Sorry... this one's a bit shorter than the past, but I hope you still enjoy it.

I still DO NOT own anyone or anything... and believe me, I am NOT HAPPY about that fact.

Thank you so much for the wonderful X-Mas present, Courtney! And thanks to Mo for... well... just being there for me during the past weeks. Love you, girl!

Now on to the story... we're still in the hospital.


It had been five minutes since Cody had left. Visitation-time usually was over by now, but Randy still sat next to her bed, fingers laced together, neither of them saying a word. Randy was just staring at her, watching her, trying to figure out what to say, trying to find words of comfort, words to sooth her, words that would help him explain why he reacted the way he did. Tammy could not stand the silence anymore, it was defining. Tucking a strand of her curly, dark hair behind her ear, licking her teeth, taking a deep, deep breath, she finally asked him.

"When?"

Randy blinked, before cocking a brow at her.

"When what?"

She bit her lip, looking down at her lap, lump in her throat, whispering.

"When will we finally be together? Without all the secrets and hiding? When will you finally leave her?"

Randy swallowed. Seeing her that broken and down, that hurt, he never wanted that. He always wanted to make her happy. He thought he DID make her happy. It took him a while to form the words in his head, until he reached for her chin, carefully lifting her head so he could look her in the eyes, his eyes almost hypnotizing her -that is what she loved so much about them: they let her forget everything- as he spoke.

"Soon, I promise. I'll do everything to be with you, forever. Until I find a way to have both, Alana and you, we'll go with Cody's idea."

Even though his eyes showed the sincerity behind his words, Tammy did not believe it. She shook her head, sighing, tears forming in her eyes as she pulled her hand out of Randy's, looking him straight in the eyes.

"You promise me that for the past four months already, almost every weekend. Randy, I can't do this anymore. I just… I can't. I'm not strong enough anymore. I need you completely, the baby needs you completely."

He swallowed hard, biting down on his upper lip, looking away from her so she could not see the tears dwelling up in his eyes.

"What do you… what do you want me to do?"

She looked at him and then back down at her lap, hands resting on her thighs, shaking her head again, hair falling in her face.

"You know what I want. Leave her, please… stay with me… or get out of my life. Cause if we go on like this any longer, it'll hurt me even more… and in the end I might hate you for it."

It did not take long for him to answer as he nodded his head only seconds after, wiping away the tears with the hem of his shirt, voice still cracking a bit.

"Okay, I'll leave her."

Her eyes widened as she raised her head, staring at him. This was definitely not the answer she had expected. Not that fast, not that clear. She blinked a few times, almost speechless.

"You… you will?"

His smile grew as he nodded again, his beautiful blue eyes now free of any tears, free of pain, free of concern, but full of hope and happiness.

"Yes. I had time to think the past hours… actually, I didn't need that time… cause when I saw you there… on that floor in your house, laying there almost lifeless… I knew it. I knew I couldn't live without you anymore. I was worried to death. I love you. I love you more than anything and I don't want to lose you…" His went to her belly, hand gently resting on it, rubbing it. "…nor the baby… our baby."

Tammy's smile grew bigger and brighter. Honestly, she never thought he would really choose her. She never thought he would really leave Sam AND Alana to stay with her. She had to swallow a few times before saying anything.

"That… Randy…" She shook her head, smiling, tears of joy in her eyes. "I love you."

Randy smiled back at her, leaning in to brush his soft lips over hers, husking.

"I love you, too."

Their lips met instantly, both sets of eyes shut tight. Tammy's hand found his on her belly, fingers lacing once again as his other hand carefully rested on her neck, pulling her in closer. It did not take long, but it was intense, both of them having put all their emotions, all their feelings into that one kiss. Randy pulled away, swallowing, looking over at the door.

"We should still be careful. When I want custody… and I do… she's not allowed to find out about you."

Tammy understood, nodding, her eyes glued to his lips.

"I'll file for divorce… I'll get a lawyer tomorrow and will reach in the papers, but as long as it isn't through…"

"… we'll go with Cody's plan."

He smiled at her, his hands resting on her cheeks now, kissing her forehead, before putting his own to hers.

"Exactly… and for the next two weeks I'll find someone to look after you, to take care of you while I'm on tour… and after that, I want you to come with us, with me, to travel with me."

She pulled away a little, blinking at him, trying to register what he had just suggested or if it even was a suggestion or an order. Tilting her head, she thought about it, deep and long until finally speaking.

"Travel with you? But… but how?"

Randy chuckled, beautiful white teeth showing, and kissed her forehead again.

"Let that be my problem."

I wish everyone sweet and silent holidays... thanks for reading!