A/N: In this next chapter, forgiveness is but one secret away, as Lois faces some shocking revelations. Read on, everyone! :D

~o~o~

Chapter 16: More Than a Memory

Previously:

How could I have forgotten about the morning sickness? Lois sat back on her heels, realizing it was over. She couldn't help herself. She leaned back onto her husband's chest. He wiped her forehead and stroked her cheek.

"Oh, Clark," she whimpered.

He stroked her hair. "Lois, I know where I belong … here with you and with our children," he said hoping and praying she would believe him.

She closed her eyes and sighed. Can I believe him? Should I believe him?

~o~o~

Lana Lang's office in Wayne Towers:

"Richard, my assistant could come in at any second," Lana giggled at her boyfriend's antics.

"Umm, call her and tell her you're busy for the next hour," Richard said nuzzling his girlfriend's smooth and sweet-smelling throat.

"Richard, stop, this is not why I called you over here today," Lana smiled at his pouting.

"I know you're worried about Lois and Clark," Richard said sighing.

"Yes, aren't you?" Lana said.

"Of course, I am, but I don't see what we can do to help them. Once Clark comes to his senses and wakes up, everything will work out."

"But what if he doesn't," Lana said worried about her friends.

"He will. He's a smart guy."

"You need to talk to him Richard. You need to talk some sense into him."

"Lana, he came home last night."

"Yes, but he needs a good talking to so that this doesn't happen again."

"Alright, alright, I'll talk to him."

"Call him right now, and set up a meeting."

Shaking his head at Lana's determination, he dialed Clark's number. "Hello, Clark, it's Richard, what's up?"

"Nothing, Richard, I'm working," Clark said wondering what he wanted.

"I'll be in town in a few hours, so can you meet me for lunch? I wanted to talk to you about a guy's weekend with Jason."

"Alright, Richard, I'll meet you in the DP lobby around Noon," Clark said.

"Great, bye, Clark," Richard said and hung up.

"Sure, bye, Richard," Clark said staring at the phone wondering if a lecture was coming.

~o~o~

Downtown Metropolis, a few hours later:

"So, you wanted to talk about Jason?" Clark asked after they had placed their lunch orders.

"Yeah, but before we get to that, I wanted to find out how things are between you and Lois. Lana and I know what happened on Apokolips."

"Lois and I will work things out, but it won't happen overnight," Clark said fidgeting. He didn't want to talk to Richard about this. He could not be objective.

"I know I'm the last person you want to talk to about this, but I can listen to your side of the story and not judge you."

"Really, Richard? I didn't get that impression when I came home last night."

"I'm sorry about that, Clark, but you know as well as I what Lois and Jason went through while you were away. I know you don't want to hurt them," Richard said knowing that statement was true.

"Of course, I don't. How could you think that?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, Clark. What matters is what Lois and Jason think and from what I could see, they're both hurting."

Clark sighed. "I know that, Richard. I never wanted to hurt them, but I did."

"Tell me what happened and maybe there's a solution that will make everyone happy."

"I don't see a solution, Richard. All I know is if I leave for Krypton to see if Darkseid was telling the truth, then I can say goodbye to my marriage and my family. She pretty much gave me an ultimatum."

"Oh, I didn't think it had gotten that bad."

"Yes, it has. Either I stay here and forget about Krypton or say goodbye to my wife and children."

"There must a middle ground here, Clark."

"Tell me what it is, because I'm at my wits end here. I've apologized over and over. I told them I wouldn't leave. What else can I do?" Clark asked his friend, desperate for answers.

Richard sighed. "It's going to take time, like you said, but you must be persistent, Clark. Don't let up. Tell them over and over how much you love them and need them, but you know what they say … actions speak louder than words."

"Perfect, Richard," Clark said. Shaking his head, he then thought of something that would help convince his family how much he loved them. "I just thought of something."

"Well, tell me," Richard said getting excited for Lois and Jason.

The waitress brought their lunches to the table just then.

"I might if you pay for lunch," Clark said and smiled.

"You drive a hard bargain. Deal!" Richard said and returned his smile.

~o~o~

Riverside Drive, early evening:

Clark was ready for his surprise. It took him a few days to get all the details worked out, but it was time to go.

"Clark, what in the world is going on?" Lois asked her husband as he started packing for her and Jason.

"You'll see, it's a surprise," Clark said and smiled.

"Clark, I'm in the middle of a very important story. I can't leave now."

"Lois, it's just overnight. Please work with me here, please," Clark begged with that puppy dog face Lois knew so well.

Lois rolled her eyes. "Oh, alright, but tell me where we're going."

"It's a surprise, remember?" Clark laughed at her expression. "Are you ready? It's time to go."

"I suppose so," Lois said wondering where they were going.

"Jason! Come here, son," Clark called to his son.

"I'm ready, Dad," Jason said bouncing into the room.

"Wait, Jason knows where we're going?" Lois asked crossing her arms over her chest.

"Of course, he does. It's a guy thing," Clark said laughing.

"Yeah, right," Lois smirked.

"Here we go!" Clark twirled into the suit, picked up his family and flew out the window.

"Clark?! Will you please slow down?" Lois asked holding on for dear life.

"Wheeeee!" Jason squealed loving flying with his Dad.

"Lois, we have to be high in the sky before we level off, so people won't see us.

There, how's that?"

"Better, so tell me already. Where are we going?"

"Las Vegas."

Lois's mouth dropped open from shock and confusion. "Las Vegas?"

"Don't you remember on our honeymoon when you said you would never go to Vegas with me, because I didn't know how to win a bet?"

Lois chuckled. "Yes, I remember," she managed to say, still chuckling.

"Well, I have a bet for you. I bet that by the end of this weekend, you will take me back into your bed and we'll be back on track."

"Humm, you seem very confident of that bet, buddy. We'll see about that," Lois said ready for a challenge.

"Oh, we'll see alright," Clark said smiling.

~o~o~

Caesars Palace, the Vegas Strip:

Once they had checked into their hotel, Clark was having second thoughts about bringing Lois here. When he had first thought of coming here, he thought they could have some fun and not think about their problems, but now that they were here, the memories were coming back.

"So, I'm waiting to hear what you have planned for us tonight Clark." He didn't answer her. "Clark, are you listening to me?" Lois asked her distracted husband.

"What did you say, Lois?" Clark asked as he turned from the window overlooking the bright lights of the city.

"Clark Kent, what is with you? It was your idea to come here."

"I'm sorry, Lois, but now that we're here, I don't think it was such a good idea after all," Clark said being cryptic.

"And why is that?" Lois asked confused by her husband's words.

"Well, I …" Clark began but was interrupted.

"Mom, Dad, I'm hungry," Jason said coming into the living room.

"Jason, you had dinner two hours ago," Lois told her son.

"But we didn't have dessert," Jason said hoping his parents would agree.

"It's alright, Lois. I'll run out and get something. So, what would you like, Jason?"

"Well, how about ice cream?" Jason eagerly suggested.

"Sure, I'll be back in few minutes," Clark said. "We can talk when I get back, Lois," he said and left.

"Alright, Clark, hurry back," Lois said wondering what was on Clark's mind.

As Clark searched for a local supermarket for ice cream, he was wondering if it was such a good idea to tell Lois what happened to her all those years ago and why he did what he did. Would it be so wrong to tell her now? Am I being selfish? Would it even make a difference if she knew what I did to save her? This is the last of the secrets between us, the one secret I convinced myself she never needed to know. I've carried this around for so long, but now, this may be the right time. Lois needs to know how much she means to me and why I would never leave her or take her for granted ever again. It may be the only way to convince her.

After ice cream and Jason was down for the night, Lois was in their bedroom getting ready for bed. Clark was in the living room, practicing how he was going to come clean to Lois after all this time. She had a right to know. He took a deep breath and entered their bedroom. He decided to knock first. Lois had just slipped off her robe about to climb into bed.

"Clark, you don't have to knock. What is it?"

"Are you too tired to talk? There are some things you should know."

"This sounds serious," Lois said and frowned as she slipped her robe back on. "Go ahead."

"I'd rather we talked in the living room, if you wouldn't mind," Clark said finding that huge bed distracting. He hoped she would agree. Once Lois was seated on the sofa, Clark took a deep breath, took her hand in his and began his story about how she had died and how he had brought her back to life. "Lois, what do you remember about Lex's mad scheme to destroy California?"

"Goodness, Clark, why are you bringing that up now? Is that what you meant about regretting coming here because you didn't want to remember what happened?"

"I remember what happened, Lois, but do you?" He paused. "It's important, please try and remember."

"But why, Clark? Why is it so important that I remember?"

"There are some things you may not remember because I changed the course of history," Clark said and looked down.

"But how is that possible? Look at me, Clark. What happened?"

"Now Lois, please stay calm," he said squeezing her hand.

"I'm perfectly calm, just tell me what it is," Lois was getting worried now.

Clark closed his eyes for a moment. He opened them and stared into her beautiful eyes, eyes that would have been closed forever in death if not for him. "Do you remember when the earthquakes started and you were driving along a dirt road in the desert?"

"Yes, I remember. I ran out of gas, but then you showed up and I was angry, but you explained that you were busy helping people, so I forgave you," Lois said remembering that tender moment when they had almost kissed.

He squeezed her hand again. "Something happened just before that, Lois. After you ran out of gas, aftershocks rocked the area. The road split open, your car plunged into the ground and you couldn't escape. The aftershocks continued to compress the car, dirt and rock poured inside and hindered your escape." He closed his eyes and kissed her hand. "You suffocated ... and died."

"I died, but how …?" Lois couldn't finish, too shocked and unbelieving to continue.

"Once I pulled you out of the ground, I realized you were dead. I was too late to save you," Clark managed to say, on the verge of tears now.

"But I'm here with you now," Lois said confused and then it hit her. "Oh, my god, what did you do?"

Clark took a deep breath and answered her firmly. "I did what I had to do to bring you back. I couldn't, no, I wouldn't accept it, so I flew as fast as I could around and around the earth until … the earth rotated the other way, and you were alive again. I had to bring you back, Lois, I had to. I couldn't live without you. I couldn't be in this world without you," he said letting her know what she meant to him.

Lois's mouth was open in shock. She was speechless. He's telling me the truth. He couldn't make this up. She let go of his hand, stood up and went to stand at the window. Clark came up behind her and pulled her into his arms, holding her close. Her arms came up to hold him as she leaned her head back on his chest. They stood there silently for a few minutes, neither one saying anything.

Clark kissed her temple and sighed into her hair. His voice was rough. "And I would do it again."

Lois turned around and pulled her husband close trying to hold herself upright so she wouldn't break down. "Please don't say anymore," she said, her voice just as rough.

Clark picked her up and took her into their bedroom. Lois put her arms around his neck, holding him close as she kissed him with all the love and gratitude in her heart. Clark closed the door and brought Lois over to the bed and laid her down. Their eyes held as he lay down beside her and slowly reached up and wiped her tears away, as she did the same for him.

"Clark," she began.

"Ssshh, no talking," Clark commanded. He drew her into his embrace and stroked her back tenderly, feeling so much love for this amazing woman. There were no words.

"But I have to say this," Lois said needing to say it, as she pulled back and stared into his eyes. "Thank you," she whispered and closed her mind to tomorrow and their differences. It paled in comparison to what they shared all those years ago.

He smiled and stroked her cheek as he leaned down and kissed her long, slow and deep bringing forth moans and sighs. Lois melted against him wanting them to be rid of their clothes so they could touch skin to skin. He knew her need as he helped her remove her robe and her nightgown and she helped him remove his clothes as well. They both sighed and came into each other's arms content to be together like this again.

"I've missed you so much," Clark couldn't hold back saying it.

Lois sighed knowing how he felt. She only had two words to say. "Show me," she whispered in his ear.

Clark closed his eyes and smiled against her throat and immediately began doing exactly that. The room was so still that the only sound was their ragged breathing. Lois moaned as he kissed his way down her throat to her breasts applying his tongue to her aching nipple. She moaned again louder this time as she arched her back, stroking his hair loving his mouth and hands on her breasts. His hands stroked and admired the changes their child had brought to her body. He could see a bump on her stomach and he knew at that moment, that nothing and no one would part them ever again.

Their days of abstinence had them both starved for that closeness again and Clark showed her just how much he loved and needed her. He dropped a kiss to her stomach and went even lower to her long shapely legs and smooth thighs. He stroked her between her legs and Lois opened them wider for him to pleasure her and he did. He went even further and kissed the dark curls moist with desire for him. He breathed in her unique scent loving her sighs and her hands in his hair stroking him with her desire for him.

Lois was trembling with desire as she cried out repeatedly as he used not only his lips and tongue, but his nose and chin as well to make love to her. Tension coiled tight and hot in her belly and she could feel herself coming. Clark pulled back and Lois whimpered. "I want to feel you come around me. I've missed that," he said as he rubbed the head of his erection against her swollen lips exciting them both. He closed his eyes as he felt her tight sheath close around him. He took her mouth in a hot wet kiss as he gathered her tightly against him. "I love you so much, Lois," he whispered in her ear, as he began that ancient rhythm and Lois matched that rhythm stroke for stroke.

"Oh, Clark, I love you too," Lois managed to say between pants and moans and then she cried out wrapping her arms and legs around him. She pulled his head down and kissed him long and hard as he drove into her again and again. Lois's climax caused him to come as pleasure shot through to his very soul moments later. They still lay gasping for breath a few minutes later.

He slowly pulled out of his wife's warm body and pulled her close to his chest sighing into her hair. "Go to sleep sweetheart," Clark said and kissed her temple.

Lois sighed in answer to him and went to sleep content with their reconciliation. They both knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges but they were together now and it was like a new beginning for them.

Clark closed his eyes, content as he too fell into a dream world.

~o~o~

The next day dawned sunny, warm and beautiful. After checking out of their hotel, Clark felt they should talk some more about their shared memory, and then they could put it all behind them and never speak of it again. As the family took off and made their way to Hoover Dam, he found a relatively secluded park to have lunch.

After they finished lunch and making sure Jason was enjoying himself in a child's play area, Clark tried to bring up the subject from last night. "How are you feeling Lois? Are you alright?" He asked as they took their seats on a park bench as they both turned to watch their son.

"I'm fine Clark. Why did you bring us here? It's beautiful." Lois asked as she took a sip of soda.

"It is lovely here, Lois, but I wanted to talk some more about last night. I know it was hard hearing what happened and …" Clark began but Lois stopped him by touching his lips with her fingers.

"Clark, you've been carrying this secret for so long and I understand your need to talk about it, I do, but talking about it won't change what happened."

"I realize that. It's just I never let myself think about the consequences of my actions that day. I know I saved a lot of people, but …"

"Clark, there are no buts. I remember hearing there were very few casualties that day. You saved hundreds maybe thousands of lives, so please let's not talk about this anymore. What's done is done." She touched his cheek and smiled into his eyes. "All we can do is look to the future and think about how blessed we are to have each other and Jason." She paused as they both looked to their son. Jason waved to his parents. "And not to mention our little one growing inside me," she said as she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Please, let that be a comfort to you."

"But will I be forgiven for what I did, Lois? I wonder," he closed his eyes and sighed.

"You know I'm not a religious person, Clark, but I believe every soul will be forgiven. All we have to do is ask."

His head came up at that. He smiled and touched her cheek. She leaned into his hand. "I believe that too, honey. Are you ready to go home?"

"Yes, let's go home."

"Jason, come here son," Clark silently called to his son and smiled still amazed they could communicate in this way. This was the second time it had happened, but he decided to keep it a secret for now. He picked him up and gave him a hug and a kiss.

After what had happened the past few days, Jason was very happy his family was together again. Clark held up his other arm and Lois came into his arms as they all looked up at the sky.

TBC!

A/N: You know guys, when I brought them to Vegas, I really had no idea what would happen. I had forgotten about Lois's 'death,' but then I remembered it, and I thought it might work for them to connect again with that secret. I hope it worked!! Please tell me what you're thinking. Reviews are love!