Author's Notes:

Hi everyone. I'm sorry it took me so long this time to get this chapter posted. This was supposed to be the last chapter, and I hadn't planned on writing an epiloge since I had a continuation story already in mind. But this last chapter was so hard to write because I felt like this story should have a proper ending regardless of the follow up story, or not. That being said, I've decided to post the first half of the last chapter as a chapter to stand alone. Meaning after this, there will be one more chapter and it will give me a little more time to work out those finer details that I'm still not completely happy with. I'm not sure I like this chapter the way it is, but I haven't posted anything in so long I thought I owed it to you guys to just go ahead and post it already. Thank you all for still reading!

Hurley was standing outside his old tent when Kate and then Sawyer pushed through the tarp and came into view. Both began to scan the beach for anyone else, and spotted several man and woman dressed in Dharma-overalls further down the beach. Hand guns and rifles in hand and apparently waiting for orders as to what to do next. Perhaps waiting for orders from him.

"They have a raft." Her voice startled Sawyer out of his thoughts as she pointed towards the group of Dharma-folks, "See."

"Yeah, I see it." He answered her, meeting her eyes just for a brief moment before Hurley stopped beside them.

But before the big guy could even say anything, Sawyer beat him to it, "Where the hell have ya' all been?"

Hurley cleared his throat before he spoke up, as if he was still trying to digest what he'd walked in on, "We came here looking for you, but you weren't here, so we went on to Hydra Island. And then stayed the night there cleaning up the mess you guys left behind."

Sawyer raised his eyebrows, lines formed on his forehead as he looked at Hurley in disbelieve, "The mess we left behind?" He asked sarcastically.

Kate chimed in now, her head moving back and forth between Sawyer and Hurley, "What mess?"

Both men looked at her and Hurley answered, "The bodies."

"Oh." Kate acknowledged. Sawyer had told her that they were all dead, but in the midst of all the drama that had happened between her and him since she woke up on that raft, it somehow had slipped her mind.

Sawyer had enough, his voice sounding irritated, "You decided to let Bug-Eye con both of us onto Hydra Island, and leave us there with no way to get in touch with you. And you knew these guys were coming. You told me weeks ago that someone was coming. So don't you come barging in here telling me how you had to clean up my mess."

Hurley spoke up now, somewhat irritated himself, "They weren't supposed to be here for another two weeks. And besides, there are other ways to handle stuff like that, man. You didn't have to go and kill every single one of them."

"Yes I did, they left me no choice."

"You could've arrested them, captured them."

"Hell, why didn't I think of that?" Sawyers voice dripping with sarcasm again. "What exactly did Jackass tell you happened over there?" Not voicing it out loud, but Sawyer wondered if the Doc had made any mentions of Kate being strapped to a table about to be raped. But as soon as he'd asked what Jack had said, he grew worried if Hugo would have enough tact not to repeat it out loud here in front of her.

And when Hurley was just about to say something back, Kate interrupted them both when she screamed, "Enough."

They both stopped and stared at her, she sighed and continued more calmly, "James is right, you guys just left us there to fend for ourselves and they attacked me, knocked me unconscious. James was all on his own and he did what he had to do, Hurley."

Hurley remained quiet taking in what she'd just said, when his eyes filled with what Sawyer perceived as guilt.

Sawyer found himself staring at her as if she was a never before seen creature from another planet. He was just baffled by the fact that she'd just stood up for him. She had just defended him. Defended his actions against big old cuddly can-do-no-harm Hurley here. It just blew his mind.

Kate noticed Sawyer's stare, "What?"

"Nuttin, Freckles." He replied, a smile tucking at the corner of his lips, "Let's get going." His right hand found her lower back under her backpack, ushering her to move forward towards the raft.

All three started walking towards the group of people waiting by the raft. As they got closer, the group of young men and women began to greet their 'long-lost-boss'.

"Mr. LaFleur, sir, good to have you back." A young tall man said and immediately other's followed suit greeting Sawyer.

A twenty-something red-head, about half a foot shorter then Kate practically ran up to him. Stopped just short of flinging herself into his arms out of excitement and Kate couldn't help the feeling of possessiveness that took over her as she looked the younger woman up and down.

She found herself too preoccupied with assessing the other woman's appearance to even register what the woman was saying to Sawyer. It might have been something to the effects of 'We missed you' but Kate couldn't be entirely sure.

Who wears make-up while living on this damn island? While going on a rescue mission? Kate wondered as her eyes traveled from the red-head to the brunette that had claimed the other side of James now.

She knew he was no saint, knew he had a wandering eye when she wasn't around, but in her presence James had never so much as looked at another woman - with the exception of Juliet! And he wasn't really looking now, however Kate had to admit that she hated the way these two women were eyeing him. Her husband. She didn't like this one bit.

With her arms folded in front of her, hip cocked to one side and her eyes focused on the females surrounding her husband, she hadn't even noticed how Sawyer only had eyes for her. And what he saw in her eyes was something he wasn't entirely sure he'd ever seen there before.

Could it be? Was Kate actually jealous?

He'd seen the look in her eyes when his relationship with Juliet had been revealed and discussed. That look was more like resignation ... like she was throwing in the towel - giving up on them! But now? This look right here was something completely different?

For a brief second he found the thought amusing to toy with her a bit, see how riled up she would get if he flirted back right in front of her. But that thought quickly vanished when he realized they'd had more than their share of drama over the last week. He didn't want to fight anymore ... not even if she looked absolutely adorable with her lip pushed out in a pout, ready to start a catfight ... over him!

Weighing his options as to how to handle this, he couldn't help but remember how him and her had never ever openly acknowledged their relationship on this beach, or even on this island, in front of other people. The cages was altogether different, so was their kiss on the helicopter and so was her arrival and their make-out session in the rec room - extraordinary circumstances - they didn't count. And not to forget all the nights they'd spend in his tent had always been kept under the radar of everyone else on the beach.

Kissing and holding hands in front of Claire, Miles and everyone else within their inner circle, even Cassidy ... that was also different, she was okay with that. But Kate was a private person and he'd come to know that pretty much right from the start.

And if he was completely honest with himself then he'd have to admit that the only reason he wanted to hold her hand and kiss her right here on this beach all those years ago was to rub it all in Jack's face. Rubbing salt into the open wound. Doing anything but short of yelling 'She picked me, Doc'! But then again, he might've actually said those words to the good old doctor at some point anyways.

But they'd come a long way since then. And she did look rather pissed off at the moment, as if she was trying to decide whether she should punch, kick or maybe even shoot the two women next to him.

So Sawyer took a gamble, yeah it was a gamble because even after being married he was unsure of how this would go. Unsure of how she would react. But he wanted to make a statement. He wanted to let her know and everyone around them know, just exactly what Kate and him were to one another. He didn't want her leaving here wondering if he'd find someone new to play house with ... wanted her to know that he didn't have eyes for anyone else!

So before Kate could even register his movement, he quickly pushed past the brunette, took a quick step towards Kate. Framing her face with his big calloused hands and planted a big juicy kiss on her lips.

Kate was surprised, she hadn't seen this coming at all, but she didn't pull back. On the contrary, she leaned into the kiss, her fingers gripping and tightening around his shirt collar, holding him in place as both their lips parted to intensify the kiss.

His hands slit down to her shoulders as the kiss eventually let up. Their eyes opened again and met. The big dimpled grin on Sawyers face was returned with a dimpled smile of her own. She leaned into him, hugging him and he kissed her forehead gently, neither of them even registering their captive audience, the women in particular, when Sawyer said, "Ready to roll?"

She wrapped her arms completely around his waist, her hands connecting at his back, and he did the same, slithering his hands underneath her backpack, before she turned her head to look back at their beach one last time. She sighed an almost inaudible, "Yeah."

Suddenly she found herself incredibly overwhelmed by emotions she hadn't even realized she was holding back. Her eyes glazed over as they traveled across their old camp.

Memories began to flood her mind. How they had build this camp. The search for food and water. Their first kiss had happened further down the beach. Gathering fruit. Their waterfall. Aaron's birth. Sawyer's tent. Everything that had happened in Sawyers tent.

Sure, some terrible things had happened on this island. Her eyes fell onto her tent, where she'd lost their baby.

Then her eyes wandered over the wooden crosses that were barely visible from here, all the way on the other end. Terrible things had happened, no doubt about that. She'd miss all those lost, including the ones that didn't have a cross on this beach, like Sayid, Yin, Sun and Charlie.

But her eyes fell back to Sawyers tent and she sighed again. It wasn't all misery. They did have some good times. In and outside of that tent she'd spend many hours with him - talking, laughing, teasing, kissing, loving - they had been happy sometimes.

Sawyer noticed her sniffle and tugged her in even closer.

It didn't take him any time to figure out what she was thinking. He looked at Hurley who was also looking back at their old camp now. Melancholy written all over his chubby face as well.

So Sawyer spoke up, "Remember that time you got pissed at me, Avalanche?" He paused for a second to wait for some sort of reaction from Hurley.

Hurley turned to look at him questioning, "Which time?"

Sawyer grinned, "Talkin' 'bout that time you went all ape-shit on me and tackled me. Destroyed my whole god damn tent too!" His voice sounded amused now which caught Kate to look up at him to meet his gaze. He looked right back at her and said, "Remember that Freckles? You had a pretty good laugh about it too."

Hurley let out a soft chuckle, "Yeah, dude, but you totally deserved it."

Kates lips turned to a full blown smile now and she too let out a chuckle as she remembered coming to the beach that day to get the crutches for Locke and ended up staying longer just to tease Sawyer about what had happened to his tent.

Hurley spoke up, "Me totally kicking your ass in ping-pong, that's one for the books too, dude." He laughed out loud at the memory, "No nicknames - man it was totally killing you having to use our real names."

"Too bad I missed that." Kate chuckled, grinning ear to ear.

Hurley looked over at him, smiling wide, "Chain-smoking Jackass." Sawyer cocked an eyebrow at him and Hurley added, "That's the nickname I'd for you." Hurley shrugged his shoulders at him when he added, "'Cause you were just so pleasant to be around." He laughed again, "Come to think of it, you haven't changed a whole lot, dude."

He knew Hurley was just teasing him and trying to lighten the mood. And it had worked as him and Kate both had to chuckle at that.

"And here is also where all the magic happened." A big old grin displayed and his tongue licked over his lips suggestively.

Kate's eyes flew up again to meet his, daring him to say what she thought he was about to say. Hurley tried his best to not look his way as he also suspected what was coming next.

But Sawyer surprised them both when instead of reciting some details of a steamy night with her he simply said, "This is where we fell in love. Didn't we Freckles?"

Kate's eyes glazed over with tears again while she nodded her silent agreement, fighting back emotions as she nuzzled her face back against him.

Hurley seemed chocked up as well, Sawyer lowered his gaze and wondered if he was thinking about Libby. His own mind going back to that fateful day and for the hundredth times he wondered what he would've done had it been Kate instead of Libby and Ana that had been shot.

His eyes shot back to Hurley standing there all alone and a wave of guilt flashed through him at the sight, because he remembered that day all too well. He remembered comforting a crying Kate. She'd been crying for all those lost and he'd been eager to hold her. In fact he needed to hold her and feel her alive in his arms, so unbelievably thankful that it hadn't been her. So thankful that she was alive.

Sawyer squeezed Kate a little tighter, kissing her hair and sighed in relief. Silence engulfed all three of them now, and none of the other people dared to interrupt their silent 'good-bye'.

Sawyer didn't really know what had gotten over him. Couldn't really understand why he was feeling the way he was. Maybe it was the fact that he knew this was the last time him and her would ever stand right here looking back at their camp. Their last time together on their beach.

So he only hesitated a brief moment before he spoke, his face grew more serious again and he said, "That's what life's all about. Laughing and loving each other and knowing that people aren't really gone when they die. We have all the good memories to sustain us until we see 'em again."

Kate squeezed him a little harder. Whenever he recited a quote like that it was like she was falling in love with him all over again. So she looked up at him with that demanding look in her eyes, waiting to hear the title and author of the book Sawyer had just recited from.

Their eyes met and he smiled, realizing instantly what that look from her meant and what she wanted to hear. He shook his head when he said, "This one ain't from a book babygirl, it's from little house."

She just stared at him, choked up again, unable to speak. Those damn hormones were really no joke.

"Time to go Freckles."

And with that all three of them turned back towards the rest of the group and headed towards the raft.

While Sawyer was standing in a huddle with his security team and getting caught up on all things security related, Kate stood there with Hurley waiting to push the raft off the beach.

And as she gathered up her hair to tie it up in a knot Hurley looked at her with that uncomfortable expression again, he then cleared his throat and said, "You might wanna leave it down for now."

She was still twisting it up into a bun, just about had all the curls in place when she looked at him and said, "Why?"

Hurley clearly uncomfortable pointed to his own neck, right below his left ear and said, "You've got something right there."

Kates hand immediately reached down from her hair and was now touching her own neck where Hurley had pointed out, not able to feel anything and clearly not understanding she said, "What is it?"

Hurley just swallowed again, clearly not wanting to elaborate, "You know, it's one of those things."

Kate's hand stilled over her neck rubbing it, "What things?"

Hurley took a step closer and his voice was a whisper now when he answered her in hopes of ending this conversation once and for, "Dude, it's a hickey."

Kate could feel her cheeks on fire in an instant, and her hands immediately untangled the curls again, making sure to cover that side of her neck as she just nodded a shy 'thanks' towards Hurley. Giving Sawyer a menacing glare and vowing to herself to make him pay for this later.

Pushing the raft out onto the ocean, the women climbed in first. Sawyer made it a point to only assist Kate, by literally grabbing her by the waist and lifting her into the raft, before climbing in right after her.

He sat down and pulled Kate towards him, enjoying and taking advantage of the fact that she was actually letting him do this with other people around. This public display of affection was definitely something new for the both of them. And even though they'd been so used to the scrutiny of the paparazzi in L.A., this right here on the island was still strange to the both of them.

The motor was started and the raft was moving towards the bigger boat that was waiting for them further off shore when Kate suddenly panicked, "Wait. I forgot something." She turned towards the beach, "We have to go back. I forgot ..."

Sawyer cut her off, "I've got it, babe." His arm around her, his hand resting on her shoulder gave her a reassuring squeeze.

She looked at him wondering if he was even talking about the same thing she was talking about, but he just nodded, "I've got it, Freckles. Don't worry, I packed it."

And just that look in his eyes let her know that he knew what she'd forgotten, and that he did in fact had it. With a sigh of relief she settled back down against him on the side of the raft, resting her head on his shoulder.

A mixture of feelings flooded through her. Shame that she'd forgotten it, but at the same time pride that he hadn't.

Glancing up at him smiling she relished in the fact that behind that rough exterior of his was a romantic at heart somewhere.

Because he'd remembered to pack their pregnancy test!

Sawyer held out his hand to her, helping her over the gap between boat and dock.

Walking down the dock together, Hurley turned around to look at them. "My place 15 minutes."

"Hey, hold on a sec, hoss. Freckles took a bad blow to the head by those guys, she was out cold for half a day. She needs to get checked out by the doc - tor first." Shit, he'd almost slipped.

Hurley stopped and turned all the way towards them, but before he could say anything Kate spoke up, looking up at Sawyer, "I can get my head checked out by myself, while you go talk things over with Hurley."

Sawyer knew what she meant. She wanted to get this done and over with, wanted him to talk to Hugo and know that he'd be able to come and see her off the island.

But Sawyer refused, "Island business can wait another half an hour. I'm going with you to the infirmary."

Kate was just about to open her mouth in protest when Sawyer shook his head, "Uh-uh, I wanna hear for myself that you're alright. This ain't up for discussion, Freckles." And with that he grabbed her hand and pulled her along right past Hurley who felt completely overlooked in all of this.

Watching Kate and Sawyer walk away together ahead of him he yelled, "Okay then, it's settled. I'll see you when you're done at the infirmary. My place."

Kate stopped short right in front of the few steps that lead up to the door of the infirmary and turned towards him, "Maybe I should get cleaned up first." Her cheeks turned a faint hue of pink as soon as that sentence had left her lips.

Sawyer smiled down at her, clearly amused by the rare moments when Kate acted like a girl, "Babe, you ain't got nuttin' to worry 'bout. This guy's been a medic in the army, he's seen and treated filthy soldiers on dirty battlefields." He leaned in to her, as if to kiss her neck but instead just took an exaggerated sniff, then let out a grunt that made her cheeks turn bright red now before he said, "You Sweetheart smell like heaven, and I ain't even kiddin' girl."

She couldn't help the grin that forced itself onto her face, rolling her eyes at him again, "Liar."

But the grin disappeared as fast as it had appeared and she sighed, eyes downcast for a second before her eyes met his again, "Yeah, but what if he wants to examine me."

Sawyers eyebrows raised, leaving a curious expression on his face, "Yeah, ain't that what we're here for?"

She closed the small gap between them, looking up at him and speaking with a low voice as if she was afraid someone might overhear their conversation, "I'm not talking about examining my head, James." She gave him a pointed look before she lowered her head and looked towards her lower region.

Sawyers eyes followed her gaze and instant realization flooded his face, "Oh." Letting the thought sink in for a second before he said, "You know we've got a she-doctor here too. She's an actual OBGYN for the female island population, babe. How about we get this guy to check your head out first, and then schedule something for the Lady-doctor to take a look at you later. What do you say?"

Kate nodded and sighed in relief before they both walked up the few steps and Sawyer held the door open for her, with the wave of his free hand suggesting her to go on in.

They both walked into Hurleys house and were cheerfully greeted back to the main island by Frank.

Sawyer settled down on the couch, his usual self, feet shoulder wide apart, making his large frame appear even larger. Silently patted the seat right next to him and Kate followed suit.

Hurley took two cans of beer out of the fridge, and without so much as asking if they wanted any, held one out to Sawyer and one to Kate.

But Sawyer just nodded a silent 'thanks' and grabbed the both of them, when Hurley spoke up, "Ahem, one of those was for her."

Sawyers lips curled up into a big old grin, but before he could say anything, she spoke up, not ready to reveal their secret just yet, "Thanks Hurley, but I'd rather have some water."

Frank said, "I'll get it." And walked to the fridge to retrieve a cold bottle of water, and handed it to her.

Sawyer and Kate shared a look and Kate was able to communicate to him that she wasn't ready to make the announcement just yet - much to Sawyers disappointment.

"So what's going on? What did we miss on fantasy island?" Sawyer asked while he popped the first cold can open and took a swig, relishing the taste of the cold alcoholic beverage. Kate watched him rather envious as she held the water bottle in her hand.

Hurley settled down in the chair across from the couple and Frank pulled up a chair from the kitchen to sit on as they began discussing everything that had let up to this day. And everything that had taken place on Hydra island as well, but Sawyer consciously left out the part how and under what circumstances he'd found Kate. There was no need for her to worry about something that she clearly had no recollection of.

All of this was interrupted when Ben suddenly busted through the door. And it seemed like it had Sawyer only taken a second to jump up from his position on the sofa, basically leaping over the coffee table before Ben could even utter a greeting towards them.

Sawyers fist made contact with Bens face in an instant and a loud, yet familiar 'sonofabitch' outburst was followed by more vicious punches to Benjamin Linus' face, who was now lying rather helpless on the floor with Sawyer hovering above him.

Kate stood up in shock as Frank and Hurley tried to pull Sawyer off of Ben.

Mumbled curses came out of Sawyers mouth, so full of rage that he couldn't even speak clearly - to Kates relief - because within all those mumblings and half sentences she could understand one thing just fine.

"You gassed her ... it was your fault." Those words were reason enough for Kate to finally get her own emotions in check and rush to his side, trying to get him to stop as well.

Sawyers fists were still swinging towards the already bloodied face of Ben, but what Frank and Hurley weren't able to stop, Kate could almost immediately.

"James, please stop." Her voice sounded stressed, she clearly didn't want everyone to know about this, and she knew if Sawyer wouldn't stop he'd eventually say something that would spill her secret. This was her fault, not Ben's. She failed their baby, she did, she'd caused the miscarriage because she couldn't help that overwhelming urge to rescue Jack after he'd helped James and her escape. And she would be the one regretting that decision for the rest of her life.

Sawyer halted his assault for just a brief moment, his bloodied fist hovering right above Ben's face as he looked up at Kate, "He did this, he."

"He didn't know James. Nobody knew." Kates eyes spilled over with tears, "And I don't want anyone to know. This is private."

The look that was shared between Hurley and Frank after her 'private' remark didn't go unnoticed by her.

Sawyer stared at her and saw that pleading look in her eyes. Then he shifted his attention back to Ben, staring at him, finally he unclenched his fist and pushed himself up to a stand. Fighting the urge to spit at the bloodied mass, that was lying before him on the ground. Then his eyes met Kates again and he silently backed away from Ben, completely ignoring Hurleys and Franks inquiries what the hell that was all about.

Hurley and Frank helped Ben up off the ground, and rushed him out of the house, over to the infirmary.

Kate stepped closer to Sawyer, reaching out to inspect his bloodied knuckles, but he pulled away from her.

"I'm fine." His voice came out hoarse and gruff, his good mood from earlier had all but vanished.

She wasn't about to let him do this again. Build that wall up again to push her away. So she busted right through that invisible barrier and grabbed his left hand, inspected it for a second, before looking up at him again, "Let's go." She nodded towards the bathroom, "We need to get those cuts cleaned up."

He pulled back again from her, "I said I'm fine, Kate." His voice had that mean undertone once again.

But this time she lost her patience with him, she was so tired of this constant rollercoaster, her voice sounding equally rough and annoyed, "You're not fine, so let's go." And with that she gave him a small shove towards the hallway that led to the bathroom.

Stubborn as he is he only complied reluctantly after several more shoves from Kate, but she finally had him sitting on the edge of the bathtub while she tried to clean his bloodied knuckles with peroxide.

She was surprised that he didn't even flinch, which was very unlike him. He was always a big baby when it came to her taken care of him, she knew though that most the time he only did it to keep a conversation going or to lighten the mood.

So right now, when he didn't say anything about how she should be gentler, it unsettled her in a way she couldn't even describe. It worried her immensely and had her wondering what was going on in his head at the moment, wishing he'd just complain about the peroxides sting or ... hell anything really to ease this ridiculous tension that was building up between them. But he didn't, instead there was silence.

She didn't know what to say either, so she just continued to silently dab the peroxide soaked cotton-ball over each bloody cut on his hand as gentle as she could. Searching his eyes a few times between dabs, but he'd lowered his gaze as if he was watching intently the movement of her hands.

After she was done with the cleaning part, she slowly began to bandage his hand up for him. She was taken her time, with slow controlled movement, wondering what she could say to him. Should she thank him that he'd stopped when she'd asked him too? But before she could answer her own question in her head, he startled her when he suddenly spoke up.

"I should've gone with you." His voice was still hoarse and lazed with anger.

Kate searched his eyes, but he still wouldn't look at her, and she was almost afraid to ask what he meant by that. But she had to ask, "Should've gone with me where?"

His eyelashes lifted and he actually met her gaze, "To rescue Jack. I should've never let you go alone. I should've."

She cut him off, "I wasn't alone, James. Sayid and Locke."

Now he cut her off, his eyes fixated on hers, "They didn't protect you the way I would've." Then he looked away again, his eyes downcast towards the floor and she hated it.

Her face fell with sadness. Was he now blaming himself? I'm the one to blame not you.

Kate got down to the floor, kneeling in front of him so she could look at his face, but he turned his head looking away.

She reached up, framing his face with her hands now, forcing him to look at her. That sorrowful look in his eyes broke her heart into a million pieces, "It wouldn't have changed anything. I should've listened to Jack when he told me not to come back for him. I should've listened to you too. It was my fault, James. If anyone's to blame then it's me." Her hands slipped from his face.

She held his gaze, searching his eyes for agreement while he remained silent.

He blinked and his eyes soften a little but the question that followed surprised Kate, "If you ... if you'd known you were pregnant, would you've went back for him?"

Her first thought was, 'probably', because at the time she felt like she owed it to Jack to help him, but she also knew that wasn't the answer he was hoping for.

So knowing what she knew now. Knowing that Jack really didn't want to be rescued. Knowing that he would've been able to leave the island and probably still be alive. Knowing that she was pregnant with Sawyers child and she'd loose the baby by going back. Knowing all those things, she answered him, "No, I wouldn't have, James. I would've pointed Sayid and Locke into the right direction, but I would've let them do it on their own."

He nodded his head at that silently as if he was saying he agreed with her, and the look in his eyes seemed to soften even further, then he whispered "I'm sorry, Freckles. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you."

She reached for his right hand, the one that wasn't bandaged up, and the sincerity in his voice caused tears threatening to spill over again, "I'm sorry too. I should've told you sooner."

He shook his head, "I can't believe Juliet never said anything. Three god damn years, you would think she'd 've mentioned it."

Kate sighed, she couldn't believe she was actually defending the blonde, "And then what? What would've been different if she'd told you? It wouldn't have changed what happened."

He pulled his hand out of hers and ran it through his long disheveled hair, "It would've changed something."

Kate didn't understand his way of thinking. She couldn't make sense of his logic behind that statement, "How? How would it have changed anything?"

He exhaled sharply when he pushed himself up to a stand, walking a few steps away from her in the tiny bathroom, then turned around and looked at her as she was getting up to stand as well, "It would've changed how I felt about her, that's how!" His voice harsher once again.

"What do you mean?" Kate folded her arms in front of her chest, a questioning look on her face.

Sawyer looked right at her, his voice loud and mean, "I mean that I'm pretty sure she didn't tell me, because she knew I'd blame her. She was the one who cuffed herself to you. She was the one who made sure you'd be gassed, so that she could have you dragged out into the jungle and cuff herself to you. And if I'd known all that, do you really think I would've ever even kissed that woman, let alone live with her for two and a half years?"

Kate now looked away, because she didn't believe him. He was thinking this way now because he was angry and he needed someone to blame for the way he felt, but she knew none of this was true.

She didn't know how to answer him, because what she thought was probably not what he wanted to hear ... and she was just tired, so tired of fighting about Jack and Juliet. She was tired of reliving this painful past.

So when Kate didn't say anything and looked away instead, he spoke up again, "You got nothing to say to that, girl? I pour my fucking heart out to you and ... nothing, nada?"

She finally looked up at him, waving her hands in a surrendering notion, "What do you want me to say James? I don't know what you expect me to say to that?"

He sighed and shook his head in disbelieve, "How about the god damn truth for once? How about you actually say what you really mean, just for once in your life Kate!"

She folded her arms again and shifted her weight to her other leg, "I don't think it would've changed anything. Just like me knowing that Jack wasn't the right person for me didn't change the fact that I accepted his proposal."

Sawyer opened his mouth, ready to protest, but she raised her hand, "Let me finish. You wanted me to say something, so now I am."

He didn't look happy to do so but he remained quiet, folding his own arms now in front of him. They looked quite the pair standing across from one another like this.

"I think me being with Jack was just a ... it was just a sad time-out. A break from the constant disconnect, because I was lonely. And I think ... or at least I hope that's all it was for you with Juliet too."

She sighed loudly, searching his face for agreement and when he nodded she wiped away a tear that rolled down her cheek, "But the truth is, I saw you, James. When Jack asked me to marry him, I ... I thought of you, I saw your face for just a small second, yet I accepted anyway. Because of everything that Cassidy had said, and he was there and ..."

Another tear fell, "And you were just gone." She wiped at her face to stop the tears from rolling. "So, to answer your question. No, I don't think it would've changed what happened between Juliet and you. Just like seeing your face didn't change my answer to him."

Silence dragged on for what seemed like hours, yet it was merely a minute before Sawyer spoke up.

Sawyers face was so full of emotions when he let his arms fall to his side and said, "Kinda like that song."

She looked up, her voice full with sobs, "W-what song?"

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." He answered with a hint of hesitation in his voice.

She sobbed again, "Never heard that song."

He stepped towards her, wrapping her in his arms, resting his chin on top of her head, "Wish I'd never heard it either."

So they stood there silently wrapped in each others arms for a long moment, when Kate pulled back to look up at him, still sobbing she said, "But ... but that's not what this is now, right? Like the song, I mean."

He had to smile at that, he couldn't help it despite the tears in her eyes staring back at him, "No Freckles, you're the one I love and you're the one I'm with. You're the one!"

A loud sob came out against her will, and she seemed clearly relieved by his answer.

Sawyer brushed her tears away with his thumb, leaned down, their lips brushing against each other hesitantly. Almost shyly, like they were strangers kissing for the first time. But then that familiar pull took over them and the kiss turned passionately.

They only let up from the kiss when they heard a loud knock at the door. It was Frank alerting them that Ben was alright, and that they had more things to discuss.

"We'll be right there." Sawyer yelled out, handing Kate a tissue for her nose. "You alright, babe?"

She nodded as she wiped at her nose with the tissue.

Sawyer chuckled, "Those hormones are really kicking your ass, ain't they darlin'?

Now she smiled and nodded again, before he opened the door and they both headed out towards the living room again.

Of course Ben wanted to know what he'd done to deserve that, and Frank and Hurley were equally interested in that answer. But after a look from Kate he simply said that it was a misunderstanding, which was followed by a sarcastic remark from Ben and Sawyer had to fight the urge to hit the man again.

Sawyer started off the actual conversation they'd come here for today, "So how long before the sub get's here?"

Hurley shared a look with Ben and then even glanced in Franks direction before he looked back to Kate and Sawyer sitting on the couch, "The sub isn't coming."

"What do you mean it ain't coming?" Sawyer asked before Kate had a chance to voice the exact same question.

Now Ben spoke up, "We canceled the sub." Sawyer was about to interrupt, but Ben held up his hand to let him continue, "We're holding off, because those people that came to Hydra Island. The people that attacked you. We believe that was just their exploration team, the real threat is still out there and they could be coming back any day now."

"Coming back?" Kate asked confused by that statement, and she shared a look with Sawyer who also didn't understand.

"Did you find a boat?" Ben directed his question to Sawyer, who shook his head.

Ben continued, "Clearly they didn't swim to Hydra Island, which means they left and they must be coming back. And according to Hurley, that will happen real soon."

Kate shook her head, still not really understanding, "What does that have to do with the sub Frank and I were supposed to leave on?"

That's when Hurley spoke up, "To avoid any more people dying, I decided that we have to move the island before they get back here."

Sawyer let out a sigh, when he finally understood the repercussions of Hurley's decision.

And before Kate could even ask any further, Ben chimed in to explain, "Once we move the island we will lose all communication with the outside world. It will take a month or two to get everything back in order."

Kate gave Sawyer a weary look, she wasn't exactly sure whether she should be happy or upset about this. After all, she would like to stay with him, but on the other hand, if she'd have to leave after two more months then she could be facing jail-time.

Sawyer seemed clearly annoyed by this. He understood that Hurley didn't want people to die, but Sawyers first priority was only Kate's well being, "She can't stay here another month or two, she's already been gone for almost a month. It's only a matter of time before her proby is going to wonder where the hell she's at."

He shook his head to himself before he looked around the group and added, "Three months out of state, someone's gonna notice and then shit will hit the fan."

Hurley shared another look with Ben, which made Kate look at Sawyer wondering what that was all about, but Ben spoke up before either Sawyer or Kate could voice that question out loud. "That's why we've decided that Kate should be the one to move the island."

Kate was taken aback by this, she didn't really know what exactly it entailed to move the island. "What does that mean?"

Sawyer huffed, "It means, Sweetcheeks, that the geek squat wants to ship you off to Tunisia, but that ain't gonna happen." Sawyer's eyes traveled from Kates confused look to scan the faces of the three men sitting in front of him.

His voice came out loud and mean, "The orchid is highly magnetic, that shit down their ain't no joke, and I'll be damned if I let her anywhere near that place." Sawyers eyes met Kates again. They both knew that they might have to share their little secret sooner than later after all.

Ben didn't seem at all discouraged by Sawyers tone of voice, "It's perfectly safe down there, James. I've moved the island myself and so has John Locke."

Now Kate finally spoke up on her own behalf, "But John Locke didn't make it back to L.A. until almost 3 years later." She looked back at Sawyer for a moment, "You said he left just days after I left on that Helicopter." Sawyer nodded and she continued, "So he time-traveled three years into the future. How is that going to benefit me then? If I stay here, I could make it back to L.A. in about two month. Seems like the better choice."

Hurley spoke up now, hoping to ease everyone's mind, "I can control how far ahead in time you'll jump."

There was silence for a second, Kate considering what Hurley had said when Sawyer turned his attention to her, "We've got no choice here, Freckles, we've gotta tell 'em."

"Tell us what exactly?" Ben spoke up.

Kate and Sawyer shared a long look, and Kate finally turned her attention back to the group. Looking at Ben and Frank when she said, "Can we talk to Hurley alone for a minute?"

All three men shared a look, and Hurley nodded before Ben and Frank left and walked out the front door.

As soon as the door had shut behind them, Hurley spoke up, "What's going on guys? Is everything okay?"

Sawyer glanced at Kate who returned the look, "Freckles here got some news to share with ya', boss."

Kate looked seemingly unsure, it felt oddly strange to share these news with Hurley before she'd told Cassidy or Claire about it, but Sawyer was right. It had to be done now.

"I'm pregnant." She blurted out rather quickly, glancing over at Sawyer and seeing him smile made her smile as well, so she continued, "James and I are having a baby."

Hurley was speechless at first, but that didn't stop that big genuine smile that spread across his chubby face. He basically shot up from his seat, arms stretched out, leaving the expecting couple no choice but to be pulled into one of Hugos infamous bear-hugs when he finally yelled out, "A baby? That's so awesome, guys." Patting Sawyer on his shoulder as if he'd done it all alone, "Congrats, man." And with that an actual laugh escaped Hurley's throat.

His cheerful outburst was clearly contagious, because Sawyer and Kate were both smiling even wider now too.

They all settled back into their seats after the smaller details were discussed, as to how they found out, how far along she might already be and all of those things. Then the topic changed quickly again to the upcoming days ahead.

Hurley was the first to address the issues at hand, he knew as much about the island now as Ben did, possibly even more considering his new found abilities as the protector. He looked at Sawyer, who knew quiet a lot himself, more then he'd ever let on around Kate, because most of his knowledge came from Juliet, "So you're worried that the magnets at the orchid station will be bad for the baby, is that why you're against it?"

Kate turned her attention to Sawyer, clearly surprised by the knowledge he shared with Hurley that she was utterly unaware of and found Sawyer nodding in agreement to what Hurley had just said.

"I can take care of that too." Hurley sounded strangely at ease and more confident than Kate had ever seen him.

"What do you mean?" Sawyer asked in return.

Hurley leaned forward in his seat, resting his forearms on his knees, "I can make it so that nothing will happen to her and the baby."

"How?" Sawyer fired back without any hesitation.

Hurley shook his head, "I can't explain it really, it's like ... you know it's like Richard, how he didn't age. Jacob did that, he said. And I can make it so that your baby will be alright."

"And that will work for sure?" Kate asked rather skeptical, "I mean, no offense Hurley, but you are rather new at this."

"I know I can, Kate. I wouldn't lie to you guys about something like that."

"When do I have to leave?" Kate asked rather hesitantly because she had a feeling she wouldn't like the answer she was about to hear.

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Tomorrow?" Sawyer repeated outraged, "Son of a bitch!" Kate gave him a sad look and he reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers.

"It's gotta be as soon as possible, dude." Hurley tried to reason with them.

"What about Frank? How is he gonna get home?" Kate felt slightly guilty for having involved him in all of this.

"Well, he agreed to sit it out until the sub gets back."

Sawyer stood up just then with a heavy sigh, "Guess that's it then. I assume she'll get briefed by Ben about the orchid, get passports and travel papers and all of that?"

Hurley just nodded and stood up as well, "Yeah, papers are ready, everything's set up. Ben will brief her tomorrow morning."

Sawyer pulled on her hand, suggesting for her to get up when she tugged right back for him to sit down, "Wait, there's something else we have to talk about?" her eyes were focused on Sawyers face.

Sawyer reluctantly sat back down, because he didn't really wanted to have this conversation with Kate right there in the room, but he also knew she wouldn't let him walk out of here without an answer.

Hurley looked at them somewhat curious and sat back down too. Wondering what other news the couple had to share with him, "What's up, guys?"

Sawyer swallowed that lump in the back of this throat, he wasn't entirely sure how to start this conversation so he decided to take the most direct approach and came right out and asked it, "Freckles and I were wondering if I could leave the island from time to time to go see her and the kid?"

And before Hurley could even answer, he quickly added, "You know, Richard said he wants to get out of the island business, thought maybe I could run some of his errands off island and spend time with Kate too."

The look in Sawyers eyes could've only been described as sad, since he always tented to fear the worst then hope for the best. Kates eyes on the other hand were full with hope, as if her happiness was solely depending on Hurleys answer.

Hurley wasn't entirely sure what to say to this. It felt like there were strings tugging at his heart, telling him to let the both of them in on the secret he'd been keeping. The fact that one of these days Sawyer would be allowed to leave the island for good, and it would not result in Kate getting sick again how his southern friend feared.

But he didn't know yet when that day would be, it could be as early as next week or twenty years down the road. So he couldn't give them hope about reuniting their family for good, when the timeline for that to happen hadn't been established yet.

So what is a man to say to such a request? Who could deny a man to spend time with his wife and meet his child?

So Hurley answered the best way he knew how for the time being, "I'm sure we can work something out."

Kates eyes spilled over with tears again, but this time they were happy tears as she leaned into Sawyer and he kissed her, clearly surprised that it had been that simple to convince the big man to let him do this.

Sawyer leaned back against the wall of his shower, seemingly unaffected by the cold tile touching his back. His big broad hands reaching out and pulling a soapy Kate towards him, before he let his hands slide over her slippery curves, under the pretence of helping her get cleaned. "Sure you don't wanna?"

She turned her head and gave him an eye-roll, "I'm not having sex with you right before my doctor appointment, James. So quit asking please."

He pulled her back to his chest, her ass pressed against his erection. His right soapy hand caressing her breasts, while his left hand still wrapped in a soap soaked bandage worked its way down her front between her legs, gently and skillfully caressing her.

Kate tried to suppress a moan, "Damnit James, you're really making it hard to say no."

Clearly amused and enthusiastic that his seduction skills seemed to be working he drawled into her ear, "You're the one making things hard, darlin'!" And with that he kissed her neck, before he began sucking at it skillfully.

"That's it." She huffed annoyed as she reached for both his wrists, peeled herself out of his arms and turned around moving her wet curls away from the other side of her neck to reveal the hickey that Hurley had pointed out to her earlier today. "See this, I already have one, so don't you dare try giving me one on the other side too."

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to trace the purplish mark, "It doesn't look that bad, Freckles. And besides, just tells anyone else that you're taken." That you're mine, he added voiceless in his head.

She had to smile at that macho comment from him, and pretty much shoved her left hand into his face, with the prominent diamond facing him, "I thought this is supposed to show that I'm taken."

He cocked his head to the side and gave her his most charming grin as he took her outstretched hand in his and kissed it, "Yeah, that too, darlin'!"

Letting go of her hand, his hands slipped back down to her waist, pulling her to him as his lips found hers again in a passionate kiss.

But Kate pulled away, knowing she couldn't resist him much longer she said, "You gotta get out."

He looked at her, raised eyebrows, "It's my shower, babe."

"It's my shower too, and I still have to wash all this sand out of my hair, but that won't happen with you in here." She pushed him gently, keeping him at arm's length.

"You're serious? You're kicking me out of my shower?" he looked himself up and down, trying to take another step towards her, "I gotta rinse off, I got your soap all over me."

She pushed him back again, "Not my problem, cowboy. Go. Get out!"

He finally let up and reached for the towel as he pulled the curtain aside and stepped out of the bathtub. And as he was using the towel to dry himself off he said, "You know all this soap left on me will dry my skin out, girl." Peeking at her mischievously, while wrapping the towel around his waist.

Kate working a lather into her hair, squinted back at him, "Maybe if you keep your hands to yourself until after the check-up, I'll treat you to some lotion later." She gave him a toothy grin.

"Sounds like a deal, Freckles. Now hurry up in there, the doctor's probably already waiting for us."

He smiled at her and she rolled her eyes again, but he couldn't see it because she'd pulled the shower curtain closed again, shielding herself from his prying eyes and those tempting dimples.

End Notes:I hope you all still like this story and if so leave me a review with your thoughts. Thank you so much for still reading!