Ben walked into the ER. Almost running actually. He saw Lightning who stood up from his seat. Ben nervously approached and asked, "Have they said anything?" Lightning shook his head and crossed his arms. Mostly because if he didn't keep his hands to himself, he was going to kill this guy. Ben sighed and asked, "What happen?" Lightning frowned. Staring at Ben a moment. He hated this guy. Ben had taken Sally and used her and knocked her up and caused so many problems in their marriage. Yes, Sally was the one at fault but Ben played a role. Even so… The baby… That baby didn't do anything. No one deserved to lose their baby.

He remembered how broken Cal and Meg were… Sally for that bit of time when she miscarried theirs. "I don't know.." Lightning answered softly. Ben didn't like that answer. But then the doctor came and out and called, "McQueen…" Ben and Lightning walked up. The doctor raised a brow and asked, "The husband?…" Ben looked at Lightning. The doctor then looked at Ben and asked, "Who are you to the patient." Lightning answering for him, "Emergency contact." The doctor nodded then said, "Let's go somewhere more private, Mr. McQueen.." Ben and Lightning followed the doctor into the back. Down the hall and into an empty Patient room.

The doctor closed the door and explained, "Sally went into labor. She's lost a lot of blood due to inflammation of her cervix.. I'm giving medication for the inflammation but sense she's gone into labor, I've moved her to the south wing for delivery." Ben's eyes widened, "But the baby.. It's way too soon." He muttered. The doctor nodded, "The baby didn't make it… I'm sorry.." Lightning looked at Ben. Watching his reaction. Ben's heart broke. His eyes filled with tears. Not another one. Lightning then asking, "What about Sally? Will she be okay?" The doctor frowned answering, "I'm afraid she may have to have a c section.. If she can't pass the baby quickly, she'll be flown out to Arizona Medical partners.. I'm more worried about the blood loss.. I may have her sent out just in case."

Ben asking, "Can we see her?" "Soon.. It's a bit chaotic right now and only nurses and the delivery doctor should be with her now." Ben nodded. Lightning sighed. Rubbing his eyes. This was so bad. She was in danger and lost the baby. "Thanks…" Ben muttered to the doctor. The man nodded, "Just head to labor and delivery when you're ready.. I'll give you two a moment.." Ben sat down on the exam table. Lightning staring at him. "Fuck.." Ben growled, leaning his face into his hands. Lightning felt bad. No one, especially Sally, didn't deserve this. Ben looked at Lightning. The two staring at each other. Ben finally admitting, "I… I was wrong.. For what I did… I.. I just thought… I mean… After Sally told me she was pregnant… I thought we could.. Be a family again… I didn't think about how I was taking yours away.." Ben whimpered a bit.

Hurt. Losing another child. Lightning stared at him. He hated this man, but some how… Right now… Lightning felt kind of bad. Lightning nodded, "If Sally wants to be with you, I won't stop her." "She doesn't. She wants you… She loves you.. She wishes she never did any of this to you.. Honestly… I wish I didn't either.. It's a mess and now I hurt her.." "You didn't do anything to the baby.." Lightning assured. "Sally… This just happens to her…" He frowned. It hurt to say, but it was true. This was Sally's third pregnancy and she'd lost all of them. She was getting older. Things weren't going to work out this way. Sally just couldn't have a healthy pregnancy. Lightning was accepting that. Ben wiped his eyes then asked, "Should we wait for her?.. No.." He answered himself. "She won't want me when she's out." Looking at Lightning.

Lightning's eyes widened. "You should stay to…" Lightning mumbled softly. "It's your baby…" he reminded. Ben began to cry. It hurt. This was his second baby he lost. It hurt like hell. Lightning understood that and had a change of heart. He just needed to be there for Sally when this was over though, because she was going to break apart….

Lightning and Ben sat in the waiting room of labor and delivery. Four hours had passed. No change. No news. Nothing. All they were told each time was that she was in delivery still. Ben cried off and on. Lightning paced a bit. Nearly vomited from anxiety. It was a great time. I say that with sarcasm. Lightning sat in the chair. Across from Ben. Both worried and silent. Not speaking. Ben looked awful from all of the crying. Lightning sighed. Not sure what would come of this. What if he and Sally still didn't make it? A nurse walked in with a doctor. The two men both standing up. The doctor cleared his throat and asked, "Um… Father.. Of the baby…"

Lightning and Ben glanced at each other. Lightning frowned and sat down. Ben walked over to the doctor and asked, "Is.. Everything okay?" The doctor forced a smile before answering, "It's over. She passed the baby. The nurse is cleaning him up before presenting him. The Mother asked me to ask you if you wanted to be there?" "Of course…" Sally asked for Ben. Lightning sighed. Part of him understood. Seeing their baby. He wasn't part of that. The doctor had a nurse take Ben back. But the doctor stayed behind. Lightning stared at him as he walked over and sat next to Lightning. "Mrs. McQueen explained a bit of the situation to me.. Once they have their viewing, she would like to see you she said. I'll come get you soon." He explained.

Lightning nodded. No words. Just nodding. The doctor patted Lightning on the back and left. Lightning whimpered a bit. Dropping his face in his hands. "Fuck…" He whispered. How would they get through this. Just one thing after another kept happening! It hurt. And now Sally would never be the same. They would never be the same…..

The doctor came in again. Lightning looked at him. It had been about two hours. The doctor sighed and announced, "I have her roomed. She'll be okay. She's ready if you are." Lightning nodded. Getting up and following the doctor, he asked, "So what happened?…" Nervous to find out. The doctor quietly explained, "She was bleeding pretty good, but with some medication and a few hours of labor, I got her through delivery. Nurses cleaned up the baby and she and the Father got some time with him." "What happens to the baby?" "It's not over twenty weeks yet.. So it's medical waste to the hospital.. Has to be be twenty weeks to receive a certificate in the state.. She and Ben decided to cremate.." Lightning was going to be sick.

Medical waste? At sixteen weeks!? The doctor went on to continued, "The bleeding has stopped, I have labs running now. I expect she will be able to go home tomorrow morning. She's on some pretty good pain medications and antibiotics. So she's tired. She's been through a lot. I don't recommend trying again for at least six months.. I don't know if there was any talk of trying afterwards, but I know you two were before. It's best to wait six months after something like this to make sure mom is healthy… We have counselors. She could still fall into post partum." "What's that?" "Severe depression after birth. You'll need to purchase some pads. She'll be bleeding for a while… About three to six weeks, but as long as there are no clots, should be fine."

They stopped at the door. Lightning was nervous as hell. "Is Ben still there?" Lightning asked. The doctor shook his head. Lightning sighed. Knocking gently before entering the room. Closing the door behind him and instantly walking up to Sally. She looked so drugged and tired. Lying there. She could barely open her eyes. All sweaty, hair a mess, her face swollen a bit. She looked awful. "Hey…" She whispered. Smiling. Lightning pulled a chair up and sat next to her. Brushing her hair with his hands. Sally closed her eyes and hummed, "Mmmm… That feels good…" She was so exhausted. Lightning leaned in and kissed her forehead. "You did good. That's what the doctor said.." He assured. Sally snickered.

Looking at Lightning and replying, "The baby was so beautiful… You should have seen him…" "Yeah?.." "I'm just exhausted. I'm… I'm sorry I did this…" she muttered. Still smiling though. Lightning sighed, "Don't be… It's not your fault." "I can't keep a baby… All my babies die, Lightning…" she frowned a bit. But staring at him again, she smiled. Barely able to keep her eyes open. She had the good drugs for sure. Lightning continued to pet her hair. Helping her relax and drift to sleep….

Lightning opened the door to the house then walked back to the car. Opening the passenger door and pulling Sally out gently. "Come on." He said. She stepped out. Taking his hand. Staring up at his eyes. Lightning shut the car door then licked Sally up in his arms and carried her into the house and to the bedroom. Laying her in bed. Kissing her on the forehead, "I'll be right back." Going and shutting the front door, locking up the door he stood there. Resting his forehead on the door. He sighed. Closing his eyes. This was going to be the hardest thing. Not only for Sally. But he was going to have to swallow his pride, forgive her, and be there for her.

She was going to be more broken than ever. This was so bad. Lightning took a deep breath in and out before opening his eyes and lifting his head. Grabbing some water from the kitchen then heading back to the room. Sally was curled up in what could be described as a ball. She wasn't even crying. Not yet. Lightning walked over and set the glass on the bedside table then sat at her feet. Not sure what to say. He just sat there. Sally closed her eyes. In pain. Physically and emotionally.. Lightning crawled up next to her in bed. Wrapping an arm around her and holding her as they both lay there, silently. Eventually, drifting into sleep…..

Lightning opened his eyes. Waking up. Realizing he was alone, he sat up quick. Where was Sally!? Then he heard the crying. He looked towards the bathroom and ran in there. Slamming the door open to find Sally sitting against the tub crying. Lightning quickly knelt down, sitting next to her and pulling her close. "Hey.. It's going to be alright.." He assured. Sally pushed him away and snapped, "Oh please! You wanted this to happen! You didn't want that baby! I know you just hoped I'd loose it!" Crying so hard. Lightning stared at her a moment. Kind of. But not really. He didn't wish this pain on Sally.

He pulled her close again against her will and softly, "No… I never wished this kind of pain on you.. This is not what I wanted… I was an ass, but I'm not a monster… I didn't mean a lot of the things I said, Sally… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" Pulling her closer and holding her tightly….

Sally lay in bed again. Lightning bringing her water. She stared up at him a moment then began crying again. Lightning sighed and lay next to her. Holding her. Sally turned and hurried herself into her chest. Crying against him. Lightning kissed the top of her head. "Ssshhh…. It's alright…" He assured. No, it wasn't. This was bad. And Lightning was so afraid after this. Three times. She had lost a pregnancy three times. She was defected. Sounds cruel, but her body was not meant to be pregnant obviously. Even if they made it through this, they'd never have children. Not of their own. He'd be to afraid at this point. This event scared him. This was really bad…..

Lightning was standing at the sink, cleaning some dishes up when Sally walked into the kitchen. Lightning's brows raised as he glanced over. Staring at her. "Hey." He greeted. Sally stared at him. Silent. "Want me to make you something?" He asked kindly. Sally shook her head. Lightning frowned a bit. She needed to eat. It had been nearly a week sense she lost the baby. "Sal…" "Are you going to the race?.." Sally asked. Lightning shook his head, "No, of corse not. I'm staying home." "What about Cruz? Aren't you her crew chief?" Lightning stared.

Cruz. Fuck. "Um.." He began, "I am… But.. I'm going to talk to Tex or Cal or whoever. You need me here. I'm staying home." "I don't need"-"You don't get a choice. I'm staying." He interrupted sternly. Sally stared at him. Honestly, she was thankful. Lightning shut off the running water and leaned over the sink. Sighing, "Sally… I don't want this to sound like it's because you lost the baby, but us. We have to talk. I want to stay. I want us to work out. I know I said some awful things to you before, but…" "I want us to…" Sally admitted. Lightning turned towards her. Staring at her from across the kitchen. He smiled a bit. "Good. Than we make this work." He said a bit happily. Sally smiled. Not a full smile, but a little. That felt good to see. Seemed like it had been forever sense he saw that on her beautiful face….

Sally woke up on the couch. Leaned over the arm. She sat up and looked over to see Lightning passed out on the couch next to her. His head sitting against her hip. She smiled as she looked at him. As much as she hated losing the baby, at least things could slowly go back to normal. But she frowned. Her body failed her again. She'd never be able to have a baby. This moment she gave up. She'd never have one and she accepted this fate. She'd never ask for a baby again. Her eyes filled with tears. But she held them in and remained quiet so Lightning wouldn't wake up. But the pain.. the heartache…. The grief…

It was to much and her crying became louder. Lightning woke and sat up. Rubbing his eyes and pulling her close. Sally cried into his arms, "I'm so sorry.." She whimpered. Lightning was still waking up. Holding her close as she continued, "I failed you so badly.. Sleeping with Ben and pushing you away… I'm so sorry…" Lightning brushed her hair with his fingers. Petting her head. "I forgive you.. It's alright… We'll be okay…" he assured quietly in a sleepy tone. Sally just continued to cry. She was a failure, broken, depressed, a screw up. She betrayed the one person who would do anything for her. I mean look at him now!? He always came back no matter how many times she pushed him away….

Another week passed. Sally sat on the couch. Resting. Just lying there. Wiping tears. She had really fallen into depression. She wasn't herself. Lightning glanced at her from across the room. He knew what the depression felt like. How she felt empty and broken and beyond repair. She felt like a failure, a whore, she messed up and she felt this was her punishment. Lightning wished he could take it away. As much as he wanted her to pay, he did not want this. Not anymore. Seeing her suffer was making him sick. Bbbzzzzz. Lightning glanced over at his phone on the counter. Bbbzzzz. He walked over and his eyes widened. Cruz. "Fuck." He whispered. Lightning glanced at Sally then called, "I gotta take a phone call.. I'll be right back." Grabbing his phone and stepping outside.

"Cruz, I'm sorry I didn't call and explain sooner.. Some things… Happened…."

Cal let me know you asked for the next two races off.. That's four races I have to use Cal as my crew chief. And I don't mean to be rude, but…. He's not that great…

"Sally lost the baby."

Oh…. I…

"Yeah, so I can't come back. Not now. She needs me here."

Wait… Is… I thought…

"I'll come back when I can, but I can't guarantee that, Cruz.. I have to look after Sally.."

No, I understand that… She needs you, you should stay. You're her husband after all…

Lightning rubbed his head. The way Cruz said that last part. Yeah, Cruz was upset.

"I can't deal with this right now. I already spoke with you about our little meetings. It was just that. Nothing more. I don't know how to make this not sound so mean, but it really was just that. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ever… I'm sorry…"

I don't believe that. I think you wanted me just as much as I wanted you and… No matter what, our curiosity was going to just keep growing and we would have had our… Meetings… Anyway. And I don't regret it.. It was amazing and I hope… Well… I don't know… But I hope you are happy.

"I hope you are to…"

Well, I'd be a lot happier with you as my crew chief and not Cal.

"Are you sure we can keep this professional? After our uh, meetings…?"

I can. Can't you? I mean, like you said, it was just sex. It's like a friends with benefits thing. Plus, I got to have an experience like my books and that was absolutely amazing! Totally gonna have to try more at some point in my life.

"Ha.. ha… Yeah… I'm glad you… Liked it…"

Loved it!

"Yeah, okay, I gotta go. I'm sorry, Cruz. I'll be back when I can." Lightning hung up and sighed. Blushing a bit. So stupid. He knew better. It wasn't just sex. Cruz made him happy, and smile, and want to live, want to go to work, want to go to places with her, she made him feel young and revved up, ready to go, sexually free and was so cute, inspiring, happy, beautiful. Lightning fell a little. But it was a crush. Nothing more. That's why it was just sex. He'd never per-sue Cruz. He had Sally and with the baby gone, things could work out! He wouldn't let that chance go…..

Lightning finished dishing dinner and set plates on the table. Finishing up with some glasses of water. He made his way to the bedroom where Sally was curled up in bed. "Sally, dinner is ready." She sat up. Looking at her husband. She had been crying again. Lightning sighed and walked over. Sitting next to her he asked, "You okay?…" Sally shook her head, "How can you love me still?… After what I did… To you… To us… I'm a terrible person.." she began crying again. Lightning hesitated responding. Watching her cry a moment before wrapping an arm around her. He kissed the side of her head then said, "I love you. I told you, I forgive you.. We have so much history and we have worked way too hard for this. I really don't want to start over. I'd rather forgive you and we work past this.. I love you." "I love you to… But now… I can't have a baby.. I'll never be able to give you one…." She admitted.

Softly crying. "I'm a whore who can't bear children and I don't deserve it or you after what I did." "Stop.. Stop talking like that. I… I don't think you're a whore.. I'm sorry I said such awful things.. I was angry and wasn't thinking clearly.." No, she was whore. He just didn't want her depression to get worse. Sally nodded and wiped her eyes. Leaning on him. Lightning then stood up, "Come on, you got to eat." He reminded. Lending out his hand to her. Sally sighed then took his hand, he pulled her up and walked her to the kitchen. Sally sat down and stared at the plate of food. Just some pasta and greens with chicken. "Looks good." She complimented. Lightning smiled and sat down at his seat. The two beginning to eat.

It was so quiet. Lightning stared at Sally. Watching her eat. They were so messed up. Was there really anything to save or was he just tired and willing to settle for this? It was something that crossed his mind. He loved her with everything in him, but… Was it the same love as he had before? He wasn't sure, and sadly, he didn't care. He was going to be here for her. He was going to take car of her. After everything, he needed to be here for her and help her heal. This depression… NO, he would not let her sink into the hole he was once in. Never. But at what cost. Keeping things down and pretending to be okay for her sake? That could never end well. But he was good at acting for the fans. Just.. Now he was acting for her.

Sally looked at him from across the table and he smiled at her. She didn't smile back at first. Just analyzed his smile. But then she sort of smiled. That's good. He needed to make her happy again…..

It was later that night. Well, maybe six or so. Lightning walked into the bedroom to see Sally lying in bed. Just staring up at the ceiling. His brows lowered and he walked closer asking, "What are you doing?" Sally just sighed, "Nothing. Just lying here.." "I see that… Come on, let's go out." He insisted. Sally sat up asking, "Where?" "Don't know, don't care. We are getting you out of the house." Lightning answered then walked to the closet and grabbed Sally some jeans and a shirt, tossing it onto the bed next to her. Sally stared at the clothes then asked, "Maybe sweat pants?.. Just.. More comfortable.."

Lightning rolled his eyes then went back and grabbed out a pair of her sweat pants, tossing them onto the bed. "Get dressed. I need to go to the store for us anyway." Sally stood up and grabbed the clothes then headed to the bathroom. Closing the door. Lighting put her jeans back up and stood in the closet a moment. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. How could he get her back to old self? How could he help her? He didn't hurt like she did over this…..

The couple walked through the store together. Lighting pushing the small cart. Grabbing a few things for the house. The old country store was set up small, with very little really. Most things were ordered online and shipped to their home honestly. Sally looked at Lightning and asked, "What are we doing for dinner?" Lightning sighed admitting, "I already ate. You were asleep and I didn't want to wake you. But tell you what, you pick out whatever you want, I'll make it." He smiled charmingly. Sally snickered and asked, "What if it's difficult to make? Or something new?" "I can try. I'm no chef though." "Trust me, I know." She teased.

Lightning nudged her with his hip and playfully replied, "You don't got to take such a shot at me." "That wasn't a shot. Telling you that the time you tried making home made lasagna was an Italian tragedy is a shot." "Woah, ho!. That was low. That hurt." He chuckled. Sally snickered with a smile and shook her head. But it felt good. It felt good to laugh and smile with one another. Maybe things could get better…..

Sally was sitting on the couch when Lightning brought her over some spaghetti in a bowl. "Not home made, so no complaining." He teased with a smile. Sally snickered as she took the bowl. Lightning then turned on the tv and put a dvd in Sally raised a brow and asked, "What are we watching. "That horrible old western movie you like." "With Sam Elliot?" She perked up. Lightning. Sat down next to his wife answering, "Yeah, that's the one." "You hate that movie and always pass out when we watch it." "Can't help it, but.. I'll stay up with you and watch the entire movie this time." He assured. Sally shook her head, smiling and eating her spaghetti.

Sitting and cuddling up with Lightning as they watched the old movie. Resting her head over his shoulder, him wrapping his arm around her. Enjoying one another's company….

Sally yawned as the credits began to roll. Looking over at Lightning who was completely passed out on the couch, one leg hanging off, the other knee up and his foot pressing against her. She snickered and rolled her eyes with a smile. "Lightning." She called. Then shook his knee a bit, "Lightning, wake up." Lightning suddenly sat up, "I'm awake. I've been awake." He shouted. Sally raised a brow. He glanced at the tv. No. He passed out. "Every time we watch this." He admitted. Looking at Sally. Sally nodded then something in his goofy smile drew her in. She leaned in, closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his.

Lightning's eyes widened with surprise. Didn't expect that. She pulled back. Looking down. Lightning reached for her, lifting her chin up and getting her to look him directly in the eyes. Just staring into each others eyes for a moment. Taking this moment in. Taking each other's features in again….

Lightning was cleaning up form breakfast as Sally was at the table. Finishing her meal up. Grabbing her plates and walking to the sink. Lightning grabbed them and smiled at her. Just glad she ate all of her food for once.

Knock, knock, knock.

Both of them glanced towards the way to the door. "Who's that?" Lightning asked. Sally walked to the door and opened it. She friend and stared at Ben. He frowned a bit to seeing her. "I'm sorry.. I just came to say goodbye and check up on you." He admitted. Lightning appeared and sighed. Glaring at the man a moment. Ben quickly assured, "I'm not here to cause any trouble. I swear. How are you?" He asked Sally. Sally shrugged answering, "I'm alright… Lightning is taking care of me. I'll be fine." "Good.. That's um… Great.. I'm sorry… For everything. I think it's best that we don't communicate at all anymore. For yours and Lightning's sake… I know what we had was a mistake. And this pain I have put us through again.. I am so… So sorry, Sally… I never meant.." he stopped and sighed, shaking his head.

Lightning stepped forward and growled, "I think it is best you don't speak to my wife anymore now and go." Ben nodded, agreeing silently. Looking at Sally and muttering, "I am so sorry…" Before turning and leaving in the dented up Bentley. The couple watched him go. It was for the best. If Sally and Lightning wanted anything like they had before back, it meant cutting ties with Ben completely and Sally understood that. Lightning closed the door as he stepped back inside. God, he hated Ben so much. Should have punched the man one last time. But the whimpering behind him. Lightning turned and stared at Sally as she began to cry. "Sal…" He called softly.

She just wiped her eyes, no words. Lightning sighed and muttered, "If you want to go with him, I won't stop you…" Sally looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She shook her head replying, "No.. No, I want you. It's not that I'm crying about. I'm just in pain." Choking up on her tears. Lightning frowned then pulled her close. Holding her in his arms, "I love you.." HE whispered. Kissing the top of her head. Sally cried quietly into his chest. She hated herself. She hated her body. She hated this so much. She hated that after her baby died, Lightning was kind and caring again. She hated this situation. She hated her marriage right now. But fuck it all. Nothing was helping her depression. At times it felt that Lightning did, but only sometimes. Would this ever go away? She wondered…..