The Powe of Love
by Alltson

This story is a follow up to Sweet Revenge

 

CHAPTER 1

6 months later

Doctor's Office

Meg has just put the girls in their car seats and is now heading home.

"I can't wait to get home and put my plan into action," Meg thought to
herself as a smile slowly spread across her face.  "It's going to be a night
that Ben will never forget."

With a sigh, she turns on the radio and puts down her window to feel the warm breeze.  It isn't very long before Abby starts asking for her juice.

"Juicy!" she squeals. 

"Hold on Abby.  Mommy's going to get it," Meg says as she uses one arm to find the juice in the bag while driving with the other.

After a few more moments of rummaging in the diaper bag, Meg finally finds Abby's juice cup.

"Here you go sweetie," she says handing the cup to Abby. 

No sooner had she handed Abby her cup when Emma started to cry.

"I bet your are ready for your bottle aren't you?" she says looking at Emma's little face in the rearview mirror.  "We're almost home little one."  Then
she reaches back and pats little Emma's leg.

At that very same moment, a truck is coming towards Meg.  The driver of the truck has been driving all night and is almost at his destination when he
suddenly dozes off.

Meg has just come to a stop sign.  She looks both ways, sees that it is
clear, and continues on.

Meg then notices that the truck is coming towards her.  All of the sudden,
the truck comes over into her lane.  There is no time for Meg to react.

"Noooo!!!" Meg screams as the truck rams into them head on.

 

CHAPTER 2

An hour later……

Ben, followed by Joan and Hank, has just gotten to the ER.  Ben goes straight to Tyus when he sees him walk into the waiting room.

"Tyus, where are they?  What happened?" Ben asks.

"Ben, there was an accident," Tyus says.

"Accident, what kind of accident?" Ben asks.

"Ben, they were in a car accident.  Meg and the girls were hit head on by a
tractor trailer," Tyus says.

"Oh my god," Joan says, clinging to Hank.

"The girls are okay.  They don't have any life threatening injuries, mainly
just cuts and bruises.  They were both very lucky.  Abby does have a broken
arm, which we have already set and both girls are sleeping in the nursery,"
Tyus says.

"What about Meg?" Ben says.

"Ben, it is hard to tell you this…" Tyus begins.

"She's not…?" Ben says, fear in his eyes.

"No Ben.  She is alive, but she has massive head trauma and we are in the
process of preparing her for surgery.  She is stable right now, but still
critical.  We are going to perform the surgery so that we can reduce the
swelling on her brain," Tyus says and then he lets them take a moment to
absorb everything.
"If you would like to see her beforehand, you can and then I will have a
nurse take you to the girls."

"I…I would like to see her," Ben says, trying to keep it together.

"We would too," Hank says, his arm around his wife.

"I want to prepare you all before you go in.  She is not going to be a pretty
sight and I want you to understand that she looks worse than she really is,"
Tyus says.  "Also, I am technically only allowed to let in only two people at
a time, but in this case, I will allow all three of you to go in."

"Thank you Tyus," Joan says, taking Tyus' hand.

"Your welcome Joan," he says, squeezing her hand.  "Okay, I will lead you all back now."

 

CHAPTER 3

Tyus leads them to a small room at the back of the ER.  He opens the door for them to go in and then he leaves them to have some time alone with Meg.

The sight that Ben saw when he opened the door was horrible.  Meg was lying in the bed motionless with tubes coming from everywhere and bandages covering her head.  Her face was swollen and bruised.

He went straight to her and picked up her hand, placing it against his face. 
Joan and Hank were still standing at the door, shocked at what they saw. 
After a few moments, Joan wipes away the tears and she and Hank go to Meg's other side and gently pick up her other hand.  Then Ben begins to talk to Meg softly.

"Oh, my precious Meg, I am so sorry this happened to you and the girls.  The girls are okay, but we so desperately need you to pull through this.  We need you and love you so much," he says as a tear rolls down his face.

With fresh tears in her eyes, Joan starts to speak to her daughter.
"Sweetie, mom and dad are here.  We love you so much," she says and then Hank speaks up as he takes Meg's hand.
"Your mom is right.  We love you very much and we want you to get through
this.  We'll be there every step of the way," he says. 

Meanwhile…

Tyus has gone back to the waiting room to get a nurse that can take Ben and the Cummings to the girls when Sara and Casey arrive.

"Tyus, what's going on?" Sara asks.  "We got a call from mom and dad that Meg and the girls were here."

"Sara, they are here," he says quietly and then he asks Sara, now almost 7
months pregnant, and Casey to sit down with him for a moment.  "There was an accident, a car accident.  The girls are okay and will recover in no time.  However, Meg's injuries are much worse.  She suffered massive head trauma and we are in the process of preparing her for surgery.  Ben and your parents are with her now."

"Oh no!" Sara says, tears streaming down her face as she buries her face in Casey's shoulder.

"How, how did it happen?" Casey asks, trying to remain calm for Sara.

"They were hit head-on by a tractor trailer," he says.

"Oh my god!" Sara says getting hysterical.

Casey and Tyus both try to calm her down.

"Sara, listen to me.  I need you to try to calm down.  I know you are very
upset about Meg and that is understandable, but I need you calm down for the baby.  I am worried about you going into early labor and I know you don't
want that to happen," Tyus says taking her hand in his.

"How can I calm down?" Sara shrieks, now getting angry.

"Sara, sweetie, he is right.  I know you are upset, but you need to try to
remain as calm as you can.  Meg is in very good hands and she is very strong. I know she will pull through and you have to believe that," he says, pulling
her into a hug.

"You're right Casey," she says wiping away the tears.  "I have to be strong
for Meg and the baby."

"Yes, exactly.  Your strength will help Meg and the baby a lot," he says,
pushing the tear stained hair away from her face.

Sara then turns back to Tyus.  "Can I see her?" she asks.

"Sara, I'm not sure that…" Tyus says before being interrupted.

"Tyus, if something was to happen in that surgery, I wouldn't be able to live
with myself if I did not see her.  Please," she says, fresh tears rolling
down her face.

Tyus looks at Casey and then back at Sara.  "I suppose you could, but not for very long.  I have to tell you that she is not a pretty sight and you need to
be prepared for that."

"I understand.  I just want to see my sister," Sara says.

"Okay, I need to go get Ben and your parents first.  I can't have more than
three people in there at once," Tyus says.  "I will be right back."

He gets up and leaves.  Casey pulls Sara to him and holds her close.

 

CHAPTER 4

2 weeks later…

Meg is still in a coma, but getting better.  The girls are at home with
Lilah. 

Ben has just arrived for his daily visit.  He walks over to her side and
takes her hand in his.  He studies her face for a moment, looking for any
hint of movement that might mean she was going to wake up.  Her face had gone down considerably and all that was left were a few bruises that were starting to fade.  Her head was still bandaged though and Tyus wanted it to remain that way for a while longer to make sure she healed properly. 

Ben begins to speak to her as he had done everyday since she had been there.

"Hi love.  The girls miss you a lot.  Emma is feeling much better and Abby's
arm is healing well.  She will get the cast off soon, we hope.  They are with
Lilah right now.  Lilah misses you a lot and sends good wishes," he says,
pausing for a moment.  "Oh, your mom and Sara are going to come by in a
little while.  Your dad and Casey are going to come by once they get off of
work.  Vanessa and Gabi may stop by to."

Ben stops talking as he feels her hand start to move.

"Meg, honey," he says looking up at her face. 

Meg lets out a low groan and moves her head a little.  Then she opens her
eyes.

"Hi honey.  How do you feel?" he asks, his hand on her cheek.

"Tired," she whispers and then she looks up at Ben.  "Who are you?"

Ben pauses for a moment not sure of what to say.  "It's me love, Ben."

"Ben?" she asks.

"Yes, sweetie.  Your husband," he says softly.

"I have a husband?" she asks, looking at him.

"Yes, and two little girls," he says, trying to keep it together.

"I have kids?" she asks.

"Yes," he says, pausing for a moment.  "Let me go get the doctor.  He is
going to want to know that you are awake."

"Okay," she says and then closes her eyes.

Ben leaves the room and runs into Tyus who was just going to check on Meg.

"She's awake," Ben says.

"That's wonderful!" Tyus says with a smile.

"Tyus, she doesn't remember me," Ben says now close to tears.

"Ben, why don't we sit down?" he says gesturing to a couple of seats down the hall.

Once they sit down, Tyus clears his throat and begins to speak.

"Ben, I was afraid this was going to happen," he begins.  "You see, with her
type of injuries, there is a chance of short term amnesia.  I did not tell
you that to begin with because it is very rare with her type of injuries. 
Now, I see I made a mistake in not telling you.  I do, however, want you to
know that this type of amnesia associated with her injuries is not usually
long term, but it can happen.  I am hoping that because of the strong
relationship you have with Meg and vice versa that it will help her to regain
her memory soon."

"So you are saying that it could be a while before, well if, she remembers
me?" he asks.

"Yes, there is that possibility," Tyus says.  "But there is a chance that it
won't last as long if she is exposed to familiar things, like pictures and
you all's room.  These things tend to slowly bring out memories in people
with amnesia."

"She doesn't remember the girls either.  They are so young that they just
won't understand.  They'll want their mommy," Ben says.

"I know Ben.  It will be hard for them, but they will have you, Joan, Hank,
Sara, Casey, and Lilah.  They will get through it, just like you," Tyus says.

"You're right.  We will get through it.  It's just that I waited so long for
Meg to wake up and now that she has, she doesn't even know me," he says. 

"I know that it is difficult Ben, but you need to have faith that you will
get through it," Tyus says.

Just then Sara and Joan walk up.

"Get through what?" Sara asks.

"Sara, Meg has woken up, but she doesn't remember Ben or the girls and I
don't know if she will remember you all or not," Tyus says.

"Poor Meg!" Sara says.  "I mean she has gone through so much and now this."

"I know Sara.  I knew there was a chance that this could happen because of
her injuries, but I never imagined it would," Tyus says.

"Can we see her?" Joan asks, speaking up.

"Yes, why don't you two go ahead," he says.

Tyus continues to talk to Ben as Sara and Joan head to Meg's room.  When they open the door to her room, she opens her eyes.

"Mom," she says softly.

"You remember me honey?" Joan asks.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I?" she asks.

"Do you know me?" Sara asks.

"Of course," she says and then she notices Sara's bulging tummy.  "Sara, are you pregnant?"

"Yes, 7 months," Sara says.

"Seven months?  I don't remember that," she says sleepily.

"Sweetie, what do you remember last?" Joan says now holding Meg's hand. 

"I…I remember leaving Tim at the altar and now…I'm here," she says and then she closes her eyes.

"Honey, we are going to let you rest," Joan says.  "Sara and I will be back
in a little while.

"Okay," she says opening her eyes for a moment and then closing them again.

Sara and Joan go back into the hall and walk over to Tyus and Ben.

"She…she knows us," Sara says.

"That's good," Tyus says.

"Not necessarily," Joan says.  "I asked her the last thing she remembers and she says she remembers leaving Tim at the altar and now she is here…in the hospital."

"My god!  She has lost almost 6 years of her life," Ben says.

"I am so sorry," Joan says, placing her hand on her son-in-law's shoulder.

They all stay silent, not sure of what to say.

 

CHAPTER 5

Another two weeks have passed…

After being in the hospital for a month, Meg was finally released.  She was
feeling almost normal except for her memory and she was still dealing with
the fact that she had had to have all of her hair shaved off for her surgery.
It was growing back though and she was thankful she still had her life.  On
the advice of Tyus, she is going home with Ben in the hopes that by being
with him and the girls, her memory might come back.

"Okay, we're here," Ben says pulling into the driveway. 

Meg could not believe her eyes when she saw the beautiful house in front of
her.

"Is this where we live?" she asks.

"Yes, honey.  I bought this house just for you," he says.

Ben then parks and helps Meg out of the car.  Then he grabs her bag and they head into the house.

Meg pauses as she walks in the door, in awe of the inside of the house, when she hears a loud squeal and sees a little girl running towards her yelling out mommy.

"Mommy!" she yells and throws herself into Meg's arms as well as she can with the little cast that is still on her arm and held up by a miniature sling,
but then she stops.  "Mommy, no hair?"

"Yes sweetie, mommy has a different kind of haircut," Ben says trying to
explain. 

Meg notices the uneasy tension in the room and tries to break the ice, so to
speak.

"Hi…Abby," Meg says awkwardly realizing that this one must be Abby, the 2 year old.

Abby looks at Meg for another moment and then goes to Ben.

"Hi sweetie pie!" Ben says and then swings Abby into his arms. 

She squeals with delight and gives Ben a big hug.  A few moments later, Lilah walks toward them carrying Emma.

"Hi Meg.  How are you feeling?" she asks.

"I'm okay.  Are you Lilah?" she asks.

"Yes, I'm Lilah," she says and then she gestures toward the baby in her arms. "And this is Emma."

"Hi Emma," Meg says with a shaky smile.

Emma reaches for Meg, but Ben intervenes as he puts Abby down.

"Lilah, let me take her.  Meg's not quite ready," he says.

He takes Emma into his arms as Meg watches. 

"I…um…where is my room?" she stammers.

"It's right up the steps.  I'll take you," Lilah says.

"Lilah, I would like to take her up," he says.

"That's fine Ben.  I'll take the girls," she says and then takes Emma from
Ben and gets Abby's hand.  "Lets go watch Barney."

"Barney!" Abby squeals and then they go on down the hall. 

"Okay hon, why don't we get you settled in?" he says taking her hand and then he picks up her bag with the other.

"Okay," she says and he takes her up the stairs and to a beautiful room. 
There were freshly cut white roses in various places in the room and there
was even a small porch off the side of the room.

"This is so pretty," she says looking around.

"It's yours…well ours," he says and then he looks into her eyes wondering if
the white roses had sparked anything.

After watching her for a moment, he realizes the flowers are not familiar to
her.

"You said ours.  Are you sleeping in here too?" she asks.

"Well, yes I do sleep in here, but I can stay down the hall if you would
like," he says noticing how uncomfortable she seems to be.

"That uh…that would be nice," she says.  "Can I have some time to myself just to relax?"

"Sure.  I will be downstairs if you need anything," he says and then not sure
of what to say next, he turns around and goes out the door, his heart
breaking.

A few days later…

Although she did not remember anything still, Meg had begun to relax in the
big house with the housekeeper, the kids, and Ben.  It actually started to
feel almost familiar she thought as she sat out on the deck watching the
waves.  Then, almost as if it was a slow moving movie, she had yet another
vision (the fifth since she had been home) and it was Christmas.  Ben gave
her something and then before she could see what it was, the vision was gone. The waves were back and for a moment, Meg thought about the feelings she had felt in that vision.  They seemed so loving towards Ben, but yet where had these feelings gone?

She had yet to tell Ben about these visions, but then she thought, "Maybe I
should tell him."

"Maybe you should tell me what?" he asks, coming up beside her.

"Oh, I didn't know you were there.  Did I really say that out loud?" she asks.

"Yes, you did.  Is there something you need to tell me?" he asks taking a
seat beside her.

"Yes, I…I've been having these visions and you are in them, but I don't know
what they mean," she says.

"Meg, maybe your memory is trying to come back.  Can you tell me what your last vision was?" he asks, his hope rising.

"Yes, it was just a few minutes ago," she says taking a deep breath.  "It was
Christmas and we seemed really happy.  You gave me something and before I could see what it was, the vision was gone."

"Meg, this could be the breakthrough we have been looking for.  Why didn't
you say anything sooner?" he asks.

"I…I don't know.  I just did not know what these things were that I was
seeing and I didn't know what to do," she says, almost in tears.

"Hey, it's okay," Ben says noticing that she is getting upset.  "I understand
why you didn't tell me.  I know its been difficult for you."

"You do?" she asks.

"Sure," he says.  "I just want you to know that I am here for you and you can
always talk to me."

"Thank you," Meg says managing a smile.  "That means a lot."

"Your welcome," he says and then they both sit back in their chairs and enjoy the view.

 

CHAPTER 6

Later that night…

All is quiet in the Evans household.  Everyone is asleep except Ben.  He
hadn't slept much since the accident had happened and even less since he
realized Meg didn't even remember him.  Then he thought of his little girls,
so innocent and sweet.  Little Emma doesn't really know what is going on, but Abby knows that her mommy isn't acting like her mommy, but how do you explain to a two year old why her mommy won't hold her.  Ben was still thinking about this when he heard the scream.

"Meg!" he said out loud as he jumped out of bed and ran to the room.

He found her sitting up in bed, hugging the sheets around her.

"Honey, did you have a nightmare?" he asks as he approaches the bed.

"Get away from me!" she yells before he can even get to the bed.

"Okay, I'll stay right here, but please tell me what happened," he says.

"You, you killed him!" she yells.

"Killed who?  Who are you talking about?" Ben says.

"M…M…Mark, I think that's it," she stammers.

"I didn't hurt Mark.  You have to believe me," Ben says stepping a little
closer.

"It was you in my dream.  I mean it had to be you.  It couldn't have been
anyone else," she says looking up at him.

Ben thinks about what she said and then it hits him.

"Oh honey, it's Derek you are talking about," he says sitting down on the bed across from here.  "You see, I have a twin, Derek, and he was the one who killed Mark.  Mark was my best friend and I could never hurt him.  You have to believe me."

Meg sees the sincerity in Ben's eyes and she knows he is telling the truth.

"I…I believe you," she says.  "I…I just had this awful nightmare and I was
so scared and I didn't know what to do because I don't really know you."

"It's okay.  I understand," he says in a low voice as he reaches for her
hand.  "I just want to make sure that you understand I never hurt Mark or
anyone and I'd never hurt you or the girls.  I just want you to feel safe."

"I understand.  I know you wouldn't hurt me or the girls; I just wish I could
remember," Meg says and then her eyes start to fill with tears.

"Hey, its okay," he says taking her into his arms.  "I know this is really
hard for you and that is why I am committed to helping you remember and I
won't give up until you do."

"Really?" she says looking up at him, wiping away her tears.

"Really," he says.

They continue to sit in silence until Meg finally falls asleep.  Ben gently
lays her down and then pulls the covers over her.  He leans down and kisses her gently on the forehead.  He stares at her for one more moment and then he gets up and goes to the door.  With one last glance at her, he closes the door and then goes back to his room.

A couple more weeks have passed…

Meg has had more visions, but all they seem to be are visions.  She doesn't remember the people who are in them; she just knows she knew them once upon a time. 

When not having a vision, she notices how on edge Ben seems to be.  She wants to remember so bad.  She knows she must have loved this man.  She can feel it in her gut, but she still doesn't remember being in love with him.

So today, she decides that she will spend the day with her mom.  She gets up and gets dressed and then she goes downstairs for breakfast.

"Good morning," Lilah says cheerfully as she saves the bowl of cheerios that Emma knocked off of the highchair.

"Good catch," Meg says, a smile on her face.

"Oh, I'm used to it.  This one likes to throw," Lilah says with a laugh.

Meg sits down at the table and pours herself a bowl of cereal.

"Lilah, where's Ben?" she asks.

"Oh, he went to the office early to do some work.  He should be back soon,"
Lilah says.

"Okay, well I think I am going to go to my mom's today," Meg says.

"That would be nice.  Your mom would love to see you," Lilah says.

"Yeah…I figured I would give Ben a break today," she says quietly.

"A break?" Lilah asks as she gives Abby her cup of juice.

"Yeah…I feel like such a burden to him sometimes," Meg says.

"Oh honey, you could never be a burden to him.  He loves you more than life
itself," Lilah says.

"Really?  I mean, he said that?" Meg asks.

"Honey, he doesn't have to say it, I can just tell.  He loves you so much and
he would do anything for you and the girls," Lilah says.

"I guess you are right.  I've never met anyone more compassionate than him, but I just…I'm confused and I think maybe I do need this time away from him," Meg says.

"I understand and if it would help you to get your thoughts in order, I would
go to your mom's and spend a little time with her," Lilah says.

"I think I will do that," Meg says as she takes her bowl of cereal to the
sink.  "Thanks for the advice and I will see you all later."

"Anytime Meg," Lilah says as she watches Meg go out the door.

An hour later…

Ben has just arrived home and he notices that Meg's car is gone.

"Lilah?  Are you in here?" he yells when he walks into the house.

"Yes, I'm in the living room," Lilah says.

Ben walks into the living room and finds Lilah folding clothes while the
girls play. 

"Hi girls," he says.

"Daddy!" Abby yells as she runs up to him.

"Hi sweetpea!  Are you being good for Miss Lilah?" he asks.

"Yes.  Emma and I are playing blocks," she says.

"Oh, can you build me something?" he asks.

"Yeah," Abby says and she runs back over to her blocks.

Ben picks up Emma and sets her on his knee and starts to play with her.  Then he turns to Lilah.

"Where's Meg?" he asks.

"She went to her mom's today.  She thought she would get out of your hair for a while," Lilah says.

"Out of my hair?  Did she think she was a problem for me?" he asks.

"She did and I assured her that she wasn't and I think she understands that. 
She decided to go ahead and go to her mom's anyway.  I think just to clear
her mind," Lilah says.

"Maybe I should go and talk to her," Ben says.

"Ben, I would give her some time okay.  I think she needs it right now,"
Lilah says.

"You're right.  I will let her have some time with her mom.  It will probably
do her some good," he says.

"Yeah," Lila says and then she continues to fold clothes.  A few moments
later she starts to laugh.  "Uh, Ben?"

"Yes?" he says still holding Emma.

"Uh, look at your pants' leg," Lilah says.

Ben looks down to find a wet line going down his leg.  Then he looks at Emma.

"Did you do that?" he asks.

Emma looks at him with a smile and then starts to coo.

"I take it that is a yes," he says and then he stands up and starts for the
stairs.

Lilah continues to laugh as he carries the wet and obviously very happy Emma upstairs.

 

CHAPTER 7

Later that day…

Meg has just gotten back from visiting her mom.  She finds Ben waiting for
her at the front door.

"Hi Ben," Meg says as she walks in.

"Hi hon," he says smiling and then he continues on.  "The…uh…reason I am waiting her for you at the door is because you need to be ready in 20
minutes."

"Ready in 20 minutes?  Ben, I'm not following," Meg says hesitantly.

"It's a surprise, but I think you'll like it," he says with a sneaky smile on
his face.

"Okay…I'm not really sure of what to say," Meg says.

"There's nothing to say," he says taking her hand and leading her to the
steps.  "Just go get ready and be back in 20 minutes."

"Okay, I will," Meg says finally managing a smile.  "Um, 20 minutes?"

"Yes, 20," Ben says.

"I'll be back then…in 20 minutes," Meg says and then heads on up to her room.

Ben watches till she disappears up the steps and then he takes off to put the finishing touches on his surprise.

Meanwhile…

Meg opens the door to her room and to her surprise, she finds the most
beautiful dress she has ever seen laying across her bed.

It was strapless and white with a snug bodice and a skirt that billowed out
from it.  Beside it, lay a single white rose.

Meg picks up the rose and takes in its scent.  As she does this, she catches the sparkle of something out of the corner of her eye.

She walks over to her dresser and finds a diamond necklace along with a
matching bracelet.  Beside them was a note. 

Meg,
I bought this jewelry for you as a symbol of my love for you.
I want you to wear them for me tonight.
Love, Ben
P.S.  Don't forget the earrings!

After reading the last sentence, Meg notices a small jewelry box sitting
behind the note.  She opens it and finds diamond earrings that match the
necklace and the bracelet.

"Oh, WOW!" Meg says out loud.  "I can't believe he did this all for me."

Meg walks back over to the bed and sits down beside the dress.  She stares at it for a moment and then touches the fabric.

"I wish so bad that I could remember him.  He loves me so much and I have no feeling for him whatsoever.  Why can't I remember?" Meg says as a tear rolls down her face.

15 minutes later…

"Honey, are you ready?" Ben asks, more than ready to go in his neatly pressed tux.

"Just a minute Ben," Meg says, making sure her make-up covered up any hint that she had been crying.  "Okay, I'm coming."

Ben watched her come down the stairs, a sight to behold.

"You look great!" he says, a big smile on his face.

"Thanks," Meg says and then she pauses.  "Ben, I love everything you did, but you didn't have to."

"It's okay.  I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to.  You deserved a night
out after everything that has happened over the past month in a half," Ben
says taking her hand.

"It is nice, but I just feel…so out of place.  I don't remember you, yet you
are forever doing things for me," Meg says.

"Listen to me," he says taking her face in his hands.  "You are my wife and I
made a vow to take care of you in sickness and health.  I am doing everything
in my power to help you get your memory back and I am doing my best to keep you happy and comfortable until you do.  I'm doing things for you because I want to and because I love you.  I know it is hard for you to understand right now, but just know it is all out of my love for you."

"I know you love and you have showed me that all along even though I don't
remember you," Meg says, as tears roll down her face.  "I just want to love
you back."

"Shhh…, it's okay," Ben says taking her into his arms.  "I love you and I
know you love me.  It will come back soon; I know it will."

They both continue to stand in the hall, holding onto each other.

30 minutes later…

Ben and Meg are sitting out on the deck at a table that Ben had set up
especially for them.  He'd just served them both dinner and now he was
pouring them both some wine.

"Ben, this is so wonderful.  Did you do it all yourself?" Meg asks.

"I wish I could take all of the credit, but Lilah helped me some," Ben says.

"That was really sweet of her," Meg says.  "Shall we eat?"

"Yes, let's go ahead and eat," Ben says with a smile.

A little while later they finish up their dinner and they both watch as the
sun shines down on the water making it look like a sea of gold..

"Its so beautiful!" Meg says.

"It certainly is," Ben says.  "Would you like to dance?"

"Dance?  You mean here?" Meg asks.

"No, I mean on the beach," Ben says watching her surprised expression.  "Its already set up."

"Already set up?" Meg asks.

"Yes it is," Ben says and then he holds his hand out to her.  "May I have
this dance?"

"Yes," Meg says.

He starts to lead her down the steps, but he stops.

"Let's take off our shoes," he says as he slips his off.

"Our shoes?  Why?" Meg asks.

"Well, for one, it will be more comfortable without them and two, I don't
particularly like sand in my shoes," Ben says with a smile.

"Okay," Meg says smiling back as she slips off her shoes.

Ben then takes off his jacket and loosens his shirt.  He notices Meg looking
at him.

"I want to be comfortable," he says.  Then he takes her hand and they walk
down the path to the beach.

He pulls her into his arms as the music starts to play.  The song was Amazed by Lonestar.

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams…

Meg pulls away suddenly, tears in her eyes.  "I can't do this.  It just
doesn't feel right."

"Meg, look at me," he says grabbing her hand.  "I know this is hard for you,
but I did this for a reason.  You see, this is the song we danced to at our
wedding and I thought it might help you remember.  I decided to set it up on
the beach because the beach is our favorite place to be and I was just
hoping…"

"I'm sorry.  I understand, I just, no matter how hard I try, I can't
remember," Meg says.

"Honey, I don't want you to try so hard.  I just want you to listen to the
words in the song and let them come into your heart and soul," he says slowly bringing her towards him.  "Just relax."

They start to dance again as the music picks up at the third verse.

    …The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me, baby you surround me
You touch everyplace in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spent the whole night in your eyes

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you…

 

CHAPTER 8

A little while later…

Ben and Meg are now sitting on a blanket watching the sun set.   Meg has her head on Ben's shoulder and his arm is protectively around her.  They sent in silence for a few moments enjoying the beauty of the sunset.

The Ben, as if on impulse, reaches over, taking her face into his hands and
slowly starts to kiss Meg.

Meg starts to protest, but something about that warm loving kiss draws her in and she kisses him back crushing her lips against him.

Then, just as suddenly as it happened, Meg pulls away.

Ben is about to say something when all of the sudden he stops.  He notices a twinkle in her eyes, a twinkle he had not seen in a long time and then his
gaze traveled to the smile on her face and the tear that was slowly rolling
down her cheek.

She reaches for him, touching his face with her hand and locking onto his
eyes.

And then he knew…

 

CHAPTER 9

"Meg, do you really remember," Ben asks taking her hand in his.

"Yes," Meg says smiling through her tears.

"Oh baby," Ben says pulling her to him and holding her in his arms.  Then he lets her go and places his hands gently on her face.  "Its really you. 
You're really there."

"Yes.  It's really me.  I'm really here," Meg says continuing to smile.

"How…what brought it back?" Ben asks holding her hands.

"I…I'm not sure.  I just know that when you kissed me that even though I
wanted to pull away, something made me kiss you back and when I did, all of my memories of Sunset Beach and you and I and the girls fast-forwarded
through my mind and it was all there.  I fell in love with you all over again
and I pulled away because I had to see your face and touch it to make sure
you were real and that I wasn't dreaming," Meg says, fresh tears in her eyes.

Ben reaches up with his thumb and wipes away her tears.

"I am real and I am here and will always be here.  I love you so much," Ben
says as he takes her into his arms again.

They stayed wrapped in each other's arms as the moon casts a soft glow over the ocean and the stars glisten above.


It has now been another two weeks.  Life has gotten back to normal for Ben, Meg, and the girls and now a joyous event was about to occur.

At the Evans house…

Meg has just put the girls down for a nap and now she is sitting on the sofa
with Sara.

"How are you feeling?" Meg asks.

"Meg, I'm fine!" Sara says with a smile.  "Must you ask me that every five
minutes?"

"Well, I am just making sure," Meg says smiling back.  "I guess I am just
being protective of my little sister."

"I know," Sara says.  "So, how are you feeling?"

"I'm great and I've never been happier.  I am so glad I remember everything
again.  You have no idea how hard it was," Meg says.

"Yeah…I just can't imagine not knowing Casey," Sara says.

"Believe me you never want to.  And Ben was so good to me.  He wouldn't give up and he is the reason I remembered.  I love him so much," Meg says with a sigh, her mind drifting to that wonderful night.

Sara smiles knowing how happy Meg is.  She gets ready to say something when a sharp pain hits her.

"Meg!" Sara says holding her stomach.

"Sara, is it time?" Meg asks.

"Yes!  We better go," Sara says.  "I don't know how long this little one will
wait."

"Okay, lets get you up," Meg says helping Sara off of the couch.  "Oh no, the girls!  Lilah is at the store."

"Owwww!!!" Sara shrieks.

"Oh God!  We have to get you to the hospital quick," Meg says.

"I don't know if we will make it," Sara says before letting out another
shriek.

"Come on Sara, breathe!" Meg says as she helps Sara back onto the couch and helps her lay down.

"I'm…I'm breathing," Sara says.

Holding Sara's hand with one hand, Meg reaches for the phone with the other and calls 911.

"Hello?  Yes, my sister is going into labor.  I need an ambulance at 2434
Sunset Place now," Meg says.

Thirty minutes later…

Meg is in the birthing room at the hospital with Sara.  Lilah had arrived
just in time to stay with the girls so Meg could go with Sara.

"Sara, remember your breathing," Meg says helping Sara through yet another contraction.

Sara continues to breathe and soon she is through the contraction.

"Good Sara," Meg says.

"Where is Casey?" Sara asks.

"Sara, he will be here soon," Meg says smoothing back the sweaty hair on
Sara's head.

Then, as if he heard Meg, Casey finally appears.

"Honey, I got here as soon as I could," Casey says going over to his wife.

"I am so glad you are here Casey," Sara says and then she turns to Meg. 
"Thank you Meg."

"Anytime!" Meg says.  "I'll leave you to do the coaching Casey."

"Thanks Meg," Casey says. 

Meg leaves the room right as Sara is hit by another contraction.

"Casey…owwww!" Sara shrieks.

"Sara…breathe…" Casey says taking her hand and guiding her through.

Finally, the contraction passes.

"Okay, relax," Casey says.

Then Tyus comes into the room.

"Sara, it is time to get this little one out," Tyus says.

"Good!" Sara says. 

Casey and Tyus smile at each other and then they prepare to help Sara bring a new life into the world.

15 minutes later…

Meg, Ben, Joan, and Hank are all out in the waiting room.

"Oh, I am so excited!" Meg says beaming at Ben.

"I am too honey," Ben says smiling back.

Joan and Hank are sitting across from them.

"It is so wonderful to see them so happy again," Joan says with a smile on
her face.

"It really is," Hank says smiling.  "I don't know why I ever had any doubts
about Ben.  He is so good to Meg and loves her and those girls so much."

Joan smiles at Hank and then a few moments later, Casey comes into the
waiting room.

"We have a baby, a baby girl!" Casey says, all smiles.

Everyone congratulates him and then he heads back to Sara and their new baby. Twenty minutes later, Meg, Ben, Joan, and Hank are all lead back to Sara's room.

Sara is sitting up in bed smiling and holding a tiny little bundle.  Casey is
sitting beside her.

"Mom, Dad, Meg, Ben, Casey and I would like to introduce you to Jordan
Elizabeth Mitchum," Sara says and then she folds the blanket over to reveal a blue-eyed, blond haired baby girl.

"Oh, she's beautiful," Meg says.

Then they all gather around Sara and Casey and marvel at the life that has
just begun.

 

CHAPTER 10

It’s been almost a year since the accident and Ben and Meg are the happiest they have ever been.  To celebrate this happiness, they havedecided to renew their vows on their 4th wedding anniversary with their family and closest friends in their own home.

It is now only a couple ofminutes until Ben and Meg renew their vows. The
guests are all seated and the music has started to play.

Ben and Antonio have takentheir places and now wait for Meg.  Afew moments later, Meg slowly comes down the steps in the same dress she woreon her wedding day and walks over to Ben, a loving smile on her face.

Ben takes her hand and thenthe ceremony begins.


Late that night…

Ben and Meg have justgotten the girls to bed and are now cuddled together in their bed.

“You know, I don’t think Icould be any happier than I am right now,” Meg
says, smiling at her husband.

“Me either,” he sayssmiling as he strokes the top of her head. “I love you
so much.”

“I love you too,” Meg saysand then she starts to kiss him, starting at his
chest and then moving her wayup his neck, ending on his lips.  

“Mmmm,” Ben says in delightand then in one swift movement, he has her under him.

He slowly kisses her neckand then makes his way to her lips.  Hekisses her
long and hard.

She puts her hands on hisface and when he starts to kiss her neck, she brings his face eye level to her.

“Ben, I want to makeanother baby,” she says in a strangled whisper.  

“So do I.  Lets make that baby tonight,” he whispersback.

They slowly love, eachgiving their all and true to their word, a baby was
created that very night.


Nine months later, to the day, Meg gives birth to a healthy baby boy.

Surroundedby their family and friends and most importantly, their little
girls, Ben andMeg name their son Mark Benjamin Evans after the friend they would neverforget.

 

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