Chapter 25

"I'm a trained attorney, and I know when someone is not telling the truth, and Krista you're lying to me," he whispered. "Don't shoulder whatever this is by yourself, tell me and maybe I can help."

"No, you can't, but since you're a lawyer, you could handle all the baby transfer stuff right?" she asked, just as one of the babies kicked so hard he could feel it because she had been standing so close massaging his wound.

"May I," he asked his hand hovering over the place the baby kicked.

"Sure they're going to be yours," she said and then covered her mouth quickly when she realized what she had just said.

"I knew, Krista. After all, I am a twin myself," he smiled placing, his hand over the place on her stomach his child had kicked.

"You are? No wonder there are two! With both of us being twins!"

Moments later came another strong thump to his hand. He smiled and rubbed the place on her stomach. "It feels pretty busy in there. Probably keeps Mommie awake a lot at night."

She was amazed at the feelings that jolted thru her body at his touch. "Not really, I drink calming tea at night and they go right to sleep."

"Won't you please tell me what is wrong with you, Krista? There might be someway I could help," he tried again. "You never know until you try. Believe me, I learned to live by that many years ago. Besides, I don't give up easy, and I can always sick that fireball of a sister on you."

"Um, no, there's nothing you or anyone else can do. That's why I have to find a home for these guys," she said rubbing her tummy.

Watching her closely he took the plunge, "Krista, you're dying aren't you? That's the only reason you'd give up your children."

She nodded sadly, turning away and going back to pick up her tea mug.

Coming up behind her and placing his hands on her shoulders he asked, "What is it? What's taking you away from us?"

"Cancer," she answered softly.

Pulling her back against him and placing his big hands on her stomach, "What type cancer?"

"Don't worry it's not effecting the babies!" she said, and tried to pull away, it felt way too good to be in his arms. "It's bone marrow cancer and the doctor assured me the babies were safe!"

"Darlin', I had a friend that had bone cancer and he took chemo treatments and that was ten years ago and he is alive today," he explained excitedly. "Have you checked into that?"

"Chemo treatments would kill the babies!" she exclaimed pulling away from him. "I won't do that!"

"Damn, I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry. Is there nothing that can be done to save you, Krista?" he asked.

"Not really, or at least not anything that has a hope of happening."

"There must be something! There might be some hope. What is it, Krista? Please tell me," he begged. "Never give up on life if there is a ray of hope."

"Well, I am on a list for a bone marrow transplant, but since it has to be an exact match there's very little chance of it happening in time."

"Krista, aren't identical twins exact matches?" he turned her around to face him. "Krystal is wild with worry for you and I'm sure she would be more than glad to go through a transplant rather than lose you."

"No, my sister hates me, and we haven't seen each other in years. Please don't go getting your hopes up, just be happy about the babies...do you still want them now that you know there are two instead of one?" she asked anxiously.

"I want them both very much, and already love them. However, I want their mother to be healthy and happy. I just left your sister who's working for me at JAG. She had to be detained to keep her from following me here to see you. She's been searching for you for years. Give her a chance, Krista. It's her choice, not yours," he argued. "She said she loved you and missed you. Don't put this guilt on her shoulders."

"I can't believe that. We parted on such bad terms, and then years later at dad's funeral I couldn't even talk to her, she was so distant. It's a dangerous procedure and I couldn't ask that of her when she hates me like she does. Please don't say anything to her."

To be continued…