A/N I am so sorry I haven't updated for sooo long, but I have been very busy with school and all. Last night I got inspired again after seeing "Without a sound" for the first time. OMG, I love that episode. From now on it will be my favorite! ;-)

So here is my next chapter. I know, it's pretty short, but you will be rewarded later on, cause I am working towards the grand finale... Enjoy!

Five hours later

Dr. Max Evans had almost finished his rounds and was about to call it a night, when he came upon the four people waiting outside Francis Gage's room. He knew they had been there all night, and although he knew it wasn't hospital policy, he let them stay there. Inwardly he wished he had friends like that. They seemed so involved with each others lives, it was heart-warming. His gaze fell upon the dark haired female ranger. Even though she was pregnant, and even though you could see the pain and fear she was feeling, she was still radiating with strength and a small amount of certainty.

He stood there a while longer, before slowly approaching them. The dark haired ranger turned her eyes towards him as soon as she heard his footsteps.

When Sydney had heard the slow pace coming towards them, she had felt the sinking feeling return immediately. Almost as in slow-motion she turned towards the doctor who had helped them deal with things so well. During the long wait she had had some time to thinks things through and she had come to a decision. No matter what the outcome of this operation may be, she would stand by her partner, her lover, she would even go as far as calling him her soul mate. If he could walk again, she would support him throughout his rehabilitation. And if the operation didn't succeed…Well to be honest she didn't want to think about that option, but she knew, deep within her heart, she would stand by him. They could find a house together, and even though it would be hard, for both of them, she was determined to help him through it.

But all those thoughts flew out the window with the arrival of Dr. Evans. The only thing on her mind right now was Gage.

"Ranger Cooke? If you want to, you may go inside and sit with him. He won't wake up for a while, but it may be good for both of you," the doctor said with compassion in his voice.

Sydney nodded her head before getting up and entering Gage's hospital room. The other three decided to give the couple some time alone and went home to get some much needed rest. Alex laid her head to rest on Walkers shoulder, letting out a big sigh.

"You okay honey?" he asked, feeling her anxiety immediately.

"Yeah, it's just… Walker, they'll be alright, won't they? No matter what the outcome of his surgery is right?" Alex whispered with concern in her blue eyes.

Walker stopped walking and took hold of both of her shoulders. Catching her questioning and hurt look, he took her in his arms, giving her the comfort she was looking for. And while Alex buried her face in Walkers warm chest she heard him beginning to talk,

"Alex, we won't know what will happen, all we know is that our friend is alive and we will be there for him, no matter what. We just have to keep believing that things will turn out the way they are supposed to be."

"Buddy you always know how cheer us up don't you?" the voice said, coming from the dark man with the cowboy hat, who had also come to a halt a few feet away.

And with that said, the three friends left the hospital, all planning on returning later that day.

Gage's hospital room

Sydney started to get a feeling of déjà vu. How many times had she been in this room these past few weeks? But today she felt like something was different. It was a feeling she never had before, like she was standing on a crossroad and somehow, she knew what road to take. The feeling started in the pit of her stomach, and then very slowly, she felt it spreading. One hand went to her stomach, where her child was resting comfortably, while the other one reached for the hand of her lover. She sat down, a soothing calm coming over her. And so she waited, ready to take on the world.