"They need my permission to perform surgery on you, and I'm going to give it to them." His tone was solemn as he sat by Luke's bedside, holding his hand as he did every day since his collapse. The steady beeping of the machine was the only other sound in the room. Noah had thought long and hard about the decision he had to make. It was the right one…it was the only one. "I have to tell you something, and I don't want you to be scared or frightened by my words. I'm not going to be here…not physically when you come out of surgery. I'll be with you in more ways than one, when this is all said and done…and I hope you aren't mad at me when you wake up. I hope you will understand that this was just something I needed to do…and it was the only way to help you."

He leaned in to kiss Luke's forehead, his nose and finally his lips which were too cold for his liking. Tears filled his eyes as he squeezed the limp hand of the man he loved. "I love you, Luke Snyder, for now and always. Remember that, and know that it's not going to change."

"Noah."

Dr. Hughes voice drew his eyes away from Luke and he nodded his assent before turning back to his husband. "I have to go now, Luke…but I'll be thinking about you. I'll see you soon, baby." He leaned in and kissed Luke's forehead once more before standing to follow Dr. Hughes out of the room.

"Okay, Noah I need you to close your eyes and start counting backwards."

"Okay. Ten," Noah started as his eyes closed. He felt the slight prick of the needle as it was pressed into his flesh. "Eight…seven…six," he continued his countdown, his eyelids growing heavy, his speech becoming slurred as his mind began to detach.

*flash*

"All rise," Bailiff Walker announced, "The honorable Judge Newcomb presiding."

Noah closed his eyes and let out a breath as he stood beside Tom, waiting with the rest of the court to be seated. It was the third and hopefully the final day of the trial, and he had butterflies in his stomach. He had insisted on visiting Luke before coming to the courthouse, hoping to ease his fears just a little. Seeing Luke had been great, but he was still worried about what he needed to do. Tom and James had asked him repeatedly if he was certain about this. The video tape, Tom had explained would be enough to convict Randy, but Noah knew he needed to do this…for Luke.

"Please be seated. Mr. Hughes, I've been informed that you have more evidence to bring forth in this case?" Judge Newcomb asked once everyone had been seated.

"Yes, Your Honor," Tom said glancing at Noah once before he stood. The prosecution has uncovered new evidence and I would like to recall one of my witnesses to the stand, if it should please the court."

"You may proceed, Mr. Hughes."

"Your Honor, the prosecution calls Noah Mayer to the stand."

Noah stood and made his way to the front of the courtroom. The distance between the prosecution desk and the stand was considerably short, but to Noah it seemed like miles before he made it to the bailiff. He stepped up to the stand and placed his hand on the bible, swearing to tell the truth before taking a seat.

"Mr. Mayer," Tom started, "Can you please tell the court what has changed since you last testified here."

"I have recovered some more of my memories," Noah admitted, a frown setting across his lips. He hoped that was what Tom was asking him. They hadn't really had a chance to rehearse any of this beforehand.

"Noah, can you tell us what memories you have recovered that are pertinent to this case?"

"Yes, sir," Noah said fixing his gaze on the gallery, where James and Maddie were sitting. "I can remember December 17th and December 22nd. The latter is the day Luke told me what happened to him."

"Noah, please tell the court what you have remembered."

"Well on that Monday, Luke came to the station and he seemed really scared. Randy and I were in the office when Luke came in and said he missed me but he couldn't stay. He turned and ran and I ran after here. Maddie thought he was running from me, and I thought the same…I didn't know what was wrong, and I didn't find out until Saturday."

"What happened on Saturday?"

Noah bit his lip as he tried to order the thoughts in his head. So much had hit him at once as he watched that video tape…it was hard to keep it all straight. "On Saturday I was looking for Luke. I had barely seen him over the past week, and it worried me. I…I didn't know what to make of his behavior but it made me sad. I talked to Luke's brother that day, and my…my father came over to tell me that Luke was gay….and I told him I was too."

"What was your father's reaction to the news, Noah?"

"He thought I was lying and he said there was no way I could be with Luke because Luke was kissing someone like him, the night before Thanksgiving. I kicked him out and I was watching something on TV when Luke finally made it home. And I confronted him. I totally expected him to reveal that he had cheated on me; I just wanted him to tell me the truth. But as it turned out, his truth was far stranger than fiction."

Noah, can you explain what you mean by that?" Tom prodded gently. "Tell the court what Luke told you that evening."

"I asked Luke why he chose Randy over me…and that's when he told me that Randy kissed him. And there was just something about his voice that night…it was as if he was resigned to some fate I didn't understand at the time. He admitted that Randy kissed him, but he never said he kissed back. He told me he didn't want to, that he wasn't there…" Noah shook his head, as he remembered the sound of Luke's voice on that night. It had been so low…almost inaudible, and he had sounded so scared. "HE apologized and said he never meant for this to happen. And that's when I asked him to explain it to me, because I wanted to understand."

"Alright Noah, you're doing good. Continue your story."

"First, Luke explained to me why he was upset that night. It was all about the timing. I…I shouldn't have hit him in front of company…that was what Aaron had told me earlier too." he took a deep breath and shook his head. He was getting off track. "Anyway, he explained what happened after he left the apartment. He had gone to work and he was working on something for me. He said he didn't know that Randy was going to be there. Randy came and Luke apologized for earlier. He said Randy gave him a hug, and I remember Luke kept saying that it was just a hug. It was just a hug. And then he told me Randy kissed him, and he pushed him away, but Randy wouldn't stop. At this point in the story Luke started to tremble, he was so scared…it was like he was reliving something and at the time I didn't know what."

Once again Noah paused and tried to gather his thoughts. The picture was playing in his head; he just needed to translate it into words. "He told me what Randy said….that Luke owed him something and it was time for him to stop playing games and then he kissed him again. He told me about the struggle and how he tried to get away, but Randy is bigger than him…and Luke was recovering from his kidney infection so he wasn't up to full strength. Luke told me he heard the phone rang but he couldn't answer it because Randy wouldn't let go. That phone call was me…I wanted Luke to come home."

"Noah, did Luke tell you what happened after the phone rang?"

"He was really distraught after that," Noah explained. "He kept apologizing to me, saying he didn't mean for it to happen. He said he didn't want Randy to touch him, and he didn't want to betray me and he was so sorry. And then he just started crying and he explained how he made it home and slept in his clothes because he couldn't come to me…not after what Randy had done."

"Noah you are doing great." Tom encouraged. "I know this is very hard for you to recall, especially since for you it is reliving it all over again. What else can you tell the court about that evening?"

"He told me about Randy calling him the next day," Noah explained. "He said Randy told him that I asked him to check in. And he told me about crushing the cell phone after Randy's third call. And he kept blaming himself for what happened, and he thought he had betrayed our wedding vows Luke felt so ashamed about what happened and I spent the rest of that weekend trying to convince him that he didn't do anything wrong."

"Noah is there anything else that you have remembered that might have any bearing on this case?"

"Yes sir," Noah replied. "I…I only remembered most of this yesterday…after I watched it on tape."

"What tape are you talking about, Noah?"

"I think it's a security tape from the station…I found it in my bag yesterday."

"Noah do you have this tape with you?"

"Yes sir," Noah lifted up a paper bag that no one had noticed he was carrying. He could hear the gasps in the courtroom and the judge's gavel sounded in his ears. "Here's the tape…I even rewound it to where I started watching it."

"Your Honor," Tom said addressing the judge, "The prosecution would like to submit this tape into evidence."

"So noted, Mr. Hughes, please continue."

"Your Honor we would like to play this tape for the court. I would like for this court to be closed and no one other than the immediate parties involved be present."

Judge Newcomb nodded and turned to address the court. "AT this time I would like all spectators to exit the courtroom."

Soon Noah found himself in the courtroom with Tom, Judge Newcomb, Randy, Mr. Simpson and the Jury. He bit his lip as a TV was wheeled in and the tape was placed in the VCR. Noah showed no emotion as the video played. Instead he watched the reactions of everyone else in the room. Mr. Simpson sat with his arms crossed, Randy looked too relaxed for Noah's liking, but that was to be expected. The Jury wasn't reacting at all…they were stoic, though Noah did see one of the woman dab at her eyes.

"I have no further questions, Your Honor." Tom's voice caught Noah off guard. He watched the District Attorney turn off the TV and remove the tape from the VCR. He handed the tape over to the Bailiff and returned to his seat, and Noah took another deep breath. It was Mr. Simpson's turn, and Noah was not going to let the man intimidate him.

"MR. Simpson do you have any questions for this witness?"

"Yes Your Honor, Mr. Mayer, isn't it just a little convenient that you only came across this tape yesterday?"

"No," Noah said shaking his head. "It was in my bag, and I haven't exactly been focusing on my memory exercises so I had no reason to look in there."

"And you just so happen to find this tape the day after your husband takes a dive on the table here. I'm sorry Mr. Mayer, I don't buy it."

"I really don't care what you don't buy, Mr. Simpson. But if you would like to know how I come to have this tape, I suggest you ask me the questions. And please do not insult my husband when he is not here to defend himself."

"Mr. Mayer," Mr. Simpson said seeming almost reluctant to continue, "How did you come to be in possession of the tape."

"On March 17th, "Noah explained. "Jack and I were in the security office and I gave him a stack of tapes, left by Greg, the head of security. And there was a tape laying by itself that Jack pointed out to me. I told him I would take care of it, and I put it in my bag. Jack thanked me and left, and then I was about to leave when I heard someone else in the room. I turned out to be Randy."

"So you just put this video tape in your bag and took it home with you? Is that the normal policy for the TV station to allow employees to take home security tapes?"

"Part of my job as a director's assistant is to review all tapes that are not labeled, and give them the proper title. As far as I was concerned this was a tape that was out of place. So I took it to view. Unfortunately circumstances beyond my control have prevented me from viewing the tape until yesterday afternoon."

Mr. Simpson sighed and changed the direction of his questioning. "You said Mr. Thompson was at the studio that day, did he indicate to you why he was there?"

"He said he was hiding because I startled him," Noah responded. "He said he was making sure the tapes were labeled properly and now that he was finished he could go. He was supposed to be in court that morning with Luke."

"Your Honor, motion to strike this evidence from the record. It was not obtained legally and the defense was given no opportunity to prepare for this."

"Your Honor, as the witness has already stated, he only found the tape last night in his bag. There is nothing illegal about this tape, as you saw it is indeed date stamped with the night in question, at the specified time. "

"If I may sir," Noah interrupted, "I think I can figure out how this tape came to be blank. I mean there is a tape that the police have that has the dates of this tape on it. And Greg, from what Luke and Maddie told me, is not irresponsible with the tapes at all. There wouldn't have been a blank one sitting around unless someone switched the labels or tried to. Otherwise it would have been in the pile that I gave to Jack that morning."

"Mr. Hughes do you think you could get a hold of those tapes, I would like to check out this young man's theory. And as for you Mr. Simpson, your motion is denied."

Noah was still sitting on the stand when Jack entered the courtroom with the stack of tapes he had picked up over a month ago. He handed the items to the judge who sat examining the tapes, along with the one without a label.

"Mr. Hughes, please approach the bench," Judge Newcomb said some time later. Tom moved to the front and Noah watched as the two men engaged in conversation. He couldn't make out what they were talking about, but Tom did look in his general direction a couple of times.

"Noah," Tom called grabbing his attention. "I need you to tell me, son, everything you remember about the day you found this tape. From how you came to be in the room, to what happened when you left the room. Can you do that for me?"

Noah nodded. "I was in the security office that morning doing Greg a favor," he explained. "I knew the tapes were ready, because Greg had explained what I would find. There were six tapes, all dated for the week of the 19th for different times. The tape that was most important was November 21, 2007 6pm to 12am. I pointed to the stack of tapes and Jack picked them up. He noticed that there was a tape out of place. Since it had no label I told Jack I would take care of it and I placed it in my bag. Jack left and I heard a noise. And that's when Randy came out of hiding."

"And what happened after that, Noah. After you asked Randy why he was there, what happened?"

"We were talking," Noah explained, "and Randy made a comment about being the only one to get into Luke's pants. I told him he could go to hell and he grabbed me."

"What happened when he grabbed you, Noah?"

"He grabbed me and turned me around," Noah amended, "I had a memory flash."

"Randy's touch triggered a memory for you?" Tom clarified.

"Yes, sir. I remembered who caused my accident."

"Tell us about that, Noah."

"I remember the SUV coming toward me, and I recall swerving before I was forced out of the car…and I landed in the snow. Someone turned me over and at first I only saw the blond hair…which made me think it was Luke. Until I saw the blue eyes."

"Your husband has brown eyes, correct?"

"Yes sir."

"Go on, Noah."

"I noticed the eyes…right before I blacked out. And I saw the face before impact…it was Randy who hit me. He caused my accident and then left me there." Noah shook his head. "And I know that's irrelevant to this case, but not completely. I remembered something else about the night in question."

"Go ahead son, you've gone this far."

"I punched Randy that night because he called Luke a cock tease and said he deserved to be pinned to the floor…" Noah licked his lips and frowned. He didn't really want to repeat the words he had heard in his head last night. But the Jury needed to hear them. He took a deep breath. "He said Luke should be pinned to the floor and…and fucked hard continuously until he learned his lesson."

The case was rested soon after his testimony, and Noah sat behind the prosecution desk listening to closing arguments. Tom talked about all the major points brought out by the testimonies. He discussed Luke's words, and even Luke's absence. The tape seemed to be the main thing Tom wanted the Jury to remember; the tape and the love between Luke and his mate. There was no doubt in Tom's mind that Luke was a victim of a heinous crime, and there should be no doubt in the Jury's mind either.

Mr. Simpson floundered, and Noah tried hard to remain serious during his closing argument. He wanted the Jury to dismiss certain testimonies as biased and pay attention to the facts as they were presented. Randy's crush went wrong, but he shouldn't have to pay for that. And the fact that the victim's own mother didn't believe him was a sticking point. It seemed like Mr. Simpson rambled on for hours before he finally rested his case. Noah breathed a sigh of relief, it was over. The case was being handed to the Jury, and in a few minutes court would be adjourned.

The ringing of the phone sounded loud, and Noah cursed himself for not turning the ringer down. It couldn't be helped now though...he had refused to turn off his phone, he couldn't not when Luke was in the hospital. It felt like the eyes of everyone in the courtroom were on him as he put the phone to his ear. Even the Judge seemed to be watching him; Noah was just grateful he didn't look annoyed.

"Hello? What…what happened? Okay I'll be right there…no don't make any decisions until I get there, please….I'm coming now."

He closed the phone and jumped to his feat. Tom stood too, and James appeared by his side. "I have to go," he said to the two men flanking him. "I have to get to the hospital…Luke needs me."

*end flash

Silence reigned in the waiting room; everyone trapped in their own thoughts about what was happening behind closed doors. They were all there, each of them caught in a varying degree of fear for their loved ones. Holden held a cup of coffee in his hand. The liquid had grown cold over time, but he didn't seem to notice as he sipped on it absently. His mind was in turmoil as he thought of the possible repercussions of what was going on. Noah was in there, risking his own life to save Luke's. In Holden's mind that was the ultimate show of love…and he hoped…prayed that both of his sons would be okay to marvel in that great sacrifice.

Lucinda was no longer in her wheelchair…stubborn lady that she was, she insisted on walking around with a cane. She couldn't sit…she wouldn't, not until someone came out with word of her grandsons. Her dear Noah and her precious Luke. They just had to be alright, anything thing else was unacceptable…just unacceptable.

Maddie was gripping tightly to James' hand. She was seeking comfort, and he was her friend…for now that was all he could be and she understood that. It was what she needed, desperately, for she was worried about her friends. Her best friends…both of them. They had been through so much in such a short amount of time. It didn't seem right to her that it could end like this. She felt James squeeze her hand tightly and she turned to look at him. He mouthed the words "stay strong" to her and she took comfort from that. He could still read her…and she needed to be strong for Luke and for Noah.

On the outside, James was the picture of calm. His expressive green eyes were expressionless and his face looked nothing but serene. He was being the rock for everyone around him. He held Maddie's hand, keeping himself tapped into her feelings…wanting to help steer her in the right direction, toward hope. He kept a careful watch over everyone…he had promised Noah he would do so.

James was the picture of tranquil…but on the inside his emotions were like a summer storm slowly gaining strength. He was trying to take this latest development in stride. It was going to be okay. Oakdale Memorial hospital was known for its surgical staff and many transplants had been performed here. There was no reason to believe this one wouldn't be successful. He knew that…yet it didn't stop his stomach from twisting into knots? Why was he finding it hard to breathe, and why did the mere thought of one or both of them not making it send him into a tailspin?

On the outside he was steady as a rock, but on the inside he felt like sand slipping through one's fingers. At any moment he expected to slide off the precipice into the abyss of despair gripping the rest of Luke and Noah's family.

He was the first to notice them. Two figures with dark hair and serious expressions entered the throng of people, trying to be unassuming, wanting just to be there like everyone else. He didn't have to wonder who they were there for. He didn't have to ask what brought them to the hospital…but he did wonder why they were there.

His eyes remained focused as they approached. He certainly6 wasn't going to alert anyone to their presence. Holden spotted them as the man guided the woman to a chair. Luke's father was out of his seat in record time, and James could only hold his breath as the older man faced the newcomers.

"What are you doing here?" The inevitable question; logical at best, since as Luke's mother, she should be there.

"Luke is my son too…I have every right to be here. How long has he been in surgery, and where is Noah?"

James marveled at the lack of communication that was apparent. Didn't she know that Noah was right at this moment saving Luke's life?

"You picked a fine time to start thinking like a mother," Lucinda joined the conversation. James couldn't be certain, but he could have sworn he saw something akin to fire in her eyes. "I am still rather upset with you, just upset at what you did. And then to add insult to injury you bring him here."

Lily reached for the man's hand and clasped it tight as she stared at the elder Mrs. Walsh. "Dusty, is here for support. He deserves some respect, Mother."

"What about Holden? He actually gives a damn about these boys, and you're throwing your affair right in his face. Really, Lily I thought I taught you better than that."

"That's enough, Lucinda," the man named Dusty spoke. "Fighting and slinging insults isn't helping."

Luke's dad looked like he was ready to strike. All of a sudden James felt like he was watching a movie in slow motion. Mr. Snyder grabbed a hold of Dusty's shirt. Ms. Walsh started to shout, and Mrs. Walsh shouted at her. James chanced a look at Maddie, who was watching everyone else in the waiting room. Luke's brother, Aaron, tried unsuccessfully to stop his dad from doing something stupid. Luke's mother was now waging war with her mother and a woman James thought was Luke's aunt. Everyone was upset and no one was wrong, except that everyone was.

"Will you guys stop it? Just stop it! If any of you care about Luke and Noah like you say you do, start acting like it!" James was on his feet, his fists balled as he faced Maddie and the family gathered in the waiting area. His eyes flashed and he trembled like a volcano about to erupt.

"My brothers, both of them, are in there fighting for their lives, and you guys are arguing and taking pot shots at each other."

Lily was taken aback by the outburst, and a frown crossed her lips as James' words begin to sink in. Had he said both boys are fighting for their lives? Was Noah in surgery too? What was going on?

"It's not right," James continued, "and you have to stop. Hitting Dusty is not going to change things," he said facing Luke's dad. "It will give you momentary release, but it's not going to change the fact that Luke and Noah could die."

He was sure everyone heard his voice crack, but he didn't care. These things needed to be said, and it seemed no one else was going to say them. For her credit, Lily's seemed affected by the words. James thought he saw the beginning of tears in her eyes, but at the moment the last thing he felt was sympathy. "I don't know you," he said facing Dusty next. "But I'm willing to bet that you know your presence here wouldn't be welcome. Maybe you should have tried talking some sense into your lover before she perjured herself on the witness stand."

The smack was swift and so unexpected that it stung more than James could have imagined. His eyes misted, and he saw Holden grab a hold of Lily, pulling her back even as she raged. "You have no right to speak that way to me. Just who do you think you are?"

"Someone who cares about Luke enough to know that you have a right to be here, until Luke says otherwise," James said pointedly. "He wouldn't want you fighting like this and if you were good parents you would know that."

"Thank you, James," Lily said smugly, as Holden hung his head, knowing that James was correct.

"Don't thank me," James scoffed. "I'm not doing this for you. If I had a say in this you wouldn't be here, but since it's not my call you get a reprieve. But don't for one moment think that means I'm not upset with how you treated your own son. I won't go as far as to say you caused this, but your actions are a big part of why he's here, and why Noah's in there too. You think about that as you sit there, and you better hope that both of them pull through this."

He felt a gentle hand on his arm, and turned to see Maddie beside him. "I think," she said taking his hand in hers, "it's your turn to breathe." James looked at her for a long moment before allowing her to lead him back to his seat.

The silence that followed was almost unbearable. Lily and Dusty were sitting as far from the rest of the family as they could get without leaving. Holden was back in his seat as well, and Lucinda was pacing. Every once in a while she would glance at the door that led to the operating room. James sat at Maddie's side, and after a few moments of comfort he pulled his hand away and stood. He heard Maddie call to him, but he said nothing as he walked away from everyone and headed down the corridor.

He didn't stop until he reached his destination. He stood in front of the door and hesitated before turning the knob and poking his head in. "I hope you're not busy," he said sounding like the kid he could still remember being.

"I'm never too busy for you. Come on in."

James came in and sat down, allowing silence to reign yet again.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?"

"Not really," James sighed. He met his father's eyes for a moment before looking down."I guess I really don't feel like talking."

"I can't help unless you talk to me, Son." Dr. McPherson stated gently. He knew his son well enough to know this wasn't going to be easy. "Can you at least give me an idea of what's going on?"

When silence was his only response, George McPherson knew he needed to get serious. He knew his son well enough to know that he wouldn't speak unless he was coaxed to do so. It worried him when James got like this, and he hadn't seen his son look so sad in a very long time.

"James," he said leaning forward in his chair, placing his hands on his desk, "I can see that something is really bothering you and I know you well enough to know that you wouldn't be sitting in that chair if you didn't want to talk. Tell me what's going on."

James frowned and looked up to meet his father's gaze. "I just yelled at Luke's family…and I feel really bad about it."

"Why did you yell at Luke's family," Dr. McPherson inquired softly. "That's not like you, son. You are usually the voice of all that is calm and reasonable. Sometimes it scares me that you are as calm as you are."

"Does that really scare you? Because I don't think I'm as calm as you think I am."

"Son, it has been many, many years since I have seen you lose your temper with anyone. You tend to bottle things up inside, and I keep waiting for the explosion that is going to happen when you can't bottle up anymore, and yes that scares me. You have been Luke's rock to go to and lean on for months, and then you did the same for Noah. When are you going to realize that maybe you need someone to lean on too?"

"I did realize that, Dad," James said his voice a lot shakier than he realized. I did find people to lean on…but they aren't here for me to do that."

"What do you mean they aren't here for you to lean on? Where are they?"

"In surgery."

"In surgery?" George repeated, "Son, I'm really lost here. I knew Luke was sick and had been here in the hospital, but I didn't know it was that serious. Where's Noah?"

"Luke needed a kidney transplant," James explained. "We got the call during the trial that Luke would need a new kidney pretty quickly. And Noah had to make the decision fast. He donated his kidney to Luke, and now both of them are in surgery and I'm scared, dad. I'm so scared that one or both of them isn't going to make it. So when I heard Mr. Snyder arguing with Ms. Walsh, and then he wanted to deck Ms. Walsh's lover, and they were all making pot shots at each other, and I just couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't sit there and listen to them arguing about Ms. Walsh's right to be there while both of my brothers are fighting for their lives. I just can't lose them Dad."

"I had no idea that things were that bad, son. It sounds to me like you had every right to lose your temper with the family, if they were arguing over silly things, while those boys are fighting for their lives. Wait, did you say my brothers? Did I hear you right?"

"Yeah," James said, a sad smile crossing his lips. "My brothers."

"Did I miss something here, James," Dr. McPherson smiled fondly. "Last time I checked it was just you and I in this family. Would you care to explain how you suddenly have two grown brothers that your father knew nothing about?"

James grinned. "They aren't real brothers," He explained, "though sometimes I feel like they are. We just…I finally opened up about some things a month ago, and Luke and Noah were there for me when I needed them, and we've been close ever since."

"Ahhh, now I think we are getting somewhere," Dr. McPherson nodded thoughtfully. "So you have become very close to Luke and Noah, and now both of them are lying in an operating room, and one or both of them may not make it through this procedure. You aren't comparing this to your mother leaving us are you? James," he said as his son frowned, "you know that this is a totally different situation."

"I know that, Dad…this doesn't have anything to do with her…not directly. I…I get now that she left by her own choice, she wasn't forced, and it wasn't my fault. Luke and Noah helped me to see that actually. And I guess in her own way, Maddie helped me to face that as well." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It's just I feel like they get me, and I get them, and I really just don't want them to die. And I can't say that out there because, I am the strong one who tries to keep the rest of the family together. Noah asked me to look out for everyone, and that is what I've been trying to do."

"So you are the strong one out there, but now you needed a strong shoulder yourself. I'm so glad that you came here, Son. I will be your strong shoulder anything you need it. I am so grateful that you have found friends like Luke and Noah, who seem to "get you". That is all I have ever wanted, well that and you married to a lovely young woman someday. Can I do anything to help you with the family."

"Was that a hint, Dad?" James laughed halfheartedly. "I will work things out with Maddie…in my own time. When and if we get back together…I'll propose because that's what I want. But I can't even think about that right now, not with Luke and Noah both out of it. There has just been so much going on, and I don't think there is anything you can do about the family. I know we are all just worried about Luke and Noah. Emotions are high and Ms. Walsh ruffled a few feathers with her arrival but I think everything will be okay now."

"No, Son that was not a hint. I just want to see you settled and happy. That's all any parent wants for their child. I haven't been privy to the family drama that Luke and Noah have been involved in, but just know that I am here for you and for them if needed."

"I'll let them know Dad."

"I love you, James. Sometimes I forget to tell you that, but even when that happens it doesn't' mean that I love you any less. You will let me know if there is anything that I can do?"

"I will, Dad. And thank you. I love you too…and I hope I've made you proud."

'Son, I'm more proud of you than words could ever express," Dr. McPherson admitted fondly. "You are my greatest accomplishment and I thank God every day that he put you in my life, and saw fit to leave you here to grow into the fine young man you are. Hang in there, Son. Noah is strong, and Luke, with both of you fighting for him could not ask for better friends."

"Luke is a fighter," James agreed. "I know that, and I know that in my heart, they'll both be okay. I guess I just needed someone else to tell me that. So thank you Dad. Thanks for being the best father in the world…and the best doctor."

"I will be here to reassure you any time you need it. All you have to do is come to me. I am here, and I am not going anywhere. Now," Dr. McPherson said sitting back in his chair, "'why don't you head back out there and make sure Luke and Noah's families haven't broken down to a catfight. That would not be a pretty picture."

James wrinkled his nose. "No…actually it wouldn't be." He stood and gave his father a hug. "Thanks again for the talk, I needed that."

He felt a little lighter as he left his father's office. Maddie greeted him upon his return and slipped right into his arms. "What's wrong?" he asked pulling away to look into her sad eyes.

"The surgery is over," Maddie explained wiping the tears from her eyes. "For Noah…he's in recovery now."

"And Luke?"

"They're working on him now. Dr. Hughes doesn't foresee any problems…he thinks Luke is going to be okay."

James breathed a sigh of relief and he pulled Maddie into another hug before moving away from her completely. "I'm sorry," he said addressing Luke's family. "I know I was out of line earlier…I'm just worried about Luke, and Noah and I really shouldn't have snapped at every one like that. Can you forgive me."

Lucinda waved her hand dismissively. "You didn't say anything that didn't need to be said, dear boy. Besides, I can't tell you how delighted I am that my grandsons have such a wonderful friend as you. And that goes for you too, Dear," she said smiling at Maddie who stood beside James.

"Lucinda's right James," Holden spoke up. "You didn't say anything we didn't need to hear. I'm sure Luke will be glad that you were here to keep us all sane. Luke would have done the same thing in your place. He was always good at making us see reason."

"And he'll be doing it again really soon," James said slipping back into optimistic mode. Soon we will just have to wait for Noah to wake up…and for Luke to come back to us."

"At least the trial is over," Maddie pointed out. "I don't think Noah would have made his decision otherwise."

"Yeah he would have waited," James agreed. "Now that's what we need to do…wait."

They waited what seemed like hours for news of some sort. Some of them looked toward the operating room, while others kept checking their phones. Waiting was proving more difficult then any of them could have imagined. It felt like time was crawling, when in reality mere minutes had passed since Noah's surgery was completed.

The sound of the phone startled them all, and they looked toward Holden who placed the phone to his ear and said hello. At that same moment Dr. Hughes approached them. His expression was grim and the entire family plus James and Maddie stood and waited with baited breath for the bad news they knew would come.

"The Jury has reached a verdict," Tom's voice on the phone, but Holden was barely listening as his eyes were locked on Bob's, the elder Hughes who looked pained. He wanted to hear what he had to say.

"There's been a complication," Dr. Hughes announced. "Luke's surgery is going to take longer than originally expected. But please be assured we are doing everything we can for him."

James was trying hard not to overreact as conversations went on around him. Holden was explaining that someone needed to go to the court room. Luke's Grandmother was going to go along with Maddie…they would represent Luke and Noah. Meanwhile the doctor was explaining what had gone wrong. He was speaking just loud enough, and James bit his lip so he wouldn't react. The distinct sound of flat lining met his ears and his heart jumped in his throat.

"Code blue, Code blue," he heard a nurse yell as Dr. Hughes rushed away toward Luke's room. James didn't have to look at Luke's parents to know that they were having trouble breathing too.

Maddie held her breath as she stood between Tom and Luke's grandmother in the courtroom. They were waiting, patiently for the verdict to be read. She could feel the tension in the air, and a pin could have dropped in the quiet room. She felt a hand close over hers, and turned to see Luke's grandmother smiling at her. Maddie smiled back, and drew in the strength Lucinda Walsh was willing to give.

The judge entered from his chambers, and the Jury took their seat. Everyone was ordered to sit down, and Maddie glanced over to where Randy sat with his lawyer. Maddie could only hope that in mere moments the Jury would make the right decision.

"Will the Defendant please rise," the Bailiff commanded. Randy and Mr. Simpson stood up and faced the judge who was shifting through papers on the table.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, have you reached a verdict?" Judge Newcomb asked.

"Yes Your Honor, we have."

"Madame Foreperson would you please give your verdict to the bailiff."

Maddie took a deep breath as Lucinda squeezed her hand tightly. They were waiting along with Tom and the rest of the courtroom as the Bailiff handed off the verdict to the Judge. It wasn't lost on anyone that Randy's fate now rested in the Judge's hands.

Luke's fate now rested in the doctor's hands. Bob Hughes was working with his team of surgeons to make sure they didn't lose Luke on the operating table. He was well aware that there were four extra pairs of eyes watching him. He was cognizant of the fact that there were a lot of people who would be upset if he failed…and Dr. Bob Hughes was not about to let that happen. Luke's heart had stopped beating momentarily, but the defibrillator had brought him back from the brink. The monitors screamed again when Luke began to have trouble breathing.

It seemed like forever before Luke's breathing evened out, and Dr. Bob, his staff and those four sets of eyes were able to relax. Luke was out of the woods, the surgery was a success and now they were back to waiting for him to wake up. Just knowing that he was okay, was enough for James, plus Holden and Lily as well. This time they didn't mind having to wait.

He said not a word until he was standing by the bed. He looked down on the figure laying there, a frown crossing his features. It was a thoughtful expression, as he marveled at the bravery and the courage on display here. In his mind, no one could ever claim that Noah didn't love Luke. That was as clear as the sky was blue…and he could certainly relate to how much he loved his own mate. A lot of things could be said about Tom Hughes; tough as nails DA with a heart of gold. In the courtroom he was all business and wouldn't be pushed around, but outside the courtroom he was a loving husband, father, son and a friend. As he took a seat by Noah's bed, his hand resting on the guardrail it was hard to tell which persona was being brought forth.

"You did real good Noah," he said pride swelling in his throat. "I think it would be hard for anyone to question how much you love Luke. It's clear to me that you care for him as much as I care for Margo, and that is a great thing. I hope you two never lose that. I have good news for you, the verdict is in. The Jury found Randy guilty of sexual assault, and there was also the issue of him leaving the scene of the accident, a hit and run if you will. He's in jail, Noah. He can't hurt you or Luke ever again. Do you understand what I'm saying Noah? It's time for you to wake up now…it's time for you to get back to life with your husband. Don't let anything stop you."

The room was quiet again. Tom was gone, and Alison had entered to check Noah's vitals. She was gone within minutes, and it was barely a moment later when Noah's hand moved slightly. He shifted in the bed and muttered a soft moan as his eyes drifted open. He blinked, trying to adjust to the brightness of the room. This scene was too familiar to him…too much like déjà vu. He looked to the side and saw the empty chair. He stared at it for a moment, thinking about all that had transpired over the last week. So much had happened…so much, and now it was over. He turned his head forward and as he pressed a button to put his bed in the upright position, a smile crossed his lips.

"You're awake," James exclaimed as he entered the room. Noah's smile grew bigger at the sight of his friend and he nodded as James sat in the empty seat beside him.

"Looks that way?" he said his voice still a little groggy.

"How do you feel? Are you alright? Do you hurt anywhere?" James asked and Noah shook his head. at any other time he probably would have laughed at James' spitfire questioning, but he knew his friend…his brother was just worried and had a lot to deal with today.

"I'm fine, James. I feel good, very good actually, now that Randy's in jail."

"So you did hear Mr. Hughes talking to you. I told him you would."

"It would figure that the jury would come back after I make the decision," Noah said wistfully.

"No regrets though, right?"

"None," Noah shook his head. "Luke just has to be okay."

"He will be," James assured him. "He has a healthy kidney now, so that's a good start. He's still in a coma, but I think it's good because his body needs time to heal."

"His mind too," Noah said frowning. "I mean the surgery needed to be done so quickly…now we just wait for him to wake up, and that could take weeks."

"Or just days," James amended. "Remember, he didn't give up on you, so don't give up on him okay?"

"Can you take me to him?" Noah asked. "I need to see him, James. I wasn't there when he came out of surgery, but I can be there now. He needs me there."

James insisted that he get checked out by Dr. Hughes first. The doctor assured them both that Noah was in perfect shape. After that Holden and Lucinda insisted on visiting as well. Maddie had her turn too, and it wasn't that he didn't want to see them. He just really wanted…needed to get to Luke.

"Okay, no more visits please,' He said when James entered the room. "You promised I could go see Luke, like an hour ago."

James smiled. "I know what I promised, and I'm here to deliver. I was glad everyone came to see you, because your mother-in-law was in his room. I don't know if he liked it much, but its not like any of us could have thrown her out."

"She is his mom," Noah sighed. "I guess now that the verdict is in she's begging for forgiveness?"

"Pretty much," James conceded as he helped Noah out of the hospital bed and into a wheelchair. "I honestly don't think it will do any good. He already had a lot of issues with her before this." he shook his head and let that thought trail off.

"It would server her right if he didn't forgive her," Noah said as James wheeled him toward Luke's room. He was feeling good, despite the conversation. He just wanted to be near Luke. "But thank you for making sure I didn't see her. I don't think that would have turned out well. She would have tried to thank me, and I would have glared and it wouldn't have been pretty."

"Well I'm glad to see you are already in protective mode," James chuckled. "Would you like me to leave you alone with him?"

"You can stay," Noah said, his eyes focused squarely on the figure in the bed. "I don't think he would mind having here…and I know I don't."

"Are you sure? I know you've been waiting to get to him, and you've missed him and all."

"James," Noah said turning to face him. "Sit down."

James smiled and took a seat as Noah reached for one of Luke's hands. James took possession of the other and they settled into a comfortable silence. There was no need for words at the moment. it was good enough that Luke knew they were there.