Here's the next one shot in the 'What are Aunts for?' series, it's set about six months after the first part.

I hope you enjoy.

Take care,

Sairs

What are Aunts for?

Comfort and support.

Sam placed the bag in the passenger side of the truck and then walked back to Andy who was standing next to the driver's door. He stood in front of her, his hand reaching out, touching her cheek, before dipping his head and capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. Resting his forehead against hers he spoke, "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too," she replied, her fingers playing with the edge of his shirt.

"Two days," he muttered, his eyes focussed on hers.

"Yep, forty eight hours," she agreed, "But we can talk on the phone."

"Count on it."

"And Aunt Em's isn't that far away."

"No. You will call me when you get there," he demanded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

She smiled, "Are you checking on my safety or the truck's?" she teased.

He mirrored her smiled, "I need to know both of my girls are safe."

She shook her head, "I'll take good care of her."

"I know you will, more importantly drive carefully. I can replace a truck; I can not replace you, McNally."

"I'm glad to hear it," she quickly kissed him, "Now if I don't get going it will be dark before I get to Em's."

Reluctantly he moved his forehead from hers, stood back and opened the door for her. He waited for her to climb in and then he leaned in for another quick kiss, "To keep me going until you're back."

She grinned, "Close the door, Sam. I'll see you Sunday evening."

He closed the door, waited for her to start the engine and watched as she pulled out and drove into the distance.

Andy knocked on Em's door and grinned as she opened it with a flourish, pulling her niece into her arms, "Andy!" she exclaimed.

Andy giggled, "Em if you don't release your death grip I'm going to pass out from lack of oxygen."

Emily laughed, "Sorry, Andy, it's just lovely to see you. It feels like ages since I last had the chance to hug you."

"Well it has been nearly six months," Andy agreed, following her Aunt into the house.

"Far too long," Emily muttered as she locked the door, "Now let me look at you." She studied her niece, "Marriage still looks good on you. How is my favourite nephew?"

Andy grinned, "His usual charming self. He's disappointed that he couldn't come, but he's working all weekend."

"Well I guess someone's got to look after Toronto."

"I'm sure he'll be doing his very best, in between thinking about what we're going to get up to."

Em chuckled, "That'll give him a few more grey hairs."

"He's probably gotten ten more since I left driving the truck," Andy teased.

"You'd better call him then and reassure him that his truck and his wife have made it safely. You phone, I'll make tea."

Andy nodded, dropping her bag in the hall and heading into the living room to call Sam.

"Hey," she spoke quietly into the receiver.

"Hey, yourself. Are you there?"

"You'll be relieved to know that your truck has arrived safely, without a scratch or a scrape."

He chuckled, "How about my wife?"

"She's okay, too. Missing her husband, but I guess she'll get through the next forty eight hours with her Aunt's help."

"How is Em?"

"Pleased that I'm here, sorry that you're not. But she has mentioned plans."

He chuckled, "As long as it doesn't involve matchmaking you'll be fine. Have you told her about Dov and Vicky?"

"Nope, thought I'd tell her over tea."

"She'll love it."

Andy nodded as she spoke, "She'll be thrilled."

"She will. Andy, I've got to go and get ready for the night shift. I'll speak to you tomorrow afternoon."

"Be safe," she stated as she fiddled with the fringe on the end of Em's cushions.

"I will," he promised, "Love you."

"I love you too. Speak to you tomorrow."

"Good night."

"Night," she said just before she heard the sound of his breathing cut off and replaced with the dialling tone.

"You'll be home before you know it," Emily reassured as she walked into the living room with a tray with cups and a teapot.

"I know," Andy replied ruefully, "It's just that this is the first time I've been here and he's been there. We're usually in the same city, even if we aren't on the same shifts. This just feels odd."

Emily sat next to her niece, "I know, Sweetheart. But at least you know he misses you just as much as you miss him." She winked before continuing, "They do say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Just imagine Sunday night!"

Andy laughed at Emily's outrageousness, "Emily!"

Emily giggled, "Made you smile though, didn't I?"

Andy nodded, "I can always rely on you, can't I?"

"Always," Emily pulled Andy in for a quick hug before moving towards the tea tray, "Time for a nice cup of tea."

Andy followed her Aunt into the hallway, depositing their shopping bags on the floor. When Andy had told Emily that Dov and Vicky were engaged, she had insisted that they spend the morning shopping for an engagement present.

They had had a great time exploring the antique and curiosity stores in Stouffville and eventually Emily had found what she thought would be the perfect engagement gift.

"I'm exhausted," Andy admitted, slumping down into one of the kitchen chairs, "and starving," she added as her stomach rumbled.

Emily shook her head, "You're a young woman, Andy, you should have more energy."

Andy smiled, "It's been a long week and I guess it's all of the excitement of seeing you and shopping for Dov and Vicky."

Emily's smile broadened, "You know I'm two for two now. I wonder who'll be lucky number three?"

Andy shook her head, "Do we need to put out a warning that you're back on the matchmaking market?"

She chuckled, "You don't want to make it common knowledge, they'll be queuing around the block for my help! I can see the headlines now, 'Emily McNally, master matchmaker has vacancy for helping couples to find true love.'"

Andy shook her head, "Oh, Em!"

A knock at the door stopped their conversation, a puzzled look crossed Emily's face, "I wonder who that could be?" she said as she walked out of the kitchen and answered the door.

Andy glanced at her watch and thought that Sam would be home soon and he'd be calling her, she smiled at the thought of hearing his voice, her reverie was disturbed as she recognised the voices talking with her Aunt. She stood nervously and headed out towards the door, her stomach slowly began to churn and her hands began to shake.

Her stomach plummeted and her knees felt weak when she saw Traci and Oliver standing next to Emily in the hallway, "Sam?" she choked before she crumpled to the floor, her heart breaking.

"Andy?" Emily spoke with concern as she placed a cold compress on her niece's forehead.

In the darkness of her mind, Andy could hear Emily's voice; reluctantly she left the safety of the darkness, opening her eyes, her Aunt's face slowly coming into focus, concern evident in her features. For a split second Andy was confused; then she remembered, "Sam?" She turned her head and noticed Traci, her face mirroring the concern of Emily.

"Andy, there's been an incident," Traci started, her voice cracking with emotion, "Sam's in the hospital. He's been shot."

"Shot!" Andy's voice rose, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Yes, Sweetie," Traci stated, "Oliver and I have come to take you to the hospital."

Andy pulled herself up from the sofa, ignoring the dizziness that seemed to be engulfing her mind, she needed to get to Sam. He needed her, why did she come here for the weekend? She asked herself, "We need to go," she stated resolutely, reaching for the arm of the sofa to steady herself.

"Are you up to the drive?" Emily asked, noticing how unsteady Andy seemed to be.

"I'll drive you and Emily in the cruiser," Traci intervened, "Oliver's going to drive Sam's truck."

Andy nodded, walking slowly to the door, "I need to see Sam."

The drive back to Toronto was horrendous, Andy couldn't focus on anything other than the thought of Sam being shot and she wasn't there to have his back. She rested her head against the window of the cruiser, the coolness of the glass the only thing connecting her to reality. She hadn't listened to anything Emily or Traci had said, she couldn't, the only thing she could think of was Sam and how she couldn't live without him.

She felt tears streaming down her cheek and she wiped them away with the back of her hand, she wouldn't cry, Sam wouldn't want her to cry, but she couldn't help it, she was furious with herself and with the person who shot Sam.

She allowed herself to close her eyes, images of Sam dancing in her mind, his smile, the one he saved just for her.

"Andy?" Emily said softly as she gently touched Andy's hand, "We're here, Sweetheart."

Andy opened her eyes and turned to look at her aunt and nodded.

Emily looked at her niece, her heart broke for her; she looked like the vulnerable teenager who'd arrived on her doorstep when her world had crashed around her ears. She just prayed that Sam would make it, because looking at her niece; she didn't think she'd survive if Sam didn't.

Traci opened the door to the cruiser and opened the door, waiting for Andy and Emily to climb out. Closing the door, she led them into the hospital, praying that they would find good news waiting for them.

Andy walked into the waiting room, her Aunt, Traci and Oliver following her. She couldn't help the small smile cross her lips at the sight of their friends waiting together for news of Sam.

Frank stood and strode purposefully over to Andy, he took her hand, "Andy, he's in surgery," he stated simply.

Andy nodded, her eyes not meeting Frank's, instead, studying the collar of his shirt, "How bad is it?" she asked quietly.

"He took three bullets," Frank began, leading Andy to a chair as she didn't look like her legs would hold out. "Two hit his vest, but one went under. They're removing it now."

Three bullets, Andy thought, three, "How long has he been in surgery?"

"Three hours," Frank replied, studying her.

"Three hours," she leaned forward burying her head in her hands as she thought of Sam, his life in the hands of the surgeons at the hospital.

Andy couldn't look at her friends, their faces were full of concern and she couldn't handle dealing with their feelings when she was barely dealing with her own, she had been content with studying the floor, the tiny swirls of pattern in the tiles holding her attention. She glanced at her watch; she'd been sitting in the waiting room for an hour. Sam had been in surgery for four hours.

The sound of the door opening jolted her from her thoughts, "Mrs. Swarek?" a deep voice asked.

Andy inhaled deeply before standing, waiting a moment to check that she could actually stand without the fear of falling over, "I'm Mrs. Swarek," she said, her eyes meeting that of the surgeon.

"Your husband has survived surgery. The bullet missed his vital organs, but it did rupture his spleen, which led to massive blood loss. We have removed his spleen and patched up the damage," the surgeon explained.

Andy nodded, the surgeon's words sinking in, Sam was alive, she let that thought settle. "Can I see him?" she asked.

The surgeon nodded, "Only close family members at the moment. He's still unconscious and…" he paused as if collecting his thoughts, "and we're not sure when he'll wake up. It appears he might have hit his head in the fall and we're monitoring him for brain injuries."

Andy's stomach lurched, her hand covering her mouth to hold back the sob that was threatening to break free, she was determined to be strong, she wouldn't break down in front of her friends and colleagues. She felt reassuring arms around her shoulders, "Andy, Sweetheart," Emily spoke quietly as she turned her into her embrace.

Andy held onto Emily, using the warmth of her embrace to help compose herself.

"Mrs. Swarek?" the surgeon asked.

Andy turned her head to look at him and nodded.

"If you're okay, I'll take you to him."

Andy nodded, grabbing hold of Emily's arm as she released her from her embrace, pulling her with her.

The surgeon stopped outside a room, he turned and looked at them, "Mrs. Swarek, your husband is attached to several machines at the moment, they're monitoring him. It will look frightening, but try not to worry about them."

"Can I touch him? Talk to him?" Andy asked quietly, staring at the door, wondering what she'd find on the other side.

The surgeon smiled reassuringly, "Yes you can touch him and talk to him. He will probably hear you, although he might not remember what you said when he wakes up."

"Thank you," Andy replied.

"There will be several nurses stopping by to check on him regularly, the next few hours are critical."

Andy nodded.

The surgeon turned and headed off towards the nurses station.

"Andy, are you ready?" Emily asked.

Andy took a deep breath as she nodded, opening the door to Sam's room. She couldn't help but gasp at the sight of Sam, her Sam, attached to an array of wires and monitors, his face pale. It was something she'd only ever pictured in her worst nightmares and now it was her reality.

She felt someone gently push her, "Andy go sit with him, touch him, tell him you're here. I'll be outside and I'm going to find out where Tommy is," Emily said.

Andy heard Emily leave the room, she waited until she heard the door close before walking over to him; she tentatively reached out and touched his hand, avoiding the tubes that had been placed in the back of his hand. His skin felt warm and soft, but his hand didn't curl around hers, it remained still.

"Sam," she said, her voice cracking with emotion, "I need you to wake up. Fight, because I can not do this alone." She moved closer, leaning over him, so that she could look at his face; he looked like he was asleep, peaceful. She'd always loved watching him sleep, but at that moment in time all she wanted was for him to wake up and smile at her. She leaned forward and kissed his forehead, before tilting her head to rest against his. "Please wake up," she begged.

Emily opened the door and looked at Andy, her head resting on the edge of Sam's bed, his hand grasped in hers, she walked over to her, gently placing her hand on her shoulder, "Andy," she said gently.

Andy stirred, forgetting for a moment where she was, "Em?"

"Darling, you need to eat something," she offered Andy a sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Reluctantly Andy sat up and released Sam's hand accepting the sandwich, tentatively she took a small bite, not really tasting it and swallowing.

"Good, you need to keep your strength up, Sam's going to need you," Emily reassured her.

Andy nodded numbly, she had been sitting with Sam all night, at first the bleeping of the machines had made her nervous, but now they were comforting, it signalled Sam was still alive, fighting. She picked up the cup of coffee and brought it to her lips, before she could take a sip, the aroma of the coffee assaulted her nostrils causing a chain of events, she couldn't have predicted. The smell caused her stomach to rebel; the sandwich she had just eaten churned, she quickly stood from her seat and hurried out of the door, heading to the bathroom. She made it just in time.

Emily had watched Andy turn an alarming shade of green, before she'd hurried past her out into the corridor. She had followed her into the bathroom and found her niece, losing the sandwich she'd just eaten. She hurried over to her, rubbing her back and helping to hold her hair out of the way, "It's okay, Andy. Everything will be okay," she reassured her.

Finally Andy's stomach stilled and she pushed herself up, turning towards Emily, she grabbed some tissue and wiped her mouth, "Is it going to be okay?" she asked.

Emily looked at her niece, "Sam loves you and he's going to fight to stay with you. It's your job to be there and help him fight. We're all going to be here to help you, but you can't help Sam if you're sick."

Andy smiled thinly, "Guess the stress of the past few hours has caught up with me. I think I'll stick to water."

Emily looked at her niece, "Are you sure you're okay?"

Andy nodded, "As okay as anyone can be." She slumped her shoulders, "I'll be much better when he wakes up."

"We all will be," Emily reassured her, "Now let's get you some water and then we'll see if you can eat something."

Andy lost track of time as she sat with Sam, the hours and days seemed to merge into each other, but still he wasn't awake. She stretched when she heard the door open; she turned and smiled as Emily came in.

"Morning, Sweetheart," She said as she walked in and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

Andy turned and smiled thinly, "Morning."

"Your father's outside to take you home, I'll sit with Sam until you come back."

Andy nodded, before standing, leaning over and kissing Sam, "I'll be back soon," she promised.

It had become their routine, Andy staying with Sam then Emily or Tommy sitting with him when they insisted she go home for a few hours break.

When the nurses realised that Andy wouldn't be leaving at night, they arranged for a small portable bed to be brought into Sam's room, which she had been grateful for as sleeping in the chair was uncomfortable.

"Andy," Emily said as she watched Andy stand, "He will be alright."

Andy nodded, "But it's been four days, Em. Four days and he hasn't responded," she choked out afraid that if she let the sobs win she wouldn't be able to stop them.

"He just needs his beauty sleep," Emily tried to lighten the panic on her niece's face, but even Emily was beginning to wonder if everything would be alright. "When he's had enough he'll wake up and everything will be okay."

Andy shook her head, "This is not a fairy tale, we don't get the happily ever after."

"But if you don't believe you never will. You both fought for this, you are both stubborn, but yet you have something that few people have. You can't stop believing or fighting now, Andy. Sam's not given up and I won't let you either. Now go, your father's waiting," Emily waved her hands at her niece.

Andy looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes were heavy and puffy, her face was pale, she looked like she hadn't slept properly in a year, she hadn't slept properly in days, not since the incident. She splashed some cold water on her face in the hopes that it would bring some colour back, but after a few moments the colour faded again.

She leaned forward as her stomach churned again, her stomach's rebelliousness had been the one constant since Sam had been admitted to hospital. She had only let Emily witness her first bought of nausea, since then she had managed to keep the physical signs at bay. But she couldn't help but wish the churning would disappear as she was spending more and more time worrying about why she felt the way she did. She couldn't afford to be sick when Sam's life was hanging in the balance.

Not able to control her stomach anymore she gave in and emptied what little was left of her breakfast.

A few minutes later she was rinsing out her mouth, her stomach had settled slightly.

Feeling a little better she left her bathroom, changed her clothes and headed downstairs where her father was waiting.

Tommy smiled when Andy came into the living room, she looked pale, but he thought that was to be expected when you spent virtually all of your time cooped up in a hospital room. "I've made some lunch for you," he stated holding up a plate with a sandwich.

Andy nodded, "Thanks, Dad. But I'm not really hungry."

Tommy frowned, "Emily told me I was not to bring you back to the hospital unless you had eaten and I am not disregarding Emily's orders."

Andy sat on the sofa next to her dad, picking up the plate with the sandwich on it; she looked at it, willing herself to make the effort to eat.

"You've got to eat, Andy," Tommy stated simply, reaching out and patting her back.

"I know, Dad," she glanced at him, "What will I do if he doesn't wake up?"

Tommy looked at his daughter, she seemed so lost, broken even, he and Emily were at a loss and all they could do was be there for her and pray. "I know Sam, Sweetheart; he's going to fight to get back to you, because he wouldn't want to see you like this. He just needs time."

"I'm just tired of waiting, Dad."

"I know, Sweetheart, but waiting is all we can do," he nudged her, "Now eat your sandwich, so we can save Sam from Emily's chattering. Did you realise she's been talking to the nursing staff, meddling away."

Andy chuckled, "Why doesn't that surprise me."

Tommy was pleased to see Andy smile; it was something that had been missing for the past few days.

Andy entered Sam's room to find Emily sitting beside him regaling stories from Andy's childhood, "Aunt Em, do you think you can stop embarrassing me in front of my husband?"

Emily turned from Sam and smiled warmly at Andy, "Just thought he might enjoy hearing about your escapades."

"I'm sure he would," she stepped towards them, "Any change?" she asked hopefully.

"He's still sleeping."

Andy nodded, "No change then."

"Andy?"

Andy looked at Emily, "Yes."

"It's Tommy's turn to sit with Sam, why don't you and I go for a walk. I think we need to talk."

Andy looked at Emily, unsure what she meant, "We talk all the time, Em."

Emily nodded, "But there's something I want to talk to you about and I think it would be better in the fresh air. Let's go and sit in the hospital grounds and talk."

Andy knew that Emily wasn't going to let it drop and Sam would be fine with her Dad and they would only be outside if something happened. "Okay," she replied quietly.

She followed Emily outside into the early afternoon sunshine; Emily sat down on a bench that looked out over the small plot of grass that was surrounded by flower borders. Emily patted the seat beside her and waited for Andy to sit down.

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Emily finally spoke, "Andy what's wrong?"

Andy glanced at her aunt, "My husband's in hospital, Em. That's what's wrong with me."

Emily shook her head, "Andy I've been watching you, and there is something else on your mind. I'm sure you're hiding something from me and you're definitely worried about something other than Sam."

Andy shook her head, "Sam's my only priority at the moment."

Emily nodded, "That's what's got me worried. You're determined to be there for Sam, but you're not looking after yourself." Emily turned to her and fixed her with her best tell me the truth or else look; "Are you ill?"

Andy started to shake her head, but stopped when her Aunt said, "Andrea, truth, please."

"I don't know; I've just been feeling off colour. I think it's the stress of Sam's situation," Andy reasoned.

"Are you sure that's the reason you're feeling off colour?"

Andy looked at her Aunt in confusion, not sure what she was getting at.

Emily took Andy's hand, "Let me tell you what I've noticed."

Andy nodded, "Okay."

"You're tired."

"Understandably so, I've been sleeping on a very uncomfortable bed in Sam's hospital room."

"Oh I know that, but you were tired even before Sam's accident. Our little shopping trip in Stouffville had you worn out."

"Okay, so things have been a little hectic at work and home and yes I've been more tired than usual," Andy's voice was a little harsher than she intended.

"Andy I've watched you dash out of Sam's room when you think we're not paying attention."

"I just needed some time on my own."

Emily shook her head, "No, Sweetie, I think there's more to it than that and you're doing what you always do best in a crisis. You run and Sam's not here right now to catch you and make you put the pieces together. So I'm here to do that."

Andy shook her head, "I don't know what you're saying. I'm fine. I just want Sam to wake up."

"I think you need to use this," Emily reached into her bag and pulled out a small box, she handed it to Andy.

Andy took the box and looked at it, "A pregnancy test?"

Emily looked at Andy meeting her eyes, "You're tired, more than usual, you've been sick several times and my guess is that your stomach spends most of its day churning?" Andy nodded sheepishly, "One smell of coffee sends you to the bathroom quicker than a sprinter and you've been unsteady on your feet, dizziness, right?" Andy nodded.

"Pregnant?" Andy asked, turning the box in her hands; that idea hadn't even occurred to her.

"There's one way to find out," Emily said, patting her arm.

"What if I am?"

"Then we'll be planning a christening," Emily smiled warmly.

"What if I'm not?"

"Then we'll be getting you checked out by a Doctor, because something's not right," Emily paused as she studied her niece, "Andy whatever the outcome you'll be okay."

"I'm scared," she admitted quietly.

"I know, but you've got me and your dad, your friends and Sam."

She nodded and turned to Emily, "Okay, I'll go do the test."

"Then we'll know what we're dealing with," Emily smiled.

Emily paced outside the bathroom, waiting for Andy. She glanced at the clock on the wall; she'd been in there for nearly ten minutes. Taking a deep breath she opened the door and found Andy standing by the wash basin staring at the little plastic stick, "Well?"

Andy turned to her Aunt; tears were streaming down her face.

Emily hurried forward and pulled Andy into her arms, "I'm sorry, Sweetheart."

Andy pulled back, muttering, "No." She looked at Emily, recognising the confusion crossing her features, "It's positive. I'm pregnant."

Emily smiled, "That's wonderful."

"Is it?" Andy asked petulantly.

"A baby, Andy. You and Sam are having a baby."

"But what if I can't do this. Sam and I were going to do this together, maybe, someday. But he's in there," she gestured, "and he might not wake up! I don't know how to be a mother, my mother left me and she had my dad."

"Andy, Sweetheart," she held Andy's shoulders and waited for her to look at her, "You will make a fantastic mother and yes you and Sam should be doing this together and if there's a God he will make sure that Sam wakes up. But if Sam doesn't, I know you will be able to do this, you have your Dad and me and you have your friends. But best of all you will have a child, a child that you will love because it is your child with Sam. If Sam was awake how would he feel if he knew?"

Andy thought for a moment; then smiled, "He'd probably be bouncing around the room, with a huge dopey grin on his face, the happiest man in the world."

"That's what you need to think of, Sam being happy that he's going to be a father. Imagine that picture in your head, because I'm sure it's going to happen."

"I'll try," Andy admitted quietly.

"Now why don't you go and tell Sam your news?"

Andy nodded, following Emily out of the bathroom.

When Andy walked into the room, Tommy stood and shook his head, "I'm sorry, Sweetheart, no change yet."

Andy hugged her father, "It's okay, Dad."

"Tommy, why don't you and I go and get something nice for supper and we can bring it back here. Andy needs to keep her strength up," Emily suggested.

"Sounds good, Em. Are you going to be okay?" Tommy asked Andy.

"I'll be fine with Sam, Dad," Andy replied as she sat down next to Sam's bed, pulling his hand into hers. She heard the door close behind them and she studied Sam, he still looked, peaceful, she thought he had slightly more colour in his cheeks. "Hey, Sam. We need to talk," she said, brushing one hand through his hair, "I was kinda hoping that you'd wake up for this conversation, because I really would like to see you smile when I tell you."

She waited to see if there was any response, but nothing happened.

The door opening behind her, startling her for a moment, she turned to see the doctor enter, "Hey," she said quietly.

"Mrs. Swarek, how are you today?"

"Fine," she replied, "How's Sam?"

He checked Sam's notes, which he had pulled from the end of his bed, "We've disconnected the last of the monitors; Sam's wound is healing nicely."

"When will he wake up?" Andy asked the most important question.

"We've carried out various tests, there's no medical reason why he hasn't woken up. He's just taking his time."

Andy chuckled wryly, "He makes a habit of taking his time."

"We're just going to have to be patient," he reassured, returning Sam's chart.

"I'm getting good at being patient," Andy replied quietly.

"I'll check on him later," the Doctor replied as he turned to leave.

"Thank you," Andy replied quietly. She turned her attention back to Sam, "You heard the Doctor, Swarek. There is no medical reason why you're pretending to be Sleeping Beauty. Surely you've had enough sleep, you need to wake up. I've got something important to tell you." She waited before standing and leaning closer to him, her face inches from his, "Sir," her voice was harsh, "this is McNally, I need you to wake up. We've got a situation and I need your help. I need you to have my back!" She studied him, she was sure that she saw his face twitch.

"Swarek," she tried again her voice still harsh, "I need your help, now!"

Again, she thought she saw a slight reaction in his face.

"Sam!" she called, a tear of frustration escaping from her eye, it fell before she could reach it, dropping onto Sam's cheek; she reached out and began to wipe it away, as her finger touched his cheek, she felt him lean into her touch. "Sam?" she asked, this time her voice laced with hope and emotion.

She was sure he mumbled something, "Sam!" she tried again.

"Andy," he whispered.

She couldn't stop her tears from falling; he was waking up, "Sam?"

He opened his eyes; Andy's face slowly coming into focus, "Andy, why are you crying?"

She couldn't help herself leaning forward, hugging him gently, "Sam."

"I think we've established that's my name," he tried to move his arm, but a searing pain ran through his chest, he flinched.

Andy felt him flinch and lifted her head, "Try not to move."

"Ow," he muttered.

"You've had surgery."

"Surgery?" he asked as the burning sensation he felt in his chest began to subside.

Andy nodded, her eyes focused on his, still not quite believing that he was awake, "You were shot on duty, they had to operate to remove one of the bullets."

"Bullets?"

"Three, Sam. You don't make anything easy. Don't you remember?"

He thought for a moment, "I remember saying goodbye to you, heading to work and then it gets a bit blurry."

"Well Oliver and Traci brought Em and I back from Stouffville and I've been waiting for you to wake up," she sniffed, "I didn't think you were going to wake up."

He lifted his other hand and stroked the side of her face, "I'm sorry, Andy."

"It's, okay, you're awake now. But if you ever do this again…" she threatened.

"I have no intentions of deliberately getting shot again, it hurts too much. How long have I been out of it?"

"Four days, Sam. The longest four days of my life. I was beginning to think you wouldn't wake up, Sleeping Beauty."

"Sleeping Beauty, huh?"

"Seemed appropriate for the situation," she smiled. "I need to get the Doctor; he needs to check you over."

"Just push the button, McNally. They'll come running."

She did as he asked and pushed the button, within a few seconds the room was buzzing with nurses and doctors.

Finally they were alone, Sam had been given the all clear and he would be going home tomorrow. Andy perched on the edge of his bed and she was playing with the corner of his sheets.

"Andy, what's on your mind?" he asked quietly.

She looked up and met his eyes, "Aunt Em made me do a test."

Sam was confused, "What kind of test?"

"She was worried," Andy paused, "Well I was worried, but I was ignoring the signs, because I had other things to worry about."

He took her hand, "I'm sorry."

She squeezed his hand, "Don't be, we do this job, it happens."

"But it's never easy."

She shook her head, "No it's not."

"What signs?" he asked steering the conversation back to where Andy needed it to be.

"I've been tired lately," she started.

He nodded, "I had noticed that after shift you've been falling asleep, long before bed time and I hadn't even had the opportunity to wear you out!" he winked.

She smiled, "Well you are part of the reason why I am tired."

He looked confused, "I am?"

She nodded, "That and I'm nauseous and I can not stand the smell of coffee anymore."

His look of confusion deepened and mixed with concern, "Are you sick?"

She shook her head, "Nope."

"Well?"

She smiled and guided his hand to her stomach, "I'm pregnant."

Sam looked at Andy and then gazed at where she'd placed her hand, "A baby?"

"Yes, Sam. There's a baby Swarek on the way. Toronto won't know what's hit it," she chuckled.

"A baby," he stated getting used to the idea, he looked at Andy, "Are you scared?"

"Not now that you're here and you had better not have any ideas of abandoning me again. I need you," she paused, covering his hand with hers, "We need you," she amended.

"Come here, McNally," he requested lifting his head towards hers. She complied, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. When their kiss ended, "Parents, huh?" he whispered.

"Yep, parents," she replied, before dipping her head for another kiss.