A/N: This is a bit of a longer chapter, but I had a lot I needed to cover in this one. Also, just a quick thank you for the anonymous reviews out there. Thank you.

Chapter 21

Four days later

"Where is Tony?" Kristin asked nervously. He was supposed to be here half an hour ago."

Nathan sighed as he tried to calm Kristin down. Lucas was being released from the hospital today, and they'd sent Tony to pick up car. It was to be waiting in the driveway when they arrived home. Naturally though, Tony was late. "Well, if he doesn't get here soon, we're going to have to leave without him."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Kristin muttered. Normally, she put all her trust in Tony, something most of the others never did. But, this was one day Kristin wanted everything to be perfect. And, Tony being late messed up her plans. "I can't stand this anymore. I'm giving him a call."

"No, let me," Nathan said. "Don't worry. I'll handle it." Nathan walked into the other room to use the vidphone. There was one thing he didn't want Kristin to know. He knew why Tony was late.

"Hello," Tony answered.

"Piccolo, where the hell are you? Kristin's having a nervous breakdown here."

"I-I know I'm late, but that jewelry store you sent me to was over an hour away. I'm on my way, but there's a traffic jam. Apparently, there was an accident on the highway. I'm thinkin' you'll have to go on to the hospital without me. I should be at the house before you get home."

Nathan sighed. "I know it's my fault you're late. Did you get the necklace though?"

"Yeah, I got it, and it sure is a beaut," Tony confirmed. "The doc's gonna love it."

"Keep your voice down," Nathan whispered. "She's only in the next room. Just do your best to get here. If anything goes wrong today, she'll kill you and me both."

"Right, Cap," Tony said, lowering his voice. "I'll be there. Just take your time coming home. This might take a while."

As Nathan cut the link, he said a silent prayer that Tony would get the car to the house on time. Then, he headed back out to the living room.

"Well?" Kristin asked expectantly.

"He's on his way," Nathan promised. "But, we're going to have to go on ahead without him. There's a traffic hold up. Apparently, there was an accident."

"Oh no," she gasped.

"Don't worry," Nathan assured her. "We'll go pick up Lucas. That should take a while, anyway, since we'll visit with Harry first. That should give Tony plenty of time to get here. I promise, everything will be fine. And if it will make you feel better, we can call him before we leave the hospital to be sure."

She nodded, pleased with that explanation. "I suppose you're right. I just want everything to be absolutely perfect for his homecoming."

"It will be," he promised. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "Wendy says she and Kristy will meet us there. And Kendall, Robert, and Michael just left."

With that, the two left and headed to the hospital.

Both boys had healed well. Harry still had to stay in the hospital for several more days, but Lucas didn't need the attention that Harry did. Of course, Lucas still had to rest, but he could do his healing at home as long as he didn't overdo it. But, Dr. Elders had been pleased with the progress both of them had made. Everyone else was as well. It seemed as though they may finally be having some good luck for a change.

"Hi," Harry greeted his parents with a happy smile. "It's about time you two got here."

Kristin bent down to kiss him. "Well, we had a few things to take care of first. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Mom," Harry replied. "The doctor says she might even send me a home a few days early if I keep doing so well."

Kristin raised an eyebrow as Dr. Elders walked in at that moment.

"Oh, good morning," Dr. Elders greeted. "I'm glad you're here. I need to speak with you two."

Kristin's heart sank as she exchanged glances with Nathan. Every time they'd been called into Karen's office, they were given bad news. Worry overcame them as they followed her.

"Please have a seat," the doctor said once they'd reached her office. Then, upon noticing the looks on their faces, she added, "This is good news; I promise you. I just want to inform you about Harry's progress."

"He mentioned you might send him home a little early," Nathan said.

She nodded. "He's doing remarkably well, much better than I expected. I want him to stay here until his catheter is removed, of course. And, then a day or two later, just to be sure. But, I think he can go home as early as the middle of next week. Honestly, considering he's still an ill child, one wouldn't know it with the way he's healing."

"It might a little silly to say," Nathan replied, "but it feels like he's going to overcome that too. We're hoping to have a completely healthy child."

She shook her head. "It isn't silly at all, Mr. Bridger. If he keeps on this path, I'd like to continue the chemo treatments. So, if he does go home next week, I'd like to start the chemotherapy again that following week."

"That won't weaken him?" Kristin asked, concerned.

"Well, it will," the doctor explained, "but I no longer feel there's as great a risk to his health as I did before. His progress has shown he's much stronger than we had originally believed. That's why I'd like to be somewhat aggressive. I realize it's a little early to start again, but our ultimate goal in all of this is to get Harry well. I'm confident he'll get there."

Kristin hesitated for a moment. It was wonderful news, but being a doctor herself, she also knew that doctors sometimes make mistakes. It wasn't that she didn't trust Karen. She was probably just a little over-protective of Harry now, naturally. "What if you're wrong?"

"You mean, what if Harry doesn't do well with the chemo?"

Kristin nodded. "If he gets sicker-"

"Then, we'll stop immediately. We'll take a break and restart a few weeks later. I realize you're worried, but you have to trust me."

They both nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry for questioning you," Kristin said.

"Oh, no need to apologize. I'd do the same if it were my child, and you have every right to ask. And, please understand we're going to ease him back into it slowly. For his first treatment, the dosage will be less than the last time until we know he can handle it," Dr. Elders explained.

Kristin nodded. That did make her feel better. "And the arsenic trioxide?"

"That really did seem to make a difference for Harry. But, we'll ease him into that as well."

"Do you have any other questions?" she asked.

"About Lucas-" Nathan began.

"Oh, Lucas is doing extremely well too. But, you'll have to be sure he rests."

"Don't worry; with Kristin and Wendy in the house, we shouldn't have a problem," Nathan explained.

"I'm sure you won't, but naturally, he's restless. He's used to being on-the-go, and he still thinks he can do what he did before. He doesn't seem to want to do that."

"Well, we'll have plenty of people watching him," Kristin said, smiling softly.

"I think we'll release him about noon today. By then, I should be finished with my rounds, and I'll give him one more exam before his release."

"Thank you so much," Nathan replied. Kristin nodded.

"Oh, you know you're very welcome. Now, go see those boys."

"Everything alright?" Harry asked when they returned.

"Oh, everything's just fine, Champ," Nathan told him, patting him on the leg. "We're just so proud of you."

"Why?"

"Because you're doing so well," Kristin praised him. She looked at Lucas. "Both of you are, but apparently, one of you is going stir crazy?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"I just can't wait to get out of here." He looked at Harry. "No offense."

"I understand," Harry said.

Kristin placed a hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Just don't think you're going to have much more freedom at home."

"What do you mean?"

"Wendy and I aren't going to let you come and go as you please. You're still healing, which means you'll still need to stay in bed most of the time," Kristin explained.

Lucas cast a glance at Nathan.

"She's right, I'm afraid, Kiddo. You don't want to end up having to come back in here, do you?"

"No," Lucas muttered, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Don't worry," Kristin assured him. "We'll find plenty of things to entertain you until you're all better."

The morning went by fairly fast. A short time later, release forms were signed, and Lucas was allowed to go. Nathan and Kristin said goodbye to Harry. Wendy and the others were staying with him to keep him company.

A wheelchair was brought in for Lucas. "I don't need a wheelchair," he protested.

But, Kristin shot him a look, crossing her arms across her chest.

Lucas sighed. He was wrong. Maybe having a doctor who cared for him wasn't such a good thing. But, deep down, he knew it was for his own good. "Fine," he said, sitting down.

Kristin gave him a satisfied smile.

"Cheer up," Nathan said as he wheeled him out. "We have a surprise for you at home."

"A surprise?" Lucas asked. He'd completely forgotten about it. "What is it?"

Kristin and Nathan laughed.

"You'll just have to wait a little longer," Kristin told him. "Uh, should I make that phone call?" she asked Nathan.

"Sure; we'll meet you outside," Nathan said.

Kristin dialed Tony's cell number.

"Hello?"

"Tony? Please tell me you're at the house now," Kristin said.

"Doc, there's no need to worry. I've been here for quite a while now."

"Oh, Tony, I could kiss you," Kristin stated joyfully. "I don't know how I can ever thank you."

"That kiss will be just fine, Doc," Tony told her. "I'm always happy to help any way I can."

"Well, thank you," she said gratefully. "I'd better go. See you in a bit."

"Bye, Doc."

Kristin breathed a sigh of relief as she hurried out to the car.

"Everything OK?" Nathan asked when she returned.

"Everything's fine," she confirmed.

"Good; let's go home then." With that, Nathan started the car, and they were on their way.

A short time later, they pulled in the driveway. They both waited for a reaction from the teen in the backseat.

A second later, they heard a surprised, "Whoa!"

Kristin and Nathan laughed.

"What do you think?" Nathan asked as he parked the car.

"Is that….is that…for me?"

"It sure is," Nathan confirmed, as he opened the door and helped Lucas out of the car. They walked over to the blue Stinger, which Tony had placed a large bow on, by orders from Kristin.

She walked over to Tony and took his arm in hers as they looked on at Lucas. "Thank you so much once again," she whispered.

"I already told you, don't mention it," Tony whispered back.

Nathan helped Lucas into the car.

"This is just so awesome. Thank you so much," Lucas said with the biggest smile that either of them had ever seen plastered across his face.

"But," Kristin warned. "No joy-riding until you're all healed."

Lucas nodded. "I'm happy just sitting in it."

"Well, in that case, hand over the keys," Nathan quipped.

A short time later, Lucas was hurting though. He had to admit, he needed to lie down. So, Nathan helped him into the house and up to his room.

Kristin turned to Tony. "Now, about that kiss." She placed a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you once again."

Tony Piccolo had never been the type to blush, but he did then. He was glad it was just the two of them because he didn't want anyone else finding out.

"Mr. Piccolo," Kristin exclaimed. "I do believe you're blushing."

"Kisses from gorgeous women tend to do that to me," he admitted. Then, he lowered his voice as though there were others within earshot. "Let's keep that between us, though, OK?"

She smiled. "It's our little secret."

"Well, if you don't mind, I'm gonna go up and say goodbye to Lucas. I promised Harry I'd go play a game of Monopoly with him. That kid loves that game," Tony said.

"Well, I don't want you to feel forced to leave. Nathan and I love having you."

But Tony shook his head. "Thanks anyway, but I think you and the cap are going to want to be alone."

Kristin gave him a rather confused look as she followed him into the house. She found Nathan waiting there as Tony headed up the stairs.

"Guess we were a hit, hm? Lucas certainly seems happy," she told him.

"Definitely," Nathan agreed. "Actually, Lucas wants you to go up and see him later. He wants to thank you properly. You were a little busy. What were you two talking about anyway?" He moved his head to the left towards the stairs to indicate he meant Tony.

"I was just thanking him. Really, I don't know if anyone else would have waited on the highway for Lord knows how long just to get a car here and then, have to wait even longer until we got here."

Nathan nodded. "And drive over an hour away," he added quietly.

"What was that?" Kristin asked.

"Nothing. Uh, Lucas said he was hungry. Do you think you can fix him a sandwich?"

"Sure," she said.

Nathan smiled as she walked into the kitchen and followed her.

She saw a wrapped box on the kitchen counter. "What's this?" she asked him.

"Read the card," Nathan urged her.

She opened the card and read. "Oh, Nathan, you shouldn't have-" she began, happy tears making her eyes glisten. She wiped them away. "But I thought we were buying the children gifts. I didn't even get anything for you, and-"

Nathan captured her lips just then. After a moment, he broke the kiss. "Just open it," he told her. "And I know you didn't expect it. I just wanted to."

She smiled and unwrapped the box. Inside was another larger velvet box, the kind that usually contained expensive jewelry. She opened it. "Oh, Nathan," she breathed. Inside was a gold link chain. On each link was a dolphin, each dolphin having a different color eye.

"Each dolphin represents a person in the family. This is you and I, he explained. Your dolphin has an amethyst eye; mine has the topaz. And, this is Cynthia, Harry, Kristy, Lucas, Robert, and Michael. And there are even a few extra links. More dolphins can always be added."

"Oh, Nathan, I love it."

He helped her fasten it. "I hope you don't mind me adding Robert and Michael," he added.

"Why would I mind?"

"Well, I know with everything that's gone on, you three really don't know one another that well."

She nodded, realizing he was right. "Well, that's going to change shortly," she promised.

Nathan bent down to capture her lips once again when they heard a noise in the doorway.

"Uh, I just wanted to say goodbye before I left," Tony said.

"You know, you have the worst timing," Nathan said.

"Oh, Nathan, be nice," Kristin chided gently. "Did you have something to do with this too?" she asked Tony.

"The cap sent me to pick it up. Do you like it?"

"I love it, thank you."

"Well, now you know why I was late," Tony added.

"What?"

"Well, the jewelry store…it was over an hour away. The cap didn't tell you?"

"No, he didn't," she said, giving Nathan a look. "And you let me get all worried for nothing?"

"It all worked out, didn't it?" Nathan asked a little sheepishly.

Kristin sighed. "You have a point there. I guess I can't be mad at you. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and did the same with Tony again.

Tony blushed slightly once again, but tried to hide it. "Uh, I guess I'll leave you two kids alone." With that, he left.

Kristin smiled.

"What?" Nathan said.

"Tony mentioned we'd want to be alone. Now I know why."

Nathan smiled. "I just wanted to give you something too…something that reminded you of family. We've been through so much…"

"But our family remains strong," Kristin finished.

"We'd better get to making that sandwich…Lucas really did say he was hungry," Nathan said, after a moment.

A short time later, the two brought up a sandwich for Lucas.

"I really want to thank you for the car, Doc." He took a bite of the sandwich. "I'd never imagined anything so cool."

She kissed him on the cheek. "We just wanted to show you how much you were appreciated."

"Thanks," he said.

She handed him two pills. "Some pain medication for you as well. They'll probably make you sleepy."

"That's fine; I'm going to just watch a little TV and doze here anyway."

"Good," Kristin said with a smile.

"We'll be going back to the hospital later, but Wendy or someone will be here to keep you company."

"OK, thanks for the sandwich," Lucas said.

Later that night

Kristin and Nathan arrived home later than the others, as usual.

Nathan yawned. "I have to say, I am beat. Are you tired?"

Kristin sighed. "You go on up to bed; there's something I want to do first."

Nathan looked at her quizzically. "Is something wrong?"

She smiled at him, placing a kiss to his lips. "Not at all. I'll let you know when I'm finished."

"OK," Nathan said. "See you soon?"

"Of course."

As Nathan went upstairs, Kristin went looking for Robert. Nathans words about them not really knowing one another had bothered her a bit. Sure, it wasn't her fault, but she felt a little guilty about it. She heard some laughing in the game room. Robert and Kendall were there playing a game of pool.

She stood waiting in the doorway until they noticed her.

"Oh, hi," Kendall noticed her first.

"Were we keeping you awake?" Robert asked.

"No, of course not," Kristin assured him. "Uh, I just wanted to know if we could talk, but if I'm interrupting something, we could do it another time."

"Oh, no, Kendall doesn't mind, do you?" Robert said.

"No, not at all. I was losing anyway. She gave Robert a small peck on the cheek. See you in the morning?"

"Of course. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Kendall called as she left the room.

Kristin raised an eyebrow. Apparently, she'd missed a lot in her absence. She'd been so wrapped up with Harry and the trial that she didn't even know that Robert and Kendall were an item. She wondered if Nathan knew as well.

"Uh, so….what did you want to talk about?" Robert asked, taking a seat at the table and pulling out a chair for Kristin.

"Thank you," she said as she sat down across from him. "I…I guess I'm not sure how to start, so I may as well just come right out and say it. I guess I should start by apologizing to you."

"For what?" Robert said.

Kristin sighed. "You and I don't even know one another, and I feel guilty for it. Since we found you, you've been pushed aside. I know your father and I have been a little preoccupied-"

"I understand," Robert assured her. "I know you won't through hell the past couple of months. I've been wanting to talk to you myself, but I didn't want to intrude. I wanted to tell you that I'd love to get to know you more. I just want you to know I'm glad you were there for my father when I wasn't."

"Thank you," Kristin said, blushing a little. "Your father misses you too. Hopefully, now that Harry seems to be getting better, we'll have more time together."

"I'd like that," Robert said. "I should let you know I've already spoken with Admiral Noyce and General McGath."

"Oh?"

Robert nodded. "I'll be part of the crew when we return. Uh, besides, I don't want to be away from Kendall."

Kristin smiled. "I thought you two were becoming closer. If I hadn't been so distracted, I may have known before this."

"I'm going to ask her to marry me," he confided in her. "You're the first person I've told that too…but I know she's the one."

"I feel honored that you confided in me," she said. "I won't tell."

"Well, it's going to be a while before I do that yet. But, you'll know when I do."

"Well, I know it's late, so I won't keep you. But, I did want to have a bit of a talk with you. And hopefully, many more."

"Definitely," Robert replied. He gave Kristin a tight hug. "Love you, Kristin."

"Love you too, Dear. Goodnight."