"Are we there yet?" Lightning asked impatiently, bouncing up and down in his seat.

Mack chuckled. "I told you, we're almost there. I just have to take this last exit."

The 2 excruciatingly long months had gone by, and to Lightning it seemed more like 2 years. He wanted to see Sally so bad, he couldn't stand to wait any more. Finally, he saw the huge welcoming sign, with Sheriff's police cruiser sitting close by under the moon light.

When they got to Flo's, Mack stopped to let Lightning out, and drove to park around back. Lightning quickly made his way inside, only to see that it was empty.

"Hellooooo? I'm back! It's been two whole months!" Lightning called out, his voice echoing through the large room.

Huh… Lightning thought. That's weird. Most of the time they'd all be here right about

"WELCOME BACK!!!!"

"Wha--?!" Lightning blinked, jumping backwards. He saw everyone jump out from somewhere, with big smiles plastered to their faces.

"Welcome back, hot shot." Doc said, beaming.

Lightning smiled, trying to get his heart to stop beating so fast. "Dang guys, you nearly gave me a heart attach!"

"Sorry bud! It was my idea!" Mater exclaimed.

Everyone laughed. Lightning looked around, and saw that someone was missing. "Hey, where's Sally?"

"Aw, she didn't feel to well tonight, so she stayed--" Lightning didn't even let Mater finish. He whipped around, and sprinted out the door.

Mater scratched his head confusedly, watching him go. "Dang… The party hadn't even started yet!"

"It's ok, Mater. He's probably just anxious to see Sally." Doc said, staring at the door.

"What's 'anxious' mean?"

"It means he's worried about her, you nut!" Sarge suddenly exclaimed.

Fillmore frowned at him. "Drop the name calling, man… Nuts have feelings too."


"Sally?" Lightning asked, bursting through the door to there apartment.

"Stickers!" Sally exclaimed, standing up from the couch.

Lightning's eyes widened when he saw her swollen stomach. "Wo-ho… Look at you!" He said, hugging her.

She laughed, rubbing her stomach. "I know… I just woke up one day, and my feet were gone!"

Lightning laughed too, hugging her a little tighter. She pulled away, going back to sit on the couch. He followed, plopping down beside her.

"You know, I really missed you." Lightning said after a short silence.

She looked up at him, and smiled. "Ditto."

He laughed, remember the day he had said that.


"Hey Doc." Sally said, walking into his office with Lightning close behind. A few more weeks had passed since Lightning had returned home, and it was already time for Sally's next ultrasound. Lightning was a little nervous, he didn't know why… He just was. This was his first time being with Sally at one of her check-ups.

After Doc had finished, Lightning and Sally sat down in the small waiting room, to wait for Doc to come and get them. Sally looked at Lightning, wondering why he was being so quiet. He was staring blankly at the wall, lost in thought.

"Helloooo? Earth to Lightning!" Sally said, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Huh? What?" He said, staring at her as if coming out of a trance.

"What's with you?" Sally asked, grasping his hand.

"It's… nothing." He replied, sighing, just as Doc reappeared in the room.

"Ok, you two can come back in now."

"So, how is the baby?" Sally asked as they entered the doctor's office.

Doc just looked down at a clipboard, before he replied, "Oh, the babies are fine."

Lightning's head jerked upright. "Did you say babies?"

Doc looked up smiling. "That's right. Congrats you two… you're having triplets!"

Sally squealed, running up and hugging Doc. "Oh my gosh, I have to go tell everyone!" She said running to the door. As she passed Lightning, she kissed him on the cheek. "Isn't this just great?"

"Yea, just… great." Lightning replied with a little less enthusiasm. Sally walked out the door, leaving him behind.

Lightning just sat there, staring at the marble floor. Doc noticed how down he look, and went to sit next to him. "Is there something wrong, son? I thought you'd be happy."

"Oh, I am. I just perfect. I mean, now, instead of being in charge of one life, I get the chance to screw up three!" Lightning said sarcastically.

Doc sighed, understanding what he meant. "You won't screw them up… You're gonna make a great dad…"

"I can't be a dad! I'm only 22! I'm not dad material! I'm not ready!" Lightning said hysterically.

It was quiet for a moment, before Doc finally thought of a way to reassure him. "Look, anybody can be dad material… As long as you love the kids, and care for them."

Lightning didn't reply, and Doc could see that his eyes were brimming with tears.

"I know. I know." Lightning said finally. "I want to be a dad, I really do, but…"

Doc nodded, wanting him to continue.

"I don't even know if they're mine." He finished, fighting the urge to cry.

Doc put an arm around him. "I know, but even if they're not… act like they are."


Ok, srry that this took so long, but I've been working on stuff for I have a whole bunch of pictures for this story that I need to post on there, so forgive me if the chapters are delayed a bit. And for Cars 3: Born Racer, don't worry, I'm working on it! Promise, almost done!