Catherine and Jimmy went to the gate to see Steve leave.

Cath, talk to Danny. I didn't call him. Only the Governor knows I'm going on a mission.

I'll talk to him, Steve. Don't worry.

Steve looked at Jimmy. It would the first time he would stay away from his son.

Son, listen. Take care of Mom, you're the man of the house now. OK?

Okay, Daddy. I'm going to take care of Mommy. I'll not let her cry.

Thanks son.

Steve kissed them again and left.

Now it's just the three of us, my love. Catherine said to Jimmy.

Me, you and Eddie, Mommy.

It's sweet. I you and Eddie.

The next day, Catherine telephoned Danny and asked him to come to Steve's house.

Danny got there quickly.

Hey, Catherine. What happened? Where's Steve?

Come in, Danny. Sit down and we'll talk.

You're scaring me, Catherine.

Don't panic. Steve was summoned by the Navy. It's a secret mission and he couldn't call you. He asked me to let him know. And since it's a secret mission, I didn't mean it on the phone.

So you don't know where he went? Danny asked.

No, Danny. I don't know where he went and I don't know when he'll return.

Danny was thoughtful.

And who will lead the task force now?

You're going to have to ask the Governor. Catherine said.

What about Jimmy? Did Mary take him?

Catherine was annoyed at Danny's question.

No. Jimmy is asleep. He's staying with me, not with Mary. Steve trusts me to take care of him.

You know there are several trips to the hospital, don't you?

Yes I know. Catherine said.

Okay. I'll talk to the Governor. When Steve calls you, give me news of him.

He'll not call, Danny.

Not?

Do not.

Danny was worried about that.

I'll try to think only on the good side of it all. Danny said.

And what's the good side, Danny? I don't see any.

I'm going to drive my own car. Bye, Catherine. Said Danny, smiling.

Bye, You're smiling, but I know that you'll miss him.

Catherine smiled, but your heart was sad. She already was missing him.

Jimmy woke up and didn't see Catherine in the room. He called her then.

Mommy! Mommy!

I'm coming, son!

Catherine went to the bedroom to pick it up.

Good morning my love!

Good morning mommy! Is Daddy back? Asked Jimmy,

No my love. Daddy's gonna be a long time coming back. We have an exam to do today, okay?

Does that hurt, Mommy?

No honey, it doesn't hurt you. I wouldn't let anyone do anything that would hurt you. Do you believe me?

Yes, mommy.

The doctors took the exam on Jimmy and talked to Catherine.

What are the risks, doctor? She asked.

Every surgery has risks, Catherine. And as him grows, other surgeries will be needed.

Catherine didn't know what to do.

Can I think about it, Doctor?

Of course, Catherine. When you decide, we'll be here.

Catherine went home with Jimmy. She was feeling lost without Steve. She had a decision to make, very difficult.

She looked at the phone in the hope that he would call and tell her what she should do.

But the days passed and he didn't call.

Catherine talked to Jimmy so she could make her decision.

Jimmy, tell Mom what you more want in this life?

I want my daddy come home. Jimmy answered.

No this my dear. What do you most want?

I don't know, Mommy.

Don't you want to walk, son?

Yes. Can I learn, Mommy?

Maybe, honey. But for this the doctor needs to operate you. And I don't know if I should let the doctor do that.

But I want to walk, Mommy. Jimmy said, looking at her with sad eyes.

You really want that, don't you?

Yes, I want to play football.

Okay, son. We'll need that you do more exams. Is that okay for you?

All right, Mommy.

Jimmy did the preoperative exams and the day before the surgery, Mary came to Steve's house.

Mary! What a surprise! Catherine said smiling.

I also had a surprise when I called Steve's office and was informed that he's been gone for over a month and that you're going to subject Jimmy to a risky surgery.

Mary, I ...

Mary didn't let Catherine talk.

I'll not let you risk his life. He's going with me to Los Angeles today.

What? No, Mary. You'll not take my son away from me.

He is not your son! Mary said.

Don't do this to us, Mary. Jimmy loves me and I love him too. Steve gave me permission to make any decision about Jimmy.

Where is he, Catherine?

He's asleep, Mary.

Get out of my way, Catherine. Mary said, entering the house.

Mary went to Jimmy's room that was waking up.

Hey, Jimmy.

Auntie Mary!

Hi sweetheart. I came to get you to go to my house.

Catherine also entered the room.

No, Auntie Mary. I want to stay with Mommy. I don't want to go.

Please, Mary. I just want what's best for him. Catherine said.

Don't you understand how dangerous this surgery is to him?

It's his only chance, Mary. He wants to walk.

He's not going to this surgery, Catherine.

Yes, he will! Steve gave me the right to decide that. And I'll use my right! Said Catherine.

Catherine left Mary upset and took Jimmy to the surgery.

Jimmy, Mommy's here. It's going to be all right, my dear. I love you! Thank you for coming into my life, son.

I love you too, Mom. Jimmy said kissing Catherine's cheek.

Jimmy was sedated and taken to surgery.

I love you son! Come back soon! Catherine said, looking at Jimmy being taken to the surgery.

Almost eight months later ...

Steve landed at the airport and took a taxi to go home.

Where does the Lord want to go? Asked the taxi driver.

To the best place in the world. My house. Steve said smiling.

Steve came home and opened the door slowly. He came in and Eddie came running, barking.

Hey, Eddie. You're spoiling the surprise, buddy.

Catherine heard Eddie barking and went downstairs to see what was happening.

Oh my God! Steve!

Catherine came downstairs, running and hugging Steve.

Catherine! I missed you so much!

I can't believe you're here! I'm dreaming?

No, you're not dreaming. I'm here!

Steve kissed her passionately.

Steve broke the kiss and they looked at each other.

I love you so much! Catherine said.

Hey, I love you too! How are things?

It's all right

I have two huge surprises for you.

Seriously? Which is? Is Jimmy asleep?

Yes, he is asleep. But look. Catherine said pointing at a large picture on the wall.

Catherine! Is Jimmy standing?

Yeah, he's already take a few steps, Steve. It's a slow process, but Jimmy already made a lot of progress.

Catherine, I'm so happy I'm speechless.

And I have a second surprise. Go in Jimmy's room. Catherine said, smiling.

Steve went upstairs and went to Jimmy's room.

He opened the door slowly and did not believe what he saw.

Catherine! A baby?