Chapter 8-The Truth February 12, 2002

It was a month since Ty was shot. Alex had been right by his side everyday, only leaving to go to work. Almost every night they watched a movie or just talked. That month was a big part of their growing relationship. The doctor had cleared Ty to return to work yesterday. Although he did suggest a week of desk duty would be a good idea before going right back out to the streets. Alex was happy about it. She missed having him around during their shift. That mystery of when they may run into each other wasn't there.

Alex had agreed to work a double and Carlos had a morning class so Ty was looking forward to sleeping in this morning. He heard Carlos leave, but quickly fell back asleep. After a couple more hours he woke up and saw Alex sleeping next to his bed. Her peacefulness brought a smile to his face.

"Hey you," Ty said as Alex began to wake up.

"Hey."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was just watching you sleep, but I guess I was a little tired myself."

"Shouldn't you be home sleeping, you just worked a double?"

"It was a slow night, I got a lot of sleep in the bus."

"So you came here?"

"Yeah, you have a problem with that?" Alex said playfully.

"No, not at all. I'm just surprised."

"Well that was the idea."

"Well I have a surprise for you too."

"You do? What is it?"

"Close your eyes."

"Ty, you know I don't like that."

"Come on, just do it."

"Fine, don't do anything stupid." Alex closed her eyes and Ty reached into the drawer of the nightstand next to his bed. He pulled out a long, black velvet box. He closed the drawer and sat in front of Alex.

"Ok, you can open your eyes," Ty said as he opened the box for her.

"Ty." was all Alex could get out.

"Alex, for the past month you have been right here by my side. You did anything and everything I needed. When I was in the hospital and I woke up and saw you sitting next to my bed I realized then just how important you are to me. I was upset that I scared you like that. I couldn't have asked for someone better to be with. With everything you have done for me and all the fun we have had together I have realized that I love you Alex, in every sense of the word. I don't ever want to lose you. This is a charm bracelet. It has 55 on it for our precinct, an ambulance for you, a police car for me, the ruby is your birthstone and the emerald is mine. We can add more things to it later on."

Alex just stared at the bracelet. She was trying not to cry, but Ty saw several tears slide down her cheek. He took his thumb and wiped the tears away and then kissed her.

"It's beautiful Ty. I don't know what to say. All I wanted to do was be with you to make sure you were ok. I was scared as hell when Carlos told me you had been shot. A million things flashed through my mind. I don't ever want to lose you. I love you Ty."

Ty leaned forward and kissed her again. Alex was never very good with expressing feelings, but he knew she liked the bracelet and meant what she said. Ty pulled Alex into his lap and continued to kiss her. His hands began exploring her body. He took hold of the bottom of her shirt and pulled it over her head. Ty began kissing her neck all the way down to her chest.

"Ty, I want you," Alex whispered.

Ty continued his exploration of her body. While continuing to kiss her neck he began unbuttoning her jeans. Alex helped him get her jeans off. Ty stopped for a moment, admiring the body in front of him.

"God you're beautiful," he said.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you too."

~*~*~*~

"That was beyond amazing Ty," Alex said as she rolled over onto her back.

"It was amazing, you're amazing, this is amazing."

"I love you," she said leaning over to kiss him.

"I love you too."

They just laid in each other's arms for a while, both taking in what had just happened between them.

"You want to shower first?" Alex asked.

"Well, we could do it together. Water conservation is very important," Ty said trying to keep a straight face.

"You know, you're right. Even though it's February every little bit helps."

Alex got up from the bed and grabbed Ty's arm leading him to the bathroom.