The paramedic team casually pushed the stretcher through the halls then pulled it into an examining room. Here, Walker slowly stood and with help from Liggett moved to a hospital bed. Once he got comfortable, the paramedic team left and Doctor Nguyen came in. The look on the doctor's face didn't console Walker one bit. In fact it made him worry even more.

Nguyen quickly brought his stethoscope up and placed the metal disk on Walker's bare chest. "When did you start coughing up the blood?"

"This morning." Walker let loose several coughs making Nguyen to scrunch his face up in concern. "What the hell happened doc?"

"Not sure until I get tests done." He shook his head. "Sounds like there's more fluid in your lungs. Let me make room for you in x-rays and I would like to do an MRI as well." He turned as Alex came into the room. "Alex, try to keep him from moving."

Alex slowly nodded. "I'll try." When Doctor Nguyen left she pulled a stool over to Walker's bed than sat down. She gave him a gentle smile as her hand wrapped around his. "Is this an excuse to get out of the house?"

Walker chuckled. "I don't think it's bad…." He began coughing again and he ripped off the oxygen mask so he could cover his face with his hands. Sharp pain radiated from his chest and he fought the urge to moan out in pain. "I hate this, Alex."

She rubbed her hand up and down his back. "Is it getting worse?"

"Not sure." He grimaced as the pain increased. "I think something….might have happened in the court room."

It seemed the pain was not going to stop and in fact it seemed to get worse while Walker had a harder time breathing. What happened to him? Was it the strain of breathing while the young man knelt on his chest? Did it do something to his weakened lung?

Nguyen came running back into the room and shook his head as he checked Walker's heart rate and oxygen level. "Okay, I'm going to give you something to help calm you down." He injected something into Walker's IV then placed the oxygen mask back around Walker's face. "How's the surgery site?" He pulled the gauze off which covered the circular scar on Walker's neck. "Good news is, that appears to be healing rather nicely."

Walker's world began to get a bit more fogger as the sedative kicked in. It just made it that much harder for him to focus. "How bad is it really, doc?"

"Won't really know till I see the x-rays." Two nurses came into the room and went to Walker's bed where they unlocked the breaks and lowered the angle till he was now laying flat on his back. "Mrs. Walker this will take several minutes. If you want, you can go into the waiting room and I'll let you know when Walker is done."

Alex slowly nodded her head. "Walker, I'm going to go upstairs to see how Sydney is doing." She turned to Doctor Nguyen. "Can you call me up there?"

Doctor Nguyen smiled at her. "Sure thing." He patted Walker's shoulder. "Okay, take it easy, Walker. Don't cause any problems."

Two Hours Later

The wait was brutal for Gage and he couldn't stop pacing the waiting room. He chewed on his thumbnail as his heart thudded against his rib cage. It was too soon for Sydney to be in labor and now he wasn't even allowed to see her. What if something happened to her or the baby or to both? This thought made him stop in his tracks then he went over and sank into a seat. Next to him sat Trivette and beside him Montgomery, the latter giving him a friendly smile.

"I hope everything is okay." Gage slowly stood up as Alex came into the room. "How's Walker? Is he okay?"

Alex slowly nodded. "Yeah, but the pneumonia has gotten worse. So, Doctor Nguyen is keeping him here for a few days." She sat down with a heavy sigh. "Apparently, though rare bleeding is a symptom of pneumonia." She gave him a smile. "How is Sydney?"

Gage blew through his lips then ran his hands through his hair. "They won't let me see her. I just hope everything is okay."

Trivette patted Gage's shoulder. "Don't worry, Sydney is a fighter. And I bet little Miles is as well."

"Thanks." Doctor Emerson came into the room causing Gage to jump to his feet. "Doc, please tell me you have only good news."

Doctor Emerson gave all of them a gentle smile. "We slowed the contractions down, but I'm afraid the baby will be born early." He nodded at Gage. "You can see your wife now, Mr. Gage, but I warn you she is still in quite a bit of pain."

Gage shook the doctor's hand. "Thank you so much."

As Gage left to see his wife, Trivette decided to take this time to go with Alex to check up on Walker who was located in a room a floor down from them. Trivette couldn't believe his friend was once again in the hospital, it just wasn't like Walker.

He followed Alex through the halls till they finally came to room labeled 315. Here, he could see Walker laying on a bed with an oxygen mask on his face. He appeared to be sleeping, but that didn't stop the coughs which seemed to come every other minute.

He went up to the bed and took hold of Walker's hand in his. "Hey, buddy." Walker's head rolled over and his eyes opened. "You keep hanging in there."

"Sydney….the baby."

"Doing good. They slowed the contractions down, but Miles will be born early." He patted Walker's hand. "You just worry about yourself."

Walker slowly nodded. "Keep me updated."

Trivette smiled. "Will do." He noticed Walker's breathing was quite labored which worried him. "Are you all right, Walker?"

"Yeah, I'm good." He took a deep breath and began coughing rather violently. He let out a low groan, shut his eyes then shook his head. "Don't…" He couldn't finish though, his coughing was just too much for him to handle.

Doctor Nguyen came into the room, his face one of concern. "Walker, you need to relax." He shook his head as a nurse came in with a tray. "I'm going to give you a very strong sedative. It will help you to sleep."

Walker slowly nodded. "Thank you."

Trivette watched on as Doctor Nguyen injected something into Walker's IV then check his vitals. "He's going to be sleeping rather good for awhile." He turned to Alex with a smile on his face. "We're going to keep him sedated for a few days. Hopefully it will help him heal quicker. I really don't want to put a breathing tube in."

"Thank you so much, doctor." Alex shook Doctor Nguyen's hand. "Trivette, if you want to check up on Gage and Sydney, you can. I'll be down here with Walker."

"Sure thing." Trivette gave Alex a hug. "Don't worry, Walker will get better. You see."

Three Days Later

Because Miles was born early and was considered a preemie, he was to stay at the hospital while Sydney was allowed to go home. Gage took a deep breath as he stared through the incubator at his son who weighed only five pounds. He put his hand against the plastic wishing he could hold Miles, but knew it was impossible to do so till his son got much healthier. His emotions once again hit him and he quickly had to wipe his eyes so the tears wouldn't fall again.

"Hey Gage." Trivette approached him and put a hand on his back. "Miles is a fighter."

Gage nodded. "Yeah, Doctor Logan did tell us that Miles is doing really good. They just want him to put on some weight and make sure he can breath on his own." He shook his head. "Man, it was close though. Any sooner and he would be a lot worse off."

"Yeah, he's going to be okay." Trivette smiled. "Just think, Miles and Marcus can eventually play with each other." He nudged Gage in the ribs. "I know my son is a bit older, but I think it'll happen."

"Definitely." Gage took one last look at Miles then turned to his friend. "How's Walker?"

"Doing better. But he's still having some problems breathing." He shook his head. "Word is going around that he may get jail time. I can't see that happening to him."

"Me neither." Gage took a deep breath. "I'm going to go downstairs to see how he's doing." He turned to his son, a smile on his face. "Miles, dad will be right back."

XXXX

A floor below, Walker laid in a hospital bed wishing he could get over the pneumonia. He let out a few chest rattling coughs then closed his eyes. No matter how many times Doctor Nguyen has told him he was getting better, Walker knew his own body and something wasn't right. He still felt light headed and his fever hasn't gone done pass 102. Was it his age? He was healthy at one time, but that was before he was shot and had to get the tube surgically put into his throat. Ever since then, his breathing hasn't been normal.

He shivered at the coldness in the room wondering why they had to keep it so cold. Maybe it was his fever that made the chills come. He shifted his weight ever so slightly, pulled the blanket tighter to his body then tried to relax. However, the coughs still came making him moan into his oxygen mask.

The door opened to his room and in walked Trivette and Gage with smiles on their faces. Walker slowly lifted his arm, gave his friends a wave then put it back under the blanket.

Walker gave Gage a weak smile. "How is little Miles?"

"Fighting. Doctor Logan told us he should be out of the incubator in a few days." Gage sat down next to Walker's bed, a smile on his face. "Heard you might be getting out of here."

Walker nodded. "Yeah, later tonight." He let out a weak smile. "Can't wait to be back at the ranch. I think the fresh air will help me out more…." He had to pause to let out several coughs. "Where's Angela and Alex?"

"On their way right now." Trivette said as he sat down. "Alex got you some clothes from home." His voice faded as his attention wavered. "The media got wind of your release. I warn you, it might get crazy."

"Thanks." Walker shook his head. "Guess it's a slow news day, huh?"

Gage chewed on his bottom lip. "Well, there's a rumor going around that all charges will be dropped. The Simmons family has told reporters they've had doubts from the beginning." He shook his head. "And Mrs. Gibson, she's not talking anymore."

"Really?" Walker closed his eyes, his mind too foggy to truly comprehend his friend's words. "Well, whatever their decision may be, I'll accept it."

Trivette shook his head. "I think it's not right. Why lead you around like this if they were going to get cold feet? It's a waste of time for everybody involved." He slightly turned as the door opened. "Alex is here with Angela. Looks like you'll be going home very soon, Walker."

Doctor Nguyen came in after the family, a smile on his face. "I'm letting you go home a bit earlier than I would have liked. But Kelly assured me he will keep an eye on you, Walker." He stepped up to Walker's bedside and went through a lastvital check. "Just take it easy. Don't push yourself."

Walker nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, I won't."

"Hey Walker." Alex went up and gave him a hug. "Let's get you home."

An hour later, Walker was dressed and in a wheelchair glad to be going home even though he knew he should stay at the hospital for a little while longer. However, before he left he wanted to see little Miles who was located in pediatric intensive care. Unfortunately, because of his pneumonia he had to wear a paper mask when entering the ward. He didn't mind one bit, just as long as he got to see his friend's first child.

Gage pushed Walker's wheelchair down the corridor while Alex walked next to him. As for Angela, she was too young to enter and had gone down to wait with Trivette at the front door. Hopefully soon she'll be able to see Miles who was like a cousin to her.

He let out a few deep coughs and was thankful for the paper mask. If he actually obeys the doctor's orders this time, he might get better. It'll be hard to do, but he had to accept it as a challenge. He had to get healthy for his family.

Gage stopped in front of a large window, locked the brakes on Walker's wheelchair then waved at a nurse. "He's still in an incubator till tomorrow." A huge smile spread across his face as he pointed at the window. "There he is."

Walker slowly stood to see Miles and was surprised when he did so. The infant was so tiny, but his cry was heard even through the glass. Dark, brown hair crowned the infant's head and Walker could tell he had Gage's nose. Wonder whose eyes Miles got?

"He's small, but he's got Sydney's tenacity." He patted Walker's shoulder. "And we have decided to make you Mile's godfather."

"Really?" A smile spread across Walker's face. "I'll be honored, thank you." He began coughing once again and had to sit back down. "And Alex?"

"Godmother." Gage unlocked the brakes on the chair. "I feel you're the only ones I can trust with my child." He began to push Walker back to the elevator. "Hopefully you two will be able to guide Miles like you have with me." Gage's voice was quiet.

Alex gave Walker's hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you so much, Gage."

Walker nodded. "We'll do our best." Once in the elevator, Walker took the mask off then crumpled it into a ball. "Wish I was healthier to hold Miles."

"Don't worry, you'll get to." The elevator dinged their arrival and Gage pushed Walker into the hallway. "There's Angela and Trivette…." His voice faded. "Looks like the media is right outside the door. You sure you want to go through the front? We can take you…"

"No, it's okay. I'm not scared of them anymore." Walker slowly stood and with Gage's help slowly made his way towards his daughter. "Hey Angela." He gave Angela a hug. "Let's get going home."

But before Walker could even take another step, an all too familiar face came through the doors. Quickly Gage stepped in front of Walker, his hand resting on his gun. Standing before them was Jerome Holloway, the person that had confronted Walker in the courtroom.

"What are you doing here?" Asked Trivette as he pushed Angela behind him.

Jerome stuck his hands in his coat pockets which made everybody go on alert. He saw this and ever so slowly took out his hands, making sure to show he had nothing in them.

"Listen, I came here to apologize." Jerome's shoulders slumped forward. "I see it now." He shook his head. "Walker, in the courtroom, emotions took over." He slowly went up to Walker then stuck out his hand. "I'm sorry."

"I forgive you." Walker shook the young man's hand. "Sorry about what happened to your cousin. Just wish I could have done…."

"You did all you could do." He shook his head. "I just wish my aunt thought the same way. Hopefully she will turn around. I want to see the charges on you get drop."

Walker was humbled by the man's words. "Thank you."

Jerome gave him a smile. "No problem." He accepted a hug from Alex then nodded his head. "Well, I should get going. Hopefully we can talk again."

After Jerome left, Walker put his arm around his daughter and gave her a hug. He then kissed her on the head knowing even though he was found guilty by the jury, at least some out there still believed in his innocence. Angela wrapped her arms around Walker's waist then looked up at him with those blue eyes that always got a smile on his face.

"Dad, if that man forgives you, will the other families do the same?"

"Here's to hoping." He patted his daughter on the shoulder. "How about we have mom get us some ice cream?"

Angela's smile grew bigger. "Can we have sundaes!"

"Sure thing." Walker slowly made his way to the front doors where reporters waited to get images of him. "Trivette, try to shield Angela from the cameras. I want her to have no part in this."

Trivette nodded. "Sure thing."

Walker then turned to his wife. "You can hide your face if you want." Alex gave him a quick nod. "Man, I hate this. Wish they would leave us alone."

After the doors opened the sound of reporters filled Walker's ears to the point that it nearly overwhelmed him. He let out a few coughs and saw flashes of light as he did so. Why was he still a news story? It made no sense to Walker, especially since there was a bigger story with the gangs and the mob.

"Walker!" A voice shouted above all the others. "Walker!"

The voice sounded familiar to Gage and it took his brain only seconds to realize it was Raphael Martinez. "Walker, get down!" His right hand unsnapped his pistol from his gun belt and pulled it to chest high. "Trivette! Shield Angela!"

All around him reporters began to look around while others ducked with hands above their heads. Gage could see in his peripheral vision that Walker had obeyed Gage's orders and was now being shielded by an unknown police officer. Then, he saw with horror that Martinez had somehow snuck up behind his friend and now held a gun to his head.

"No! Somebody, stop him!"

Gage brought his pistol up and without a moment's thought squeezed the trigger. As his bullet hit Martinez in the chest, the gang leader squeezed off a round himself. What Gage saw next will forever haunt him in his dreams. He watched on in horror as his friend's forehead exploded from a gunshot, his blood splattering all over Alex's shirt. Walker remained kneeling for several seconds then fell face first onto the pavement.

"Dad!" Screamed Angela. "Dad!"

Trivette knelt next to Walker and began shouting for a paramedic. "He's still alive!"

Gage's hands began to tremble. "No." His voice was low as he started to shake his head. "Walker…."

"Cordell, you stay with us now." Alex's voice quivered as she cradled her husband's limp body in her lap. "Please, stay with me."