With his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his flight jacket the tall, brown haired man wandered through the ship to break his evening boredom. It was when he entered the maintenance hanger to check the status of his aircraft that he saw her standing alone under the moonlight on the open aft deck, the cold air whipping at her short golden hair. Silver stood for a moment just enjoying the sight. No woman had ever had this effect on him before.

She was wearing faded blue jeans, a loose white blouse and ankle high, brown leather boots. Standing with her back to him and her arms folded across her stomach, she watched the white water churning below her from the ship’s fast-moving propellers. He wished that he could go to her and tell her how he felt. In his dreams she was not married and his for the taking, winning her over with his wit and charm.

A smile crossed his face at the thought then it suddenly disappeared along with the fluttering of his heart as he watched her move the flight jacket she had draped across her folded arms in front of her and put it on. Seeing how the men’s jacket dwarfed her he remembered her heart belonged to someone else, someone who deserved a woman like her. If only he could find that kind of woman he would love her completely and be happy forever.

As if sensing a solicitous presence Kayce turned to her visitor smiled warmly. “Care to join me lieutenant?” Silver blushed and a shy grin crossed his face as he stepped out on the deck.

“Looks like a storm is brewing. Are you sure you want to stay out here?”

She looked at him, “I don’t mind the cold air. It’s refreshing after being in that ship all the time. Besides it’s a full moon tonight.” She snuggled into the Steve’s jacket, enjoying the scent of him still on it. It brought her calmness amidst the chaos, giving her a feeling that he was there with her once again.

Silver nodded and moved his gaze to the gray horizon. Her voice reached his ears. “I never did get a chance to thank you for saving my life. Thank you.” She said with all sincerity. Silver smiled at her and shrugged. “I was just looking out for my student. I don’t want to be the first instructor to lose a student during training.” He laughed finding her giggly response infectious. She watched him unguarded for just a moment before the tension returned. She didn’t need her Ph.D. in psychology to know he felt uncomfortable around her ever since the accident. She watched and noticed he had trouble making eye contact with her.

“Silver, why are you so uncomfortable when I’m around?” She asked after her curiosity got the best of her. She had a strong suspicion but hoped she was wrong. She didn’t want to be the source of his disappointment.

Silver nodded negatively and replied, “I don’t think that’s a topic I want to discuss Mrs. Austin.” He deliberately used the title to remind himself who he was talking to, a Colonel’s wife.

Her eyes grew wide. “Mrs. Austin?” She asked in disbelief of what she had heard. “Silver I thought we were friends? Unless you’ve decided otherwise.”

He let out a deep sigh. “No ma’am. I’m sorry, it’s nothing like that.” He made the mistake of looking at her deep blue eyes and his resolve melted. Why was it he felt he could tell her anything? Why did he feel so damn comfortable around her? Without considering the thin ice he was skating on he started to provide her with the information she sought. “It just that I…well, I…”

“You what?” She urged after the silence between them stretched out.

“Hell, I’m surprised Colonel Austin didn’t tell you.” The young man mumbled into his chest as he stared at his boots.

“Tell me what Silver.”

He forced himself to look out across the ocean and unconsciously sighed. “It’s nothing ma’am, I mean Kayce. Just forget it.”

Kayce eyed his strong, muscular build, the broad shoulders, the sharp jaw line of the handsome face, and large work hardened hands she knew were probably as gentle as his nature. She went with her suspicion but changed her plan of attack. “Silver, are you attracted to fun, intelligent, independent women?”

Her question took him completely by surprise and for a split second he considered throwing himself into the frothy water below to face a slow drowning just to avoid discussing this with her. She saw his posture go rigid and his hesitation was all the proof she needed that he may have feelings for her that, to her surprise, Steve already knew about. She quickly finished her thoughts. “Because if you are I know someone, she’s a good friend of mine, who lives in California. I know you two would really hit it off. Would it be okay if, when we get home, she writes to you?”

His shoulders sagged just a bit partly out of relief that she hadn’t figured out he was in love with her and partly because he knew he could never have her. His eyes’ slowly came up to meet hers. “I would love to meet any friend of yours.”

“Great. I’ll be talking to her when I call my son.” Kayce stepped closer to the naval aviator and placed a caring hand on his arm. “You are a very special man lieutenant and you deserve to find someone equally special.”

Once again he gave her a shy grin and blushed which normally melted any woman’s heart. Unfortunately for him the only smile that completely turned Kayce to mush was uniquely lopsided and one she never wanted to live without.

“Silver, would it be alright if I gave you a hug?” His wide eyed look reminded her of Kyle when he got his first look at his pony. She smiled brightly at his boyish face.

“Kayce, I’m afraid the captain was quite specific when you came on board. No crew member is to have any physical contact with you, especially alone.” His heart beat harder against his ribs wishing he could have the chance to hold her in his arms just one time.

“Silver I didn’t ask you to hug me back. I only asked if I could hug you. And as for military etiquette, it is my understanding that a naval captain on board a naval vessel cannot give orders to a civilian who isn’t listening to him anyway.” Her eyes twinkled and she stepped closer before wrapping her arms around his neck. She whispered into his ear, “Thank you for all your help on this assignment. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Silver’s military obedience wavered and his arms slid around her lean waist to return the embrace wholeheartedly. The smell of her hair, the feel of her toned body against his was what he imagined heaven might be like.

The physical contact only lasted less then a minute but Silver would hold onto that memory for the rest of his life. She gave him a smile filled with gratitude. “I’ll see you later.” With that she turned and left.

It was early morning and Kayce trotted through the long passageway on an emotional high after speaking with Kyle. He was having a great time with Miss Sarah, his nanny. In fact he was so engrossed in sorting his Halloween candy from last night that he shocked his mother by cutting their conversation short. Kayce chuckled as the phone was quickly handed over to his caretaker, providing the perfect opportunity to tell Sarah about Lt. Stephens.

Sarah, a longtime friend of Kayce’s, was always up for adventure and the two women conspired together for the first meeting. Kayce couldn’t keep the smile from her face thinking on their plans, so distracted that she collided with Oscar exiting his quarters.

“Kayce! How are you feeling?”

“Fine and you?” She replied in a happy tone.

“Fine. I wanted to tell you that the planes made it into the government’s hands without any problems. In fact the Secretary is so impressed with the extra piece of hardware you and Steve brought back that he’s thinking of giving both of you citations.”

“That’s nice.” She tried to sound grateful and excited but her reply fell flat. All she could think about was the price that it almost cost her.

“Is there something wrong Kayce?”

“No. I just have something I need to do.” She began to walk away and the tall dark-haired man followed closely behind.

“Rudy tells me Steve is going to be fine.”

“Yes, he is.” She stopped suddenly; well aware that her medical status was not confidential when it affected her job. “Did Rudy have anything else to say?”

Oscar looked at her with a scrunched brow. “No, why?”

“Nothing.” She continued on to the sickbay leaving Oscar curious as to what she might be referring to.

“Kayce we need to sit down and get you debriefed.” He called after her.

“Later Oscar.”

“But Kayce….”

“I said later Oscar.” She replied without turning back or slowing her pace.

The female operative stood at Steve’s bedside holding his hand. At her touch he stirred causing her breath to catch. “Steve?” Her soft tone was hopeful.

Glassy blue eyes appeared beneath the heavy eyelids and a small smile grace his lips. “There’s my Angel.” He whispered in a gravely voice causing her to giggle.

“Your one and only Cowboy.” She lifted her hip to sit on the edge of the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore and tired. How about you?”

“I’m fine. I’ve just been waiting for you to wake up and stop loafing. This isn’t a vacation you know. I don’t want to be stuck with all the paperwork.”

The patient let out an unexpected giggle and immediately regretted it as the pain shot right through his stomach and chest.

“Has Oscar debriefed you yet?”

“No, but I can’t dodge him much longer the ship isn’t that big.”

“You know this will be the first place he’ll look.”

“I guess you better hide me then.” She replied with a wink.

“You are welcome to hide under my blankets anytime Mrs. Austin.” Steve replied tiredly.

Rudy, hearing the quiet voices joined them in time to hear Kayce’s retort, “I think Rudy might have something to say about that.” Steve chuckled again, unable to prevent it and groan at the consequence it had on his wound.

“Everything okay you two?”

“If the Colonel would behave himself,” She looked from Rudy to Steve. “He’ll be fine.”

“Is that true Rudy?” Steve eyed his longtime friend for honest answers.

The doctor nodded affirmatively and explained the damage that the bullet caused. “With proper rest I’d say you’ll be up and around in about a week.”

“A WEEK!” the shocked couple exclaimed in unison. “Rudy I promised Kyle we’d be home by this weekend.” Steve glared at Rudy waiting for an alteration of his prognosis.

“Sorry Steve. I wish we could just fly you home but you aren’t up to a jolting plane ride especially off a carrier. Right now we are headed towards California. As soon as you are healed enough and we are within helicopter range Oscar said he’ll fly us the rest of the way.”

Steve conceded and looked at Kayce. “Did you talk to Kyle?”

She nodded, “He was so busy sorting his Halloween candy he didn’t even want to talk to me.” She gave her husband an exaggerated pout.

“Don’t worry. I still want to talk to you.” She immediately saw the expression on his face change from teasing to serious and knew the reason why. She glanced at Rudy and he nodded before excusing himself and leaving the couple alone.

“Well, it would seem you are getting what you wanted at least for now.” She informed his as she held his hand in both of hers.

“You mean you’ve already resigned? What did Oscar do? What did he say?” The shock on his handsome face was just a precursor for what was coming.

“No, I haven’t resigned and Oscar doesn’t know, at least not yet.” She took a breath hoping he’d be happy about the addition to their small family. They had yet to discuss further children. She knew he was always fearful of her health since her previous miscarriage that almost caused her to bleed to death. “I’m afraid I’ll be on medical leave for the next year.”

“Medical leave? But you said you were fine. Why would……” His face went from concern to shock in one second flat. “Kayce, are you telling me that you’re… that we’re…” She was nodding in response to each question until she giggled loudly at his final question, “But how?”

“Colonel Austin, you really need to learn that when you break important rules on this ship that you shouldn’t leave ANY evidence of the infraction.” She smiled wickedly, rubbing her tummy knowing in a few months the evidence would not be hidden. Suddenly Steve reached up and pulled her face down to his, planting a passionate kiss on her pink lips, which she lovingly returned. She rested her forehead against his, her weight brace by her arm on his pillow. For a moment there was just silence between them.

“I thought I lost you.” With both ands on her sides he felt her take a shuddering breath at the memory. “I don’t ever want to live without you Steve. I just couldn’t do it.”

“I know. I feel the same way about you.” He ran his right hand through her silky hair as they made eye contact. “Don’t worry we’ll work it out okay?” She nodded then asked, “You’re happy about the baby aren’t you?”

He grinned assuredly, “Absolutely and there’s no one else I’d rather be the mother of my children.”

Two days later the restless pilot was fidgeting in his bed waiting for his wife. “Well?” Steve raised his left brow as she wandered into the sickbay.

“The ship will be in helicopter range of California in about 72 hours.” She hopped onto the bedside and heard the frustrated sigh. Being stuck in the medical bay he hadn’t been able to even talk with his son by ship to shore radio.

Kayce reached forward and caressed his cheek. “I know you’re frustrated and disappointed but he’ll understand if we come home a little late.” Her voice was soft and soothing but it didn’t lessen Steve’s sadness.

Suddenly his eyes hardened. “I promised my son I would see him by the weekend and that’s what I plan on doing.” He pushed the covers down and sucked in a breath as he tried to sit up without the support of the bed or pillows that were pile behind him.

“Steve what are you doing? Rudy going to kill you!” Kayce exclaimed in a forceful hush seeing the determination in his blue eyes and the legs moving. She moved out of his way as fast as she could.

Steve stopped just as his legs went over the side. “Whose side are you on?” He grunted firmly but ended it with a wink. Kayce chuckled and in answer to his question offered her arm to assist him with standing.

Steve was grateful for her help. “I guess that means you’ll stay here to defend me when….”

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??????” Rudy’s voice carried easily across the small room. Steve’s eyes immediately closed hoping he was imagining the figure moving swiftly towards him. Kayce whispered in his ear, “There still time to lie back down. I’ll tell him you were sleepwalking.”

Steve grinned and Kayce delivered a brilliant smile but the stubborn man squared his shoulders and stood, as best he could with sutures pinching his left side, and prepared to receive his tongue-lashing.

Kayce, seeing the anger in Rudy’s eyes stepped to Steve’s side as the doctor came nose to nose with his obstinate patient.

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“I asked what you were doing.”

Steve glanced at his pretty wife and figured Rudy would go easier on her. “Well, you see, Kayce here had the bright idea that if I got out…”

“STEVE!” She planted her hands on her hips giving him the distinct impression she was not about to take the blame for his foolishness.

His mind considered faking dizziness to gain Rudy’s pity but didn’t want to show any relapse that would prevent a ride to California on a helicopter in 72 hours.

“Rudy… I want to be on a chopper in the next few days. I think I need to get up and walk around to gain some strength.” Steve deliberately avoided giving a specific time frame for the ride home not wanting to anyone to know Kayce had been doing some investigating for him.

“I’m sorry I forgot, where did you say you went to medical school? Was it before or after you earned you engineering degree?” The brown eyes glared at Steve and saw his contrite expression.

The patient sank his body onto the bed with a rueful sigh. “Fine.” He sat with his face down hoping to keep his lips from forming into a grin.

Kayce stepped into her role as the caring wife, “Rudy, would it really hurt him that much just sit out here on a chair for awhile?” Rudy looked at Steve then at Kayce and quickly realized he was outnumbered.

“Okay fine… but only for an hour or so and only in this chair, okay?” Steve’s face lit up and a crooked grin grew instantly on his lips. “Thanks Rudy. I promise I’ll only sit in that chair.”

The doctor looked again from husband to wife and shook his head, “I think I’ve just been played.” He turned and left the room.

“Well Angel that’s one hurdle jumped only one or two more to go.” Steve commented as he cautiously stepped to the chair. He looked up with a devilish grin. “Would you do me a favor?” She stepped next to him and nodded. “Put that chair about 30 feet over there.”

Kayce giggled and complied before walking her husband, arm in arm, to the chair.

The pair followed the exercise three times a day and every time the chair made it further and further away from the bed until the second day Steve was walking just over 120 feet. Both were just glad Rudy had not caught them.

The end of the second day Oscar met with Kayce and Rudy at Steve’s bedside to inform them that a helicopter would be available to take them home if the doctor felt Steve could tolerate the flight.

Rudy thought a moment and nodded. “We can take him to the deck by stretcher since there aren’t any wheelchairs or the accessibility in the passageways.” He looked at Steve and decided. “I think he could tolerate the trip. I could always medicate him if need be.”

Oscar looked at his operative. “Well Steve, are you ready to go home tomorrow?”

“Works for me. Can Kayce come too?” His question earned him a swat on the arm before it slid across his shoulders in a warm hug.

The next morning Rudy was surprised, yet not surprised, that Steve was awake and dressed early, with the corpsman’s help, waiting for the trip home to commence. Kayce arrived with their two duffle bags planning on escorting Steve to the deck. She also wanted to be there to see Rudy’s facial expression when Steve headed out on foot.

“Steve, take it easy while I go get the corpsman and the stretcher.”

“No need Rudy. I’ll just lean on Kayce for the walk to the deck.” Rudy’s mouth dropped open as Steve, with only a slight struggle got up from the chair and began walking towards the door.

“Steve I don’t think you’re ready to walk all the way to the deck.”

“Don’t worry Rudy. I’ve been practicing. I’m up to 150 feet at a time. Don’t worry Kayce and I will take breaks along the way. See you on deck!” He called over his shoulder as Kayce led him out of sickbay. The shock of seeing his patient walking with only a little support left the doctor speechless. Gathering his senses he quickly grabbed his bag and went to catch up.

Almost two hours later Kayce was squatting in front of Steve with her elbow resting on her raised knee. In the small lounge just off the windy deck Steve sat on a chair with his eyes closed. His wife watched him and inwardly smiled. His eyes opened to see her gazing at him.

“I get the feeling you’ve over-estimated your present abilities.” She stated plainly, barely keeping the chuckle from her voice.

“I may have miscalculated just a bit.” He gave her a crooked grin and a wink. “Just don’t tell the good doctor.” She giggled knowing how much Rudy’s hovering during their marathon trek from the sickbay had bothered her husband. He verbally expressed his relief at the third rest stop when Rudy was called away to speak with Oscar who was firming up their travel plans.

The doctor entered the lounge area, as if on cue, and looked at the couple with concern when he saw Kayce crouched in front of the pale face man. Feeling another presence the young woman quickly stood and said she would bring her partner a cold drink while he rested. She remained silent as she passed the doctor near the doorway.

“Steve are you okay?”

The injured man opened his eyes and smiled weakly. “I’ll be fine Rudy.”

“I have no doubt you’ll be fine. I asked if you were okay now.”

The patient conceded to some extent, “I’m a little tired.”

“And I’d bet you’re very sore.” The lopsided grin that grew on the thin lips was the only response the doctor received. Rudy just shook his head knowing Steve would not admit it was a bad idea. “I could always get a stretcher.”

“No, no stretcher.” Steve immediately replied. At that instant Kayce returned and lightly commented, “I could carry you to the chopper.”

Steve glared at his smiling wife who challengingly stared back with a hand on her hip. “There is no way in hell that will happen. I’ll ride the ship home first.” He gave her a look of mock annoyance.

Their sparring was interrupted when Oscar came to inform them there helicopter was landing and they could begin the long walk to helipad. Oscar and Rudy watched as Steve allowed Kayce to support him by walking arm and arm to the deck.

“I still can’t believe he’s up and walking after only 5 days.” The director commented remembering when he was laid up for 10 days after a similar injury.

“It’s only because walking doesn’t increase his heart rate or respiration. Don’t forget if he wasn’t bionic he would still be in bed.” The two headed out with their bags in hand.

Stepping onto the deck the married pair was surprised to see the carrier crew in full dress whites standing at ease along the edges of the deck as if they were pulling into port. They slowly made their way to the Captain and Lt. Stephens who waited near the chopper.

When the OSI team assembled the captain spoke. “Colonel, Mrs. Austin, the crew wanted to turn out and express their gratitude for your successful completion of this mission. We have no doubt it saved the lives of our pilots and we are thankful.” The naval commander completed his words with his eyes locked on Kayce’s.

“You’re welcome Captain.” She responded and Steve just nodded while leaning on Kayce a little more each minute as his body reacted to the exhausting walk but his wife was the only one to notice. Lt. Stephens stepped forward aware that the couple was restless to leave. “We wanted to give you a few mementos of your stay with us. He handed Kayce her own flight jacket complete with the USS Liberty patch and wings. The sight of it brought a big smile to her face, her blue eyes twinkling.

Silver grinned and vowed to keep that picture in his mind forever. “Colonel, as an Air Force pilot we know you wouldn’t wear a naval jacket so we wanted to give you this patch to add to yours if can bring yourself to wear a Navy patch.” Steve smiled and thanked the lieutenant.

The third gift was also small in size. Silver looked at Kayce and she could feel his underlying sadness, “I understand you have a three-year-old boy at home.” He swallowed hard as a lump formed in his throat. “If the Colonel doesn’t mind….” He handed the blonde woman a small dark blue sweatshirt with ‘NAVY’ on the front along with a picture of a jet taking off. Both Kayce and Steve smiled at the sweet gesture, sincerely thanking the naval officer. The pair boarded the chopper with anxious hearts. Their little boy was only a few hours away.

The helicopter slowly lowered onto the helipad at Ventura Air Force base. Looking out the window Kayce and Steve could see Sara standing next to her car holding onto Kyle who was standing on the hood. The foursome deplaned and walked to the excited little boy. Having the boy at eye level made it easy for Steve to hug him without having to hold his body weight in his arms. It was a tight, emotional hug and Steve fought back tears when he finally released his son with a kiss on the head.

Dropping the duffle bags Kayce wrapped the toddler in her arms and lifted him off the vehicle. She didn’t fight the tears that slowly meandered down her cheeks as she too hugged him tightly. Steve grinned and tousled the boy’s hair as he giggled from the spin his mother gave him.

Oscar said his goodbyes and slid into the waiting sedan to catch a plane to Washington. Rudy declined Kayce’s offer to spend a day or two at the ranch saying he wanted to stay at his townhouse but would be coming by to check on Steve. The doctor wanted to work on some new projects at his California facility and this was the perfect excuse not to return to Washington for a few weeks.

After the rest of the goodbyes were shared everyone headed on their separate directions hoping for a little rest and relaxation.

The following day Rudy knocked on the back door and opened it at Kayce’s request. She greeted him in the kitchen, drying her hands before hugging him. “Thanks for coming by.”

“So are the two of you settled back in yet?”

Kayce chuckled, “Rudy we’ve only been home 15 hours.”

“How’s that stubborn husband of yours I came to see?”

She smiled weakly. “He had a rough night last night. I guess with the flight and the excitement of being home it was a lot for him. Around 4:00am I finally convinced him to take the pain medicine you gave me. He’s still in bed.”

Rudy was not surprised to hear the report and find out his patient was still in bed at 10:00 am. “Hopefully he’ll stay in bed for awhile and get some rest.” The doctor commented with a smile. “It’s exactly what he needs right now.”

“Oh, he will.” She saw Rudy’s curious expression as she led him to the bedroom. “I’ve posted a guard in his room with orders not to let him get out of bed.”

She opened the door slowly to a very quiet room. Steve was lying on his back, bare-chested and bare footed, wearing a pair of pajama bottoms. A light blanket was thrown haphazardly over him in his slumber. Next to him on Kayce’s neatly-made side of the bed was his tow-headed son lying on his stomach coloring in his favorite coloring book. The small face looked up and he quickly placed a small finger to his lips, silently reminding the adults that his Daddy needed his rest.

Rudy smiled and stepped into the room, medical bag in hand, with the intention of examining his patient. “Do you want me to take Kyle out?” Kayce asked in a hushed voice.

“No. I won’t be that long.” The brown-haired man whispered in reply.

Kayce stayed at the doorway and watched as the doctor placed a chair close to the queen-sized bed and opened his bag. A tiny soft voice wafted across the bed. “Hi Uncle Rudy.”

“Hi Kyle. How’s your Dad been doing this morning?” He knew the three-year-old was probably fearful and unsure of what was going on.

“Okay I guess. He’s been sleeping the WHOLE time.” The shrugging toddler came to sit on his heels on the other side of the Steve and faced Rudy wearing his Navy sweatshirt his parents had brought him.

Rudy smiled at the little boy’s disappointed response. It was obvious the boy wanted to play with his Daddy this morning. “I know Kyle but he’ll be better soon.” Kyle just nodded and looked down at his Daddy, watching everything Rudy did carefully.

After checking his patient’s radial pulse the physician pulled out his stethoscope and gave a quick listen to Steve’s lungs. He glanced at the boy and saw the wonderment in his angelic face. “Kyle, would you like to hear your Dad’s heart beat?” He knew with the strong pain medication and exhaustion Steve would probably be in such a deep sleep that not much would wake him for several hours.

The child nodded enthusiastically and sat still while his uncle placed the ear pieces in his little ears. Rudy then rested the amplifier on Steve’s chest and watched the boy’s face. The furled eyebrows soon relaxed and then the left one rose slightly and a small crooked grin grew on his thin lips. The expression was priceless and Rudy had to suppress the laughter building in his body. Kayce was thoroughly enjoying the interaction between uncle and nephew and rested her long frame against the doorway with her arms crossed at her waist.

Moving on to checking Steve’s wound Rudy gently peeled away the large white bandage and was very pleased with its color and lack of warmth. The drainage was clear and minimal, indicating no infection.

Kyle had lifted his denim clad bottom off his sneakers to lean over and get a better look at what the doctor was doing to his father. Rudy saw the look of fascination on the child’s face and grinned at the thought of maybe a future doctor was in the works. Seeing Rudy eyeing him the youngster swiftly moved back into a sitting position not wanting to get in the way. He watched as Rudy rubbed a clear liquid on the stitches with a cotton ball and went about re-bandaged the wound.

There was silence in the room for few seconds while the gauze was taped down and Kyle’s little voice was heard again by not only two adults but three. A groggy Steve had slowly become aware of his surroundings and felt the bandage being removed but kept his heavy eyelids closed. The drug in his system made him feel very sluggish and he just wanted to fall back to sleep. Hovering just above a doze he heard his little boy’s voice, which kept his attention away from the deep sleep that called to him.

“Uncle Rudy, did you know that my Mommy has a baby in her belly?”

Rudy’s head came up suddenly and he looked at the sharp blue eyes. “Yes Kyle I did know that.”

There was only a moment of silence as the toddler considered his next question. “How did it get there Uncle Rudy?” Kayce nearly burst out laughing and had to throw a hand over her mouth while her shoulders slumped over and shook. ‘Oh this is going to be good.’ She thought.

Rudy’s shocked expression was quickly doused when he looked at the angelic face and saw a miniature of Steve’s face when he is playing innocent and usually pulling Rudy’s leg. In Kyle’s case though, the mischievous twinkle was missing from the bright eyes. Knowing it was just an innocent question he tried to think of a reply to side step the issue.

The silence was too long for the inquiring child and another question was put forth. “Was it something she ate?” This was almost too much for the parents who were eavesdropping on the conversation. Rudy, whose hand still rested on his patient’s torso, felt a tremor run through the body and he looked down at Steve’s face, which was turned towards him and away from Kyle. He immediately saw the lopsided grin on the patient’s face under the closed eyelids.

Knowing he now had an audience Rudy tried to be very vague in his answer. “I don’t think it was something she ate Kyle.”

The little blonde-headed boy let out a loud, relieved sigh. “That’s good.” He said while his small hand went to his tummy, “Because I usually eat what she eats and I don’t want a baby growing in my belly.”

Rudy chuckled, “Don’t worry. Only Mommies can grow babies in their bellies.” He reached over and tousled the boys’ short hair and was rewarded with a familiar grin. Rudy began packing up his bag thinking he had escaped the sticky situation and the voice came to him again.

“So how did it get in her belly?” He asked innocently again. With a look towards the door Rudy saw Kayce wiping the tears from her face and holding her stomach as she tried to restrain her laughter at her friend’s predicament. Looking down he saw Steve’s abdominal muscles twitching and his left arm pulled tight against his wound in response to his silent laughter and made his decision to turn the tables on his friends.

“Well Kyle, I’m not EXACTLY sure how it got there. I think you’ll have to ask your Daddy. I think he put it there.” With that he smiled and snapped his bag shut to the loud response of the parents.

“Rudy!” The name called from both sides of the room at the same time. Steve clutched his side with both hands and laughed out loud and Kayce rolled off the door frame into the hall unable to stop the laughter from escaping. Kyle remained on the bed with a confused look wondering why the adults were all laughing. He suddenly realized his father was awake and leaned on the right side of his tanned chest.

“Daddy, you’re awake!!” He placed his face right in front of Steve’s, his attention instantly onto another topic, to the adult’s relief. “Can we go outside today? I want to show you the frog I caught. Miss Sara told me I had to keep it in the barn and wouldn’t let me bring it in the house. He’s big and slimy with big eyes.”

Steve slowly rose to a sitting position, breathing heavy from the effort and the laughing, and replied with a hand on his son, “Maybe later Kyle after lunch. Right now I’m starved.”

“Me too!” Kyle replied and hopped off the bed to run into the kitchen. Steve looked up at Rudy’s unhappy stare.

“How long were you awake?” The doctor asked in an annoyed tone of being put in such an awkward position.

Steve gave him a crooked grin at his deception. “Only since you removed the bandage.” The chuckling returned at the memory. “I’m sorry Rudy but the conversation was too good to interrupt.” Seeing this wasn’t improving the doctor’s mood. “Come on Rudy, we all know laughter is the best medicine.” With that statement all three adults were laughing.

“Come on Rudy why don’t you join us for lunch.” Kayce slid and arm around the doctor and escorted him to the door with Steve followed donning his robe. The young woman giggled, “You can finish your conversation with our son.” More laughter burst forth at Rudy’s terrified expression and the three headed to the kitchen.