Author's Note/Recap: Just in case you took my warning about the last two chapters to heart... Jenkins took Natalie to an old abandoned warehouse, planning to rape her again (using Shane as leverage)... John found Natalie's note that she scribbled for him and with a "Damn it, Natalie!" took off to search for her and Shane. He rescued Shane and Nat saw him just in time to stop Thomas Jenkins; she beat him pretty good and freaked out on John for a moment before he was able to calm her down. They kissed and were caught by Bo who sent them to the hospital, which is where this chapter picks up.

Chapter 27

"How are they?" John asked as the doctor approached.

"Natalie and her son are both going to be fine. Normally we'd want to keep them overnight for observation, but in this case I think everyone can agree that going home is what's best for them."

John smiled. "Thank you. Can I see them?"

He nodded. "Of course. I just need to go finish up my report and then they can go."

Natalie was talking to Shane in a soothing tone and running her fingers through his hair when John walked into the room. Both smiled at him, Shane holding his arms out.

Grinning, John made his way over to that side of the bed and picked Shane up. "Hey, buddy. How are you doing?"

Shane shrugged, lying his head on John's shoulder.

"He hasn't said a word since we got here," Natalie spoke softly.

Frowning, John gently smoothed Shane's hair back. "Hey, talk to me," he said softly. "Are you scared?"

Shane nodded, not lifting his head from John's shoulder.

"Can you tell me what it is that you're scared of?"

"The bad man," he said in a small voice, causing Natalie to wince and John's jaw to tighten in anger.

"You're afraid that the bad man is going to get you again?" Shane nodded, tightening his grip around John's neck. "Well, I promise that you'll never have to see him again. Uncle Bo and I are going to put him back in jail and make sure that he stays there for a very long time."

Shane pulled back; looking at John with such trust in his small eyes so much like his mother's that it took his breath away. "Really?"

John nodded. "Really." He smiled when Shane grinned, the fear disappearing from his eyes.

"Sorry to interrupt the moment, but I think I left two patients in here who are ready to get home?"

"Oh god yes!" Natalie said, throwing her head back against the pillow in exaggerated relief, causing the three men in the room to laugh.

"God, I can't believe this," Natalie whispered. "He wasn't even missing a day, but I don't know how I'm ever going to let him out of my sight again."

John smiled gently, looking down at Shane who was fast asleep between the couple just sitting up watching him. "I know what you mean," he said softly, and he really did.

Natalie returned his smile, gently running her fingers through Shane's hair. "I know you do."

Watching her, John was struck powerfully by the realization that he could have lost her that very night. If a single thing had gone wrong...

"Hey, you okay?" Natalie asked softly, seeing the darkness seep into his eyes.

"Yeah," he replied softly, leaning up to touch her cheek. "But I think it's time for that talk I promised you."

She took a deep breath, her hand cupping her stomach as she nodded. She smiled slightly as she saw the way John's eyes were lingering on her stomach. Wordlessly, Natalie reached out and took his hand, placing it on her stomach and covering it with her own.

John moved his eyes up to meet Natalie's, and she was surprised by the tears she saw glimmering within them. "Wow," he whispered. " Is it always like this?"

"Always amazing? Yeah, it is," she replied.

"I know that we have a lot to talk about, but for tonight can I just ask you one question and leave it at that?"

Natalie nodded. "Of course."

"Are you willing to give me another chance?" He searched her eyes with his as he waited.

"John, before Jenkins came back into my life I would have said no without a second thought. But I've watched you with Shane, and all that I can think of is how amazing of a father you're going to be, and how much I want you to be in every part of this child's life, as well as Shane's and most of all mine."

"I don't deserve you," John whispered, leaning over Shane to take Natalie's mouth in a soft kiss. "But I'm sure as hell not ever letting you go again," he whispered against her lips.