? So you can tell me I've ruined my life too? So you can tell me you don't want anything more to do with me?" "No Jenny," Johnny replied as he approached his Angel. "So I can tell you how much I love you. So I can tell you that you're not going to have to do this alone. So I can tell you how much I want you and our baby in my life," he said wrapping his arms around the woman he had come to love deeply. "Oh Johnny. What are we going to do?" "We need to tell you parents the truth no matter how much it may hurt." Jenny turned in Johnny's arms. "I don't think I can, Johnny. I love you, but…" "Jenny, sooner or later Roy and JoAnne will find out. I want, no I need, for it to be now. This can't wait. I want them to know tonight, that I love you and I'm taking full responsibility for you and our child." "He'll hate you." "Then he'll have to hate me, Jenny. I love you. Isn't that what matters? Isn't that what you told me that night at my ranch?" "Oh Johnny, I love you so very much," Jenny answered embracing him. After several minutes of calming Jenny's fears, Johnny grabbed a couple Kleenex so his Angel could wipe away her tears and blow her nose. Once composed, he and Jenny made their way out to the deck where Roy sat still fuming with JoAnne by his side. Roy looked up when his best friend and daughter walked out of the house. "Well?" he said staring at his daughter. "Roy. JoAnne. Jenny and I have something we need to tell you," Johnny started. "What?" Roy said. Johnny held Jenny's hand tight. He glanced first at her, then over at Roy and JoAnne. "A couple months ago, the night of her graduation dinner, she spent the night at my ranch." "I remember," Roy answered, suddenly not liking where this conversation was headed. Roy had a sick feeling come over him as he began to interpret the words Johnny was saying. "Roy. Jenny and I have been in love with each other for sometime now. That night at the ranch we expressed that love we have for each other. Roy, JoAnne - Jenny and I never planned on her getting pregnant. I want you to know…" "You bastard!" Roy yelled as he jumped up. "You're supposed to be my best friend and this is how you repay me? You screw my daughter and get her pregnant…" "Roy. You have to believe me it's not like that. I love Jenny. She…" "Love? You're old enough to be her father. You son of a bitch!" Roy seethed. "How could you do this to her, to me, to her mother? Have you been that hard up since your accident that you have to go after little girls?  I want you out of my house," Roy roared. "Roy. Please. You have…" "Get out before I through you out! I never want to see you again. You hear me Gage??" Roy screamed. Roy then directed his attention to Jenny. "And you! I am so ashamed of you.  I don't know who you are anymore Jennifer.  You are not my daughter.  I want you to leave too."  Roy yelled pointing his finger. "Daddy. Please." "Get out," Roy barked. "Now. Get out, both of you." Jenny couldn't help the tears that streamed down her face as Johnny guided her to the front door. Never once did she think her father would treat her like this. Throw her out of her home with nothing but the clothes on her back. "Don't ever come back, either of you. Do you hear me?" Roy shouted as the front door slammed shut. Instantly Johnny became aware of how tender his leg was as he hobbled across the front yard ushering Jenny to his Rover. Both Jenny and Johnny took one last look at the DeSoto house as Johnny pulled away from the curb. *** The drive back to Johnny's ranch was quiet.  Jennifer cried the entire way.  Johnny tried to reach out to her, but she pushed him away.  When they got to his house, he slowly got out of his truck.  He came around to Jennifer's side and opened the door.  He saw she wasn't moving, so he picked her up and started to walk to the house without his cane.  She wrapped her arms around his neck as he slowly made his way to the door. "Jen, I need to put you down to open the door." She nodded and stood up as Johnny lowered her onto his porch. Johnny opened his door and turned on the lights.  The two walked in. "Johnny, what am I going to do?  I can't believe my father threw me out." Johnny motioned for Jen to join him on his sofa.  She followed his gesture and sat down.  Johnny put his arms around her as she sobbed into his chest.  He held her and comforted her. "Jen, it will all work out.  You have to have faith.  I will not let anything happen to you.  I don't want you to ever worry that you are alone or unloved."  He ran his hands through her hair. Jenny pulled her head out from Johnny's chest.  Her tear streaked face and red eyes couldn't dim the glow.  "I love you Johnny." Johnny looked into Jen's eyes. "I love you too," he replied claiming her mouth in a fiery kiss.  As the kiss intensified, their desire to be with each other increased. Johnny grasped Jenny's hand and guided her up the stairs to his bedroom. Being careful of her tender body, Johnny slowly removed her clothes. Once he helped her into his bed, he removed his own clothes and joined her. Slowly and passionately Johnny made love to his Angel. He memorized every mole, crevice, indentation, and crease on her body as he claimed her as his own yet again. Fatigue finally claimed the two lovers after hours of rekindling their love for each other; Johnny and Jenny fell asleep in each other's arms for what remained of the night.  *^*^* After that tumultuous night, Jenny and Johnny got into a routine.  Although Jenny was banned from her home, Chris arranged for her to pick up her possessions and car.  At first Chris was a bit shocked when Jenny told him about Johnny and her pregnancy.  He never stopped loving his sister nor did he hate Johnny. He understood the bond that he watched grow between them over the years.  Chris waited at the DeSoto home and helped his sister pack her belongings to move out to Johnny's ranch. Roy and JoAnne made themselves visibly absent as their two children completed the task. Jenny was grateful to have a place to go, but she could not forget that this was Johnny's home that she was moving into.  Although they professed their love for one another, Johnny made no attempt to formalize their relationship.  Jenny had to be satisfied that she had a home to live in and she was with the man she loved. JoAnne stood at the window of her living room and watched her daughter drive away. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. Worry crept into her heart wondering if she would ever be able to be a part of her daughter's life. So far, Roy was adamant about no contact. Reluctantly, JoAnne abided by his wishes. *** By the third month, Jennifer was beginning to show.  People started to gossip, but no one except Dixie, knew who the father was.  When together at work, Johnny and Jennifer maintained their professional guise.  They had enough to worry about and didn't need to add to the rumor mill. Without her mom, Jennifer relied more and more on Dixie for comfort.  The two women would spend their lunches together and on their days off would go shopping for maternity and baby items.  Dixie spent many days at Johnny's house helping them set up the baby's room. Dixie was pleased with how Johnny and Jennifer's relationship was growing.  She saw for herself how the two deeply cared for each other.  In the beginning, Dixie wondered if the two would last given Johnny's age and Jennifer's inexperience with relationships.  But over time, she saw how well the two related.  Dixie was sad that Roy and JoAnne were missing out on this.  However, it didn't stop Dixie from working with them and sharing in their happiness. *** "Johnny, do you wanna work on the baby's room this weekend?"  Johnny and Jen were in his living room looking at some baby catalogs.   Johnny got up and went into his den.  When he came out he had blueprints with him. "What's that?" Jen asked. Johnny sat down next to Jen and kissed her swollen belly and said, "hi baby."  Jenny giggled.  He started to tickle her and she defended herself by tickling him back.  She was pleasantly surprised about how ticklish he was. "No fair, no fair, uncle, uncle!"  Johnny said.  The two stopped laughing to catch their breath.  Jenny took Johnny's hand and placed it on her belly." "Wow, Jen, the baby's moving again." "I guess she's ticklish too."  Jen replied. "She?"  Johnny asked. "Yup, we're gonna have a girl."  Jenny looked into Johnny's eyes and saw the awe in his face. "Ya know Jen, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever be a daddy.  Sure, I had plenty o'times with you and Chris growing up, but that doesn't make up for having one of your own.  Angel, you've made an prehistoric man very happy."  "Old man?  Is that what you consider yourself John Gage.  I'll have you know you are not old.  You were always so much fun to play with.  You always listened to me rattle on.  And how you used to play with me and my dolls.  Are you having a little pity party right now."  Jennifer asked Johnny with sincerity. "Nah, I'm just feeling my age, thas all." "Well get over it, Johnny."  Jennifer got up to get herself some water.  Johnny followed her into the kitchen. "What's wrong, Angel?" "Johnny, I know you love me, but, I'm scared about how temporary everything is." "Whoa, Jen, what's temporary?" "I've never pressured you, Johnny, but I need to know where I stand, where we stand." Johnny knew where Jennifer was heading.  He knew this conversation was long time in coming.  He ran his hand through his hair, which was a very old nervous habit.  "Jenny, I'm just not ready, right now."  What Johnny didn't want to say was that he wanted her parent's blessing before he proposed and he saw no way to get it.  He did decide that when the baby was born, he would propose whether Roy and JoAnne approved or not.  "Jenny, just give me a little more time.  You are very important to me.  I know you know that.  Our baby is equally important.  I've seen many more relationships than you have, Jen.  I want you to see what you're getting yourself into." "Johnny.  I told you before, I'm not afraid of us.  I just wish you would get over your fear too." Johnny took Jenny's hand and led her back into the living room and picked up the blueprints. "I'm gonna make this."  He showed her the blueprints for a cradle.  I started to work on it and I'm gonna make it for our baby, for us.  You see Jen, I know there's an us.  I know it in my heart.  I just gotta get my brain to agree.  Come here."  He gathered her in his arms and whispered in her ear, "I'll always love you Angel. Always." Jenny buried her head in Johnny chest. She closed her eyes tight and prayed that Johnny's words were genuine. After a few treasured moments securely wrapped in the arms of the man she loved, Jenny pulled back and looked Johnny in the eyes. "I have something I want to show you," she said. "I'll be right back." Jenny walked out of the room. Johnny heard her as she pranced up the stairs. It seemed to him as her pregnancy progressed, Jenny's steps got heavier as she walked through the house. Before he knew it, Jenny was back by his side. She was hiding something behind her back and was acting a bit sneaky the way her face curled up in a smile. "So, What do you have, Angel," he asked. "What do I get if I show you?" "I don't know," he said slyly. "Maybe I will have to tickle you again," he reminded her as he made a quick dash to grasp her only, his leg had other ideas and he landed on the couch as he groaned in pain. Alarmed, Jenny dropped the package she was carrying and quickly went to Johnny's side. "Johnny? Are you okay?" "I'm fine, Angel. I kinda forgot about the leg for a sec," he answered as he grimaced in pain. "You're not okay, Johnny. Let me see," Jenny answered, her nursing instincts taking over. Jenny carefully ran her hands over Johnny's leg. When she arrived at his knee he cringed. "It's you knee again, isn't it?" Johnny nodded. "It'll be okay though. I just have to stay off it for a bit." "I'll get an ice pack," Jenny replied. "I'll be right back." Minutes later, Johnny was sitting back on the couch, with his leg resting on a cushion that was propped on the coffee table. Jenny then applied the ice pack. "Thanks, Angel," he said his eyes beaming his love for her. "I'd do anything for you, Johnny. I love you," Jenny said settling in beside the man she loved. "I love you too, Angel," Johnny replied. "So tell me, what's in the package?" Jenny smiled as she leaned over to pick up the bag she had dropped onto the floor. Before she leaned back against Johnny, she was rewarded with a kick. Jenny rubbed her belly, "Your daughter is getting very active." Johnny leaned over as best as he could without disturbing his leg and whispered into Jenny's belly. "Hi baby. You need to let mommy have a rest for a bit. We can play later," he said before he kissed Jenny's belly. "You are so silly, Johnny," Jenny laughed. She then pulled the item out of the bag she had in her hand. "See, Isn't it adorable. I couldn't resist buying it when I saw it." "Oh Jenny, this is such a pretty little sweater set. The way it is made makes it look so lacy and it's pink. Our daughter will look like a princess dressed in this." "That's what I thought." "I can hardy wait till we can bring our little one home, Jenny. I promise you, I'll be the best daddy that she could ever have." "I know you will Johnny. If you're anything like you were with me while I was growing up, our daughter will have the best daddy in the entire world." Johnny wrapped his arms around his Angel and kissed her on top of her head. "I will be, I promise." Jenny hugged Johnny tight. She closed her eyes and envisioned the man she loved playing with their daughter. Jenny smiled. She was certain Johnny was whom she wanted in her life, forever. *** "Chris, I'm so glad you could make it for dinner."  JoAnne said as she hugged her son. "Hey Mom, anytime you make lasagna, you know I'll come over.  Where's Dad?" "Oh he's in his den, reading.  He spends so much time reading.  I think he reads to escape…." JoAnne trailed off. "How are you doing, Mom, really?"  Chris sat down at the kitchen table with JoAnne. "Oh, I miss Jen, but at least I know she's doing well.  Between the updates you give me I know she's okay.  I just miss her." "I know Mom.  I just wish…" Chris trailed off as Roy walked into the kitchen.  Chris stood up and hugged his father. "I didn't hear you come in Chris.  I'm glad you came for dinner."  Roy said as he sat down at the table to join them." So tell me.  Did anything fun happen at work recently?"  Roy asked with a grin.  The two loved to talk about their rescues comparing stories. "Well, Jeff and I had a funny one the other day.  You know, these unknown type rescues.  This woman called us from her cell phone.  It seems her toe got stuck in the jet of her jacuzzi.  The police busted the door so we could get in and what do we find?  This drop dead gorgeous woman, very naked with her toe in distress.  I never saw Jeff turn so red.  But this woman was cool, with her nakedness.  I mean she had a body…."Chris stopped as he realized his mom was sitting there.  He smiled. "Honey, didn't you and Johnny have a rescue like that?"  JoAnne asked. "I don't wanna to talk about him."  Roy said, gritting his teeth. "Roy, it's just a yes or no question."  JoAnne said bluntly. Roy got up and pulled three beers out from the refrigerator. Chris wanted to confront his father about his sister's situation so he continued the topic his mother started.  "I was over at Johnny's the other day.  You should see what they've done to the baby's room.  They painted it in pastel colors.  Johnny's even making a cradle.  And all of the yellow baby clothes….."  Chris didn't finish as Roy stood up. "Chris, what is it you don't understand.  I said I don't want to talk about him or her.  They're dead as far as I'm concerned." Chris stood up to confront his father.  "When did you get so old Dad?  You know I think a part of you died when Johnny was shot six years ago.  I'm so sick of this, that I can't talk about my sister here.  And how you don't or should I say won't let Mom…" "That's enough Chris."  JoAnne said.  Roy looked at Chris with bitterness in his eyes.  Chris saw his father's raw emotions.   "I'm outta here."  He went to his mom and kissed her and left through the side door. JoAnne looked at Roy. Tears began to rim her eyes. Her lip began to quiver as anger erupted through her. "What are you trying to do Roy DeSoto, push my son out of my life too?" "No, but he needs to respect my wishes and not talk about that man or his sister around me." "That man. That man's name is John Gage and he is taking care of our daughter for us. He…" "JoAnne. I'm not going to stand here and listen to this." "When are you going to listen Roy, when?" JoAnne seethed. "I'm not going to lose my daughter just because you can't accept…" "Accept what JoAnne. That trash, who ruined our daughter's life." "Johnny isn't trash. He's a good decent…" "Decent. No, JoAnne. John Gage hasn't got a decent bone in his body. I doubt he ever will." "I don't understand you, Roy. Where has all this hate come from? You were never like this. Never! Maybe Chris is right. Maybe a part of you died six years ago when Johnny was shot. Because you've never been the same since then.  Are you so angry because Johnny took a bullet meant for Jennifer?" "You know what Jo, maybe it wouldn't have been better if John Gage died that day. Then our daughter wouldn't be pregnant now." "Is that what you think Roy? Is that how you honestly feel? Well I'm gonna tell you something. If John Gage died up on that mountain six years ago, our kids would have been devastated. I know I would have and I'm sure you would have been too. And if it wasn't John Gage that got our daughter pregnant, it would be someone else, probably someone less desirable than he. Someone that didn't give a damm about Jenny." JoAnne yelled. Roy snorted. "I don't think so, JoAnne. They would have gotten over it and got on with their lives, just like I would have." "Oh really. Look at yourself Roy. Do you even know who you are anymore, because I certainly don't? That caring compassionate man, I met when I was nine years old, that I grew up with, that I married, is gone. I don't know where he is, but he is certainly not you!" Roy tossed his hands in the air. "I see that ingrate has even warped your mind. Don't you see JoAnne? He's no good and never has been. I wish I saw that a long time ago. Then maybe Jenny getting pregnant could have been avoided." "The only person's mind here that is warped is yours Roy." Roy shook his head. He then turned and started to walk out of the kitchen. "Where are you going?" JoAnne asked. "Out!" "Where?" "Any place but here. I'm not gonna stay and listen to any more about how you think John Gage is so righteous and I'm the one who is immoral because of my views." Before JoAnne could say any more, Roy was gone from the kitchen.  Then she heard the front door slam shut. "Dammit," she cursed. "Why is all of this happening? Oh god I miss my daughter," she sobbed.    ******* One day into Jenny's eighth month of pregnancy, she and Dixie stopped at a small luncheonette after doing some shopping for the baby. As the two women waited for their late lunch to be served, Jenny excused herself to pay a visit to the ladies room. When lunch was finally served, and Jenny hadn't returned, a concerned Dixie walked to the ladies room to see what was keeping her young friend. When Dixie knocked on the door of the rest room and received no answer, she opened the door and found Jenny lying on the floor. She gasped when she saw the blood that was collecting on the young woman's skirt. Dixie hollered to a passing waitress to call for a squad and ambulance and then she hurried into the small room to check on Jenny. "Jenny. Sweetheart," Dixie soothed as she knelt beside the young woman and began to assess Jenny's situation. "Dixie," Jenny whispered. "It hurts. It hurts real bad." "I know sweetheart. Help is on the way," Dixie replied keeping her professional frame of mind. "I need to check you out, okay." Jenny nodded. Tears streamed down the young woman's face as Dixie checked her pulse and respiration. "Dixie. I don't want to loose the baby." "You just relax, everything is going to be okay." "I need Johnny, Dixie," Jenny croaked out between sobs. "As soon as we get you to Rampart, he will be the first one I call." "Dixie, call my mom," Jenny croaked out as a contraction hit making her curl up in the fetal position. "Hurts," she slurred. "I will Jenny. I promise," Dixie cooed. Looking up, Dixie noticed the waitress she had told to call for help. "Did you call for that squad?" "Yes, an ambulance too. They are on the way," the woman replied. "Is she going to be okay?" Dixie nodded. Before any more could be said, the sound of sirens could be heard outside the diner. The waitress ran to the front door so she could guide the paramedics back to the ladies room. Dixie looked up as the two young men entered the small room. "Chris. Jeff," she acknowledged. "Jenny's gone into labor. Her water broke and she's hemorrhaging." Although panicked for his sister, Chris maintained his composure to complete the tasks necessary before transporting her to the hospital. He opened up the bio-phone to contact Rampart while Jeff set up the OB kit to check Jenny out. Dixie made use of the BP cuff and collected another set of vitals. Luckily, it was Brackett who took the call. Chris relayed Jeff's finding and the vitals Dixie had taken. Brackett ordered an IV and to transport immediately. Dixie noted Brackett's tone over the bio-phone and she knew the normally rigid doctor was worried. Jeff quickly inserted the IV then he and Chris helped the ambulance attendants load Jenny on the gurney. Dixie rode with Jeff in the ambulance the few miles to Rampart. Chris followed with the squad. **** When Chris arrived at Rampart, he called his folks to let them know about Jenny. Of course Roy's opinion hadn't changed much from when he first discovered Jenny was carrying Johnny's child. "Chris. You can be with your sister if you want, but your mother and I aren't coming to the hospital." "But dad. She could…" "This was her doing Chris. She was the one who chose to live this life. She…" Chris held the phone away from his ear and sighed. Suddenly he heard his mother's voice in the background. "I don't care what you say Roy. She's still my daughter and I fully intend on seeing her. She needs me." "She's got that lecher she's been living with. Let him take care of her." "That's exactly what he's been doing, taking care of our daughter ever since you tossed her out of our home with nothing. Roy, they love each other and we are going to have to accept that." "John Gage has never loved anyone in his life. I don't even think he loves himself." "How can you say that about a man you once called friend?" "Friend? I don't think so. I wish we never met. I wish we were never partners. I wish I never heard the name John Gage. Look at what he's done to me, to you? He's taken our daughter, a girl he's old enough to be a father to and look what he did to her. He got her pregnant.  A man his age getting a little girl pregnant. He should be shot." "I guess you forget Roy, but Johnny was shot."  JoAnne said softly.  Then her tone changed, "No Roy. If anyone should be shot it's you for being so close-minded. Have you forgotten how many times Johnny saved your life while you were partners?" "He only did that so he'd look like a big hero to everyone. He never cared about me. Never." "If that's the way you see things, Roy, then fine. You can sit here and sulk for all I care. I'm going to the hospital to see my daughter," Joanne yelled. "JoAnne! JoAnne! Dammit JoAnne, get back here!" Roy shouted.  When Chris heard the door slam, he didn't wait to see if his father would come back on the line. He hung up the phone and returned to wait by the treatment room where his sister was. As he approached, Chris glanced up and noticed Johnny stepping off the elevator. Even with the limp, Johnny was hurrying towards him. "Chris. Where is she?" Johnny asked worried evident in his voice. "She's still in there," Chris answered gesturing to the treatment room. "What happened?" "She went into labor, Johnny. She was also hemorrhaging." Panic surged through Johnny at hearing Chris's words. He made a lunge for the treatment room door.  Chris reached out to grab Johnny to stop him. "Let me go Chris. I need to see her." "No. Not until the Doc's are finished." Johnny tried to escape the hold Chris had on him, but his disability prevented him from doing so. Dixie heard the commotion and hurried outside the treatment room. "Johnny. Please. Stop," Dixie pleaded with her friend. "Dixie. Please. I have to see her," Johnny implored. "In a few minutes," she answered. Dixie didn't wait; she wrapped her arms around her friend, giving him some physical and emotional support. Once Dixie had Johnny calmed and reassured, she remained outside the treatment room with her friend until Doctor Brackett and Doctor Larson completed their exam of Jenny. Almost twenty minutes later, Dixie glanced up and spotted JoAnne hurrying around the corner and down the hall towards them. What surprised her was the fact Roy was following his wife. "Dixie," JoAnne said worriedly. Dixie released her hold on Johnny and stepped over to JoAnne. She placed her hand on JoAnne's arm. "Jenny is still inside. Dr. Brackett is with her. She went into labor and began to hemorrhage." JoAnne gasped, "Is she going to lose the baby?" "Right now, Dr. Brackett and Doctor Larson are in with her. They should be out in a few minutes and we'll know more then." Before JoAnne could say any more, the treatment room door opened and both doctors walked out. Doctor Brackett scanned the faces that stood waiting for news. Although it wasn't under the best of circumstances he was pleased to see both Roy and JoAnne there. "Doctor Brackett. How's Jenny?" JoAnne asked. Hearing Brackett's name, Johnny turned to face the doctor. His eyes emanated sorrow and worry. Brackett noted this in his friend. As he spoke, he maintained eye contact with Johnny. "Jenny isn't doing very well I'm afraid. So far the baby is okay, but we are going to have to do a cesarean section right away. Jenny is not dilating and she's hemorrhaging too much to wait. We are prepping her for surgery now." "Can I see her Doctor Brackett for a few minutes," JoAnne pleaded. "Of course you can." Johnny desperately wanted to see his Angel. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, but he didn't want to intrude on JoAnne's visit. He was surprised when JoAnne reached out her hand to him. "Johnny. Please come with me," she asked.  Tears rimmed his eyes as he grasped JoAnne's hand. Together they walked into the treatment room.  The sight of JoAnne reaching out to Johnny infuriated Roy. He waited till the door was closed then looked at his son. "I'm leaving. Let your mother know." "Where are you going dad?" Chris asked "Home," he answered gruffly before turning and walking out of the ER. As they walked into the room together, Jenny was lying on the gurney.  A nurse was checking her IV.  Johnny walked over to her but let JoAnne speak to her first. "Jenny." "Mom. I'm afraid," Jenny said. "Honey, don't be," JoAnne held Jenny's hand.  Johnny stood off to the side.  "You're in the best of care.  You and the baby will be okay."  JoAnne didn't want to stress her daughter by staying long.  She knelt down and kissed Jenny on the head. "I'll be here when you wake up.  And we'll have two reasons to celebrate.  The little life inside you will be making a debut.  Now, don't worry."  JoAnne released Jenny's grip and moved away and motioned for Johnny to come over. He slowly walked over feeling more than his 44 years.  He took Jenny's hand and leaned over so that only Jenny could hear what he had to say.  Jenny looked like a frightened child.  "Angel, how are you feeling?" He asked softly. "Johnny, I'm so scared.  I don't want to lose the baby.  I don't want to die.  There's so much I want to do." With one hand, Johnny moved Jenny's hair off of her face and stroked her head.  With his other hand he tightly held her hand. "That feels nice Johnny.  I remember when you were shot and I did the same thing to you, to comfort you." "Shhh Angel.  Don't think of bad times.  Think of all the good things ahead.  Think of all the diapers we're gonna change." "Johnny, do you know how to change a diaper?" she laughed and then grimaced in pain. "Jenny.  I don't want you to worry.  You are going to come out of this to find a beautiful baby when you wake up.  Just think about all the baby names we discussed.  I'll be here, with your mom, when you wake up." As Johnny finished saying this, Dr Larson and Dr Brackett reentered the room.  Johnny stood up but didn't release his grip on Jennifer.  Brackett walked over to them.  JoAnne stayed in the back of the room. "Jennifer, I have to ask you this.  If it's a choice between you or the baby…" Johnny didn't let Brackett finish.  "Doc, it's Jennifer."  He looked at Jennifer who was going to say something.  Johnny put his finger over her lips.  "No arguments on this one, Jen, it's you." "Okay.  We have to take her now." Johnny bent down and kissed Jenny.  "Remember what I said." The attendants wheeled Jennifer from the treatment room. "I'll let you know as soon as we're done.  Don't worry."  Brackett said, as he followed the gurney. Johnny dejectedly looked at JoAnne and walked over to her.  "Jo, I don't know how you do it." JoAnne looked at Johnny and sadly smiled, "Johnny, I'm a fireman's wife, remember?  How many times have I been through this with Roy and now with Chris?  I learned a long time ago that I have to put my faith in things I can't control.  I love my daughter.  I may not agree with her choices, but..." JoAnne trailed off, her emotions caught in her voice. Johnny looked at JoAnne and said, "Jo, there's something I have to do."  Johnny grabbed her arm.  JoAnne put her arms around Johnny and hugged him. Johnny left JoAnne knowing what he was about to do was going to be the hardest thing he ever did. Outside the treatment room Johnny glanced around looking for Roy. All he found was Chris standing near the nurse's station. Walking over to the young paramedic, he tapped Chris on the shoulder, "Chris. Where's you're dad?" "He left Johnny. He said he was going home. I don't think he was too pleased to see you go into the treatment room with mom." "Thanks Chris. I have to leave, but I'll be back. Don't worry too much. Jenny has the best doctors with her." Johnny said trying hard to conceal his own worry. Chris nodded. He decided when he first found Jenny at the restaurant that he would remain strong for his sister. He needed to do this for his mom, dad, and even Johnny, but most of all he needed to do it for himself. He knew Johnny was worried, but as always, Johnny remained strong for everyone. A quality Chris came to admire about his father's former best friend. *** Johnny got into his Land Rover and drove with determination.  He knew he had to settle things once and for all. Arriving at his destination he parked a bit down the street.  He took some deep breaths to settle his nerves.  Getting out of his car he reached for his cane, then as briskly as he could, walked to the house that was his second home for so many years. Roy was reading a book when he heard a knock. Placing the book on the end table, Roy got up to answer the door. Roy was a bit surprised and ticked when he found Johnny standing there.  Roy was unprepared as Johnny pushed his way into the house. Controlling his anger, Roy spoke in a soft voice. "I thought I told you I never wanted to see you again." "Roy, you can hate me all you want.  But how can you hate Jennifer?" Roy thought before speaking. "She doesn't understand.  She's just a baby.  She doesn't know the way of the world." "Roy, she's not a baby.  She went to college and lived on her own for five years.  You don't give her enough credit.  She knows what she wants and believe me, she goes after it."  Johnny shifted; his leg was beginning to bother him.  He didn't dare sit down and take Roy's hospitality for granted.  "She is one of the bravest people I've met, Roy.  And I know where she gets that from.  She gets that from you and JoAnne.  I see that now.  You raised two intelligent, thoughtful children who are responsible adults.  Maybe you don't see it because of your stubbornness." "Stubbornness?"  Roy said raising his voice. "Yeah.  You wanted to carve out their lives for them.  You didn't want Chris to be a fireman, let alone a paramedic.  And I know how you feel about Jen's decisions.  Roy, you can't live their lives for them.  You can't protect them anymore." Roy looked at his former friend and listened to what he said. "Roy, Jenny's having a c-section right now.  She may lose the baby.  She may….."  Johnny didn't finish his thought.  Roy paled thinking his daughter might lose her life. "Roy.  I came here for one thing.  I want your permission to marry Jennifer.  If she survives this, I want her to be my wife."  Roy walked over to the couch and sat down.  He didn't say anything.  He just stared into space. "Go ahead, ignore me Roy. It's not going to change how I feel about Jenny. I love her with all my heart and soul. I have for a long time. It's time that you see that."  "I waited a long time to marry, Roy.  When you get to our age, we're set in our ways.  You may think Jen doesn't have the maturity to know what she's doing, but I know she does.  Hell, I've lived with her these last six months.  I've never felt so comfortable with a woman before.  Yes, Roy, your daughter is a woman.  I've waited all this time to propose to her to see if she was ready to stay with me.  I wondered if she really wanted to be with me.  An' you know what I found out?  Yes, she wants to be with me.  She's known ever since she was a teenager, Roy.  It was me who needed the convincing.  And now I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with her." Roy remained quiet ignoring Johnny and his words. Getting no answer, Johnny decided to leave and go back to the hospital. ***** Upon his return, Johnny found JoAnne and Chris in the waiting room on the surgical floor. JoAnne paced the floor of the small room while Chris sat in one of the chairs tossing an HT back in forth between his hands. "Any word," Johnny asked interrupting the silence. "No, Johnny. She's still in surgery." JoAnne answered. She then checked her watch. "What could be taking so long? She's been in there for almost an hour." "Relax JoAnne. I know it seems like a long time, but the doctors know what they're doing. They're giving Jenny the best they have to offer in the way of medicine." "I know, but…" "Waiting is hard. Believe me JoAnne I know. Remember? I was here pacing and going out of my mind when they rushed Roy in here for that emergency appendectomy a couple years ago. He was very sick and I was scared. I thought…" JoAnne placed her hand on Johnny's arm giving it a little squeeze. "I remember and he came out of it just fine." JoAnne could see the worry and the fear on Johnny's face. She also could see the love for her daughter behind all the pain. She was certain Johnny was putting up a brave front so she wouldn't worry. "Johnny," she said. "I know I haven't been very supportive of you and Jenny, but it doesn't mean I stopped caring." "I know JoAnne. Some things are hard to keep secret," Johnny replied thinking back to conversations he had with both Dixie and Chris. They had intervened so JoAnne would know how her daughter was doing. The two old friends embraced trying to find some comfort from each other. Minutes later, the door to the waiting room opened. Roy stood in the doorway taking in the scene before him. He could see that JoAnne was sobbing into Johnny's chest by the way her shoulders shook. Concerned, he approached the two. "What's happened?" he asked abruptly. JoAnne pulled out from Johnny's hold when she heard her husband. She turned to face the man she spent the last twenty-seven years of her life with. Tears streaked down her face. "It's okay Roy. Jenny is still in surgery. So far so good." Roy grabbed a tissue from a box on a near by table. He began to smooth away his wife's tears. "For a moment there I thought…" "I'm glad you came back," she said grasping her husband's hand. Roy gave his wife's hand a slight squeeze. A small flicker of a smile appeared on his face. "I had to, she's my daughter. No matter what she's done with her life, she's still my daughter and I love her." Roy's admission that he loved his daughter brought more tears to JoAnne's eyes. Inwardly she always knew that he loved his daughter. She was certain it was his pride and his stubbornness that prevented him from seeing it. Once again Roy wiped the tears from JoAnne's face. He then embraced his wife tightly. Closing his eyes, he buried his face in JoAnne's hair and silently wept. Johnny quietly walked out of the room to give the DeSoto's some private time together. Although Roy made no attempt to speak to him, Johnny was pleased his old friend had finally returned to the hospital to be there for his daughter. Chris, needing some space too, left the waiting room. Johnny was in the hall speaking with Chris when Kel Brackett came off the elevator.  He was still in scrubs, but clean ones.  He walked over to Johnny and Chris. "Where's JoAnne and Roy?" Johnny pointed to the waiting room. "Let's go there." Johnny didn't like Brackett's tone, but knew from years of experience with Kel, that it was just his way. The three walked into the lounge and saw JoAnne and Roy sitting together.  They both stood when the rest walked in. "Okay Doc, don't keep us in suspense any longer," Johnny said. Brackett looked at Johnny.  "Everyone's okay," he said with a smile.  He continued to look at Johnny and offered his hand.  "Johnny, you have a baby girl.  She's small weighing only 5 pounds 6 ounces and is 18 inches in length.  And yes, she has ten fingers and ten toes.  She's in neonatal ICU for now, but I suspect that's only temporary." Roy spoke up, "And Jenny?" Brackett's expression changed.  "Jenny is okay now.  We had some problems during the c-section.  We couldn't stop her uterus from bleeding. When the placenta separated from the uterine wall, the blood vessels wouldn't clot like they should have. Doctor Larson had to perform an emergency hysterectomy or Jenny would have bled to death.  I'm afraid she won't be able to have any more children."  "But she'll be okay, Doc, won't she?"  Johnny asked with a pained expression on his face. "Yes, Johnny, she'll be okay.  She's going to be sore for a while because of the incision." JoAnne spoke up. "Does she know about the hysterectomy?" "No, not yet.  She's still groggy from the anesthesia.  She's still in recovery, but will be moved within the next hour to her room." "Doc, I wanna tell her about the, um, the complication," Johnny said. Putting his hand on Johnny's back, "I don't see a problem with that.  Come on and cheer up!  There's a new life in your family."  He said smiling.  "I'm gonna change.  I'll see you all later."  Doctor Brackett left the lounge. JoAnne hugged Roy and whispered something in his ear.  She sat down on the couch and softly cried.  No one could tell if she was crying from relief or from sadness.  It was probably just the emotion of the day catching up with her. Chris had a smile on his face and said, "I'm an uncle!"  He looked at Johnny.  "Congratulations John."  He offered his hand to Johnny and they shook.  "I'm gonna call Jeff and let him know."  Still holding the HT he forgot to leave in the squad, Chris left the room. Johnny looked at Roy and eye contact was made.  Roy walked over to John. His voice and face devoid of expression he said, "I guess I should congratulate you." "If you feel it's appropriate," Johnny said with a slight coolness. Roy didn't say anything else. He then sat down next to JoAnne and hugged her.  Johnny decided to find out what room Jennifer was going to be in. *** Johnny walked up to the neonatal ICU to see his baby.  The nurse pointed to the bassinet that held his tiny daughter.  The nametag read Girl DeSoto.  Johnny knew that would have to be changed.  After being reassured that his daughter was fine, he went over to the maternity ward and went into Jennifer's room.  She looked so pale, but maintained the aura that captured Johnny's heart so many years ago. He sat down on a chair and held his vigil. A half-hour into his wait, Jennifer started to come around.  Johnny got up to be next to her. "Hi, Angel." "Mmmmmm" "It's okay, Angel.  I told you I'd be here when you wake up."  Johnny had a smile on his face. "The baby?"  Jen said, slurring her words. Johnny took Jenny's hand.  "Jen, we have a daughter.  I just saw her and she's beautiful.  She has dark hair and a light complexion.  She has ten fingers and toes.  She's just..." Johnny couldn't complete his sentence as the tears welled up in his eyes.  He wiped them away with his other hand. "Why do I feel so bad?"  She said as she looked into his eyes. Before Johnny could answer, the door opened and Dr Brackett walked in with Roy and JoAnne behind him. "I knew I'd find you here, Johnny.  Which nurse did you bribe to get in?  Never mind, don't tell me."  Brackett walked over to Jennifer.  Roy and JoAnne stayed in the back of the room, out of sight. "How are you feeling, Jennifer?"  Brackett asked. "Lousy.  I feel like my insides have been shifted around. It hurts to move. How's my baby?" "I'm sure Johnny's told you that your baby is fine.  We'll let you see her later today, after you feel a bit stronger." JoAnne moved so she was within her daughter's field of vision.  "Jen, I saw your daughter and she's beautiful.  Please trust me and don't worry about her."  JoAnne held Jenny's other hand. "Doc, there's something you're not telling me." Johnny cleared his throat.  "Jen, Angel, when the docs performed the c-section they couldn't stop your uterus from bleeding."  Johnny shifted his position as his leg was clearly bothering him.  "They had to do a hysterectomy, Angel."  Johnny said as he squeezed Jenny's hand. As the words began to sink into Jenny's foggy mind, she began to cry at the stark realization that she would never have another child. JoAnne and Johnny tried to comfort her.  At this point, seeing the pain his daughter was in, Roy walked over to the bed. Jenny saw her father and reached out to him.  Johnny stood back allowing Roy to get next to his daughter. "Oh Daddy!"  Jennifer said between sobs.  Roy bent over his daughter.  He gathered her in his arms and held her.  Jennifer continued to cry.  "Jennifer, it's okay.  I'm here." Jennifer cried into her father's chest as he held his daughter.  Roy also began to cry. Johnny walked to the back of the room to let JoAnne and Roy have time with their daughter. After a few minutes, Dixie walked into Jennifer's room and was pleased to see Johnny, JoAnne, and Roy there.  She walked over beside Jennifer's bed. "So, I understand that a baby was born here today.  But this baby is sad because she doesn't have a name.  I took it upon myself to get those thoughtless parents to give her a name." Jennifer looked up at Dixie and smiled.  She reached her hand over to Dixie's hand.  Roy let his daughter's hand go and stepped back.  Johnny walked back over to Jennifer. "Jennifer and I discussed many names."  Johnny said and then continued, "Which one do you want, Angel?" Jennifer wiped the tears from her face and said, "Kaitlin." "And what about her last name?"  Dixie asked. Jennifer looked at Johnny and gently shrugged her shoulders. "I know how to remedy this," Johnny said.  He looked over at Roy who nodded his head slightly.  Johnny reached into his pocket and pulled out a box he stored safely in his desk at work for weeks. "If I could bend down on one knee, Jen, I'd do so.  But if I do that, I'll never get up."  He chuckled. Then his expression became serious.  "Jennifer DeSoto, will you marry me?" Jenny looked at the box and opened it.  She saw an emerald shaped diamond in a plain white gold setting.  She then looked at Johnny and saw how serious his expression was. "Are you sure Johnny?  Is this what you want?"  Jenny asked. "Jennifer, I'm sure." Jenny looked at her mom and saw her smiling.  She looked at her dad and saw a slight smile on his face.  She looked back at the ring and took it out of the box.  Giving it to Johnny, he placed it on her left hand. "Yes, John Gage, I'll marry you," she said with tears in her eyes. Glancing up at Dixie, she added, "Dixie, our baby's name is Kaitlin Gage."  She then reached over to Johnny who hugged her and gave her a kiss. Everyone in the room smiled.  "I hate to break up this happy event, but this young woman needs to rest.  You can all see her later this evening." Roy, JoAnne and Johnny each kissed Jennifer goodbye, assuring her that they'd stop back.  The three walked out of her room and toward the neonatal ICU. "I can't believe I'm a grandmother," JoAnne said. "I can't believe I'm a grandfather," Roy added. Johnny then said, "I can't believe I'm a father." All three people were overwhelmed by their emotions. Roy stopped in his tracks and faced his friend. "It's taken me a long time to accept your relationship with my daughter, Johnny. I won't tell you that I totally agree with it, considering your age difference.  But I have come to the realization that you do love her. I think, in my heart, I've always known that. I know a lot has happened between us. I know neither of us are the same two people because of the way I have treated both you and Jenny." Roy took a deep breath and dropped his gaze to the floor. "You've always been a good friend to me and I forgot that somewhere along the way. I do hope we can put some of the bitterness behind us now that we are going to be a family." Johnny closed his eyes and sighed heavily. When he opened his eyes, he held out his hand to his old friend. "I promise you Roy, I'll do right by Jenny and our daughter.  Thank you for your blessing. It means a lot to me." Roy nodded. It was hard for him to swallow his pride and admit what he always knew. Truth be told, Roy knew his daughter couldn't be in better hands and she couldn't have a better husband than his old friend. After accepting Johnny's hand in a firm handshake, the trio continued their journey toward the ICU nursery to see the new life who was responsible for mending a wedge, a broken friendship, piecing it back together again one piece at a time. **** Within a couple days of birth, Kaitlin was moved from the neonatal ICU to the regular nursery. Jenny was able to nurture and bond with her beautiful daughter with the help of many people, including Johnny, Dixie, JoAnne, and even Roy.  Eight days after her surgery, Jenny was released from the hospital along with Kaitlin. Pulling into the driveway of his ranch, Johnny discovered Roy and Chris' cars parked outside. This brought a smile to his face. He was pleased to see that the remainder of Kaitlin's family was there to welcome her to her new home. After parking the Rover, Johnny gingerly climbed out of the truck. Before he made his way around the vehicle to help Jenny out and to carry Kaitlin into the house, the front door flew open. Roy and JoAnne stepped out on the porch and waited, while Chris swiftly ran to help. Taking Jenny's arm, Chris helped his sister inside the house. Johnny picked up Kaitlin's car seat in his one arm and used his cane as he gingerly walked toward his house. Roy stepped down off the porch and helped his old friend up the steps. JoAnne helped Jennifer upstairs as the ordeal of coming home wore her out.  Johnny went upstairs carrying Kaitlin with him.  He saw JoAnne settling Jenny in her bed. "I'll let you take over, Johnny."  She squeezed his arm as she left the room. Jenny was drowsy.  Johnny put the car seat, with a sleeping Kaitlin, on the floor. "Hi Mrs. Gage."  Johnny said with a big grin on his face. "Not yet."  Jenny said as she looked at her ring.  "I can't believe all that's happened."  She trailed off.  Stifling a yawn, "Johnny?  You get to do the first round of diapers and feedings.  Okay?"  She closed her eyes. Johnny whispered, "anything for you and Kaitlin, Angel.  Anything."  He kissed her forehead and tucked her in.  He picked Kaitlin up from the car seat and headed towards Kaitlin's room. He put the car seat down and took his daughter out from the carrier.  He took a whiff and realized his baby needed a change.  He placed the infant on the changing table and put his left hand on her.  He opened the draw and pulled out a diaper.  On the shelf above held baby wipes and talcum powder. He took his baby out from her soiled clothes and piled them in the corner of the changing table.  He took the diaper off Kaitlin and made a face.  He folded the diaper over and placed it on the dirty clothes.  Johnny then cleaned his baby while softly telling her a story.  Once his was assured of her cleanliness, he put a clean diaper on Kaitlin.  He looked around to get a clean onezie, but couldn't reach it.  He was about to pick Kaitlin up, when JoAnne took an outfit out and gave it to Johnny. "Thanks."  Johnny said with a bashful grin on his face. JoAnne just smiled.  "No problem Johnny.  For the first time, I figured you'd need some help." Johnny dressed his daughter and picked her up.  He escorted JoAnne downstairs after peeking in on his sleeping fiancée. Everyone gathered in the living room making themselves comfortable. As Johnny sat in his favorite chair, he cuddled and cooed at his daughter while JoAnne and Chris engaged in conversation. Roy on the other hand, sat back at and observed his friend. The scene reminded him of when he first brought Chris home. He was awestruck back then at the miracle he helped to create, just as Johnny was now. Roy smiled. "Johnny," he said. Johnny glanced over at Roy, with a big grin on his face, when he heard his name. "I saw the cradle you built for my granddaughter. It's a fine piece of craftsmanship."  "Thanks Roy," Johnny replied. "I wanted nothing but the best for my little one."  He started cooing to his daughter. "It shows, my friend." Kaitlin started to fuss.  Johnny smiled. "Roy," he said. "Would like to hold Kaitlin for awhile?" Roy nodded then stood to gather the tiny infant out of his soon to be son in law's arms. Roy carried little Kaitlin around the house, pointing out the beauty of her new home all the while softly murmuring to his granddaughter. Kaitlin lay content in her grandfather's arms as he walked her though her home.  She finally fell asleep by the time Roy returned to the living room.  JoAnne, Chris and Johnny smiled as they heard Roy babble to his granddaughter.  Johnny hoped this would only be one of many times; Roy would drop by to see and cuddle Kaitlin. He hoped that one day, he and his friend could put all the bitterness behind them and take pleasure in watching Kaitlin growing up. *** Six weeks after Kaitlin Gage was born, a small civil ceremony was held.   Johnny persuaded Judge Frankel, a friend of his, to perform the service in his chambers.  Only immediate friends and family attended, including Dixie, Kel Brackett and Chris. John wore his dress uniform.  Jennifer, still swollen, wore a simple white dress with flowers of pearls on the hem. During the ceremony Kaitlin got fussy, but quickly quieted down when Dixie held her. "I've know John for only three years," Judge Frankel said.  "During this time, he's amused me with his stories of his firefighting career.  I'm known to be a good judge of character, pardon the pun.  And the one thing I know is that John is loyal to his friends.  And I know he'll be a good father and husband.  It is an honor to perform this marriage." Johnny blushed hearing his friend talk about him. "John Gage.  Do you pledge to be honest and true to Jennifer DeSoto?" "I do." "Will you be with her through sickness and in health, 'til death do you part?" "I will."  Johnny slipped the ring on Jennifer's finger. "Jennifer.  Do you pledge to be honest and true to John Gage?" Her voice quivering with excitement, she said, "I do." "Will you be with him through sickness and in health, 'til death do you part?" "I will."  Jenny slipped the golden band on Johnny's finger. "By the powers vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  Go on and kiss your bride, John." Johnny smiled and openly kissed his bride in front of all of his friends and her family. *** An hour later, after Chris drove the newlyweds around Carson, Johnny and Jenny Gage converged on the DeSoto home. As the couple walked up to the front door, it opened with Roy appearing to greet his daughter and new son-in-law, welcoming them both inside his home. Openly, he hugged Jenny and whispered 'Welcome home' into her ear. Once he released her, Jenny joined her mother and the others inside. Roy then turned to face Johnny. Extending his hand, Johnny gripped it in a firm handshake. "Welcome home, Junior," Roy said his eyes glistening. "Thanks, Pally," Johnny replied. The two old friends entered the DeSoto home and joined the group inside for a small celebration. Everyone including, Chris, Jeff, Dixie McCall, Kelly Brackett, Joe Early, Mike Morton, Chief Hank Stanley, Captain Mike Stoker, Engineer Chet Kelly, Captain Marco Lopez, along with their families, joined Roy and JoAnne in celebrating the marriage of their daughter Jenny to their old friend Johnny. Conversation, food, and drink were shared among the group. When it came time to toast the Bride and Groom, Chris stood to do the honors. "I have known John Gage for most of my life. He became an important part of my family and was a regular visitor to our home over the years. He was the best partner my dad had during his time as a paramedic. I admire his strength and the compassion that he gave to each of us.  Anyway, as time progressed, we came to feel that Johnny was part of our family. Now, because of his marriage to Jenny, he is. I want to welcome Johnny to the family and may you both have a long and happy life together." A bit choked up, Johnny had to take a drink before he could speak. "Thank you Chris. You, your mother, your father, and Jenny here, all mean the world to me. I know there is a big age gap between my lovely bride and myself, but I won't let that stop me from being the best husband she could ever hope to have. I have loved Jenny for a long time. I will do my best to make her happy and I will try to be the kind of father our daughter deserves. Thank you everyone, for the support you've given Jenny and me over the past nine months. It means the world to me," he paused then looked at Roy. "Roy, my friend. Thank you for giving me your blessing.  I promise you, that you'll never regret that decision." Roy closed the distance between him and Johnny. He reached out for the second time that day and shook his old friend's hand. "Welcome to the family, Johnny," he said. Johnny's face broke out in a huge grin and replied, "Thanks Dad." The room erupted in laughter, which soon died off when a hungry Kaitlin Gage made her presence known. *^*^* Betty's comments:  Once again, I enjoyed sharing the task of creating a story with Janet. Together, we inspired each other to show multiple sides of the characters and in the end how the bond of friendship triumphs over even the toughest of wedges. Thanks Janet. Kaja's comments:  I have to thank Pattie and Ria for some beta reading.  This was a difficult subject to conquer.  Any medical errors are unintentional.  With Betty's help I was able to tackle a storyline that may not be easily accepted in the E! fan fic world.   back to main page