Dr. Kristin Westphalen brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes with a delicately manicured finger as she watched Caesar Teslof Lansdowne playing in the dolphin pool. He was twenty-one, and could easily have struck out on his own, but he remained at Caicos Key with her and Vicky.

Vicky was really Victoria Rose Westphalen, her nine year old daughter. The girl looked so much like her father that it broke Kristin's heart. It hurt her so much to know that her little girl would never know her father.

Vicky burst out of the house, toting a radio and a towel. Her blue eyes shined in excitement and her lips curved upwards into a smile as she dropped her gear and catapulted into the pool, splashing water everywhere.

Tears came to Kristin's eyes, unbidden, as she once again saw the resemblance between the girl and Nathan Bridger. It was with much pain that she thought about what had happened.

Nathan had procured himself a week of leave, and had come to see her at her position at the Neptune Deep Sea Research Colony. It had been an idyllic week as they had shared their time, their hearts, and most importantly, the treasures of themselves.

One day, about a month later, she had tried to call him. Her call had been refused. It had taken five weeks of snipping at red tape before she'd found out that the seaQuest had disappeared, with all hands aboard.

Malcolm Lansdowne had offered her a shoulder to lean on in her distress, and she had gratefully accepted his assistance.

Vicky had been born there, on Caicos Key, and her very presence had helped Kristin to get on with her life.

Malcolm had died after suffering a heart attack about a year before, and her support had been abruptly yanked out from under her. But Caesar had stepped in to take his adopted father's shoes.

Caesar and Vicky were as close as siblings, and they did everything together, and doted upon one another, which made life that much more simple.

So much had happened in the last ten years. Her heart ached just thinking about it.

She stood up and said in her smooth accent, "I'm going inside. Vicky, you behave yourself!"

"Aww, Mom," Vicky whined.

Kristin shot her daughter *the look* and Vicky shut up abruptly. "Caesar, keep an eye on her," she ordered good-naturedly.

"You've got it, Kristin," Caesar replied, dunking Vicky under the water. The girl came up laughing and spluttering, and as Kristin went inside, she was trying to tug him beneath the surface of the water.

Kristin immediately headed for the kitchen, where she sought out a goblet and a bottle of white wine. She poured herself a small bit, preparing to indulge her pain and grief.

She had only taken a tiny sip when her vid-phone began flashing the banner "incoming message". Stifling a groan, she slid a mask of calmness over her frazzled nerves, and hit a button.

The face of Admiral Katherine Hitchcock came onto the screen. "Kristin," she said with a huge smile, "are you sitting down?"

"No," Kristin replied.

"Well, you'd better sit down," Katie said excitedly.

Kristin pulled a bar stool over and straddled it. "There-- I'm sitting."

"Okay," Katie said. She paused for dramatic purposes, then said, as calmly as she could, "We found the seaQuest."

"What?" Kristin breathed in disbelief. "Where? Are you sure?"

"We're positive," Katie replied, her grin widening. "She was sitting in a corn field in Iowa!"

Kristin took a deep breath, then asked, "Nathan?"

Katie grinned some more. "He's here at Headquarters, filing his report and being briefed."

"Thank God," Kristin exhaled. "Can I see him?"

"Not until he's finished here," Katie replied, shaking her head slightly. "But don't worry - he and I are having a business lunch in a few minutes.

I'll make sure he gets to you, even if I have to deliver him with my own hands," she teased with a wink.

Kristin laughed, then abruptly sobered. "Katie, please don't tell him about Vicky. I want to do that myself," she said softly.

"You've got it, hon," Katie replied. "And now, I've got to make like a banana and split. Don't worry, Kris," she placated gently, "he still loves you." She terminated the link.

Kristin sat there, letting it all sink in. She was suddenly so happy that she burst into tears.

Nathan Bridger paused outside the front door to the house, hesitant to ring the doorbell. Finally, his desire to see Kristin pushed him to ring the bell. He heard the ringing echo throughout the house, then what could only be termed as a stampede, coming towards the door.

"You two are impossible!" he heard Kristin exclaim, though her voice was muffled. "Go upstairs - both of you!" The stampede reversed direction, and the door opened. They studied each other for a long moment. He looked just the same as she remembered.

She had aged only slightly, small wrinkles had deepened a bit, and some grey hairs had crept into the crown of auburn, but she was still the same Kristin Westphalen as he remembered. He watched as her sable eyes filled with tears, and he whispered, "Hi."

"Hello," she murmured, her tears overflowing as she rushed into his arms. "I've missed you so much you wouldn't believe!" she sobbed while he held her lovingly, beginning to cry himself. "Why don't we come inside," she suggested tearfully, dragging him inside.

"Where's Malcolm?" he asked cautiously, listening to the thudding on the ceiling above them.

"He died last year, Nathan," she said gently.

"Oh," he replied softly. "Well..."

He was cut off by a loud thud and a shriek. Kristin flew up the stairs in a flash, leaving him behind. "How many times have I told you two not to play football in the house?" he heard her say with a note of tiredness to her voice. "Come on downstairs if you're going to make so much noise," she ordered.

Caesar bounded down the stairs, carrying Vicky piggy-back. She squealed in delight as he dropped her on the couch and began to tickle her into a wild frenzy of giggles.

"Okay, squirt," Caesar said, "your mom said to be quiet, so we've got to be quiet." Vicky frowned, but complied, albeit grudgingly.

Kristin slowly entered the living room, waiting for Nathan to put two and two together in some obvious fashion, but he didn't. She cleared her throat, then said, "Nathan, you remember Caesar, don't you?"

"Sure!" Nathan expounded. "My goodness, look at how you've grown up, young man!" Caesar merely chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"And this is my daughter, Victoria," Kristin said softly, beckoning for Vicky to come forward.

Nathan paled. "Your daughter?" he croaked.

"Yes," Kristin replied. "Why don't you two get a snack and go outside-- it's a lovely day," she said, turning her attention on the children.

"Come on, Munchkin," Caesar exclaimed, hauling Vicky into the air upside-down. "Let's go feed Flipper and Annie." Vicky squealed in mock-injury, pounding on his back as he lugged her outside.

"They're quite a team," Nathan remarked dryly as soon as the two were outside.

"Yes, they are," Kristin said, tiredly sinking into the couch. "They've been the best of friends forever."

Silence followed her statement and Kristin turned her head to look at him. Nathan was staring at the spot where Caesar and Vicky had disappeared. "Nathan?" she called out softly. He turned to face her and Kristin could read confusion and something she thought might be betrayal in his eyes. She could also read a question in their deep blue depths. Kristin sighed and reached out to take his hand in hers.

"Do you really have to ask Nathan?" she said softly. "Can't you see?"

Surprise crossed his features as everything clicked into place.

"You know, she's so much like you. Vicky's quick and curious... and tenacious." Kristin said with a small laugh. "And she loves the sea."

"Kristin.." Nathan said softly. "I'm sorry I should have...."

"It's all right." Kristin stopped him with a shake of her head. "It's been ten years and it's only natural that you should wonder if I had moved on." Kristin turned on the sofa so that they were sitting very close together. She reached out and brushed the back of her hand down his cheek.

"This may be difficult for you to believe, but there hasn't been anyone in my life since you disappeared. At first, when I got the news I didn't believe it, but when the time passed and you didn't return I finally had to accept the fact that the seaQuest was gone. Two months after I got the news, I also found out I was expecting Vicky and it was because of that I was able to go on. She was a blessing, a special gift I was given in the darkest time of my life. I had a part of you back at a time when I thought that I had lost you forever." she ended with a tearful whisper.

Without a word, Nathan reached out and pulled the woman tight against him. "In the deepest part of my heart," she continued " I knew you were alive and would be back someday. I just didn't expect it to be so long."

"I'm sorry Kristin." he murmured into her hair then pulled back to look into her tearful eyes. "I'm so sorry my love." he finished and kissed her tenderly.

"MOM!!! Caesar dunked me!!!!" Vicky's wail reached them from outside and broke the intimate moment. Seconds later the girl came back into the house looking very much like a drowned rat. Kristin smiled "Vicky love, come here a minute. There's someone I want you to meet." she said and brushed the tears from her cheeks. Vicky wrapped a towel around herself and came to stand beside her mother. She stopped and gazed intently at Nathan. Then in a voice that was very much like her mother's she asked. "Are you my Daddy?"

Nathan pushed down his surprise and replied quietly. "Yes Victoria, I am." he said softly, with trepidation in his voice. He was unprepared when the little girl grinned and launched herself into his arms. "I knew it! I just knew you'd come someday." she said as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Nathan turned his head to look at Kristin and saw the tears in her eyes. Turning back to his daughter, Nathan pulled the girl tight against him and closed his eyes as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him.

"My goodness," he whispered. "You are so much like your mother."

Vicky laughed, then said, "Daddy, do you want to come and meet my dolphins? Annie's gonna have a baby!"

"Sure," he murmured, taking the girl's outstretched hand.

After they put an exhausted Vicky to bed, Nathan and Kristin sat tiredly on the edge of Kristin's bed. "It's great to be home," Nathan said softly, brushing his fingers gently over her cheekbone.

"It's wonderful to have you home," Kristin replied, turning her face into the palm of his hand and gently kissing it. "While you were gone, did you ever think of me?"

"All the time," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "There was one time I thought I was going to die, and all I could think of was how I couldn't leave you all alone, my love." His eyes misted.

"Nathan," she whispered, gently kissing him on the lips. "Don't think about then. Think about now. You have so much to live for here, with me." She smiled tenderly, and whispered, "And our little girl."

He responded to her kiss with a loving kiss of his own. They made love, long into the night, having no desire in the world, or beyond, other than being with each other.

In the morning, Nathan left, going back to UEO Headquarters in New Cape Quest, Florida, for more in the way of briefings and lectures.

Vicky stood by the door, watching her parents say goodbye, then finally couldn't stand it anymore. She hurled herself into her father's arms, begging him not to go. "Daddy, I want you to stay here with me!" she wailed.

"Vicky, sweetheart, I can't," he replied, feeling tears well up in his eyes, too. "I have some things I need to do before I can come back and live here with you and your mother."

"I don't want you to leave!" she screamed, clinging to him. "I don't want you to go!!!" Her wails permeated the house, the walls echoing with her howling.

Hearing the commotion at the front of the house, Caesar quietly approached. Kristin was obviously upset and Vicky clung desperately to her father begging him not to leave her.

"Kristin." Caesar said quietly and the woman turned to face him, tears shining in her sable eyes.

"If you and Vicky want to leave it's all right with me. I can watch things here while you're gone." he offered quietly.

"Caesar I can't...."

"Yes, you can. You've done so much for me since my dad died and I want to return the favor. Besides, I'm doing this more for Vicky. She's just found her father and she's afraid that if he leaves again he won't come back." he explained quietly.

Kristin gave him a nod. "I know. You're sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me."

Kristin smiled, then leaned forward and gave her surrogate son a warm kiss on the cheek. She then stepped away from him and turned back to Vicky and Nathan.

"Vicky sweetheart come here for a minute, Mama wants to talk to you." she said softly.

"NO!" the little girl cried and clung even tighter to her father.

"It's alright Minx, " Nathan soothed "I won't leave. Go and talk to your mother."

Vicky sniffed back her tears and gave him a nod. Pulling away from him she crossed to her mother. Kristin knelt in front of the girl and took a hold of her hands. "Sweetie, I know that you don't want your daddy to leave but he has to. It's a part of his job. I don't want him to go either so how about we make a compromise?"

"What's a compromise?"

"Well, it's sort of like when one person promises to do something and another person promises something in return."

" 'kay." Vicky agreed, albeit fearfully.

"Caesar has promised to look after everything here, so how about you and I go with your daddy?"

"Really?!" Vicky asked with a grin and Kristin nodded. "Daddy?" Vicky turned to face him with an eager look in her blue eyes.

"It sounds like a good idea to me Minx." Nathan smiled.

"Yippee!!!" she cried and ran back into his arms, hugging him tightly.

After a moment she pulled away. "But what about Flipper and Annie?" she asked worriedly.

Caesar stepped forward. "Don't worry about them squirt, I'll watch them for you."

"But if Mama and I go with Daddy then you're gonna be all alone here."

"That's all right, I'll have plenty here to keep me busy. Besides, Flipper and Annie will keep me company." Caesar explained.

"What about Annie's baby?"

Kristin stepped forward. "Sweetie, Annie's not going to have her baby for a while yet. We'll be home in plenty of time. And Caesar can come and visit us any time he wants to."

"See munchkin," Caesar smiled and ruffled her hair. "Everything is going to be okay. You go with your mom and dad and don't worry about me."

"Okay," Vicky grinned.

Kristin smiled at Nathan over their daughter's head. "We need to do a bit of packing. How long can we take?" she asked quietly.

"Actually, the chopper leaves in about 20 minutes," Nathan replied. "But don't worry," he assuaged, "I can afford to take you two shopping." He winked as Kristin rolled her eyes.

"Can I bring Millie, too?" Vicky asked loudly.

"Who's Millie?" Nathan shot back.

"Millie is my teddy bear-- the one I got when I was little, and in the hospital," Vicky replied. "I take her everywhere."

"Go on and get Millie, sweetheart," Kristin said. Vicky scampered off.

"What did she mean by that?" Nathan asked.

"Nathan, she's a lot more fragile than she acts," Kristin replied softly. "She was full-term when she was born, but she still only weighed about 5 ½ pounds. She was in the hospital until she was about 4 months old, and then, when she was six months old, she caught viral pneumonia." Her voice trembled. "When she was five, her right kidney failed, due to a malignant tumor. They couldn't remove the tumor, so, they removed her entire kidney. Right after surgery, her left kidney failed, and they almost lost her. But, Caesar, thank god, had a matching type on his kidneys. They did a transplant."

"Oh my God," Nathan breathed. "Kris, why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm not done yet, Nathan," she whispered. "About every six months or so, we go into New Cape Quest to have her kidneys screened for more cancer cells, and so far, she hasn't had a remission." She sighed. "She overcompensates for her fragility with boisterousness. She's had 27 broken bones in the last two years. I simply cannot keep up with her, Nathan."

Nathan frowned. "Kris, I don't know what to say," he said softly. "I could never have guessed from the way she acts."

Kristin nodded. "She takes Millie with her anywhere she goes, because that bloody bear is her comfort," she said, rolling her eyes.

Vicky came bounding down the stairs, two at a time, lugging a big brown teddy bear that had obviously seen better days. Vivid swatches of color covered tears in the bear's fur, and one of the bear's eyes had even popped out. But the girl didn't care. "I'm ready to go, Daddy!" she proclaimed excitedly, bouncing over, into her father's arms.

Nathan gazed down lovingly at the small russet head that was nestled against his chest. Vicky had finally succumbed to exhaustion brought on by the excitement of the day. She had fallen asleep, curled up against his side, almost before the movie they had started to watch had finished it's opening credits. He looked up when he heard Kristin moving quietly in the second bedroom of their hotel suite. He watched as she moved from the smaller room into the master bedroom and into the bathroom. Minutes later he heard the sound of the shower.

Nathan smiled softly to himself and then his thoughts turned back to the little girl who slept peacefully in his arms. He'd only known of her existence for a short span of hours and yet he loved this little girl more than he thought possible. In two short days she had captured his heart and Nathan could not imagine another day of his life spent without her in it. He'd missed so much - ten years of Vicky's and Kristin's lives stolen away from him through a cruel trick of time. Nathan vowed then, that he would never again let anything take him away from his family again. For once in his life, Nathan realized that his family was more important to him than anything else in the world, even his job. He made a promise to himself and to Kristin and Vicky, that he would do whatever it took to stay with them.

"Well, it looks like somebody is ready for bed." Kristin's soft voice sounded quietly in the room and drew Nathan from his thoughts. He looked up and saw her standing in the doorway. He smiled appreciatively as his eyes scanned her slender frame. She had just stepped from the shower, her long hair hung still damp around her shoulders and she had pulled on a green terry robe.

"She didn't even make it through the opening credits." he responded with an amused smile.

Kristin's bare feet made no sound on the plush carpet as she crossed to the sofa and sat down. Reaching out she stroked Vicky's back lovingly then her eyes lifted and found Nathan's watching her. She smiled at the love and devotion she saw there and then a hint of sadness entered their blue depths.

"I've missed so much...." he whispered softly. "I missed ten years of our daughter's life... I missed ten years of a life I could have spent with you. And when I think of Vicky being so sick and you going through all that alone I......"

Kristin reached out and pressed slender fingers to his lips, silencing his words. "You're here now, and that is all that matters. The past is over and the future is not yet written. All we have is now. We can't change what has happened but we can make the best of the moments we have. Now, let's go put our little girl to bed." she said softly.

Nathan gave her a tender smile and a nod then he pulled Vicky into his arms and stood up, carrying her into her bedroom.

Minutes later Vicky was dressed in clean pyjamas, tucked in between cool sheets , with Millie curled in the crook of her arm. Nathan leaned down and brushed a kiss across her forehead. "Sweet dreams Minx. Daddy loves you." he whispered softly before standing up. Kristin stepped forward to take his place. "Goodnight my angel." she whispered and pressed a kiss to the little girl's forehead.

Turning back to Nathan she slipped her hand into the warmth of his and moved with him to the door. As they stepped out Nathan flipped out the light and pulled the door closed behind him. Kristin stepped away from him and moved through the suite turning out the rest of the lights. Lastly she turned off the TV and returned to his side. Without a word, she slipped her hand back into his and moved into their bedroom. Stopping beside the bed, Kristin turned to face him.

"Now, as for you Nathan Bridger." she whispered softly and slipped her arms around his neck. "We have ten years to make up for and I intend to collect on everything that I have missed." she finished with a seductive smile.

"Everything?" Nathan asked with a grin.

"Everything." she responded and kissed him hungrily.

Kristin awoke and stretched languidly. She reached out a searching hand for Nathan's warm presence, only to find the place beside her empty. Opening her eyes, Kristin turned her head and saw the note resting against Nathan's pillow. Sitting up she picked up the note and a small smile crossed her features as she read the message.
 

"You looked so peaceful when I awoke that I didn't have the heart to wake you. I'll be in meetings all day, but I hope to be done by dinnertime. Why don't you and Vicky meet me at the UEO and we'll go someplace special. I'll be thinking about you both. I love you and give Vicky a kiss for me."

Nathan.
 

Kristin smiled and slipped from the bed. After a quick shower Kristin dressed and went to wake Vicky. Opening the door to her daughter's room, Kristin stepped inside. "Vicky, sweetheart it's time to wake up." she called as she crossed to the bed. When she stopped beside the bed, Kristin realized that something was very wrong. "Vicky!!" she called out in a panicked voice and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Vicky, wake up!" she demanded firmly and shook her but the little girl did not respond.

"Oh God!" Kristin cried and fearfully to the girl's wrist in her hand. She almost sobbed in relief when she felt the faint fluttering of a pulse beneath her fingers. Gathering her child into her arms, Kristin rushed into the front room and over to the vid-screen.

"Front desk."

"I need an ambulance right away! It's an emergency, my little girl is sick!"

"Would you like me to send up the hotel doctor Ma'am?"

"I am a doctor dammit!" Kristin snapped. "My baby is comatose!!! I need an ambulance right now!!!"

"Yes ma'am, I'll send for one immediately." the receptionist responded and closed the channel.

Kristin quickly made another call.

"UEO, how may I help you?"

"I need to get a message to Captain Bridger right away. It's an emergency."

'I'm sorry ma'am but the captain is in debriefings all day and I am under orders not to disturb them, for any reason."

"This isn't just any reason! His daughter is sick!" Kristin explained anxiously. The young ensign looked about to protest when Kristin cut him off again. "Let me speak with Admiral Hitchcock." she demanded.

"One moment."

The screen changed it's focus and Katie's smiling features appeared on the screen. That smile quickly faded when she saw Kristin's tear stricken face.

"Kristin, what is it?"

"Vicky's had a relapse." the older woman sobbed.

"Oh God Kris... I'm sorry." Katie responded softly, tears brimming in her brilliant blue eyes, and fear for her god-daughter filled her.

"I have to get word to Nathan."

"I'll go and tell him myself." Katie offered. "Are you going to NCQ General?"

"Yes."

"Don't worry hon, I'll get him there."

Kristin turned her head at the sound of a knock. "The ambulance is here." she said, turning back to her friend.

"You go." Katie said. "Take care of Vicky, I'll get Nathan."

Kristin nodded and the channel closed.

Katie pushed back her fear and brushed the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. Getting up from her desk she strode quickly to the door. She was almost running by the time she reached the briefing room. Opening the door she stepped inside. All eyes turned towards her, and Katie saw the faces of many of her former crew mates but at this particular moment she felt the gaze of a particular set of blue eyes, most intently. She did not look at him but turned instead to the man at the head of the table. Bill Noyce glared at her. "Admiral Hitchcock, what is the meaning of this interruption? You know we left strict orders not to be disturbed!"

"I'm sorry, but I need to speak with Captain Bridger right away. It's urgent."

"What is it Katie? What's wrong?" Nathan asked as he stood, forgetting for the moment that this woman now out-ranked him.

"It's Vicky." she responded softly.

Nathan paled and fear closed it's icy fist around his heart. "What happened?"

"She's had a relapse. Kristin is taking her to NCQ General."

"Who is Vicky?" One of the Generals asked quietly.

"His daughter." Noyce explained softly. "Go on Nathan. We'll finish your debriefing some other time. Go and be with your family." Bill said compassionately.

Nathan murmured a quiet thank you to his friend before moving quickly around the conference table and following Katie outside.

"Kristin?!" Nathan called as he rushed down the hospital corridor to where she sat in one of the waiting rooms. The woman got up at his call and ran toward him. "Nathan!!!" she sobbed as he caught her and pulled her close. He held her tightly for a moment and then pulled back to look down into his lover's anguished face. "What's happened? How is Vicky?" he asked anxiously and saw the fear in her sable eyes.

"Oh God Nathan..." she sobbed. "Vicky's in a coma!"

"Shh, Kris - it's all right," he soothed, though he hardly believed the comforting words himself. "Everything is going to be fine."

"It's my fault!" she cried in anguish. "This is all my fault!"

"How is it all your fault?" he asked, stroking away the tears that ran down her cheek. When she only began to cry harder, he repeated, "How is it all your fault?"

"I didn't pay enough attention," she wailed. "I'm a doctor, for God's sake, and I can't even pay enough attention to my child!" She covered her face and turned away from Nathan, her body convulsing with sobs.

"Kristin," he began, but his statement was cut off as a female doctor came out of the room across the hall.

"Kristin," Dr. Amy Hendricks said softly, "we have her stabilized, now."

Kristin slid her calm facade back on, sniffling back her tears. "Thank you, Amy," she said, moving into the room.

"Doctor," Nathan said, "how is Vicky?"

Amy hesitated, then said, "Not good. We have her on dialysis, a respirator, and a heart monitor, and there's no guarantee that she'll ever wake up."

The doctor's quietly spoken words filled Nathan with more fear than he had ever felt in the entirety of his life. He knew first hand, the pain and anguish of losing a child and he did not want to go through that agony ever again. But Robert's death had been different in the fact that he and Carol had no warning. There had just been that call telling them that their son would never be coming home.

Nathan stepped quietly into the hospital room and felt like he'd been sucker-punched in the stomach. His little girl looked so tiny in that big hospital bed and so pale against the whiteness of the sheets. Her frail body was hooked up to every piece of equipment imaginable. She was so still... so very still.

Kristin looked up from her place at Vicky's bedside at Nathan's soft gasp. Terror and shock were clearly written on his features. Although the sight of Vicky like this was painful for her, it was not something new to her and she had known what to expect upon walking into the room. Nathan, however, had no such foresight and had been unprepared for the sight. "Nathan" she called softly and he lifted fear-filled eyes from the still form of their child and met his lover's stricken sable eyes.

She held out her hand to him and he slowly crossed the room to her side. He pulled a second chair close and sat. Once he was seated he took Kristin's hand in his and pulled it close. Kristin leaned her head down, resting it on his shoulder and they began the long, agonizing vigil of waiting for their child to wake up.

Several hours later Nathan was still seated quietly at Vicky's bedside. The hospital was still and quiet, the only sounds came from the equipment monitoring and sustaining Vicky and the occasional sigh and murmur from a sleeping Kristin.

She had finally succumbed to exhaustion several hours before and had curled up on the cot in the corner of the room to sleep. That was only after his admonition and promise that he would wake her if there was any change in Vicky's condition. There was none.

Nathan turned his eyes from Kristin's face and back to Vicky. Reaching out, he took a hold of his daughter's tiny hand and pulled it close. He sighed and suddenly felt the need to speak to her.

"Hey minx," he spoke softly. "Daddy's here, so is mommy. You have to fight this Vicky. You have to get better 'cause your mama and I need you." he said softly, emotion choking his voice. "We also need you to wake up because I have something special that I need your help with. I wanna ask your mama to marry me so that we can be a family and I need you to help me pick out the ring. Come back to us minx." he finished tearfully.

Suddenly, Kristin's arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed her tear wet cheek against his own. Reaching up, Nathan took a hold of her wrist and gently guided the woman around the chair until she was standing in front of him. With a gentle tug he pulled her onto his lap and she curled up, tucking her head in the warm crook of his neck and shoulder. Nathan wrapped his arms tightly around Kristin and they cried together.

"I'm sure that Nathan and Kristin will appreciate you coming, Lucas," Katie Hitchcock said, parking her convertible in the hospital parking lot.

"Yeah," Lucas mumbled. "How come you came, too?"

Katie cracked a slight smile. "Vicky's my god-daughter. I can't desert her," she said, climbing out of the car. "I've always helped Kristin take care of her, even when she was hovering near death. It just comes naturally to me, I guess. C'mon," she instructed, taking his arm in hers and starting towards the doors. When they got inside, she stopped by the nurses' station.

"Can I help you, ma'am?" said a blonde lady without looking up.

"Yes. We're here to see Victoria Rose Westphalen," Katie said. "She's in ICU with her parents."

The nurse glanced up, and caught sight of the full uniform Katie wore. "Yes, ma'am," she stuttered. "Miss Westphalen is in room 128 in the ICU ward." As they stepped away from the counter, the nurse said, "Please check with me on your way back out!"

"We will," Katie promised, leading Lucas down one of the corridors.

Katie stopped at the door to room 128 and quietly pushed the door open. Lucas followed quietly as she stepped into the room and stopped just inside the door. Kristin looked up from her place at Vicky's side and flashed the younger woman a grateful smile.

"Katie thanks for coming." she said as she rose and crossed to her.

"There's no where else I'd be but here for you and Vicky." Hitchcock replied as she accepted Kristin's warm hug. "So how, you holding up hon?" she asked.

"Oh about as well as can be expected." Kristin responded quietly "But Nathan's having a really difficult time with this." she added softly.

"Where is he?" Katie questioned.

"He went for some coffee and something to eat, and that was only after I threatened him." Kristin said.

Katie gave her a small smile. "I called Caesar and he'll be here late tomorrow."

"Thank you." Kristin replied and then noticed the other visitor.

"Lucas." she gasped in surprised shock, as this was the first time she had seen him in ten years. She moved towards him and she pulled him into a tight hug. "Oh I missed you." she murmured quietly.

"I missed you too." Lucas replied and then pulled back to look into Kristin's face. "I really hope your little girl gets better."

Kristin bit back a sob and nodded. "Me too Lucas."

Nathan returned a short time later and greeted Lucas and Katie gratefully.

Several minutes after Nathan's return, Doctor Amy Hendricks stepped into the room.

"Amy?" Kristin questioned anxiously as she rose from her chair. "What is it?"

"We need to talk." the woman doctor said grimly.

"You can speak freely in front of Lucas and Katie," Kristin added when she sensed the doctor's hesitation to speak with them present. "They are close friends."

"Very well." Hendricks nodded.

Nathan got up and came to stand slightly behind Kristin, resting his hands on her shoulders. "What's wrong Amy?" he asked with trepidation.

"I got Vicky's last test results back and they're not good. Her condition is slowly deteriorating and I'm afraid there is nothing that I can do to stop it." she said softly. "I think that you both have to come to terms with the fact that Vicky is....."

"NO!" Kristin snapped angrily. "NO don't you say that!"

"Kristin," Amy said solicitously. "I'm sorry but I'm afraid that we're going to lose her this time."

"No," Kristin sobbed. "No..."

Nathan reached out and pulled Kristin into the sheltering warmth of his arms. She pressed her face to his shirt and sobbed out her pain and grief. Nathan's own tears fell as he pulled her more tightly to him and together they shared the agony and fear that very soon their daughter would be taken from them.

Lucas and Katie held back, for fear of breaking the couple's private well of grief. They stood, in shock, near the door, watching Amy Hendrick's expression.

Katie softly said, "Amy, isn't there anything at all you can do for her?"

Amy shook her head. "We've already done everything we can. No matter what else we do, she's not going to make it."

Lucas frowned and slipped out of the room. He paced the length of the corridor, thinking. It was so unfair for the Captain and Kristin to have to deal with something that could, quite possibly, destroy the very foundations of their lives. There had to be something he could do.

Then it hit him. Tobias.

Kristin couldn't stop crying. Every foundation that stood at the base of her life, her very existence, was toppling over, tearing more and more of her away.

"Oh, God," she whimpered, clinging to Nathan like a lifeline. He was there-- the only constant in her life, now that Vicky was. . . She couldn't even admit it to herself. She was going to lose her baby, and she couldn't even tell herself that.

Lucas came back into the room, and she realized that she hadn't even known that he'd left. The young man came over to them, and said, "Captain, I think we need to talk to Tobias."

Nathan stared up him, and said, "Lucas, not here. Not now."

"But, Cap..."

"You know we can't talk about it here," Nathan snapped.

"Cap..."

"No."

Katie frowned. "Nathan, he's right, though."

Nathan groaned. "Not you, too, Katie."

Kristin lifted her head from his shoulder. "Who is Tobias? What's going on?" she questioned anxiously.

"Kris, we can't talk about it," Nathan replied. "It's classified."

Lucas snorted, "Since when has that stopped us before?" He stood up straighter, then said, "I can take care of it, Cap. Trust me."

"I'll help him," Katie volunteered. "I don't listen in on de-briefings for nothing, you know," she said with a wink.

Nathan contemplated that for a moment, then nodded. "Do what you have to do."

Time ticked by at an intolerably slow pace and every moment that passed saw Vicky getting weaker. Nathan paced back and forth in his daughter's room, his anxiety growing with each step he took. It seemed to him to be an eternity later but in fact was only a matter of hours when Vicky's door opened. Katie and Lucas stepped back into the room, followed closely by another man whom Nathan recognized immediately as Tobias Lacounte

Kristin looked up from her place at Vicky's bedside as the group entered the room and watched curiously as Nathan greeted this sandy-haired stranger.

"Thank you for coming Tobias." Nathan said quietly and reached out to shake the man's hand.

"It's the least that I could do Nathan given everything that you and your crew have sacrificed to help my people. When Lucas and Katherine told me what was happening with your daughter I offered my help right away."

"Nathan?" Kristin questioned softly as she rose from Vicky's side and moved to stand beside him.

"I'm sorry Kristin." Nathan apologized. "Kristin, this is Dr. Tobias Lacounte. Tobias, Kristin Westphalen... Vicky's mother."

"It's very nice to meet you Kristin." Tobias smiled and took her hand. "I only wish it were under more pleasant circumstances. Now, time is short so I will get to the point of my visit. I can help your daughter but I cannot do it here. There are things that I need that can only be found....." his voice trailed off when he realized he was revealing too much. "I'm afraid that you're going to have to trust her to my care completely so that I can take her to a place where I can help her. Your trust will come because I must do this alone." he finished quietly and looked from Nathan to Kristin and back.

"Nathan?" Kristin turned to him with concern, worry and uncertainty on her face.

Grasping her arm gently, Nathan led her to a corner of the room so that they could speak privately.

"I don't suppose you can tell me who this man is, where he comes from and more importantly, why we should trust him with our daughter's life?" she demanded softly.

"No Kristin I wish that I could, but I can't." Reaching out he tenderly brushed back a stray lock of russet hair. "Sweetheart, I need you to trust me implicitly and know that I wouldn't risk Vicky's life if I didn't know that Tobias could help her."

"Do you trust him?"

"Yes, as much as I do you, and you I would trust with my life." he replied softly.

Kristin gave him a tender smile then sighed and nodded.

"All right." she agreed softly.

Returning her smile, Nathan slipped his arm around her waist and led her back to where Tobias waited.

"All right," Nathan told the man. "Do whatever you have to. Just help my little girl, make her better." Nathan said quietly and Tobias gave him a nod.

Kristin reached out and placed a hand on Tobias' arm.

"I don't know you, but Nathan trusts you and that's enough for me. I just want you to promise me one thing." she said softly.

"What?"

Tears misted her eyes and she fought them back. "Promise me that my baby won't be scared." she asked, emotion choking her voice.

"You have my word." Tobias responded softly and patted her hand.

"Very well," Kristin nodded. "Then do what you must."

"I know that time is critical." Nathan said quietly. "But could you give us a few minutes alone to say goodbye."

"Of course." Tobias nodded. "I need to make arrangements to have Vicky transferred to a UEO ambulance." he stated quietly then turned and headed for the door. Katie and Lucas followed him out leaving Nathan and Kristin alone to say goodbye to their daughter.

Kristin stood on the deck and watched the sun as it set over the ocean and painted the sky with brilliant hues. It's beauty, however, could not take away the heaviness of her soul or the ache in her heart. It had been almost a month since Nathan's friend had taken Vicky away and they had heard nothing and she missed her baby terribly. The not knowing was tearing them both apart.

She heard soft footsteps behind her and instinctively knew it was Nathan. Seconds later his arms stole around her waist and he pulled her back against him. She accepted his embrace, tilting her head back onto his shoulder and pressed her hands over his at her waist.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

"No." she began and couldn't keep the tears from her eyes. "I just hate this not knowing, Nathan." she began and turned around in his embrace. She looked up into his ocean blue eyes and saw her own pain mirrored in their depths.

"I know." Nathan murmured and brushed a tender kiss to her lips. "I know I hate it too."

"I need to know if she's okay. I need to know if she's alive or dead." Kristin sobbed as her tears fell in earnest. "Oh God, Nathan, our little girl may be dead and...."

"Sh, don't say that." Nathan said and cupped her face between his palms. "Tobias would have contacted me if anything had happened. She's all right Kris. The fact that we haven't heard anything is a good sign." he finished softly and waited for her soft nod. "What ever happens we'll get through this. Together. I love you Kristin." Nathan said softly and brushed a kiss over her lips.

"I love you too." Kristin finished. "So very much." she added and drew his lips back to hers.

So wrapped up in each other were they that neither heard the doorbell nor Caesar's surprise when he opened the door.

Tobias moved through the house to the patio and paused in the doorway. He smiled softly upon seeing the embracing couple and cleared his throat.

"Hello Nathan." he said when the startled couple turned to face him.

"Tobias?' Nathan responded in surprise.

"I have somebody here who wants to say hello." he added with a bright grin.

"Mommy, Daddy?!!!!" Vicky called as she raced out onto the deck and over to her parents.

"Vicky, Oh God." Kristin sobbed and pulled her child into her arms. Nathan joined her and held both of them close.

"I missed you Mommy, Daddy." Vicky stated. "But I got to ride in this really cool space ship....." she began.

"Ah Victoria," Tobias admonished softly. "Remember what we talked about?"

"Oh, yah sorry. But isn't it okay to tell Mom and Dad?" she asked the man with eagerness in her blue eyes.

"I suppose that's all right." Tobias relented with a smile.

"Coool."

Vicky turned back to her parents and accepted the barrage of hugs and kisses. Looking over Nathan's shoulder Kristin's eyes met Tobias' gaze.

"How can I ever thank you. You've given us our child back and there are no words to express our gratitude." she told him tearfully

"No thanks is necessary Kristin, none at all. I'm just so glad that I could help you save this beautiful child of yours. It was my pleasure and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent together when she was in my care." Tobias smiled.

Nathan released his family and stepped up to his friend. "Thank you my friend." he said and the two men shared a hug.

"You're welcome. "

"Will you join us for dinner?"

"I'd like that." Tobias replied.

"Mommy, how are Flipper and Annie? Has Annie had her baby yet?"

"Well, why don't you and Caesar go down and find out?" Kristin smiled and looked up to see Caesar in the doorway.

Setting Vicky down, Kristin watched as the girl crossed over to Caesar and took his hand. "Come on, Caesar!" she said and firmly tugged on his hand.

The trio of adults chuckled as they watched the two moved down onto the sand and down to the water.

"How is she, really?' Kristin asked when the two had left.

"She's just fine Kristin. You'll find that there is no trace of her cancer present and it will never return I can guarantee that." Tobias told her.

"Thank you." Kristin stated again.

 "This one Daddy." Vicky said and tapped the glass of the display case.

"You're sure?" Nathan questioned as he looked in at the 10 carat pear shaped diamond in a platinum setting.

"Yes. Mommy will love this one." Vicky told him with a grin.

"All right Minx. That one it is." Nathan replied with a smile and called the clerk over.

Vicky couldn't contain her excitement as they returned home with the ring in a bag.

"My what's got you all excited?" Kristin asked as Vicky bounded into the house with her father close behind.

"Daddy and I have a surprise for you Mommy." Vicky said and gave a little giggle.

"Oh do you now." Kristin smiled as Nathan moved to her side. "And what might this surprise be?"

"Well why don't you sit down on the couch and find out." Nathan replied with a grin.

Once Kristin was seated, Nathan sat next to her and pulled Vicky up onto his lap.

"Okay Minx." he said and Vicky reached into the bag to pull out a small blue velvet box.

"Open it Mommy." Vicky giggled and passed it over.

Kristin opened the jeweler's box and gasped. "Nathan its exquisite."

"See I told you she'd like it." Vicky stated triumphantly. "You do like it don't you Mommy? I helped Daddy pick it out."

"I love it baby, thank you." Kristin murmured and gave her daughter a grateful kiss.

Nathan reached around Vicky and took the box from Kristin. He took the ring from it's nest and then lifted her left hand. He slipped the ring on her finger and met her tearful gaze.

"Kristin, I love you both more than I could ever tell you and I want nothing more than for us to be a family, a real family. Will you marry me?"

"Yes." Kristin replied with a tearful smile. "Yes I'll marry you." she added and they shared a passionate kiss.

It was on a beautiful summer day, one month later when friends and family gathered together to witness the joining of Nathan Bridger and Kristin Westphalen. Vicky walked happily beside her mother as they walked down the aisle to Nathan and stood proudly between them as vows were recited and they became officially a family.

Kristin tucked her sleepy daughter into bed and after she had pulled Millie tight to her side Vicky looked up at her parents with sleepy blue eyes. "This was the best day ever, wasn't it." she muttered tiredly.

"Yes angel, the best day ever." Kristin murmured as she shared a glance with Nathan. "Sweet dreams, Baby." Kristin murmured and brushed a kiss over her forehead.

"Goodnight Minx." Nathan replied as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

"'night." Vicky mumbled and was quickly asleep. Nathan helped Kristin up and they stepped quietly from Vicky's room closing the door to keep out the sounds of the party still going on.

It was well after midnight when Nathan and Kristin saw the last of their guests leave.

Caesar had left early to spend a couple of days with his friends and so with the exception of their daughter, Nathan and Kristin had the house to themselves. As the door shut behind the last guest, Nathan turned and swept Kristin up into his arms.

"Well Mrs. Bridger." he grinned. "We're finally alone."

"Oh really and how about that little girl of ours?" Kristin responded with a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Well, if we're very quiet she'll sleep right through it."

"Sleep right through what?" Kristin countered coyly.

Nathan growled playfully and dove for the satin curve of her neck attacking the smooth flesh with gentle nipping kisses.. Kristin giggled as the assault continued and Nathan carried her down the hall to the bedroom. Crossing over to the bed, he dumped her unceremoniously on top of the covers and stepped back. "Don't move" he added with a feral growl and pointed finger then moved back out of the room. Kristin's eyes followed him as he moved through the house and turned out the lights then disappeared into the kitchen. She smiled softly then despite his order not to move, she got up and took out the candles she had stashed in the bedside table. Several minutes later she moved to the door and turned out the light and the room was lit only by the softly flickering glow of the dozens of candles she had scattered about the bedroom. Hearing Nathan approach, she quickly moved back onto the bed, stretching herself out sensuously just as he appeared in the doorway with two champagne glasses and a champagne bottle.

"I thought I said not to move." he quipped playfully as he stepped into the bedroom and closed the door with his foot.

Kristin merely flashed him a grin as he crossed the room and set the champagne and glasses down on the floor. "Champagne?" he asked her as he sat on the bed.

"No." Kristin shook her head and flashed him a sensual smile.

"Oh, and what is it that you do want, Mrs. Bridger?" Nathan questioned in a husky whisper

Kristin leaned forward and tugged him onto the bed beside her. As he stretched out, Kristin rolled and braced her arms on either side of him. "I want you." she murmured huskily and lowered her lips to his for a passionate kiss.

The champagne was forgotten as they lost themselves in the pleasure of each other, hands caressing familiar curves and hollows, eliciting soft gasps and moans that blended with the music of the night wind and sea that drifted in from the open window.

Much later, Kristin curled into the warmth of Nathan's side, her hand tracing lazy patterns over his chest. "Nathan?"

"Hmmm." he replied in a drowsy whisper.

"I have something to tell you." she began and lifted her head. Nathan opened his eyes and looked up, meeting the intensity of her sable eyes in the quiet dark of the bedroom.

"What?" he asked softly.

"Well. I never, ever thought I'd be having this conversation again. I thought I was too old, but I guess mother nature doesn't think so."

"Kristin m'love, you're rambling." he said with a teasing smile.

"Am I? Sorry. Well I guess there's no other way to do this but just say it. Nathan, I'm pregnant?"

"Come again?"

" I'm pregnant. We're pregnant."

"Are you sure?" he asked in a surprised tone but couldn't keep the smile from his lips.

"Very. I saw Dr. Stevenson this morning and she confirmed my suspicions." Kristin returned with a smile.

"That's wonderful news sweetheart." Nathan grinned and pulled her close for a kiss. "Isn't there a danger to you though, being pregnant this late in life?" he asked with concern.

"Some. Missy did the genetic tests and called me just before the ceremony. The fetus is developing normally and there are no signs of any genetic problems. She did say that she was going to monitor me very closely, especially through the first trimester and the threat of miscarriage is over. I'm supposed to take it easy." she added with a smile.

"Well, then that's exactly what you're going to do." Nathan grinned broadly. "A baby. We're gonna have a baby."

"Yes." Kristin laughed.

"Vicky's gonna be ecstatic." Nathan added.

"Oh, I'm sure she will be. She's been pestering me for a little brother or sister since you got home." Kristin added with a sly smile.

"That little Minx." Nathan chuckled then shifted Kristin until her lean body was stretched out over his. He pushed back her hair with both hands and his voice was low and full of emotion when he added. "You've made me the happiest man alive. I love you two... I mean you three, more than I could ever tell you. You've given me back my future."

"And we love you and so happy you came back to us."

"I'm home darlin', home to stay. Forever and always." he said in a soft whisper

"Forever and always." Kristin echoed and met his lips and they made love again and yet again, long into the night falling asleep in the warmth and comfort of each other's arms as the first hint of dawn kissed the horizon.