This chapter took me four days to do…FOUR DAYS…And it went from fifteen pages to eight on Microsoft Word! MAJOR EDITING! Raw on Monday…Loved the Muppets…But No Stephanie! Here's something to cheer us all up though! This chapter starts around one o'clock in the morning…Which is like two hours after the last chapter ended!

November 21, 2000

It was something I had done many times before…For myself and for the people that I loved. But in that moment…It meant so much more. I sat in hospital chapel with tears in my eyes, talking to a God I hoped would answer my prayers.

"I know how it feels…To have people wanting stuff from you and never getting anything back for them. I understand Hunter and I are no saints, but …Hunter's a good person and he'd make a wonderful Father if...If given the chance to." I paused for a moment as a single tear fell down my cheek, remembering what day it was, "Today my Baby…Hunter and I's baby…Was supposed to be born. She was supposed to have the chance to grow up and become whatever she wanted to be. Instead…She's gone…She's with you. If you're listening… Just…For all that's good in this world…Don't take him away from me too!" I said sadly.

Just then, I heard a knock and the chapel doors slightly. "Steph…The doctor's finishing up." Shane said as he peaked his head through. I nodded my head, getting up from the pew and meeting Shane at the doorway. Shane wrapped his arm around me as we walked down the corridor back to Hunter's room.

My excitement was fading by the second as I leaned on the doorframe, watching the doctor. There had been no other movement from Hunter since he touched the palm of my hand. I was beginning to think I was going crazy...That I wanted him to wake up so badly that I imagined Hunter moving his fingers. But praying for something was all about faith…And I had to hold on my faith…It was the one thing that was gonna keep going.

Shane stood behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders. I smiled back at him, acknowledging the support. From the minute we hugged in Hunter's room, Shane had been there for me…And there weren't words that could express how thankful I was for that. There were moments where I was close to breaking down…Yet every time…Shane brought me back.

I looked towards Hunter, noticing the doctor was done with his examination. I prepared myself for what the doctor was about to tell me as he made his way towards Shane and I, trying hard not to get excited.

"Your Husband's vitals are good and he's stable. Even though he's unresponsive right now, I'm still convinced that your Husband will regain consciousness."

I looked once more at Hunter before returning my attention back to the doctor. "I guess I imagined it… I'm sorry…You must think I've wasted your time" I said sadly.

"Actually…It's the exact opposite." The doctor said, giving me hope as he continued, "It's possible your Husband did move his fingers…It's very common for a patient to be unconscious and still have their reflexes…Some even display symptoms of hearing." The doctor explained.

"So Hunter does hear me when I talk to him?" I asked with happiness in my voice, feeling vindicated about what I said to Shane.

"I liked to think that when a person who's unconscious hears their loved one talking to them…It gives them a reason to come back from wherever they are."

I felt my spirits rise as I smiled softly. "Thank you Doctor."

"You're very welcome…And if you notice your Husband responding in any way…Have the Nurse James page me."

"I will…Thank you." I said as the doctor left. I walked towards Hunter's bed, a smile wanting to peak come out. Even though Hunter was still unconscious, I felt more determined than ever before. If it was the last thing I did…Hunter was gonna wake up. I sat down in the chair that had become my bed for the past two days, reaching for Hunter's hand, taking in how soft his skin still was.

Shane walked into the room and stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders once more. Marissa followed, taking the seat next to me. "I'm gonna go make a few calls…Does anybody need anything while I'm out?" Shane asked, clearly meaning me and clearly meaning food.

"No…We're good for now." I said with a smile as I raised my eyebrows, letting Shane know I got the picture. Shane raised his eyebrow, acting like he didn't know what I was talking about. I raised my eyebrows right back, letting Shane know I was onto him, "If I promise to eat later…Will you get off my back?"

"Yep…But I'm holding you to that promise!" Shane said with a smile.

I laughed as I looked towards Marissa. "Does he want to get Bitch Slapped again?" I quipped.

"I think so!" Marissa quipped back.

Shane looked at Marissa. "What?" He asked in shock.

Marissa got out of her seat and walked around to where Shane was standing, wrapping her arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Sorry Honey…I'm on "Team Stephanie." with this one!" She said with a smile as she gave Shane a quick peck on the lips before grabbing his hands, "Now let's go make those phone calls before your Sister kicks your ass!" Marissa said with a smile as she winked at me, pulling Shane towards the door.

I could hear Shane huff as he followed Marissa. I continued to laugh as I turned my attention back to Hunter, my smile disappearing.

"I wish this nightmare was over…I wish we were back in that hotel room in San Antonio…The one where I told you I was pregnant. That night was perfect…We were perfect." I stopped talking, reminiscing about happier times, as I caressed Hunter's cheek. I was so focused on Hunter that I failed to hear Marissa come back in the room until she touched my shoulder, causing me to jump.

"Sorry, Hun…I didn't mean to scare you." She said as she took her seat back.

"It's okay..." I said with a smile as I caught my breath, " …I thought you went with Shane?"

"He told me to look after you…And besides…You and I really haven't had a chance to talk since I've been here." Marissa said with a smile as she continued, "It seems like yesterday I was the Wife holding my Husband's hand…Wanting him to wake up. I just hope your story has a happy ending just like mine did."

"I hope so too. I miss him so much, Missy...You have no idea! This's crazy, but…You wanna know the thing I miss the most…His fucking sarcastic comments!" Marissa laughed as I continued, getting quiet and serious, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about trying for a baby."

"Yeah…You never did answer that question…" Marissa said softly as she took put a hand on my shoulder, "When were you guys planning on saying something?"

I began to feel tears welling up. I sniffled them back as I tried to find the words. "I didn't want Mom or Dad finding out and taking the joy of it away…Hunter didn't really care about if they knew…But he hid it because I wanted him to. As much as you and Shane are different from Mom and Dad when it comes to Hunter and I…There was still that piece of me that thought you'd react like they would!" I said as the tears that I tried so hard to hold back were now falling freely.

I immediately felt Marissa comforting me, holding me close as I sobbed on her shoulder. "Hey…Don't cry! Hunter's gonna wake up…He's gonna wake up and he's gonna get better! And somewhere down the road…It maybe next month…It maybe six months from now…But whenever it is…You're gonna end up pregnant! You're gonna have that day when you get to tell Hunter's he's gonna be a Father…And then you'll get to tell Uncle Shane and Aunt Marissa…And they're gonna be through the moon about their Godchild! And Vince and Linda…Well they can go screw themselves…Because if there's anything I've learned this past year and half…It's that your Mom and Dad are not the poster children for good parenting!"

I laughed a small laugh as I sniffled, trying to gain control of my crying. Marissa had finally gotten out if my mother's clutches…It just took her sixteen years of being in our family for her to do so. I knew I wasn't one to talk though…It took me twenty three. I pulled away from her, wiping my eyes with my hand. "I'm sorry…I don't know what came over me." I said with a small smile.

"I do…You're angry and you're in pain and you have every right to be! You're also exhausted as hell!" Marissa said bluntly, knowing full well I hadn't had real sleep in three days. It was true…I couldn't deny it even if I wanted to…Aside from going to Raw…Every moment was spent in the hospital, "Why don't you go back to the hotel…I promise to let you know if anything changes with Hunter?" Marissa suggested.

"I can't leave, Missy…I said I would be here when he woke up." I said as I shook my head, still grateful for the concern.

Marissa though wouldn't have any of it. "I don't care...When's the last time you actually slept?" I bowed my head in defeat as Marissa went on, "I thought so! Go back to the hotel and get some sleep before you end up in the hospital yourself! Hunter will be here when you get back!"

I glanced at Hunter before unwillingly giving in. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, Marissa was right. "Promise me you'll call if he wakes up!" I said sternly.

Marissa held her fingers up in a familiar pose. "Girl Scouts Honor!" Marissa teased with a smile as she stood up, finding the hotel room key and dropping it in my open palm.

I looked at Hunter once more as I stood up as well, leaning in to kiss him. "I love you." I said after I pulled away, wanting to watch him for just a few more seconds. I grabbed my overnight bag, which was parked next to Hunter's bed and looked at Marissa, pulling her in for a hug, "Thank you." I said with a whisper.

Marissa just smiled as I left Hunter's room and made my way down the corridor, following "Doctor Mazola's special instructions."…Which were simple…Sleep!

They were just beginning to serve breakfast as I returned to Hunter's room. Despite the reason I was in the hospital…I was in good spirits. Even though I had some concerns about leaving Hunter, I was actually able to get some rest…Real rest! I knew Hunter would understand if it meant I was taking care of myself. The sun was shining through Hunter's room as I took my seat next to him, taking hold of his hand once more. The bruising on Hunter's face was beginning to fade and tape replaced the stiches above his eyebrow. I was determined to remain optimistic, despite Hunter still being unresponsive.

"Good morning…" I said with a smile, "I didn't want to leave, but Marissa was adamant about me getting some rest. I know she means well…And I have to admit…I'm actually feeling better. Just…Don't tell her I said that…She's like Shane when her ego's stroked! They send their love by the way…Shane and Marissa...They're heading back to the hotel to rest themselves."

I opened my mouth to continue speaking when I heard a soft groan. I stood up and sat on the bed, tears welling up in my eyes as I looked at Hunter. What seemed like my imagination turned into my reality as I saw Hunter's eyelids flutter.

"That's it, Hunter…Open your eyes…Open your eyes for me!" I pleaded as I took Hunter's face in my hands. I began to cry uncontrollably as Hunter's eyes softly opened, his voice forming the one word that meant so much…My name.

"Steph…" He said with a whisper.

I rested my forehead against Hunter's as I kissed him softly. "I'm right here…I'm not going anywhere!" I said with a smile after I pulled away. I could see Hunter fighting with everything he had to stay awake. He eventually gave in, his eyes closing as he gradually went back to sleep. I sat there as I watched him before kissing Hunter once more, holding on for dear life and never wanting to let go. Hunter had woken up…He had woken up and he was coming back to me…Everything was gonna be okay!

An hour later, I stood against the corridor wall, staring a hole through the door of Hunter's room. The doctor was inside performing an examination on Hunter after Nurse James paged him. Despite the length of time…Hunter had woken up! I had to remain patient until I could see him again. It was hard though…The examination was going on forever.

I wanted to be by Hunter's side so badly…In case he woke up again. I didn't want Hunter confused about why he was lying there…And I knew that he would be if he woke up alone. For all I knew…Hunter didn't remember what Stone Cold did to him…He didn't realize how close I was to being a Widow at twenty four.

I pushed the horrible thought out of my mind as I continued to wait. I was thankful the nightmare was over...In my mind it was. Hunter saw me…He knew who I was…He said my name. Next to "I Love You."…My name was my favorite word to hear come from Hunter's mouth. Just then, the door to Hunter's room opened and the doctor came out.

"Is he okay?" I asked nervously.

The doctor nodded as he shut the door behind him. "Your Husband's still asleep…But that's to be expected. You'll find him in and out of it for the remainder of the day…It's gonna take him awhile for him to fully wake up." He said, reassuring me.

"But Hunter will…Right?"

"As time progresses, so will the lengths of consciousness. And as far as the effects on your Husband's brain goes…I'll get a better idea of what I'm dealing with once he fully wakes up…The fact that you're Husband recognized you immediately is very good."

I nodded as the doctor turned and proceeded down to the hall. I pushed myself off the wall, opening the door to Hunter's room and walking in. The last three days had been traumatizing for Hunter and I …Thankfully it was all coming to an end as Hunter was finally on the road to recovery. I decided to sit on the bed this time, wanting to be as close as possible to Hunter as I took his hand in mine. Everytime Hunter and I held hands…I was home. The next thing I knew, I heard a familiar and beautiful sound.

"Steph…" Hunter said roughly, his eyes struggling to focus on me.

"It's okay…I'm right here." I said with a smile, reaching with my free hand to touch Hunter's face. I saw Hunter form the smallest of grins as he fell back asleep. I felt ecstatic that Hunter had woken up again…So soon after the first time…Awhile my ass! I continued to hold Hunter's hand as I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." I said with my back towards the door, not knowing who I was letting in. I heard footsteps…Three pairs. When I turned around…I was shocked, "What the hell do you want?" I asked as I stood from the bed, crossing my arms over my chest.

There…Right in front of me…Stood XPac, Billy, and Road Dogg. The three men who were supposed to be Hunter's "Best Friends."…The three men that almost two years before, Hunter said would go to bat for him in a heartbeat…The three men that turned their backs on Hunter the moment he revealed his involvement in Stone Cold being run over. I waited for answer as XPac decided to talk for the group. "We wanted to know how he was doing…How you're doing!"

I shook my head as this violent rush of anger went through my body. "You guys don't give a rat's ass about how Hunter and I are doing! I mean…Where were you when Hunter told the world what he did to Stone Cold? I'll tell you where you were…You stood by and acted like Hunter was the only one that knew Rikishi ran over Austin! Meanwhile…You were the ones that helped put the plan in motion! While you guys were running away …I stood by Hunter through all of it!"

Road Dogg came from behind XPac, holding up his hands in defense. "We're sorry, Steph…"

"You should be! You were his family…You were my family!" I screamed.

"Steph…What's going…" Shane said as he ran into Hunter's room. Then he saw the guys standing there and froze, "…On?" Shane walked past them and towards me, pulling me into his arms, "I was walking towards the room and I heard you start to yell!"

I lifted my head. "They just stopped by to see how Hunter is." I said softly.

"Hunter was in a car that got dropped from forty feet in the air…Were you expecting him to be sitting up?" Shane said sarcastically as he looked back at the guys, anger clearly visible, "Just…Get out!"

All three of them nodded in understanding before quickly leaving. Shane took my hand and led me back to my chair, kneeling down in front of me. "Don't think about them, Steph…Just focus on Hunter."

"I know…It's just…Hunter had nobody except DX and I…And I had nobody except DX and him…Now we only have each other." I said with a sigh.

Shane took my hand reassuringly. "That might've been true when you guys first got together…But not anymore. Hunter has a family…And not just you!"

"I guess you're right…" I pulled Shane in for a hug, "…Thank you." I said with a smile.

"For what?" Shane asked.

"For everything…For being there for me…And Hunter." I said after we pulled apart.

"You're welcome, Pretty Girl. Besides…Hunter would have no problem kicking my ass if I wasn't there." Shane teased as he stood up straight.

I stood up, moving to sit on Hunter's bed. "No he wouldn't...Hunter would kick anybody's ass for my honor!" I said with a laugh as I took Hunter's hand. I watched him for a moment before looking back at Shane, who had taken my seat, "Do you think Hunter will ever be able to come back?"

Shane froze at my unexpected question, trying to find the right words before he began to talk. "I honestly don't know, Steph. I will say that even if the damage to Hunter's brain is minimal or not there…His return won't be for a while. Yet again…This is Hunter we're talking about!"

I nodded as I looked back to Hunter. I knew the same strength Hunter used to come back to me he would use to get back in the ring…And back at Stone Cold. "You're right…Hunter's a fighter…Always has been." I said softly.

Shane stood up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me in for a hug. We stayed there for the longest time until Shane suggested I get some lunch, an obvious attempt to make me keep my promise from earlier in the day. I gave in, joining him and Marissa in the cafeteria. After they returned to the hotel, I returned to Hunter's room. The rest of the day progressed like clockwork. I would sit and hold Hunter's hand while he slept, watching TV or reading to keep myself busy. Hunter would wake up from time to time…But it wouldn't last long. As much as I was loving the consistency…I was still waiting for that one great wakeup…The one where I knew without a shadow of doubt…Hunter had come back to me. I got the one later that afternoon.

I will never remember how long I was in the chair, nor will remember how long I was asleep for…But what I will always remember…For as long as I live…Is the sound of coughing. It was deep, dry cough that woke me from my sleep…And I couldn't have been happier to hear it. I got out of my chair, picking up the pitcher of water from the nightstand and filling it. I held out the cup to Hunter. When he had difficulty grasping it, I held the glass as Hunter took a sip. I put the glass on the nightstand next to the pitcher as Hunter managed to sit up in the hospital bed. Even has Hunter breathed, you could hear how dry his throat was…I knew that had to be from the ventilator.

"How long have you been up?" I asked, taking a seat on the bed as I held Hunter's hand.

"Not very long…I've just been watching you sleep…Kinda reminds you when we were first married…Uh?" Hunter teased as he pulled me closer to him so we were now face to face, "Now that I'm awake…Let's get this show on the road…Come here!"

I smiled as Hunter and I kissed like all the previous times before…Part pure, part intense…Only this time it meant a hundred times more. When we pulled apart, the tears I had been trying not let fall began to as one by one they hit my cheeks. "Steph…What's wrong?" Hunter asked as he began to caress my cheek, wiping the tears away with his thumb.

"It's just that…I almost lost you! I mean…I actually began to miss your wiseass remarks!" I said through my tears.

Hunter laughed softly as we kissed once more. After we pulled apart, Hunter laid his head back on the pillow, his eyes closing. I smiled as I went back to my chair, pulling it as close as it would get to Hunter's bed. I wasn't surprised Hunter was falling back asleep…This was the longest he had been awake all day. Just as I was about to take my hand away, Hunter held onto it and his eyes opened, looking back at me with tiredness…And questions.

"Steph…What day is it?" Hunter asked.

"Tuesday…You got hurt on Sunday at Survivor Series."

"But what day…Like number wise?"

I got really quiet; not wanting to have that conversation just as Hunter had woke up. Still…I answered. "…It's November 21."

I expected Hunter to either not remember the importance of the day…I was wrong. Hunter somehow pulled me up so I was sitting on the bed with him. "Today…You and I…" I nodded, letting Hunter he was on the right track as he went on, "…You would've made an amazing Mom…You will make an amazing Mom!"

I took Hunter's face in my hands, kissing him with all I had. "It's not possible to be this in love." I said with a smile after we pulled apart.

"Yes it is."

So Hunter's awake…YAY! I had to incorporate some of the Baby and the miscarriage, seeing as if it was the day Stephanie was due if she was still pregnant! Also…I had to have DX show up…They needed a good talking to! Next chapter…Hunter gets released from the hospital…And the discussion about what to do about Stone Cold! Review guys…I'd be lost without you!