Natalie rested with her head on the hospital bed, next to Adrian's arm. Sharona came by, more than once, taking an extra shift so she could stay close to Natalie and T.K. She brought Natalie a blanket and a pillow, encouraging her to stretch out between the chairs, but Natalie refused. It took her too far from Adrian's side. Despite the heaviness of her eyes, she also refused to sleep. She wanted to make sure she was there the moment he woke up. Natalie lifted her head when she heard the door open. It was Kristy, the night shift trauma nurse in charge of Adrian's care. She checked Adrian's vitals and monitors, and made sure he was comfortable.

"How is he?" Natalie asked once again.

The nurse gave Natalie a knowing smile. "He's the same, honey. His vitals are strong, but we've got to be patient and let his body do its healing."

Natalie looked at her watch. It was just after 6:00 a.m. She sighed. She had so hoped Adrian would wake before morning.

"You should take a break and get something to eat." Kristy patted her hand. "If there's any change at all, I promise to call. Maybe you could also say hello to all those folks in the waiting room."

Natalie's eyes widened. "The waiting room? What people?"

"People … here for your husband. Family and friends, I suppose. They got here after Dr. Shriver shut down visiting hours, but they refused to leave. They've been out there with your daughter all night."

Natalie stared at the nurse, forcing her tired brain to understand. Then, she looked at her sleeping husband, still so pale. "I … I can't leave him."

Kristy nodded. "I understand. I'll talk to the doctor and see if we can allow Mr. Monk some visitors, maybe one or two at a time."

The nurse left, and Natalie stood to stretch. The first of the morning rays peeked through the slanted blinds at the window, casting shadows across the floor. She walked to the window and opened the blinds wider, yearning for the warmth of the sun. She rubbed her arms. She had grown chilled, although she suspected it wasn't simply due to the temperature of the hospital room. She gazed into the vibrant pink and yellow sky. The forecast promised another beautiful day. Yesterday had been so lovely, spent with her children. She walked back to the bed. How did life change so quickly, from bright and sunny to the storm of uncertainty and fear she now found herself battling. Natalie ran her fingers through her hair and rubbed her aching neck. She knew she needed to be strong for Adrian and her family, but she didn't know how. She didn't know where to find strength when her heart was being ripped apart. Shaking the dark thoughts away, at least for the moment, Natalie busied herself by straightening Adrian's hospital gown and smoothing his blanket, knowing he would want that. She kissed his forehead, then closed her eyes to listen to the hum of the machines and the steady rhythm.

When exhaustion stole the strength from her legs, Natalie dropped back into the chair she kept at Adrian's bedside. She took his hand in hers, bringing it to her lips for a tender kiss. "I'm still here, love. I'm trying to be patient … I am." She pulled a well-used tissue from her pants pocket and wiped her eyes. "The nurse says not to worry. You've just got to heal, but you know I'm not a very patient person." She stroked his hand and smiled at a memory. "Do you remember how I came and found you in Nevada as soon as I found out you were alive? Leland told me not to go, but I wasn't patient then either. I had to know. I had to see for myself if you were alive and well." She blew her nose, then put the tissue back in her pocket. "When I thought you were …when I thought Leland killed you, a part of me died too. I knew then I loved you. I love you even more now, Adrian if that's possible. Having you as my husband, the father of my children … it's more amazing than I could have imagined. How could I possibly go on without you, babe?" She brought his hand to her cheek and leaned into it, assuring herself with its warmth. "You have to come back to me. Do you hear me? I need you. Our children need you."

Natalie continued to sit with Adrian until she heard the door open. She looked up, expecting to see the nurse. Instead, it was Julie, who entered with a tray of food. Julie set the tray on the bedside table and hugged her mother's neck.

She turned to look at Adrian, so still under his blanket and wires. "How is he?"

Natalie sighed. "The same."

Julie took a seat next to Natalie. "At least he's not getting worse."

"I just wish he would wake up."

"He will. He's not leaving us." She touched her mother's arm. "You should eat something. I knew you wouldn't have much appetite, so I just got coffee and a muffin, but at least it's something."

Natalie spoke without turning her eyes from the rise and fall of Adrian's chest. "Thank you, sweetie, but I'm just not hungry. I'll eat later."

"Mom," Julie said with a frown. "You need to keep up your strength. Dad's going to need a lot of help when he comes home, and how are you going to help him if you're sick and exhausted?"

Natalie tore her eyes from Adrian to look at her daughter. She studied her for a moment before she spoke again. "There you go again being all grown up and wise." She breathed in the welcoming scent of the coffee before reaching for the cup. The first few sips felt as wonderful as they smelled. The warm liquid soothed her from the inside out. She touched Julie's cheek. "You're the best, kiddo."

Natalie and Julie ate their breakfast while taking turns holding Adrian's hand and talking to him. After a while, Julie pulled out her beeping phone and read the text. "I'm going to have to go home," she said, returning the phone to her pocket. "Sophia is not doing well. She's missing us."

Natalie felt like crying again, but blinked it back and swallowed. "Go take care of her. I … I'll be okay."

Julie reached across the chairs and hugged her mother. "I'll come back as soon I can. I promise. In the meantime, you have lots of other people who want to see you and Dad. They've been waiting all night with me."

Natalie dabbed at her eyes. "The nurse said there are people out there."

Julie nodded. "Luke and Molly, Grandpa Jack, Uncle Ambrose, and Kellyanne. Randy Disher has been back and forth between here and Captain Stottlemeyer's room. Dwane Washington stayed all night too. I'm keeping in touch with Grandpa and Grandma Davenport over the phone. They said to let them know as soon as anything changes."

Natalie's mouth dropped open. "All of them? They've been up all night?"

Julie chuckled. "Of course, Mom. They're family. You know Mr. and Mrs. Stottlemeyer would be out there too if they could."

"Tell them .. tell them thank you … and tell them they can come in now."

Julie left, giving Natalie a few minutes to compose herself. She stood and straightened Adrian's blanket even though it didn't need it. Then, she ran her fingers through his hair to try and bring some control to his unruly curls. "We're going to have some visitors, babe. They've waited all night to see you. I … I sure wish you could wake up and say hello."

Natalie lifted her head when she heard the door open. Luke and Molly came in, nearly crushing her as they both hugged her at the same time.

Luke stepped away and Molly grabbed her shoulders. "I was so scared when Julie called me, but Adrian's okay …" She paused when she saw Natalie's expression. "He's okay, isn't he?"

"The doctor thinks so. I'll just feel a lot better when he wakes up."

Molly hugged her again. "He will. Don't you worry."

Natalie sat on the side of the bed so Luke and Molly could take the chairs beside it. She caressed Adrian's arm while they kept her company. "Julie told me you stayed with her through the night. Thank you. It means so much to both of us. I need to thank your mother too, for staying with the kids."

Molly squeezed Natalie's hand. "I don't think we could have slept anyway, not knowing. We've been praying for Adrian since we heard."

"Thank you," Natalie said, just above a whisper. She forced a smile. "God must be listening. The doctor said this could have been a lot worse."

Luke nodded. "The lieutenant told us what happened. It's a miracle, really."

"They got the guy who killed your friend," Natalie said.

Luke furrowed his brow. "I'm glad, but I'm sorry it came to this. I … I wish Adrian hadn't gotten hurt because of it."

"It's a risk that comes with the job." Natalie stroked Adrian's forehead. "And he jumped in to protect someone he loves, like he always does."

After a short visit, they stood to go. Before they did, Molly moved to stand beside Adrian. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "We love you, Adrian. We're praying for you." She looked down and touched her stomach. "You've got a grandbaby that's going to want to meet you, so get better quickly." She kissed his cheek, then turned to wipe away her tears.

Luke and Molly left, and when the door opened again, Natalie was surprised to see Sharona with Randy following close behind. "What are you doing here? I thought you two would be going home by now."

"I wanted to check up on you first," Sharona said with a hug, "and Randy's been waiting all night to get in here. It's a good thing my sister could watch Lilly."

"Thank you for staying," Natalie said to Randy.

Randy's jacket was draped over his arm and his tie hung undone from his neck. His usually neatly combed hair was ruffled and dark circles had formed under his eyes. It was obvious he hadn't slept. "It was nothing." He looked to Adrian's still form. "How is he?"

Natalie followed his gaze. "Still sleeping, but his vitals are good."

Sharona put her hand on her hip. "Randy, I told you the same thing when you asked me for the hundredth time. He's going to be okay, but he lost a lot of blood. It's going to take time."

"I know," Randy shuffled his feet. "I just wish he would wake up."

Natalie had never seen him express as much concern for her husband. Their relationship had come a long way. "I do too, Randy. Waiting is hard, but you two go get some sleep. I promise to let you know as soon as he wakes up."

"We will," Sharona said, "but how are you? Do you need anything?"

Natalie forced a smile, feeling fake. "I'm fine. Julie brought me some breakfast."

Sharona grabbed Natalie's shoulders. "He's going to make it. I know this is scary, but he's going to recover, and before you know it, he'll be back to his old self." Then, she walked to Adrian's bedside. "Hey, boss, do me a favor and wake up so these two will quit worrying so much." She took his hand and squeezed it. "We love you." Then, she hugged Natalie again. "Call me as soon as anything changes. I don't care if you wake me up. Just call."

"Sharona," Natalie said before they opened the door. "How's Leland?"

Her friend turned back. "He had a mild heart attack, but he's fine. He's just grumpy and giving the doctors a hard time about letting him go. It's driving him crazy that he can't get over here to see Adrian."

Natalie smiled. "Sounds about right."

"He blames himself, Natalie."

"For what? For Adrian?"

Sharona nodded. "If he hadn't collapsed in the alley, Adrian wouldn't have run out after him."

"How can it be his fault that his heart decided to give out at that moment?"

"I don't know. Maybe you can convince him. T.K. and I have been trying all night."

"I should have been there," Randy said, his brow creased.

Sharona turned to him as she opened the door. "Now don't you start. It wasn't your jurisdiction. Just because he was also the guy…"

Their voices trailed off as they left. It was quiet for a moment until Natalie heard another voice she recognized.

"Where is he?" Jack Monk said as soon as the door opened. "Where's my son?" Jack strode across the room, but stopped abruptly once Adrian was in view. He sucked in his breath as if taken aback by the sight and lowered himself to the closest chair. "They wouldn't let me see my own son. I told them he didn't leave my side when he came to Texas after my stroke, but no. They wouldn't let me in. Can you believe it?"

"I'm sorry, Jack. The doctor shut down visitation to give Adrian a chance to rest and heal."

Ambrose and Kellyanne came in next, holding hands, Ambrose's gaze never leaving his brother. "How … how is he?"

"He lost a lot of blood," Natalie said, "The bullet …" She cleared her throat. "The bullet went through his lung, but other than that, it didn't do any other internal damage.

Jack turned his attention to Natalie. "He hasn't woken up since it happened?"

Natalie shook her head. "Everyone says this is normal. I'm … I'm trying not to worry."

Kellyanne moved to Natalie's side and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Adrian being unconscious this long is normal, but worrying is also normal." Natalie reached up and squeezed her hand.

Ambrose wiped away an escaped tear. "I … I can't believe my brother got shot."

Jack shook his head. "It shouldn't have happened."

Natalie forced a smile. "He was trying to help the captain. He was the hero this time, Ambrose, just like you were for him."

"He was already a hero," Ambrose said.

The group was quiet for a few moments until Natalie felt the need to lighten the mood. "How are the wedding plans coming?"

"We finally secured our caterer and photographer," Kellyanne said, "but we've decided to keep it small. It's just going to be family and close friends."

Natalie looked up to her almost sister-in-law. "I still want to give you that bridal shower."

Kellyanne patted her shoulder. "I would love that, but we just want all of you at the wedding. That's what's important."

"Don't worry about anything else, Natalie," Ambrose said. "You just take care of Adrian. He … he needs to be there. He's my best man."

"We'll be there," Natalie said. "Don't you worry."

Jack looked at his watch, then ran his hand over his scruffy cheek. "When was the last time the doctor checked on him? He should be coming in again soon, shouldn't he?"

Natalie touched her husband's pale cheek. "I hope so."

Jack and Ambrose stayed with Natalie and Adrian for another hour until Dr. Shriver returned, along with a new, day-shift nurse. Natalie moved to give them room, and the doctor went about his examination. The nurse jotted down some notes before he turned to the anxious family members.

"Mr. Monk's vitals are still strong, so that is a good sign. His wounds are also healing nicely. No sign of infection there."

"Shouldn't he be waking up by now?" Jack asked.

The doctor crossed his arms and stroked his goatee. "I would expect him to regain consciousness soon." He consulted his clipboard before speaking again. "I was hoping to wait until he was conscious to perform the CT scan, but since he is stable, I am going to go ahead with it. Just to rule out any internal injury we didn't see before. Without him awake and able to respond to us, that is the only other way we have to know what's going on internally."

Natalie paled. "Do … do you think his injuries are more serious than you thought last night? Is that why he won't wake up?"

The doctor offered a patronizing smile. "There are many reasons why your husband remains unconscious, Mrs. Monk. That is only one possibility. We will know more after the CT scan."

Adrian was wheeled away and Kellyanne turned to Natalie. "The CT scan is a good thing, Natalie. It's kind of an internal picture to see how his body is healing. If there's anything they missed last night, they need to catch it now."

"I know. Waiting for results is the hardest part." She turned to the family. "You should all go home and get some sleep. I'll call as soon as I know or if there's any change."

"I've been trying to get Dad to go," Ambrose said. "He needs some sleep."

Natalie turned to Jack and hugged him. "Thank you for staying, but I don't want you to end up in one of these beds too."

"Okay," Jack said, waving a hand. "I'll go, but please keep us updated."

"I will," Natalie said as she hugged Ambrose and Kellyanne.

"Call us if you need anything," Kellyanne said. "I'm going to stay with Ambrose and Jack until Adrian wakes up."

"Thank you," Natalie said through her tears. As hard as the night had been, the morning had brought an outpouring of love for her and Adrian. It was a balm to her hurting heart.

Natalie remained in Adrian's room, waiting for his return. She heard the door and looked up in expectation of news from the doctor. Instead, she was surprised to see Nicole Washington.

"I got here as soon as I could," Nicole said when Natalie stood to greet her. She looked around the room. "Where's Adrian?"

"They took him for a CT scan."

Nicole grabbed her arms. "Is everything okay?"

Natalie nodded, then she looked down. "I … I don't know. He's still unconscious. The doctor said it might take a while, but they want to do the CT scan to rule out undetected internal injury. There's no infection, and his vitals are good, but …"

Nicole bent to catch her eyes. "But you're scared."

Natalie lifted her head to look into her friend's knowing eyes. "Oh, Nicole. I'm so scared." Nicole pulled Natalie into an embrace as she let down her defenses and allowed her tears to fall. "I've been trying to be strong. I've been trying so hard."

Nicole rubbed her back. "You don't have to be strong for me. Let it all out, honey. Let it all out."

When Natalie didn't have any tears left, she collapsed into her chair, accepting the tissue Nicole handed her. Nicole settled into the chair next to her.

"I … I'm so sorry," Natalie said. "I couldn't hold it in any longer."

Nicole nodded. "I know."

Natalie tilted her head. "How did you know I was so scared?"

"Because I've been where you are. It's been a long time, but the memory is still as fresh as ever."

"With Dwayne?"

"Yes." She set her purse on the floor, shifting in her chair to get more comfortable. "It was back in Oakland, a drug bust gone bad. He was a rookie and we were newlyweds. He was also shot, except he had two bullet holes in his chest."

Natalie's mouth dropped open. She had never heard this story. "How bad was it?"

"Very bad. I almost lost him." Nicole's gaze drifted across the room. "One bullet went through a lung and shattered a rib. The other punctured an artery. He coded once, and they had to bring him back. It was very, very scary." She turned back to Natalie, her dark eyes warm. "I know Adrian's injury wasn't as bad, but that doesn't mean you aren't just as scared. Just because we know what our husbands do and the dangers they're in every day doesn't change that fear either. I tried to be strong too. I sat in that ER waiting room and told everyone I was okay. I was a cop's wife after all. I sent him off to work every day with a gun on his hip. I knew the dangers he faced, and I was proud of him. What makes him good at his job is part of what made me fall in love with him—his desire to help people, his quest for justice—it's who he is, not just what he does. I tried to remember that as the doctors worked on him. I figured it was what he would do if it was his partner lying there …" She paused and swallowed, fighting the well-remembered emotions. "It … it wasn't an easy recovery either. We had to take it day-by-day, sometimes minute-by-minute."

Natalie dabbed at her eyes. "How did you get through it? The only other time I've sat in a hospital and worried that a loved one might die was when Adrian was poisoned. It was hard then too, but I think being focused on the case helped me hold it together ... and he wasn't my husband then."

Nicole took her hand and offered an understanding smile. "That strength I tried so hard to maintain. Well, I'll tell you what, it was gone within the first twenty-four hours. I wouldn't have made it without my mama … well, her and her prayers."

Natalie looked down. "You have a strong faith, you and Dwayne."

Nicole's light laugh surprised her. "Oh, honey, back then I didn't even believe in God. My mama brought me up in church, but I was running hard. I wanted to do things my way. Dwayne was a believer. He had the patience of a saint, waiting for me to come around, but it wasn't until I was faced with the fear of losing him that I was willing to even think about God again."

"It does make you consider what's beyond this life. I suppose I've always believed in karma. My good deeds will be repaid. The good will outweigh the bad. But, I just don't know, Nicole. I don't know if that's enough. You and Dwayne, Molly and Luke, you all have so much peace about it. You seem to know where this life is leading. I … I just wish I had the strength to believe in something, or someone bigger. I wish I could trust like you do."

Nicole squeezed her hand and released it to reach for another tissue. "You don't have to be strong to believe or trust in God, Natalie. In fact, God doesn't want our strength."

"He doesn't?"

"No, he doesn't. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church , it says, 'My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.' Then, Paul went on to say, 'Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. When I am weak, then I am strong.' See, God wants us to come to him as we are, with every fault and every weakness. He wants us to trust Him, believing that He loves us. I know you're not naive enough to think that trusting in Him will mean we'll never experience pain or hardship again, but it means we can have peace knowing there is something bigger and better out there than what we can see here and now. We put our hope in that and let God do something beautiful with our lives. So, honey, that strength you seek is out there, but you've got to let go first."

There were fresh tears again as Natalie tried to wipe them away. "I'm afraid if I let go, God will take him. But I want to believe. I do. Will you pray for Adrian … and pray for me too?"

Nicole reached for her hand again. "I will, but how about we pray together?"