Chapter Forty Eight

"Is he going to be okay?" Lois asked the following morning, holding onto Clark with an iron grip as she spoke to the doctor in front of them.

Doctor Philips, a sweet, balding man looked grim but tried to smile to ease the tension. "There's nothing more we can do at this point Miss Lane. We managed to get the bullet lodged in Mr. Fletcher's lung out, but there was a lot of bleeding and he later developed a pneumothorax."

Lois shook her head. "Could you explain it to me in easier words? I'm not quite awake yet." Lois replied, though in truth she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night.

Doctor Philips adjusted his glasses and smiled. "Of course. The bullet caused his lung to collapse. We got it under control but he's now on a respirator. He hasn't woken up from his surgery yet and it's that that has me a little concerned right now. He came to for about a minute, but since then, nothing."

"Isn't there anything you can do?" Clark asked, sensing that Lois couldn't respond. If her grip on his hand got any tighter even he would be wincing.

"We're doing all we can right now. But I'm concerned that if he doesn't wake up soon…" He let the sentence trail, leaving Lois in no doubt as to what he meant. "Does Mr. Fletcher have any family here? Any next of kin?"

Lois shook her head. "No, but I called his partner last night, he's on his way. He should be here soon." She tried not to remember the way Ashley sounded when she'd called him. He'd been so…quiet, which was not like him. And after he'd told her he would be on the first available plane to Metropolis, he'd ended the conversation.

The doctor nodded. "Good, okay. Hearing familiar voices can only help at this point."

"Can I see him now?"

"Of course you can. I'll be back later to check up on him."

"Thank you." Lois shook the man's hand and then followed Clark into Fletch's room.

She paused, looking at the still figure in the bed. It wasn't long ago that she was staring at her own cousin in the same place. Banishing those memories, because Chloe was indeed alive and well, she stepped closer. Taking one of his hands, gently, Lois leaned in. "Fletch, it's me, Lois. What are you playing at huh? You need to wake your ass up pronto soldier."

Clark stood behind her, supportive but allowing her the space she needed, and she was grateful for that. He always seemed to know exactly what she needed.

"I called Ashley…" she continued. "He's on his way. Please just hold on, if not for me, do it for him. He needs you Fletch, deep down." She blinked back the tears and whispered. "I need you."

"Lois?" Clark's voice, so soft in her ear, almost made her cry. It was so tender, so caring. With one word he could convey how much he wanted to know that she was okay. She leaned back into him, resting her head on his shoulder and he placed a gentle kiss on her temple.

"I'm okay."

"Would you like me to leave you alone with him?"

"No!" she grabbed his hand. "Stay with me."

"Okay."

She closed her eyes as Clark wrapped his arms around her, then looked up as the door opened.

"Ashley!" Almost immediately, Ashley's eyes misted up as he looked at Fletch and then he walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.

"What the hell happened to him?"

"He was shot. The doctor says he's stable, but he…well he needs you Ashley."

"It's that bad?" Ashley asked, his face draining of its colour as he pulled back. Lois said nothing, but knew that in itself was an answer. Ashley glanced down at Fletch, then back to Lois. "I think you need to tell me everything."

~~~~~~~

Later that morning, Lois sat next to Ashley at the side of Fletch's bed. The tears had passed now, but there was silence in the room as he just sat staring at Fletch. Lois studied him, trying to understand what he was thinking. At six foot two, he was tall with dark brown, floppy hair that fell over his hazel eyes. But as always, his thoughts were a mystery to her.

"How's the little one?" he asked quietly, breaking the silence. She understood what he was doing, wanting to talk about something safe, something that wouldn't scare him.

"He's doing great. Two weeks old and already so much like his father."

Ashley reached over and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for that. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too. So has Fletch."

Ashley's face darkened and Lois cursed herself for putting her foot in it. "I can't believe that DA was responsible for this. I'm so sorry he hurt you Lois. I'm glad he's where he belongs."

"It's okay Ash, it wasn't like I was going to stay in Colorado anyway. I think we all knew where I'd end up."

A brief smile appeared. "Yes, Fletch and I both knew you'd go back to Clark eventually. It was very clear right from the start how much you loved the guy, even though you claimed to hate him."

"Don't remind me."

"But I'm happy for you sweetie, I really am. Clark seems like a decent guy, and from what I saw earlier, he loves you very much. Where did he disappear to anyway?"

"He went to pick Kaleb up from his mom and dad's house. And I think he wanted to give us some alone time."

Ashley sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. "Uh-oh, I know where this is heading."

"I just don't understand it. You two love each other, why did you leave?"

Ashley sighed and stared at Fletch. "I don't really know anymore. I was hurting. And I punished both of us, that wasn't fair. But now…" he sniffled. "The fact that I might lose him forever…I…"

"Hey, you're not gonna lose him. He is going to be fine, you hear me?"

"Why was I such an ass to him?"

"He understands more than you know Ash. He knew you were hurting, but he was hoping you'd come to your senses and see that just because your parents' marriage fell apart, doesn't mean the same thing will happen to you two."

"I know that now. I don't want to live without him Lo-Lo." Lois smiled at the nickname only Ashley had for her. She hadn't heard it for so long.

"Then tell him." She murmured softly. Ashley hugged her, and then nodded. "I'll give you some time alone."

She got up and walked to the door, taking a moment to look back. He was staring back down at Fletch and from the expression on his face, Lois knew that they would be okay. Provided of course, that Fletch woke up soon. Please...

~~~~~~~

Three Days Later...

"That's everything Lo." Clark announced as he placed the two medium size suitcases and one smaller one on the floor by the front door. Lois walked over to him, linking her arms around his neck. She leaned in and kissed him tenderly.

"What was that for?" he asked, smoothing his hands down her back.

"Because I wanted to kiss you. And because I can." she chuckled and moved away to start unpacking, but Clark stopped her.

"I'll do that. Is Kaleb down for his nap already?"

"He was out like a light the minute I put him down. That kid can sleep through anything." Her smile faded as she spoke, reminding Clark of exactly why they were here.

After three days of being questioned by the police, Clark's parents coming over and generally everyone calling to make sure they were okay, Clark had seen how exhausted Lois was. Not to mention the press harassing them for interviews and constant visits to the hospital to see Fletch who had only woken up yesterday.

But even though she'd tried to hide it, he could see in her eyes how affected she'd been by what happened. It worried him that she hadn't really talked about it, that she seemed to be burying it in order to move on. So he'd asked Oliver for a favour.

And now they were standing in Oliver's luxury villa in the Caribbean. Having flown in this morning on Oliver's private jet, Clark was hoping the extra time they had could be put to good use. Namely, Lois relaxing. He felt that they both needed a little get away.

Everything seemed to happen so fast between them, first with their relationship, then her finding out his secret in the worst possible way, then not seeing her for six months, to finally reuniting and welcoming their son into the world. Plus all the Romano stuff too. Clark just wanted to slow things down for a little while and just…be with her.

"Stop it." Lois murmured.

"Stop what?"

She reached up and smoothed away the crease in his forehead, the one caused by the constant frown he wore lately. "That. I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me."

"I can't help it. I could've lost you and Kaleb, I just can't get that out of my head." he replied, circling his arms around her waist, holding her body close to his.

"But you didn't. I'm here, you're here…we're together, isn't that what counts?"

"Why won't you talk to me Lois?" he whispered, and she froze in his arms.

"Because what's the point of hashing it all up? Romano's dead. He can't hurt us anymore, so I don't see the need to dwell on it. Never look back, that's what the General always says…"

"This is different Lo…"

"Clark, leave it alone. I'm okay I promise." She carefully extricated herself from his grasp and took the smallest suitcase containing Kaleb's things into the bedroom.

Clark let out a sigh and walked over to the balcony doors. Opening them wide he got a blast of sea air, and he breathed in deep, closing his eyes. He didn't particularly feel good about Romano's death, but he did feel a sense of relief that his family would no longer be in danger. He turned his head towards the bedroom, hearing Lois' voice soothing a waking Kaleb.

Now all that was left was to pick up the pieces.

~~~~~~~~

"You know you really didn't have to do all this." Chloe said, standing in the dining room doorway. She watched Oliver put the finishing touches to the table he'd so carefully laid out, then walk over to her.

"I thought the brownie points might help." he chuckled, guiding her into a chair.

"Help with what? And you don't need brownie points with me, you gave Clark and Lois a chance to get away from the stress here, you helped save Kaleb and Lois. All in all, I'd say you're doing pretty well."

"It's not about that." he replied, and there was an edge to his voice. If Chloe didn't know any better she would think he was…oh no. Was he going to…?

"I meant what I said before, Chlo…I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Is this a proposal?" She mentally slapped herself for blurting it out, but Oliver just grinned.

"No but now you've made it awkward."

"Oh…"

Then he got down on one knee in front of her chair, pulled a small box out of his back pocket and opened it. "Of course it is. Chloe Sullivan…will you marry me?"

Aside from the butterflies doing the rumba in her chest, Chloe couldn't honestly pinpoint her emotions right now. All she was sure of was her answer. But since he'd teased her, she wanted a little payback. "Well, I'll have to think about it. It's a really big step Ollie…"

But as the grin started fading, she couldn't do it. "Of course I'll marry you, you idiot. Nothing would make me happier."

The megawatt smile he gave her as he took the diamond ring out of its box and placed it on her finger was dazzling. The next thing she knew, she was out of her chair and in his arms being swung around in a circle.

"I love you Chloe…so much. You know that right?"

"I know."

"When you were in the hospital, I knew…" He put her down and stared into her eyes.
"I just knew that I needed you in my life. You're the only one I can ever see myself loving."

"Well I'll admit you're handy to have around." She laughed, and then cupped his cheek tenderly. "But the same goes for me Ollie, I love you and nothing would feel more right than being your wife."

"Well let's make it sooner rather than later huh?" he said, leaning down for another kiss. His lips connected with hers, so soft, yet she could feel the passion lying just under the surface. With their dinner totally forgotten, Chloe let him sweep her into his arms and carry her through to their bedroom.

Clark crept quietly into the bedroom later that evening, moving slowly so that he wouldn't wake Lois up. After hearing cries for help, he flew fast, wanting to get back here as soon as he could. Thankfully it didn't take long, it had been a mugging.

But Lois was right, he had to seriously start thinking about revealing himself now that he'd been seen flying around saving people. The suit his mother had made didn't look so bad now. But he had to think of a way to make it work.

He walked over to Kaleb's crib and smiled down at his son. Fast asleep without a care in the world. At least he was young enough not to remember what happened. But the memory of seeing Romano holding him, of Lois sitting on that wall, would stay in Clark's mind for a very, very long time.

A tiny whimper from the bed had him turning around. Lois was restless, but she was asleep. Getting undressed, he climbed in next to her, cuddling up close, wrapping an arm around her waist. She moaned a little and snuggled back into him. As the sound of her heartbeat filled his mind, Clark allowed himself to drift off.

~~~~~~

It wasn't until she kicked him that he woke up. Immediately he rose to his knees, hovering over her, grabbing onto her arms. Lois was yelling, and her voice cut him deep. She sounded so terrified. "Let him go, please!"

"Lois? Lois! Wake up honey, wake up!" He shook her gently, and her eyes flew open. She stilled, raising a hand to her forehead.

"It was just a dream Lo, you're safe I promise. I'm here."

"I woke Kaleb." That was all she replied with. Clark got out of bed, took Kaleb out of his crib and placed him in Lois' arms. As soon as she started rocking him, he fell quiet, falling quickly back to sleep.

"Sorry baby." She murmured to him, stroking his dark brown hair. Clark wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she twisted so that she could lean her head on his.

"Lo…"

"Don't Clark, it was just a dream."

"We need to talk about this Lois. Please, don't shut me out." He kissed the top of her head and sighed. "Talk to me."

She was silent for a long time, just rocking Kaleb back and forth. Clark thought she was going to avoid the subject but then she let out such a tired sigh and leaned her head back against his shoulder.

"I was scared Clark. I don't think…I've ever been that scared in my entire life. And I'm a military brat." She snorted.

"Lois…"

"He came to the apartment, looking for the Blur. For you." Her voice had taken on a strange tone, like she wasn't really here but Clark knew he had to let her talk, to get it all out. "Fletch tried to fight him, but he never stood a chance. Romano pulled the gun on him, didn't even blink, just shot him." She swallowed hard, her eyes clouding over as if she was seeing it again in her mind.

"He grabbed me, I couldn't fight him Clark, and I was holding Kaleb. I couldn't fight him."

Clark felt a new wave of pain and anger hit him, pain because he hadn't been there to protect her, and anger again at Romano. "It's okay Lois."

"No, it wasn't. Because he took my baby from me. He put the gun to my head, and took our son. I was scared, so I did as I was told. It went against every grain in my body but I couldn't risk our son."

"Lo…don't do this to yourself; there was nothing you could do."

"I should've fought him, my father trained me well. But looking at Kaleb in Romano's arms, I froze. I didn't know what to do."

"I'm so sorry honey."

"It wasn't your fault." She turned her head towards him, her mouth only an inch away from his. "And I knew…I knew you would come soon. I knew you'd save us."

"I should never have let it happen in the first place. He only went after you to get to me."

"We could play the blame game all night but it won't do us any good. Romano did this, he paid the price. It's over."

Clark cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb over her lips and staring deep into her eyes. "You know I would die before I ever let anyone hurt you Lois."

"I know, but Clark, this wasn't your fault."

"I love you so much." He whispered, leaning his forehead against hers.

"I love you."

"Marry me…" Both sets of eyes flew open as they both froze. Clark hadn't planned for that to come out.

"Wh…what?" Lois said, her breath coming in short gasps.

"Uh…Lois I love you, you're the mother of my baby, and I want you to be my wife."

"When did you decide this?"

"I think I've known all along. But it all clicked just now. If I live to be a hundred years old, there will only be one woman for me, and that's you. Please say yes."

Again she fell silent, simply staring at him and he could see the battle going on inside her head. Which didn't bode well, he thought to himself with dread. He may not have planned to blurt out that question, if he had he'd have done it a little more romantically, but he knew that he'd meant it.

"Lois?"

"Yes."

"Huh?"

A slow smile crept up her face. "Yes Clark."

"Really?"

For the first time that day, Lois chuckled, and it was a gorgeous sound to his ears. "I don't really know how many different ways I can say yes before you'll get it. But yes Clark, I will marry you."

Feeling as if his heart was about to burst, Clark said nothing. He just took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply.

To Be Continued...