Chapter 110 [Kent Farm—Twenty Minutes Earlier]

Angie leaned back in the driver's seat to the car. She was still processing the morning's events. "You think Clark's okay?"

Dubois shrugged. "I have no idea. The Child's bragging about Xena and him taking out Yodoshi. Beyond that, he's not saying anything." He sighed. "Angie."

"Dave, I don't want to hear it." She frowned. "I know you worry about me. I remember what happened with Deirdre. I know you don't want me dying. I get it. I…."

He frowned. "That's not what I was going to say. Will you let me talk please?"

"It…wasn't?" Shock widened her eyes. She turned to him.

"Nope. I was going to tell you that I'm proud of you. I worry and get protective of you because I love you. All right? That being said, I've learned one thing over the past decade or so. You're a lot stronger than a lot of people give you credit for. Your Dad said that a couple of times that you surprise people. Well you keep surprising me, Princess. Just don't get mad because I love you." He kissed her on the cheek.

She smiled. Her eyes watered. Acceptance made her want to jump up and down. "Thanks, Dave. I know it's hard especially with our history and yours. It means a lot to me that you see me as a partner and not as a China doll." She touched foreheads with his. "And I have loved you since that first letter."

He coughed. "Karen called you 'the big fan'. She's at peace now. So are the others. Now let's see to Clark." He got out of the car.

"Hopefully he doesn't lose his arm. Peter and Xena both said it was a nasty gash." She grabbed her medical bag. Trepidation and Foreboding chilled her heart for a second.

"Clark's got that metabolism, your healing stuff and can-do attitude on his side. Come on." He walked up the front walk with her. They knocked on the door and remembered to take their shoes off.

"Dave! Angie! Thanks for coming!" Martha ushered them inside. "Clark's right here." She led them to the table. "Look who's here, Clark."

"Hey! Everyone okay at the mansion?" Clark took the towel from his arm. "It stopped bleeding a few hours ago. I was keeping pressure on it." He held it up. On it, he and the others could still see an imposing scar snaking across his forearm.

"We're all fine. You all had the excitement here." Angie examined the arm. "How's it feeling?"

"It's tingling. I got the feeling back in my hand and fingers a couple of hours ago." Clark moved his fingers and made a fist.

"Wow." Angie shook her head. "From what I heard, I thought we'd be looking at major tendon, nerve and muscular damage. Clark, you're a very lucky young man."

"I'm just glad that Peter was here. He isn't in too much trouble with Gwen. Is he?" Clark frowned. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what, Clark? You were in the barn. Arighatto ambushed you. Peter had back up with the Child, Jasmine and Xena. We knew who we were facing. We didn't take any chances. I'm glad your Dad wasn't out there," Dubois disagreed.

"Me too." Martha trembled at that thought. "Angie, how's it looking?"

"Martha, this is amazing. I can't believe this wound happened a few hours ago. Clark, can you move your arm?" Angie assessed.

"Sure." Clark flexed his forearm. Then he raised his arm slowly.

"You are a medical marvel, Clark. Just the same, I'd like to put that arm in a sling for today. I can look it over before the wedding. Just to be safe. Okay?" Angie took a couple of piece of gauze out. She pinned his arm to his chest with it. Then she used a second piece to make a sling. "There. By tomorrow, you should be as good as new. I can't believe I'm saying that." She sighed. "What a day."

"You got that right." Dubois heard his phone go off. "That's Miri's ring tone." He picked it up. "Hey, Short Stuff!"

"Uncle Dave! I…I can't believe it! Jasmine and I just talked. She really…really…" Miranda choked up.

"Did she ask you?" Dubois grinned at his wife.

"Of course she did! And I said yes as if I was going to say anything else? I just can't believe the Creep's gone," Miranda informed him.

"He's gone all right in a cloud of fire and ash. Your aunt's bandaging up Clark's arm right now. Mind if I tell Mrs. Kent and him since they're here with us?"

"You better! Tell Clark he's off the hook now. Seriously, Uncle Dave, thanks to you both for being supportive." Miranda squeezed Jasmine's hand as they were sitting with everyone. "I'll let them know Clark's getting better. Thanks. See ya." She hung up.

"What was that about?" Martha turned from the perking coffee.

"That was Miranda." Dubois put his phone away. "Apparently, to use her own words, Clark's off the hook where dating Lana's concerned." He shrugged. "Jasmine went into the Talon with Peter and Gwen. She popped the Question apparently."

"That's great!" Clark cheered.

"I'll definitely second that notion. We have a life here now, Dave. We should think about staying here. You think?" Angie finished with the sling.

"I want that, Angie. I'd like to keep the farm in Wabash too. Lex said we can stay at the mansion. Why not?" Dubois helped Martha set the mugs on the table.

"Well you know what Jonathan and I think. You've done enough hiding. It's time for you to live a little," Martha poured the coffee. "How about some lunch to go with that? Let's sit and enjoy."

With that, they sat down to eat and celebrate….