Chapter 2: How Lives Change

Walker was finishing strapping the twins into their booster seats when Alex came out of the house with little C.D. How he wished his friend was alive to see their children, especially Little C.D. He was just like Big C.D. in everyway, from the way he made faces to the way he ate. At the thought of C.D., a tear came to Walker's eye, which didn't happen very often.

"What are you thinking about Walker?" Alex asked as she came up and handed him Little C.D., who was laughing and playing with the teddy bear Jimmy and Ericka had gotten him when he was born. Those two always seemed to know what the Walker children's favorite toy was going to be before they were even born.

"Just reminiscing about the past is all."

"Well, will you reminisce while you put C.D. in the car? We are going to be late dropping the kids off at the H.O.P.E. Center."

After dropping the kids off at the Center, Walker and Alex drove to work together, as they did almost every morning of their married lives. They talked about a big bust that was going down, or about the children. As they walked into Ranger Headquarters, Walker suddenly tensed, feeling something was different.

Gage was sitting at Sydney's desk, seemingly consoling her. He had tears in his eyes as well.

"Walker…." Gage started, and then a smile broke across his face, "We're going to have a baby!"

Congratulations were said all around. The Gage's had been trying for three years to have a child, and now their wishes were finally coming true.

"Well now, this calls for a celebration. Let's all go down to C.D.'s tonight and have some fun!" Alex spoke, excited for Sydney. She had been through so much trying to get pregnant, but to no avail.

"A bit of fun would do Syd well." Gage stated as he walked around to his own desk. He was finally going to have a child. And he was so happy. They had tried for ever, it seemed.

"Well, I'll see you all after work then." Alex turned and gave Walker a kiss and walked out the door. Walker still could not believe his luck that he had ended up with a perfect life, when just seven years ago, his entire family, including his Ranger family, were threatened and almost killed off. But all was well now and everything seemed perfect.

"Oh, has Trivette checked in yet?" Walker asked Gage and Sydney.

"I don't think so. He might have forgotten, or he might just have not had the chance yet."

Walker was still worried about Trivette. He hadn't been the same since his wife, Ericka, was diagnosed with cancer. He shouldn't have gone undercover, but he was the only one available for the job. Walker hoped he was alright. But soon, he would call. He had to call. He just had to.

As Alex walked to her office on the other side of the building, she thought about her family, and then about the Trivette's. Ericka had been fighting for her life, and Trivette had been given orders to go undercover. Walker had tried everything to get him out of it, even offering to go in his place. Of course, Alex had told him that he had a family now, and could not be going undercover, especially with their fifth child on the way. So Trivette had agreed to go.

"Alex, hi!" came a familiar voice as she entered her office. As she turned the corner, she saw it was Ericka, along with little Jimmy. He looked just like his father, except for his mother's curly hair.

"Ericka, how are you feeling today?" She asked her dear friend. Ever since Ericka became sick, she had tried to visit Alex everyday.

"I'm okay. Same old. Little Jimmy here is keeping me on my toes. The more important question is how you are?" She asked. Alex had been feeling a little sluggish, but that was to be expected she supposed.

"I'm the same too. I'm not as tired as I was, but I think you are the most important one." Alex responded. "And how is the baby today?" as she leaned down and gave Little Jimmy a kiss on the head. He reminded her so much of Trivette. She hoped he was alright. She had overheard Cordell talking about how Jimmy hadn't checked in at his designated area yet. And then she knew why Ericka was there. She was worried about Jimmy.

"Ericka, I'm sure he will call any minute now..." Alex started to say, walking over to rest her hand on Ericka's shoulder. Ericka started crying.

"Oh, Alex, I've had a bad feeling all morning. I've just had this feeling that something is wrong!" Ericka was sobbing uncontrollably now, and Alex was not sure what to say.

"Ericka, I used to feel like that every time Walker went on an assignment. Trust me, Jimmy will be ok." Alex tried to reassure her. "Why don't we go over and see if he has called yet."

As Walker watched Alex and Ericka, along with little Jimmy, he heard the phone ring. Ericka's face lit up and she raced over to answer it. Suddenly her face went white.

"Cordell…it's for you…" She managed to get out before having to sit down.

"Walker."

"Hello, Ranger. It's been a while. What, 3 years now?"

End of Chapter 2.