Llanview Hospital-Recovery Room

Jennifer's heart raced as Dr. McBain led her into the recovery room. She looked around as though afraid of what she might find.

"He's right over here." Michael said, leading her over to a bed where Jack lay sleeping peacefully.
Jennifer gasped at the sight of her husband; bandaged and bruised. "What..."

"The bruises are normal." Michael said. "They'll fade in a few days."

"Oh..." She reached out and stroked his hair.
"Jack?" his name was a whisper. When he didn't respond, she looked worriedly at Dr. McBain.

"Just give him a few minutes. He'll wake up. Perhaps if you talk to him, he'll respond faster. I'll be right back."
"Thank you, Dr McBain."

Jennifer sat down next to Jack and took his hand. "Jack... It's me. Can you hear me?"

A sound came from Jack's direction but it was so soft, Jennifer had to strain to hear it.

"Jack?"

When his eyes fluttered open, Jennifer smiled at the man she loved with all her heart.

"Hey..." he said, reaching out to brush a tear from her cheek. "Don't cry."

"Welcome back, Mr. Deveraux." Michael said. "How are you feeling?"

"I've been better." Jack said groggily. "I definitely won't be playing basketball anytime soon."

Jennifer and Michael laughed. "Well, he's got his sense of humor, so he must be doing okay."

"So... when do I get out of here?" Jack asked.

"Soon." Michael said. "We need to monitor you for a few days before we let you go."

"How's Abigail?" Jack asked Jennifer.

"She's just fine, Jack. She misses you and can't wait till you come home." Jennifer said.

She opened her wallet and pulled out a picture, handing it to Michael. "Abigail is our daughter."

"She's beautiful." Michael said." The three of you make a gorgeous family."

Jack smiled at Jennifer. "Although some of us are more gorgeous than others."

"Oh Jack..." Jennifer said, stroking his hair.

"Well... I'm going to call Dr. Hunter and update him on the surgery." Michael said. "I'll leave you two alone for a while. If you need anything, tell the nurse to page me, okay?"

"Thank you, Doctor McBain." Jack said.

When Michael left the recovery room, Jack touched Jennifer's face.

"Well... alone at last."
"I love you, Jack." Jennifer said as she leaned down and kissed him.

Jack's eyes widened. "Why Miss Horton, I know you can kiss better than that!"

Jennifer laughed at Jack's lame attempt at a southern accent. "I don't want to hurt you. You just came out of surg-."

In a rush of passion, Jack pulled her toward him and kissed her.

They pulled apart seconds later, breathless. Jennifer couldn't help but notice the increased pace of the heart

monitor. "Wow... Jack. That was..."

"Just the beginning." Jack said as he gave her another lingering kiss.