Disclaimer: Still aren't mine and never will be.

Author: Catgurl83

Title: Shocking News

Feedback: Much appreciated.

Rating:

Author's notes: This chapter is for Furor. Happy birthday!!

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The night passed slowly.

Rabbi and Mrs. Glass arrived in the early evening to check on Ruthie's condition and to visit their granddaughter who was being kept overnight because of her tender age. They were able to coax Sarah into leaving the baby with them long enough for her and Matt to go grab something to eat.

After her visit with Ruthie, Annie finally allowed Eric to talk her into leaving the hospital but only for long enough to go to a local drive through to pick up dinner.

At around 9:00 the Colonel and Ruth took the twins home so that they could go to sleep. The rest of the family stayed at the hospital to await news on Ruthie.

Peter called his mother for permission to stay. She was hesitant but since it was still summer and school hadn't started back yet, she allowed him to stay. She realized how important it was to him to be there for Ruthie even though he wasn't able to see her.

A few minutes after 9:30 Mary glanced at the clock, stood, and quietly left the room. She walked down the long corridor toward one of the exits. Minutes later she exited into a small garden that she had frequented during Ruthie's stay here.

This one spot on the hospital grounds was so peaceful and beautiful. As one gazed around, the suffering going on inside seemed so far away, almost as if it didn't exist.

A long cobble stone walkway wound its way through the garden. Walking down the path, Mary could hear the babbling stream that was just a few feet away from her. Trees and bushes dotted the yard providing shade for the many benches interspersed throughout the garden.

Sitting down on a green bench that was meant to blend in with the greenery of the garden, Mary watched a rabbit nibble on grass. A squirrel scampered up a tree as Mary pulled her cell phone out.

A soft smile formed around Mary's mouth as she dialed a familiar phone number and listened to the phone ring. On the second ring a deep, male voice answered.

"Hi." Mary said softly. She knew that he'd recognize her voice.

She could hear the smile in his voice as he returned her greeting. "Hi."

"How was your flight?"

"Uneventful. I thought about you the whole time though. How's your sister?"

His voice resonated with concern. Mary's smile broadened. That was one of the reasons that she loved him so much. He was such a warm, caring man. He was so worried about Ruthie and the family even though he hadn't ever met them. "The transplant went as expected. Now we just have to wait and see what happens."

"She'll be okay," he assured her.

"I hope so. I don't know if the family could survive her death," she admitted her fear quietly.

He was silent for a few moments before responding. "If they are anything like you, they could survive it. You're stronger than you think Mary."

"I hope so," she said again as she thought about the letters that she'd have to deliver if her baby sister did pass away from this horrible disease.

"What would you say if I told you that I'm coming to California?"

Mary grinned. "When?" She asked, a note of happiness now in her voice.

"I have a flight there in two days. I'll be able to stay for a day and a half before flying back."

"I'd say that I love that idea. I can't wait for you to finally get to meet the rest of the family." He knew Matt, Sarah, and Charlie very well. In fact, he and Matt were very close friends.

"I'm looking forward to meeting them as well."

Mary glanced down at her watch. "It's getting late there," she said reluctantly. "I'd better let you go. Love you."

"Love you too."

She clicked the phone off and then slid it back into her purse. After a few minutes staring up at the beautiful night sky and all of its twinkling lights, she stood and made her way back up the cobblestone path, a smile on her face.

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"Kevin?" Lucy glanced at her husband, speaking for the first time in almost an hour.

Kevin looked up from the magazine that he was reading. "Yeah Luce?"

"I. I've been thinking." She looked around the room nervously. Mary was still outside, the twins had gone to the house with her grandparents, Matt and Sarah were with the baby, and the Glass's had gone home. Those still in the waiting room appeared occupied. Her mother was reading a book of some sort. Her father was working on his sermon. Simon was, as usual, staring out the window. At what, she had no idea since it was so dark outside. Peter was listening to something through his headphones. No one seemed to be paying any attention to her and Kevin. But still. "Can we take a walk?"

Kevin gave his wife a look before standing. "Sure." What could she possibly want to talk about that her family couldn't hear?

They silently made their way out of the hospital. Outside the main entrance, Lucy started walking without a destination. Kevin silently walked along side her, letting her lead and wondering what was going on.

"I've been thinking," she said again, her voice hesitant.

Kevin patiently waited for her to continue.

Lucy gestured with her hands. "All of this has really made me think. I've been watching the way my parents are. I know how scared they must be- how apprehensive. This has been so horrible for them but they have both been so strong. They've been there for not only Ruthie but for the rest of us too. They've put us all first, but I guess that that is what parenthood is."

She paused to take a breath before continuing, still walking briskly. "And Matt and Sarah. I can't even imagine their courage and strength in allowing the procedure. It was so hard for them. Either of them would have done the transplant themselves without a thought to the danger. But Charlie. Charlie they were worried about. They love that baby so much."

She stopped and turned to Kevin. "I want that Kevin. I want all of that. I want a child. Someone to put first in all things. Someone to worry about. Someone more important than either of us."

Kevin was silent for several moments, searching the depth of her eyes before speaking. "Are you saying what I think you are Luce?"

"I want a baby Kevin." Lucy said softly.

Kevin grinned. "Than we'll have a baby." He said as he pulled her into his arms for a kiss.

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Author's note: For those wondering if this night would ever end, the answer is yes. In the next chapter a new day will begin.