Finally, sometime in the night Lindsey woke up. It was such a relief to all of them to see her blue eyes. She was groggy and unfocused, her few words making no sense. Catherine held her hand and spoke softly to her, reassuring her that although things were strange and frightening, it would be okay.

Gil stood behind Catherine, watching. He saw trust in Lindsey's expression as she listened to her mother. He knew that the two had been having some rough times lately….well, actually since Lindsey turned fourteen. She would be turning sixteen soon. But under all the arguing and impatience, there was a strong bond between the two. He hoped that with time, he and Lindsey would bond also.

As if she read his mind, Lindsey looked past her mother to him. "Uncle Gil," she said in a sleepy voice.

He stepped closer and covered Catherine and Lindsey's hand with his. "Yeah, I'm here honey."

A weak smile touched her lips before fading. Her heavy eyelids slowly closed and she fell back to sleep. Once Catherine was sure that Lindsey was napping, she turned and eased into Gil's chest. "She really is going to be okay," she said relieved.

Wrapping her into his arms, he held her. "She has to be," he whispered.

Gil took Catherine back to her hospital room. She had dozed off and on in the waiting room, but had refused to leave the ICU area until she saw Lindsey awake and had spoken to her. But Gil could see that Catherine needed more than just dozing. Her own medical condition, while not critical like Lindsey's, was of concern. About an hour later, her doctor came in on his morning rounds. He knew that she had essentially been up all night and had not had the care and attention that he had intended. Consequently, he did not want to release her as originally planned. He also firmly suggested that she not spend so much time in ICU. He would okay a visit for her every four hours instead of two, unless Lindsey's condition changed.

Catherine balked at his suggestion but Gil assured the doctor that she would follow his instructions. Once he left, Catherine complained to Gil. "Why did you agree with him? I'm fine, really I am. And I want to see my daughter." Her tone was sharp and edgy.

"I agreed because I want you to heal. Lily and I can keep an eye on Lindsey. I'll come get your for your approved visits. The sooner you get over the concussion, the sooner you will be ready for Lindsey to go home."

Catherine fumed a few minutes longer but slowly, common sense settled in. He was right, of course. She wouldn't be able to care for Lindsey if she was still recovering. She closed her eyes, centering her emotions and then opened them to see him sitting next to her bed, watching her. His expression was easy to read; concern fueled by love.

"Okay, you win." She smiled at him.

A small grin turned the corners of his mouth slightly, as he visibly relaxed. Taking her hand in his he sat quietly, savoring his small victory. "Why don't you get some sleep? I'll be sure to wake you for your next visit with Lindsey."

"Yeah, I have to admit….I am tired. Stay with me awhile?"

"No place I'd rather be," he said simply.

Shallow, even breaths signaled the fact that she had fallen asleep. He continued his vigil at her bedside, needing to be near her. As he watched, his mind reviewed the last few days. An emotional roller coaster was the best way he could describe it….so many different emotions too. Highs and lows with twists and turns in between… He suddenly realized how tired he was. But he couldn't give into it….not yet. He had to be sure Catherine rested and healed and then he needed to check on Lindsey; her condition was still critical. And quietly lending her support was Lily; she had to be feeling the effects of the last few hours also. No, he couldn't rest yet.

Frowning, he was suddenly struck by the reality of how full his life had become in the last few days. After so many years of denial, he had finally opened his heart to Catherine and she had rushed in, filling him with ….ecstasy. And then she had been attacked; fear. Arriving at the hospital there had been so much relief followed by concern…and care. And then the speculation that Lindsey was his, followed by the horror of her accident. He felt such joy at having his suspicion confirmed and began comprehending fatherhood. Up and down and all around went the coaster with Gil hanging on for life. This is, he concluded, the most awesome ride ever; frightening and joyous, intimidating and assuring, compelling and full of challenges. And so very full of promise.

His mind took him back to Sara. He had been intrigued with her from the first day he met her. He tried to deny his attraction for years and keep their relationship as purely friendship, much ahs he had struggled to do with Catherine. And then, finally, he had given in. A relationship with her seemed so much simpler than one with Catherine; void of the complications that had kept him away from Catherine all those years. What followed was two years of bliss. Until the end, however, he had never viewed their relationship as a long term thing. Beneath the day to day happiness, he had felt that a clock was ticking on their time together and it would eventually come to an end.

The despair he felt over her kidnapping brought the realization that he wanted more…some sense of permanence. And so he had suggested marriage. It had just slipped out over the bee hive and later, upon reflection, he had been scared out of his wits. But he also knew that it was what he wanted….a lifetime of happiness. And he thought that he would have that with Sara; but he had been so very wrong. Her ghosts had resurfaced and driven her away. Admittedly he had known something was wrong, but he had not understood how difficult it was for her. On the other hand, she had not trusted him…..she saw her demons as something he could not help with and consequently had closed him out. She had not trusted him to be there for her, supporting her and caring for her while she battled the past. She had left him to fight her own battle, alone.

Perhaps she had been right to not trust him to always be there for her, because he would always have an eye on Catherine. He had done that since her first met her, it had become such a habit that it was now a part of him. Catherine had become a part of who he was; that was becoming more and more clear to him.

Glancing at his watch and then at a sleeping Catherine, he quietly rose from his chair and headed down to ICU. He found Lily already in Lindsey's room. She looked exhausted as she held her granddaughter's hand, sharing her strength. They stood together, watching the sleeping patient, praying for healing. As they walked out to the waiting room, Gil suggested that he drive Lily home to get some rest. Sighing with relief, she agreed. "Just let me leave a message for Catherine," he said. Hurrying back to her room, he jotted a note and left it for her so that she would know where is was if she woke up. Then he drove Lily home, ran by his place for a shower and fresh clothes, and then headed back to the hospital.

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Thanks for the wonderful reviews! I feel so much love, lol. Hope this chapter lives up to expectations. As always, I look forward to your responses.