Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews! There are only a few chapters left, but I may not be able to post this weekend, as we have family coming up. Please review, I love to read them! Anything you recognize belongs to JE.

"Well, Ricky," the doctor said, "you can go home with your brother anytime you wish." Ranger thought this story would be the simplest for the situation. "Just be sure to keep the sling on –your body needs time to recover- and come back in about a week for a check-up."

"Great!" I had been here for about a week and was going stir crazy. "Let's go!" I swear I saw Ranger roll his eyes. "Come on, car's out front." Ranger's tone held a hint of amusement.

Turns out that there never was a Batcave. Ranger said that we could buy a house to stay in when we needed a break, but there really wasn't any point in doing it now. I needed help getting around, what with the sling and all, so it makes sense to stay in a building full of people. Besides, I like seven. It really is home.

On our way up, we stopped on five. Ranger thought our friends would like to see me before we retired for the night, as many were unable to visit in the hospital. He said that they had been worried; they thought of me as their little sister. I personally think of them as my big brothers. Even if my mother disowns me for faking my death, becoming engaged to Ranger, and letting her know about said engagement at our wedding, I'll still have family. Nice to know.

When we stepped out of the elevator, the room fell silent. Then, someone started clapping, and soon the entire room joined them. I blushed at resisted the urge to hide behind Ranger. The guys came up one by one, offering hugs and well wishes, as well as catching Ranger up on the events of the past few days. Diesel was one of the last; he had brought a guest. Her name was Hawk, and she specialized in healing. With her help, my recovery time would be cut in half. God works in mysterious ways.

Right before we slipped out, Diesel whispered in my ear, "Congratulations. Will I be getting an invite?" I nodded. No need to ask how he knew; he's Diesel, he probably read my mind or something.

Ranger leaned close. "What was that about?"

"Diesel says congrats and wanted to know if he was invited. Told him he would. He's a good friend, plus I sort of owe him my life and all.

"I'll never be able to repay him for that." Ranger's eyes were serious now. "I can't believe how close I came to losing you, twice at that. I fed you bullshit for so long, because I was afraid that you would see how much I truly love you. And then you died without knowing. I was going to tell you when this was all over. Then you almost died a second time, and I decided that I couldn't wait. I told you, not even sure that you heard me…"

I broke him off with a kiss. "And I'm alive and I love you. Have for quite awhile. It just took me awhile to say it."

This time he cut me off. This kiss was much more passionate, scorching hot. "Love you too Babe."

We spent the rest of the night celebrating the fact that we were both alive, our engagement, our future, and, most importantly, our unending love for each other.

I spent the next week or so working on searches, considering there was little else I could do with only one arm. Most were friend of Cezar's, but there were a few skips and potential clients thrown in as well. Nice to know Rangeman was getting back to their normal routine.

I also had daily sessions with Hawk, as I would until I was completely healed. She was about my size, with short, spiky, black hair that had brown tips. She had green eyes, with flecks of gold. I can see where she got her name.

We became fast friends. Not only was she good at healing, she was also quite good at destroying. Her father was in the military and she spent most of her life on base with him. Her mother died when she was five and she was an only child, so she was left to roam the base. Through the years, she became proficient in the use of many weapons and became a master of self-defense. She offered to train me once I had healed, and I gladly accepted. I was sick of being a sitting duck.

Ranger was quite happy when I told him the news. He's been trying to train me for ages, without success. I wouldn't mind weapon training with the guys, but sparring was a different story. I'd rather have a bit more experience before I tried to take them on.

Today was the day I had been waiting for. Today was the day of my final doctor appointment. My arm was completely healed, thanks to Hawk, but Ranger refused to let me get rid of my sling or train.

They had taken x-rays and tested my range of motion. This had been two hours ago. Figures. "Well Ricky, it seems as though you're good to go, you healed at an exceptional rate. Just try to take it easy for awhile…" I roll my eyes. Yeah. Right.

"Can I go back to work?"

"Well…" Death glare. "As long as you don't get shot, I suppose it would be alright."

I sent a triumphant smile in Ranger's direction. His mouth quirked in response. "See, I can go back to work." He grabbed my hand and steered me towards the door. "Thanks Doc!"

We stepped into the hall and Ranger pulled me close. "Fine, but no field work until this is completely over"

"Deal." We sealed the deal with a kiss. After all, he said nothing about training with Hawk."

--End Cut! Another chapter done and one step closer to the end! Remember, reviews motivate me to type, which in turn, gives you more story. So, please review!