Special Thanks: To Mary for all her hard work with the editing of the story. To Laura and Mary for sharing their wonderful experience and for their expert advice with the creation of this storyline. You're both the best! To Stoley for faithfully maintaining my web site and our friendship. To my beloved Peruvian princess Monica for all of her love and support. For the tireless hours she spends maintaining ClubUber's web site and for putting up with me! I love you completely! A huge thanks to all the fans of the story for faithfully following along with Lark and Rayne's adventures!

Comments are happily accepted at Cruise1313@aol.com.

Part XXII

"Okay…you were right. I concede. We've got a beautiful baby girl and you were right." Rayne grinned happily and kissed Lark. "Honey, I'm so ecstatic that my heart is pounding in my chest. Thank you." Rayne lovingly smiled and kissed Lark. She broke the kiss when she heard their baby cry for the first time. She looked at the baby as the doctors checked her over, then back to Lark smiling proudly.

"Our child's first cry!" Lark excitedly exclaimed as the tears streaked her face. "Does she look like you?" She asked, hopeful.

"Well, yeah like I do underneath these scrubs…all yucky." Rayne teasingly laughed and looked to make sure the baby was alright as the medical team cleaned the baby off.

"Rayne…you're kidding?" Lark asked, laughing.

"We'll I'm not sure how you can stand the stench of me, considering I haven't bathed for a couple of days. Our daughter is being cleaned off right now." Rayne informed her as she intently supervised the medical team attending to their daughter. "I'll bet she's incredibly beautiful. Just like you." Rayne affectionately smiled and squeezed Lark's hand that clutched hers. Rayne looked at the doctor who waved her over. "I'll be right back. I've got something very important to get." Rayne giddily answered and limped over to the doctor.

Lark smiled and gasped, catching the breath that escaped her as she thought about seeing their child for the first time. It was her dream coming true. She couldn't wait to see Rayne, the woman that she loved so much, hand their child to her. It was a moment she wanted to have happen from the day she first met Rayne. She knew that they would come to this point in their life. Granted, they had a rocky road of late, but she always knew they would have children and be together. She was right and it felt wonderful. Her emotions consumed her and the tears flowed freely as she heard the baby crying, taking her first breaths. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. She couldn't wait to see the baby. 'I feel so exuberant, so alive…wonderful. I just can't believe that a tiny human being came out of me.' She joyfully smiled.

Rayne stood stunned as she looked at her daughter. Her mouth was agape, her eyes wide open and her heart raced a mile a minute. "You okay?" The doctor asked, putting her hand on Rayne's shoulder.

Rayne looked at the doctor. "Yeah…fine…just a bit overwhelmed, but I'll be fine." Rayne's nervous excitement showed all over her fine features as she stood staring at her daughter.

The doctor was concerned with the look Rayne possessed. She had a far off look, her skin was pale and she was sweating profusely. The doctor felt her forehead. "Rayne you're very warm. I'm really concerned about you." The doctor informed her, noticing the blood leaking through Rayne's scrubs from her shoulder. "What the hell?" She exclaimed, moving the material to look at the area.

"Hey! No cussing in front of the baby. My lovely wife will have a fit if she hears you." Rayne grinned, unconcerned about her wounds.

"Rayne this isn't funny. You're bleeding." The doctor firmly whispered out of earshot of Lark and glaringly looked at her.

"It's where I was shot. I'll have it looked at later. Right now, I'd like to meet my daughter and introduce her to her Mommy. If that's okay with you?" Rayne sarcastically asked, flashing an equally steely gaze the doctor's way and threw a towel over her shoulder to conceal the wound from Lark. There was no way she wasn't going to hold her daughter and present her to Lark. It's what she's been waiting to do for a very long time and she didn't want Lark to worry about her injuries. She wanted this moment to be perfect and damn it…she would see to it that it was.

"Okay…but just for a few minutes. Then you're getting the medical attention you desperately need." The doctor firmly bargained.

"Deal." Rayne dryly conceded and looked at her daughter who lay wrapped in a pink blanket. The doctor placed the baby in Rayne's good arm and held her until Rayne was able to position her injured arm under the baby to support her. She was only able to move her arm from the elbow down as the pain was excruciating when she moved it any other way. Rayne's heart fluttered when she looked into the sweet face before her and felt her hands shake. She was nervous to meet her daughter. She wanted to be everything and more to her. "She's gorgeous…absolutely stunning." Rayne gushed proudly, looking upon her daughter, securely holding her for the first time. Her eyes watered and she leaned down to gently kiss her daughter's forehead. The baby wiggled and moved causing Rayne to chuckle. She looked up at the doctor as tears of joy fell unchecked. "Isn't she the most beautiful baby you've ever seen?" Rayne asked, sporting a large proud smile, looking at the doctor.

"She's very beautiful." The doctor agreed, smiling.

"Hello! There's a Mommy over here wondering what's going on with her child!" Lark sarcastically shouted to get their attention.

"She's so demanding." Rayne teased, looking at the doctor, then down to her daughter. "What do you say about meeting your gorgeous Mommy?" She asked in a soft, sweet tone as the baby's arms wiggled and she opened her eyes to look upon her mother for the first time. "I take that as a yes!" Rayne chuckled and limped towards Lark, who's smile intensified at the sight of her lover holding their daughter. "I have a very beautiful young lady who'd like to meet her Mommy." Rayne exuberantly smiled and handed the baby to Lark. Rayne worried that she would miss this moment and imagined how wonderful it was going to be seeing Lark with their child for the first time. This moment was nowhere near what she imagined it to be and there was no hiding her emotions. She couldn't control them and desperately tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She was having a hard time calming her racing heart as she lovingly watched Lark cuddle their child. There was no way she could ever be happier than that moment as she saw their child through Lark's eyes. She felt no pain whatsoever, only complete joy and happiness.

Rayne's revelry was broken when Lark spoke. "She's beautiful honey." Lark smiled proudly, cuddling the baby as she lovingly looked up at Rayne. "Rayne, are you okay?" She worriedly asked, as Rayne looked like she was about to lose it.

"No, I'm so happy that I can barely contain myself Lark. I have so much love and affection in my heart seeing the two of you together that I'm overwhelmed. I don't know what to do." She shook her head and nervously chuckled. "This is the moment I've been waiting for Lark for a very long time. To see the way you look at our child for the first time, to see you hold her and to love her. It means the world to me. You both mean everything to me and I…aah…I'm so consumed with emotion that it's incredible. I love you so much honey." Rayne tearfully and wholeheartedly professed, as she leaned down capturing Lark's lips for a soul-searing kiss.

Lark was shocked, as she had never seen Rayne so emotional before. Her tears fell freely as she watched Rayne lovingly kiss their child's cheek. Rayne sat back on the stool and leaned close to the two women who captured her heart and soul. All she could do was smile and cry. She was thankful for the two lives she had before her and for her own as she could very easily have missed this blessed moment. The surgical resident finished suturing Lark's abdomen as the doctor took pictures of the happy family with the camera Jayce left in the delivery room. "She's gorgeous Rayne." Lark smiled proudly, glancing at Rayne who leaned her chin against Lark's arm as she admiringly stared at the baby. She looked back at the bundle of joy in her arms and never realized how wonderful being a mother would be. She always imagined how it would be, but the love and joy she felt was unparalleled to what she thought it would be.

Rayne gave Lark a sideways glance, "Of course she is sweets. You're her mother. How could she not be?" Rayne arrogantly smiled and lightly smoothed out the baby's dark hair.

"She has your beautiful dark hair Rayne." Lark grinned mischievously.

"Yeah, well…she's got your cute little nose." Rayne smiled, lightly touching the baby's nose. "Your cute ears." Rayne affectionately traced the contours of the baby's small ears.

"Cute ears?" Lark sarcastically asked and laughed at her overly excited lover. She had never seen so much joy, happiness and love in Rayne's face than right at that moment.

"Yeah, well, baby's are cute so, she's got cute ears. Just like you." Rayne chuckled and delicately kissed the baby's forehead. She marveled at the life before her and couldn't take her eyes off the baby who lay peacefully within her mother's arms. "Be glad you don't have your Mommy's pudgy toes. I checked, just to make sure and you have all ten toes too." Rayne teased with a mischievous smile, giving Lark a sideways glance.

"Rayne!" Lark gritted her teeth, as she hated it when she teased her about her feet and thumped Rayne's forehead with her finger.

"Ow!" Rayne whined, scrunching her face looking at Lark as she rubbed her forehead.

"Aah…come here." Lark teasingly pouted and pulled Rayne over, kissing the boo boo on her forehead. "Is that better?" She chuckled.

"Yes, but don't do that again woman." Rayne teasingly warned with a laugh and stuck her finger in the baby's hand, which instinctively tightened around her finger.

"Are we going to name her after your grandmother?" Lark excitedly asked, with a gleam in her eye.

"Uhmmm…yeah, sure, but I was kind of wondering if maybe we could name her after your mother."

"My mom? Why? Is my mother okay?" Lark nervously asked, fearing something bad happened to her mother and that's why Rayne wanted to name the baby after her.

"Well, aah…Lark." Rayne stammered nervously, unsure of what to say, as she didn't know Julia's status.

"Is my mother dead? What about my father?" She anxiously asked.

"No, I…aah…don't think so. Lark your mom was injured pretty badly in the crash and they rushed her in once we arrived. I don't know what her status is now, but she's one tough lady and that's why I'd like to name her after your mom. Your father had a fractured leg so I'm guessing he's fine."

"Rayne, I hope my mother is okay. I don't know what I'd do if anything terrible happened to her." Lark worriedly informed her and felt the tears well in her eyes.

"I'm sure she's fine honey. She's one tough broad. Did you know that she challenged me to a shooting contest once we get home?" Rayne grinned, remembering the challenge. "She really helped to keep me glued together honey. She's got so much courage, toughness and love that I'd like our child to share her name. Your father was the same honey; he was so encouraging and heroic. I'll tell you all about it later. We can make my grandmother's name her middle name." Rayne suggested looking down at the baby who fell asleep. She hoped Julia was indeed okay or she didn't know how Lark would get through her mother's death.

"That's perfectly fine with me and I'm sure my mother will be very pleased to have her granddaughter named after her." Lark smiled, proudly. "Doctor is there anyway we can find out how my parents are doing?" Lark asked, looking at the doctor who approached the bed.

"Sure, I'll make a call and see what I can find out, but you have to persuade your partner here to get the medical help she desperately needs." The doctor replied, glancing down at Rayne who snarled at the doctor as she gave up the goods on her to Lark.

"What do you mean? Rayne, what's wrong with you? Didn't you get checked over?" Lark worriedly asked, staring at Rayne as her heart pounded nervously.

"No, I had to get in here and see you when I heard you were here. I promised that I would be here for the birth of our baby and there was nothing going to stop me from doing that Lark." Rayne explained.

"You're so sweet honey, but please have the doctor's examine you." Lark tearfully professed. "For me?" She pleaded.

"I will, let me tell everyone that we have a daughter." Rayne smiled and kissed Lark. She stood up and winked releasing her grip on Lark's hand. "I'll be back soon." Rayne whispered, kissing Julia's head before limping towards the door.

She limped through the door and wiped the sweat off her brow, smiling proudly. 'I've got a daughter.' She lovingly thought and felt her heart skip a beat. She slowly made her way down the hall and began to feel weak. It was all she could do to walk. She stopped to collect her breath and to quell the pain she felt rush through her. She had been on a roller coaster ride of emotions and the adrenaline coursed through her, but now she was coming to a crashing halt. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, before continuing through the doors. Her family quickly met her when they saw her. "Well, did she have the baby yet?" Maria eagerly asked, standing before Rayne.

"Yes, we had a baby girl Mom. You finally have a granddaughter." Rayne softly replied and felt dizzy.

"Oh, we have a granddaughter!" Maria enthusiastically shouted and hugged Rayne. "We are so happy honey." She smiled and broke the hug. "Rayne, what's wrong? You don't look so well." Maria worriedly asked, seeing the blank look in her daughter's eyes. "Rayne!" She shouted as Rayne blacked out. "John!" She hurriedly shouted as she struggled to hold Rayne up.

"Rayne!" Her father shouted and caught her. "Jayce, Shayan…help me." He ordered, struggling to lift her lifeless body up. The three men picked her up and hurriedly carried her down the hall. "Nurse! Help!" John urgently alerted them as Maria and Holly followed close behind.

"What happened?" The nurse urgently asked and wheeled a stretcher over.

"She passed out when she came to tell us about our granddaughter." Her mother anxiously informed the nurse who checked her over.

"Let's get her to the ER, stat!" She shouted as another nurse helped her move the stretcher to the ER. "She passed out down the hall." The nurse informed the ER attending as they wheeled Rayne to a room to be examined.

"She's the one that refused treatment earlier! She was in the plane crash with Congressman Morgan and his wife." The nurse exclaimed, recognizing her as a team of doctor's and nurses began treatment on her. "Please, you'll all have to wait outside." The nurse instructed the family as she ushered them out.

"Please let us know what happens with Rayne right away." Maria pleadingly asked, as they exited the room and watched as they worked on Rayne.

"I've got a bullet wound to the left shoulder, with no exit wound. It looks like it might have just grazed the shoulder, but it's bleeding heavily." The doctor informed the staff as he examined Rayne. "Take that splint off her left wrist and get an x-ray of it. It's probably broken." He ordered and checked her heartbeat with his stethoscope.

"I've got a badly injured ankle down here that will need an x-ray. It could be broken as well." Another doctor called out as the nurse hooked up an IV.

"What's going on?" Rayne shakily asked, opening her eyes. "Lark, Julia." She replied, confused by what was going on and who the people were standing around her.

"Do you know where you are?" The doctor asked, leaning over her.

"Aah…yeah, in a hospital. I've got to get back to Lark. She'll be worried about me." She replied and attempted to sit up, but was restrained.

"Oh, hold on. We have to treat you first. We can contact Lark for you as long as you lie back down and let us finish our exam. Can you tell me what your name is?" The doctor coolly instructed her and was relieved when she complied.

She could barely keep her eyes open and fought hard to do so. "I'm Secret Service agent in charge, Rayne Donovan." She slurred. "What's going on?" She softly asked, as they put oxygen on her.

"Okay… well, Secret Service agent Rayne Donovan that's what we are trying to find out. Can you tell us where you feel pain?" The doctor asked.

"Everywhere." Rayne dryly answered as the doctor chuckled. "My shoulder, my wrist and my ankle. Don't forget to add in charge to my name." Rayne struggled to answer with a chuckle at her last comment.

"Excuse me, I'll remember not to make that mistake twice." He chuckled and informed her, "The nurse is giving you some medication to help take the edge off the pain. We're going to get some x-rays of your shoulder, wrist and ankle. Just hang in there while we take a look." The doctor comfortingly smiled.

"Can you please tell Lark that I'm alright?" Rayne worriedly asked, looking at the doctor.

"We're working on that right now." The doctor smiled and nodded to the nurse to get working on her request. Rayne couldn't keep her eyes open any longer and drifted off to sleep.

The medical team performed their various tests and awakened Rayne to inform her. "Rayne…can you hear me. Rayne. I need you to wake up for a minute." The doctor softly asked.

"Yeah, I'm up. I'm awake." Rayne sluggishly replied, drowsy from the pain medication. "What's the bad news doc?" She grinned, through her sleepy blues.

"Well, you have a fractured wrist, a fractured metatarsal bone in your foot and bullet fragments in your shoulder that we'll have to remove." The doctor listed off her laundry list of injuries.

"Hmmm…not too bad." Rayne smiled. "Fix me up so I can hold my new daughter." She grinned and lay her head back down on the stretcher.

"Okay." The doctor chuckled and flipped through the paperwork on her chart. "I need you to sign these consent forms for surgery Rayne."

She didn't feel like waking up from the lovely vision she was having of Lark and Julia, plus she felt way too good to move. "Lark is my power of attorney, have her sign them." She whispered and fell sound asleep.

"Did we locate this Lark?" The doctor asked confused as to who and where this person might be.

"Yes, doctor. It's Lark Morgan. She's in the maternity ward as she just had a baby." The nurse informed him as she hung up the phone.

"The actress Lark Morgan?" He asked, impressed that a celebrity was there.

"Yes, doctor."

"Okay…aah. We need for her to sign these papers right away. I'll inform the family as to what we plan to do." He instructed and followed the nurse out of the room.

"How's our daughter doctor?" John nervously asked, resting his hands on his wife's shoulders as he stood behind her. They were spent and didn't know how much more they could take.

"She'll be fine. She has a fractured wrist, a fractured bone in her foot and some bullet fragments in her shoulder. We are preparing her for surgery to remove them." He comfortingly smiled.

"Is the surgery serious?" Maria nervously asked.

"Any surgery is a risk when you put patients under anesthesia ma'am, but I think we can remove the fragments with minimal invasion." He confidently informed them. "If you want to wait in the surgical waiting room, we'll call you as soon as she comes out." The doctor smiled and followed the stretcher with Rayne on it towards the elevator.

"We love you honey." Everyone replied in unison as she passed by unfazed by their presence. She was in la-la land.

"I'll tell Lark what's going on. She has to be worried sick." Jayce offered and headed down the hall as the group made their way to the waiting room. Jayce stood at the door peering through at Lark as they prepared to move her and the baby to a private room. The doctor caught sight of him and headed to greet him. She exited the room and stood before him. "How are they doing?" He anxiously asked and glanced over her shoulder at Lark, then picked up her gaze once again.

"They are doing great. I'm having them moved to a private room." The doctor smiled.

"The baby doesn't have to go to the nursery?" He asked concerned.

"No, we've arranged for them to be monitored from a private suite. There's nothing to worry about. My staff and I will be in the next room."

"Aah…they took Rayne in for surgery to remove some bullet fragments from her arm. I wanted to let Lark know so she wasn't so worried when the nurse brought her the paperwork to sign for consent."

"Oh, okay. Well, give us a minute and you can talk to her when we bring her out." The doctor smiled and entered the room.

Jayce paced back and forth nervously waiting for Lark to exit. He hoped his sister would make it out of the surgery fine. 'Shit, she survived a damn plane crash what the hell am I worried about.' He thought and chuckled.

"Is that Lark Morgan?" The nurse asked and pointed through the door.

"Yeah, she'll be out in a minute. Listen, I'd like to tell her about Rayne okay? Then we'll get the paperwork signed."

"That's fine with me just as long as it's done soon." The nurse smiled and looked down at her paperwork, waiting.

Jayce smiled proudly as he watched them wheel Lark closer to the door. His eyes moistened when he caught sight of the baby in Lark's arms. "Hey." He grinned when Lark exited the room.

"Look at our beautiful daughter." Lark proudly displayed the beautiful baby within her arms. "This is your uncle Jayce, Julia." Lark softly introduced him and smiled.

"Well, hello there gorgeous." He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Wow…she's beautiful." He exclaimed proud that he was able to produce such a pretty little girl. His heart raced as he stared at the baby. "Is she healthy?" He worriedly asked and looked at Lark.

"She's perfect. The doctor said she's very healthy and doesn't anticipate any problems with her considering she was born early." Lark lovingly and happily smiled.

"That's fantastic." He smiled and wiped the tears from his eyes. "Aah…Lark they have to take Rayne in for surgery and this nurse needs you to sign the consent forms." Jayce informed her and saw the look of shock on her face.

"Surgery, why? What's wrong with her? Take me to her." Lark nervously demanded and had to be with Rayne.

"Now, settle down. She's going in to have some minor surgery done on her shoulder. They have to remove some bullet fragments from her shoulder. She's going to be fine sweetheart." Jayce comfortingly told her.

"I should be with her Jayce. She's always there for me." Lark tearfully replied, scared that she was away from Rayne.

"Look, you have to stay with the baby and Rayne knows that. She wouldn't want you traipsing all over this hospital looking for her with the baby."

"You're right." She fumed that she couldn't be with Rayne. "Where are the papers?" She asked and looked at the nurse.

"Right here ma'am." The nurse instructed her, pointing to the area she needed to sign as Jayce made funny faces at the baby. "Thank you." The nurse smiled and quickly headed back down the hall.

"Don't scare the baby, Jayce." Lark teasingly warned him when she heard the baby whimper. "What's wrong, sweetie pie? Is uncle Jayce scaring you?" She sweetly voiced and rubbed Julia's hand.

"I was just making googily faces to her." Jayce protested.

"She's hungry Lark. Let's get you to your room so she can have something to eat." The doctor smiled and helped her nurse push the gurney as Jayce fell into step.

"Have you heard anything about your parents Lark? We haven't been able to find anything out." Jayce asked, concerned.

"Yeah, they are in the recovery room after having surgery. They had to repair my father's broken leg and remove my mother's spleen. She is lucky, they said if she would have been out there much longer she wouldn't have made it." Lark gasped and felt a catch in her heart at that thought.

"Damn…is she going to be alright?" He anxiously worried.

"The doctor's anticipate a complete recovery." She confidently smiled and stroked Julia's dark hair, relieved that her parents were going to be okay.

"That's great news." He smiled and waited for them to push the gurney into the large suite. "Wow…must be nice to be a celebrity. Sweet room." He teasingly approved, looking around the large room.

"Yeah, well I'm surprised they have one like this in a military hospital." Lark chuckled approvingly of the spacious room.

"They must put the general's in here." Jayce joked, as everyone laughed.

"Rayne is coming in here with me, that's for sure." Lark confidently guaranteed. "Right doctor?" She demandingly smiled.

"I'll see what I can do." She grinned, knowing how demanding Lark could be and of late, she didn't take no for an answer from the doctor. The good thing was she wasn't a bitch about her demands.

"If they don't see it my way, have them talk to Rayne's father. He can arrange it. He's got connections around here." Lark mischievously grinned, taking a page out of Rayne's effective persuasion book to get what she wanted.

"Okay, but for now let's get that baby something to eat." The doctor smiled and looked at Jayce who was confused.

"Huh? Oh, geez! I'm out of here. Sorry!" He nervously exclaimed and tripped over the trashcan on his way to the door. "Ow…damn, sorry." He sheepishly grinned and exited the room.

Lark and the doctor laughed at his clumsiness as the doctor opened the gown for Lark to begin breastfeeding Julia. "Stroke her cheek and she'll instinctively turn to your breast." The doctor instructed as Lark did so.

She smiled and lovingly watched her daughter nurse for the first time. Her eyes watered from the pure joy and happiness she felt in her heart. "That is so beautiful." She tearfully exclaimed, affectionately staring at her daughter. "I wish Rayne was here to see this." Lark disappointedly sighed.

"Oh, she'll be there for plenty of Julia's feedings, Lark." The doctor smiled.

"Yeah, but this one was special because it was the first time and we wanted to share all of Julia's firsts."

"I understand, but just remember. You'll have many firsts to share with your beautiful daughter and it's a miracle that Rayne made it out of that plane crash alive."

"That's true." Lark smiled and wiped the tear that trickled down her cheek. "I knew Rayne wasn't dead. I knew it in my heart." She wholeheartedly admitted, smiling.

"You are a very confident woman Lark. I'm not so sure I would have felt the same if I was in your position at the time."

"Sure you would. You would know in your heart if your significant other were dead. She's my soul mate. She completes me and I felt in my heart that she was alive. Besides, there's one thing you should know about Rayne. She's too damn stubborn to die in a plane crash." Lark chuckled and lovingly watched her daughter nurse as she held her tiny hand.

"Lark, we can't always predict how we will die." The doctor chuckled and loved the confidence this woman exuded. She was enthralled by the love the two of them shared and it gave her hope for her own life that one day she'd finally find her soul mate. She hoped she'd find the same love these two women shared together.

"We plan to die together, old and gray, but together. We truly believe that. Maybe we are holding out false hope, but that's how we want it to happen before we move into our next life together." Lark confidently smiled.

"You two have such a wonderful and beautiful love. It gives me so much hope that one day I'll find the same, Lark. Thanks for allowing me to share that." The doctor appreciatively smiled.

"Listen, Dr. Garzon. I know I was a real bit…witch…" She rethought her selection of words in front of her daughter continuing, "Before we left and I want to apologize for being that way. I truly appreciate everything that you have done for my family and me. We are very grateful to you." Lark sincerely professed and smiled.

"Hey, I understand everything you were going through and there's no reason to apologize to me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here to witness all that I have with your family. It's not everyday that I am involved with a patient who goes from one extreme of finding out that her entire family is dead to seeing them walk into the delivery room to join them for the birth of their child. Every time I think I've seen it all, something changes that and your situation certainly has done that." She smiled, happy that everything turned out so wonderful for Lark. "This would make a great story Lark."

Lark chuckled, embarrassed. "Aah, come on Doc." Lark blushed. "Oh, I think she's finished." Lark smiled and saw that Julia stopped nursing.

"Okay…put her over your shoulder to burp her now." The doctor helped Lark with the baby, gently guiding her to Lark's shoulder. "Go ahead and lightly pat her back." She instructed Lark, who followed her commands.

Lark smiled adoringly as she felt Julia's soft, warm skin against her cheek. They chuckled when Julia let out a loud burp. "You are definitely like your mother Rayne when it comes to burping." Lark laughed and gently cradled her.

"She'll probably fall asleep very quickly." The doctor smiled and watched as her tiny eyelids struggled to stay open. "I was right, I'm getting good at this." The doctor smiled as Julia fell fast asleep. "Why don't you lay your head back and try to get some rest. You've been through a lot Lark." The doctor comfortingly patted her arm.

"It would be nice, but I want to wait until I hear something about Rayne. Besides, I want to stare at my gorgeous daughter." She grinned and looked down at Julia who lay sleeping, with her mother's finger clutched in her tiny hand.

"No problem. I'm going to get cleaned up. My nurse will be right here if you need her." The doctor winked and headed for the door.

"Thanks." Lark whispered to not wake the baby. It wasn't long before the entire family was in the room cooing over the newborn. Of course, everyone had to hold the baby and the time quickly passed as they waited to hear the news on Rayne.

"Miss Morgan?" The surgeon entered and removed his cap. "I'm doctor Constantine. I performed the surgery on Rayne." He nervously introduced as he was a huge fan of Lark's and meeting her for the first time was a big deal to him.

Lark winced in pain as she attempted to shift herself up in the bed to hear what the doctor had to say. "How is Rayne? Is she okay?"

"She's in the recovery room right now and she did great during the surgery. The bullet fragments weren't very deep, but they needed to be removed."

"Will she have any long term negative affects from the surgery?" Lark asked, concerned.

"No, I don't think so. I feel confident that she'll have a complete recovery once it heals and she goes through some extensive physical therapy to rehab the arm, the wrist and her foot. She'll have a scar from the surgery though."

"Great…another scar for her to gloat about." Lark chuckled and looked at the family who did the same. "What's wrong with her wrist and foot? Lark asked, confused by the injuries Rayne sustained.

"She fractured her wrist and a bone in her foot. She's going to be hurting for awhile, but she'll be just fine." He comfortingly grinned.

"When can I see her?" Lark eagerly asked, anxious to be with Rayne.

"She's in the recovery room right now. Maybe you can con your doctor into letting you see her for a few minutes." He smiled.

"Would it be possible for her to be placed in this room with us?" Lark asked, hopeful.

"Sure, I don't see why not." He agreed smiling. "I'll be back to check on Rayne later." He waved and exited the room.

"Oh, Dr. Garzon. Just the person I need to talk too." Lark grinned mischievously as the doctor entered the room. She was beginning to wonder if a revolving door had been installed with all the people coming through the door.

"Uh-oh, I'm not sure I like that tone of voice." She teasingly laughed and approached the bed.

"Rayne is in the recovery room and I'd like to see her. Do you think it would be possible?"

"Hmmm…well, I guess if the hospital staff would allow us to wheel you in on that gurney. I don't want to have you sitting up in a wheelchair just yet considering we just put your sutures in. I don't want you to stay for too long. You need to get some rest. Let me see what they say. I'll be right back." She smiled and exited the room. She was tempted to send her nurse, but knew she would get a better response from the staff if she asked. She was running on fumes and was looking forward to some rest, which she hoped would come soon.

"Lark, Julia is absolutely gorgeous." John proudly beamed, holding his granddaughter who peacefully slept in her grandfather's arms.

"She's perfect." Maria added with tear filled blues as she looked up at Lark.

"Yes, she is. I can't wait for my parents to see her. They are going to go nuts over her!" Lark excitedly exclaimed.

"Everyone is going to go nuts over this little charmer." Shayan chuckled and rubbed his niece's leg. "Say, Holly, what would you say to us having a daughter?" He grinned looking at his wife.

"Shay…you have your boys. I'm not ready for another one just yet. Enjoy your niece." Holly smirked at her husband and pinched him.

"I'm just checking. You can't fault a guy for trying." He snickered as everyone laughed and hugged his wife.

"Besides, what do you think those boys will do to a girl?" Holly shivered, thinking about her mischievous sons. "I worry about them playing with their cousin, Julia." She smiled and rubbed the baby's arm.

"Oh, trust me. Rayne will make sure she can defend herself just fine. There will be no way anyone will give Julia any crap." Lark chuckled and leaned her head back against the bed. 'Where in the hell is the doctor? I want to see Rayne, damn it.' She thought perturbed and anxious to see Rayne. She didn't want to be away from her now that she got her back from the clutches of death.

"You should feel bad for the boys." Jayce teasingly laughed and clicked on the TV. He flipped through the stations, briefly stopping on the country music channel. "Thank god for satellite and for Shania Twain." He chuckled, obviously pleased with the woman singing on the TV. "Ooh, baby. I'm so glad they are able to pick up American TV here!" He replied appreciatively, staring at the attractive singer. "Damn." He exclaimed disappointed when the song changed and he clicked to another channel.

"No, go back!" Lark hurriedly exclaimed as she heard a familiar tune and motioned for him to change it back. "Leave it there." Lark demanded and closed her eyes with a smile on her face as 'Amazed' by Lonestar came on.

"Aah…that's the song Rayne sang to you on your commitment day." Jayce sentimentally smiled.

"Shssh…I want to hear it." She smiled and pictured Rayne singing it to her. She felt her heart flutter when she thought back to their commitment day and how beautiful Rayne looked singing the song to her. It was one of the best gifts Rayne had ever given her. The other was their child. She smiled and turned her head to look at her daughter that Maria held. Her eyes watered as she saw everything that Rayne meant to her in their child and the love they shared to produce such a beautiful baby. 'I've got to see Rayne.' She thought and looked up when the door opened. Two orderlies entered the room followed by Dr. Garzon.

"These two fine gentlemen are going to escort you to see Rayne." She smiled as they unlocked the wheels and moved the bed.

"Thank you so much." Lark smiled. "I'll be right back. The baby will be fine without me right?" She worriedly asked.

"She'll be fine. We'll take good care of her." The doctor assured her with a smile and watched as they wheeled her out of the room.

They moved her bed next to Rayne's in the recovery room. Lark reached over and grasped her hand. She lightly kissed her hand and stared at her slumbering lover. She didn't notice the cuts; bruises and the haggard look Rayne possessed when she saw her before. They were clearly evident now. She was so happy to see her alive that she didn't see everything else. "Oh, baby. I'm so sorry you're hurt." She softly whispered and kissed Rayne's hand again.

Rayne licked her lips, "Don't be. I'm fine." Her reply was barely audible.

Lark smiled and grasped her hand tighter. "I wish I could crawl in bed with you."

"Hey, don't get…" Rayne attempted to answer and tried to swallow, but her throat was dry. She moved her tongue around in her mouth and swallowed again. "Any funny ideas, they might throw us out of here." She teasingly smiled, still unable to open her eyes.

Lark laughed and kissed her hand. "I love you, Honey. So much!" She held Rayne's hand against her cheek, lightly stroking her forearm.

"How's our little girl?" Rayne asked, as her face lit up with a huge smile. She tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids were so heavy that she just couldn't do it. She turned, mustering enough strength to move her head towards Lark.

"She's doing great. She's sleeping right now. I had to come and see you, Babe."

"I know…what can I say? I have that affect on you." She cockily smiled.

"You are so damn sarcastic even under sedation Rayne!" Lark exclaimed with a chuckle.

"It's what you love about me, Honey." She mischievously grinned. "Hey, are my eyelids taped down? I can't open them." She asked, trying desperately to open them.

Lark laughed and reached over to open one. "How's that?" She asked, peering into the sleepy blue eye before her.

"That's better, but you look blurry." Rayne chuckled and struggled to open her eyes. "I need some water or something. I can barely talk. I think they made me eat some mothballs." She replied, wiping her mouth with her hand.

"Nurse, can she have some water?" Lark asked, as the woman attended to her IV.

"I'll get her some ice to suck on. She will probably get nauseated from the anesthesia if she drinks the water." She smiled and headed off for the said item

"Ooh, ice. Yummy." Rayne sarcastically retorted and snuggled Lark's hand against her cheek. She felt comfortable, safe and loved. She wished she could cuddle with her.

"It's better than mothballs my darling." Lark teased and took the cup from the nurse. "Here, open your mouth. I'll put some cubes in there for you."

"You're too good to me Lark." Rayne snickered and opened her mouth, happy to have something cold in her dry mouth. "Hmmm…that is good."

"Here's more." Lark offered and held the spoon before her mouth.

Rayne sucked on the ice and was finally able to open her eyes. She stared at Lark trying to focus and get the blurriness out of her vision. "You are such a beautiful sight my love." She smiled adoringly. "I want to always open and close my eyes with you next to me…forever."

"I wouldn't want it any other way Rayne." Lark lovingly smiled and lightly stroked Rayne's cheek with her thumb.

"When can I see my two favorite women together again?"

"Well, I'm not sure, but I would guess it's soon considering you're awake now and fairly lucid."

"The sooner the better. I don't want to be away from either of you for one more minute." She grinned and kissed Lark's hand.

"You're so sweet." Lark smiled and looked up. "Hey, there's my dad!" She exclaimed, looking across the room.

"Wow…the gang's all here." Rayne chuckled and looked across the room. "Is he okay?"

"I'm not sure. Excuse me, that's my father, would it be possible for me to see him?" Lark cordially asked the nurse.

"Sure, let me move you over there."

"I'll be right back, Honey." Lark smiled and blew her a kiss.

"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere." Rayne chuckled and fell back to sleep.

"Hi Daddy!" Lark greeted and held her father's hand.

"Lark?" He whispered and opened his eyes. "What are you doing here, Honey?" He worriedly asked, shaking off the affects of the medicine.

"I came over here to be with all of you. Guess what? You have a granddaughter." Lark exuberantly informed him.

His eyes shot open. "A granddaughter? Really?" He excitedly asked, looking at his pride and joy.

"Yes and she's beautiful." Lark enthusiastically exclaimed.

"How could she not be? She's your daughter." He arrogantly answered.

"That's what Rayne said." Lark chuckled.

"Where's Rayne? Is she okay? What about your mother?" He worriedly asked and looked around.

"Rayne's across the room from you and she's doing much better, but I'm not sure about mom."

"I'd be doing better if you two would tell me more about my granddaughter." The voice weakly responded from the opposite side of the curtain from them.

"Mom?" Lark excitedly smiled and struggled to move the curtain to see her mother. "Oh, I'm so glad you are both okay." She enthusiastically replied and squeezed their hands that she instantly grasped.

"Give me some time before you make that statement. I feel like hell right now. Lance how are you feeling, Honey?" She asked and lifted her head off the pillow to look at her husband.

"About the same as you Darling, but I'm doing better than before and this pain medication seems to help." He smiled happy that his wife was alive. He feared that she wouldn't make it.

"Lark, can make us feel a lot better by telling us about our granddaughter." She smiled and waited to hear the good news.

"Oh, she's so beautiful, so adorable." Lark adoringly began and felt a tingling, wonderful sensation fill her being.

"You look absolutely radiant, Darling." Her mother lovingly smiled, as she saw the pure joy in her daughter's green eyes.

"I am so happy, Mother. It's so incredible being a mother and the feeling I felt when Rayne handed Julia to me was so overwhelming. I'm so ecstatic."

"Julia? You named her Julia?" She asked, surprised and happy all at once.

"Yeah, Rayne asked if we could name her after you. Her full name is Julia Taylor Morgan-Donovan. It seems you made quite the impression on my partner. She said something about you being one tough broad." Lark chuckled.

"That's so sweet. I hope she's not trying to butter me up by naming the baby after me so I'll go easy on her at the gun range. I still plan to kick her ass there when we get home." She teasingly chuckled and heard her husband laugh.

"Alright, you all will have to fill me in on that a little later." Lark tentatively smiled, feeling left out of the joke.

"Yes, but right now tell us all about our granddaughter." Julia smiled and patted her daughter's hand.

Lark adoringly smiled, thinking of her newborn daughter and took a deep breath, calming her fluttering heart as she thought of her. "Well, she has dark hair and blue eyes." Lark grinned and glanced over at Rayne.

"That will change, all baby's have blue eyes." Rayne added with a chuckle.

"No, they are staying." Lark giggled and looked at her mother. "She was born at 12:25 pm today…October 18th, she weighs 7 lbs 9 oz and is 20 inches long and she's the sweetest little baby you'll ever see!" Lark giddily chuckled and was glowing with joy.

"Oh, I can't wait to see her!" Julia tearfully exclaimed, completely excited for her daughter. She knew how much Lark had wanted to be a mother and now her dream had come true. She knew she would be a fabulous mother.

"Sweetheart, we are so happy for you. I can't wait to hold that bundle of joy in my arms." Her father smiled proudly and squeezed his daughter's hand as he stared at her.

"I can't wait for you to see her. Actually, I need to get back to her. She's probably hungry. I just wanted to see how Rayne was doing and I got an added bonus, you both being here too." She smiled and kissed each other their hands before nodding to the nurse who waited to move her.

"It shouldn't be long before your parents are moved to a room." The nurse smiled and began to move Lark's bed.

"I'll see you all soon. I love you." Lark smiled and waved bye. "Can you please stop by Rayne so I can tell her where I'm going."

"No problem." The nurse cordially complied.

"Rayne, Honey. I'm going back to be with Julia. I'll see you shortly." Lark whispered and lovingly brushed her dark hair off her forehead.

"Give my little peanut a kiss for me and tell her I'll be there shortly." Rayne smiled, opening her eyes and kissed Lark's hand. "Bye Sweets." She grinned and watched as the nurse wheeled Lark off.

"Bye, Babe." Lark smiled and blew her a kiss, making her blush as usual. 'I feel like a damn queen having people wheel me all over the place.' Lark thought with a chuckle and leaned her head back against the bed. She felt extremely tired and the pain started to kick in all of a sudden.

Rayne and Lark slept the majority of the night and the next day, as sleep had become a hot commodity to them. They desperately needed the sleep, but they frequently woke when they heard Julia cry. Rayne would stay awake with Lark as she fed Julia, as she didn't want to miss a thing when it came to her daughter. Lark sat watching TV, which showed a clip of the President's inauguration and saw Rayne walking behind him during the parade. She suddenly became more interested in the show she was watching. Hmmm…I wonder why? She chuckled at the serious and stoic look upon Rayne's face as she scanned the crowd for any impending danger. It was the same look she got from Rayne when she first saw the love of her life at the convention while she protected her father who had threats made against him. Tears filled her eyes and she clutched Rayne's hand as she saw a different clip showing the assassination attempt on a former President. She focused on the actions of the agents and how they throw their bodies in front of the person they are protecting. It scared her to think that Rayne could die for someone else all because it was her job. She was always nervous about Rayne's line of work, but enough is enough. She didn't want her risking her life anymore. "Oh, I hope your resignation is serious Rayne. I can't handle the dangers of your job anymore. I don't want you to die for anyone." Lark softly voiced, lightly stroking Rayne's cheek with her thumb as she lovingly gazed at her.

"It was serious Lark. I will no longer be a Secret Service agent." Rayne smiled and opened her eyes staring into concerned greens. "What are you watching?" Rayne asked and looked up at the TV, seeing fellow agents she knew on the TV.

"It's about Secret Service agents." Lark answered, embarrassed that Rayne heard her and that she might have made Rayne feel bad about what she said to her. She thought she was sleeping. "You never told me about the extent of your training Rayne."

"It would have only made you more nervous, Honey." Rayne smiled and kissed Lark's hand as she sat up in bed.

"You're right." Lark laughed, conceding.

"Lark…aah. I've got so many things to say and apologize to you for that I have no idea where to begin." Rayne attempted to explain and looked up at the ceiling in search of the right words.

"Rayne you have nothing to apologize for to me."

Rayne's eyes quickly flicked to Lark's and met her gaze. "You're wrong Lark. I lied to you about the person we were searching for." Rayne began and guiltily looked down at her hands that fidgeted nervously.

"Yes, I know all about that Rayne and you had your reasons for making the decision that you made to protect us. I won't lie, at first I was mad because I wanted you to share that with me, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how right your decision was and I accepted it." She wholeheartedly expressed.

"Lark, you're letting me off too easily. Please don't do that. I aah…should have told you."

"Yes, you could have and it probably would have driven me insane knowing that some whacko was out to get us. The only reason I would have wanted to know about the situation is so I could have shared that burden with you. That's an awful lot for someone to carry around alone. We are partners and we should share problems together. I truly believe it would have been worse for the baby and I to know. I trust your judgment and please don't feel guilty about your decision to protect us. I honestly believe in my heart that it was the right one." Lark comfortingly smiled.

"I guess there was no right decision Lark. I did what I thought was the best to protect you and Julia. If anything had happened to you both…I…aah…wouldn't have…" she paused to swallow the lump in her throat at the thought of losing the two of them and looked away from Lark to reign in her emotions that fought hard to escape. She looked up at Lark continuing, "Wanted to go on without either of you. The thing is I am at fault for the stress on you for coming over here. I'm the reason that Julia was born early and I'm the reason for all your heartache in my absence. I did exactly what I was trying to avoid in the first place. Stressing you out!" She explained and ran a frustrated hand through her hair, disappointed by her actions. "I can't forgive myself for what I've done to you and Julia. I love you both so incredibly much, you're my life and you mean everything in this world! to me. I…aah…I could have lost you both because of my stupidity and arrogance for coming here. I should have been were I belonged, where I was suppose to be…beside you, protecting you. When I heard that woman made a threat on you and Julia's life, I lost it and I felt that the only way this would ever end was for me to have nailed that bitch myself. I am so sorry and all I can do is beg for your forgiveness Lark. I promise you that nothing like that will ever happen again." Rayne tearfully guaranteed, staring at Lark and hoping she will forgive her.

Lark began to cry as Rayne's confession broke her heart. She clutched and squeezed Rayne's hand. "Oh, Baby. You have my forgiveness, but you need not ask or beg for it. The most important and only thing that matters to me is that you are alive. I'm just as much to blame for Julia's early birth as well Rayne. I made a decision to come here. I had to be here, to feel like I was close to you and to let you know I was near. I thought that if you felt me near you would fight harder to come back to me." Lark tearfully admitted.

"Lark, you and Julia are the main reasons I fought so hard to get back. Oh, Sweetheart…all I could think about was you and the pain you felt when you heard we were all dead." Rayne tearfully gasped and felt the tears fall harder. "The pain and guilt I felt was so unbearable. I came so close to losing it and very close to killing Danielle in the process to alleviate my rage. If it wouldn't have been for your parents, I would have killed her rather than the Serbian."

"Why would you feel that way? What else did she do?"

"She was the reason I couldn't get in touch with you. She screwed around with the phones Lark. When the aah…" Rayne attempted to explain and took a deep breath to calm herself as she relived the horrors of the plane crash. The memories were still fresh and raw, "When the plane went down the only thing I could think of was how I didn't get a chance to tell you how much I loved you. How much you mean to me and I didn't want you to go through life with the same feelings I had when my gram died because I didn't get to tell her all of those important things. It broke my heart being stranded there, knowing you might feel that way and when Danielle admitted…in so many words, that she had done something to the phones, I snapped on her. I just couldn't control my rage." Rayne passionately admitted.

"I certainly can understand why. I felt the same way, Honey. It tore me up knowing the fear and pain you were going through during the plane crash. The thought of it now just terrifies me even more and makes my heart ache." Lark cried and hugged Rayne. "Please promise me that your guilt and regret ends here." Lark tearfully pleaded and held Rayne tighter.

"With your forgiveness it does and thank you baby. I love you so much and never doubt or forget that. You are everything and more to me Lark, you always have been." Rayne sincerely whispered and placed a lingering kiss on Lark's cheek. Rayne held Lark close, unwilling to let her go as they stayed within the warm confines of each other's arms until they fell asleep.

Rayne and Lark had a three-day hospital stay and much to their chagrin they would be leaving the hospital the next morning. As much as Rayne wanted to go home, she just couldn't bear the thought of taking a flight so soon after the last one she had. So, they decided to stay on an extended vacation and travel by car to Thessaloniki, Greece. Rayne's father arranged for them to stay at his villa overlooking the Aegean Sea. He knew that they could have peace and quiet there as they recovered, physically and mentally.

"Hey, Partner!" Tom cheerfully smiled as he entered and saw Lark sleeping. "Let me see that new cutie pie." He grinned, approaching the bed as Rayne cradled her daughter.

"She is quite the sweetheart let me tell you." Rayne smirked proudly and looked up at him.

"Oh, no doubt!" He agreed, smiling and looking down at the little heartbreaker in Rayne's arms.

"Hey, Tom. Thanks for taking care of Lark while I was indisposed and for coming all the way over here. I really appreciate it and I'll never forget what you've done for me." Rayne smiled appreciatively, looking up at the tall agent.

"No problem. I consider you both family and I know you'd do the same for me."

"You're the best." She smirked and looked down at Julia to check on her then back up to him once she was satisfied the baby was peacefully sleeping.

His demeanor changed when she looked back up at him. He glanced at Lark to make sure she couldn't hear him and knew from the sound of her snoring, she was in a deep sleep. "Aah…I contacted Danielle's mother." He began and frowned.

"What did she say? Is she coming over here?" Rayne asked, knowing how difficult it is to lose a family member to death.

"Well, aah…no. She basically told me that she didn't give a damn about Danielle and that she hoped she rotted in hell." Tom reluctantly gave her the information. He was shocked by the dead woman's mother's comments and couldn't believe she could be so cruel. He knew Danielle was an unsavory person, but the hatred this woman had for her daughter was unparalleled and it shocked him.

"You're kidding? Wow…that's unbelievable that a mother would say that about their child." Rayne stammered, stunned by the news. She was definitely no fan of Danielle's, but the woman did save her life and she felt bad that no one wanted her home, to rest in peace there.

"I know…I nearly dropped the phone when she shouted that to me. I guess Danielle fucked over many people, including her own family. No one wanted anything to do with her Rayne. I know she was horrible to you, but man, is that sad." He replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Hey, watch your language. I have my daughter in my arms." She grinned and looked down at her, then back to her partner who sported a sheepish grin.

"Oh, sorry." He chuckled and covered his mouth, embarrassed by his choice of words.

Rayne chuckled, then turned serious. "She did a lot of horrible things to Lark and I, which I hate her for, but without her I wouldn't be sitting here right now holding my child. I feel obligated to do something for her. What if we arrange for her to be buried here seeing as how her family won't accept her there? Do you think we could have it taken care of for tomorrow before we all leave?"

"It's already been taken care of as I thought of the same idea. I cleared it with the director and he informed me to go ahead with the funeral plans, considering the current situation. I've arranged for her to be buried tomorrow morning. Speaking of the director, he's going to try and talk us out of retiring."

"Fat chance. I want to be with my two girls. I'm out and that's final." Rayne adamantly guaranteed.

"I'm with you, Pal. Besides, there is no way I'm risking my life for anyone in the Republican Administration if they happen to get in. I just can't conscionably perform my job for those circumstances." Tom grinned.

"Oh, I'm with you on that one. Pick me up for the funeral tomorrow." Rayne instructed, looking up at him.

"Sure thing, get some rest. You need it. You look like hell." He teasingly chuckled on his way to the door. He never missed an opportunity to get a rise out of his partner.

"Same to you, Buddy!" Rayne quipped with a laugh as he exited the door.

Rayne was bewildered by Danielle's family's reaction and looked down at Julia. "No matter what you do I would never abandon or stop loving you." She softly proclaimed and lightly stroked the dark hair on her daughter's head. "Never." Rayne guaranteed and looked up when she heard the door open. "Hey, Jayce." She greeted, smiling as her brother approached the bed.

"Hey, Sis. How's my niece?" He grinned and lightly stroked Julia's arm with his finger.

"She's incredible." Rayne admiringly smiled.

"Being a mother suits you dear sister." He grinned, seeing his sister's face light up at the mere mention of her daughter.

"Yes, it does. I'm so full of joy and happiness that I have this wonderful little person in my life. Actually, that I have my life back with her and Lark." She lovingly looked at her daughter. "I'm so completely enchanted by her Jayce. Aahhh…the feeling is so incredible." She happily sighed and looked back up at her brother.

"You look so happy and I'm glad that you are back amongst the living. We missed you." He chuckled and placed the bag he was holding on the chair next to the bed. "I got the clothes you requested. Here's the standard boring Secret Service agent black pants, black trench coat and black shirt you requested. Although, I think you are suppose to wear a white shirt rather a black one. At least that's what all the agents I've come across wear." He sarcastically snickered.

"Hey, I had to make a modification to the usual outfit." Rayne chuckled.

"Yeah, well I think a wardrobe change is in order for you my dear sister. Now that you have retired, this drab look of yours needs to be spruced up. Add some color to your wardrobe and not black. Get some red, whites, blues and maybe some pink." He offered with a smirk.

Rayne looked up and glared at his last choice. "I don't think so. There is no way I'm wearing pink." Rayne protested with a snarl.

"Okay…well, consider the other colors at least." He laughed.

"I'll talk with my fashion consultant Lark for a new wardrobe consideration."

"Good, well I'm outta here. I'm heading back to work. I'll catch you when you get home. Marcia is already at the villa to help the two of you while you recuperate there and Elaine is on her way from the airport to help with the impending media onslaught when you leave here. Take care of my sweet little niece and of course, yourself." He smiled and kissed her cheek. "I'm glad you're back Rayne. I couldn't imagine life without you in it. I love you, Sis." He sincerely whispered in his sister's ear, kissing her again.

She smiled as he leaned up. "Thanks for everything that you've done Jayce. Lark told me how you took control of everything and how you took care of her. We can never repay or thank you enough for all that you've done for us." She wholeheartedly professed and looked down at Julia, then back up to him.

"You don't need to thank me. You would have done the same for me and besides, that's what brother's are for. To be there when their siblings need them and I plan to always be there for the three of you. You know where to find me when you're ready for another beautiful child." He smiled and winked, kissing her on the cheek. "Take care, I love you."

"I love you, Jayce. Have a safe trip back." She smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes as she watched her brother exit the room. She looked down at Julia smiling. "Well, it looks like it's just you and I, Darling seeing as how Mommy is busy sleeping." Rayne chuckled and laid her head back on the bed. She stared at the young life that she held so protectively in her arms giving thanks for her life, for Lark and for Julia. They were all that she ever wanted and there was no way she would ever let them down again or lose them. She kissed Julia's head and held her daughter tightly. "I love you so much, pumpkin." She whispered and lay listening to Julia's soft breath as she fell back to sleep. She lovingly stared at Lark who slept soundly and held her hand that lay close to her bed. "You are the reason my life is so complete and meaningful Lark, I hope you know that." Rayne smiled and wiped the tear from her check that trickled down as she closed her eyes with her two women safely snuggled next to her, as they should be.

The next morning Rayne was up and dressed before Lark as she was still feeding Julia. Lark explained to Elaine how she wanted everything to be taken care of with their departure and what was to be released to the press. They decided it was best to allow a picture of Julia or otherwise, they would be hounded to the ends of the earth for a picture of her. The picture would be from a distance and within Lark's arms with Rayne right beside them. She informed Elaine to instruct the press that they would all receive family photos of Julia once they had them taken. Elaine left the room with her instructions to face the press that was camped out in front of the hospital. Rayne packed their belongings in the bag and placed everything by the door to be taken to the car. "Hey, Tom. I'm almost ready." She smiled and placed another bag next to the door as he entered.

"No problem." He smiled and waited.

"Where are you going Rayne?" Lark asked, curious as she burped Julia.

"I'm going to Danielle's funeral here." She answered, turning to Lark.

"You're what?" Lark angrily asked, surprised that she was going to attend her funeral.

Rayne looked at Tom who smiled and nodded towards the door indicating he would be outside before exiting the door. Rayne clenched her teeth wondering how she was going to explain this one to Lark without her being too upset. "Lark, her family doesn't want her. We decided to bury her here as they want nothing to do with her." Rayne attempted to explain as she approached the bed.

"Well, it's no wonder. She was a wretched woman, even her family can see that and I know you feel that way. I don't get it. You told me you wanted to kill her. So, why are you going to her funeral? " Lark angrily asked, staring at Rayne.

"Yes, I did say that Lark. I'm going out of respect for her."

"Respect? Why? That freaking bitch," She angrily argued, covering Julia's ears at her comment as she continued, "had no respect for us with the horrible things she did to us. How can you say you are going to pay respect to her Rayne. That infuriates me. She deserves no respect from either of us!" Lark vehemently protested, as she got out of bed and laid Julia on it to change her clothes.

"I know you're mad Lark, but this is something I have to do." Rayne answered and grabbed the cane the doctor insisted she use to walk with. It was either that or a walker with an armrest. She conceded and went with the cane after the doctor placed a walking cast on her foot.

"No, you don't have to do it. I really don't understand why you just don't let that witch rot in hell alone where she belongs!" Lark raised her voice at the thought of all the evil things the woman had done to her as she moved toe to toe with Rayne.

"I can't Lark." Rayne gritted her teeth angrily. She didn't want to upset Lark and yes, she would love nothing more than to allow Danielle to reap what she sowed from all the dastardly deeds she did to various people by allowing her to be buried with no one present. But, she just couldn't get past the fact that she owed her something despite all the pain and heartache she caused them. "I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for her. She took a bullet that was meant for me Lark. I should be the one dead right now, not her. I don't like it anymore than you do but the fact is, I owe her some respect for allowing me to be standing before you and Julia right now. I'm sorry if you can't understand or accept that, but I need to give my thanks even if it's to the devil herself for sparing my life by giving her own. I'm sorry, Honey." Rayne regretfully answered and drew Lark within her embrace. She knew that Lark was upset and it was the last thing she wanted to do to her. "Babe…you know my feelings about her, yes I wanted to kill her myself, but I can't deny the fact that she gave her life for mine. I feel that this is something I need to do to have closure and I would love for you to come with me for support." Rayne hoped Lark would join her and kissed her head, holding her tightly.

Lark pulled away from her and looked into Rayne's stormy blues. "I'm sorry Rayne, I just can't get past all the resentment I have for her. I'll be here waiting for your return." Lark answered and kissed her cheek before turning back to attend to Julia.

"Fair enough. I understand." Rayne answered and headed towards the door. She paused and turned to look at Lark who was fussing over Julia. She smiled and exited the door. She would have loved to have Lark with her, but she understood this was something that she had to do and that Lark just couldn't get past her feelings towards Danielle. It was hard for her to do and if Danielle hadn't of jumped in front of that bullet she wouldn't be going either. "You ready?" Rayne asked, sidling up next to Tom.

"As ready as I'm ever going to be." He sarcastically answered and held the door open for Rayne who hobbled through.

Lark smoothed out Julia's new outfit Maria had given her. She smiled as Julia kicked her feet happily. "Aren't you just the most irresistible little baby in the whole world?" Lark cooed and smiled as Julia's arms wiggled around. She looked into her blue eyes and noted the features she shared with Rayne. Lark's smile faded as she thought about what Rayne said to her. That without Danielle taking the bullet for her, Rayne wouldn't be in their life right now. She placed the palms of her hands on each side of Julia and stared at her dark haired daughter sighing disappointed. She felt guilty that she couldn't get past her resentment to support Rayne with her decision. "Mommy wasn't very smart, Julia. No, she should have been more supportive. Even though that woman caused so much pain in our lives, she spared you and I far more by giving us Rayne back." She hated to admit that fact, but it was true. She chuckled when Julia squealed excitedly and wiggled her feet.

Tom pulled up to the small cemetery and parked the car. Rayne removed her sunglasses and cleaned a spot on them before replacing the eyewear. She stepped out of the car followed by Tom and pulled her long, black trench coat over her shoulder that was in a sling. She slipped on her black leather gloves as the wind blew a cold chill through them and limped with the cane towards the grave. Rayne's long coat whipped in the wind as they stopped before the open grave. They were silent and nodded their heads in acknowledgement to the priest who stood at the head of the grave. He began to read a passage out of the bible as Rayne stared at the coffin and reality hit her. Her heart raced at the thought that it could be her in that coffin. She inhaled deeply and blew out the breath trying to calm her nerves. She snapped her head around when she felt someone hold her hand. She smiled when she saw Lark standing next to her. She needed Lark's support and was glad she was there for her. Lark smiled and slipped her arm around Rayne's waist as Rayne moved her hand over Lark's shoulder. She leaned down and kissed Lark's head. Her gesture meant so much to Rayne. The priest finished his small service and stepped away. Tom moved to the casket and placed a flower on the casket. "Rest in peace." He solemnly replied and walked away.

Rayne made a move towards the casket and felt Lark clutch her hand. She waited for Lark to move next to her. She grasped Rayne's hand as they approached the casket. "Thank you for giving me back what matters most to me in the world." Lark softly replied and laid a flower on the casket. Rayne lovingly smiled watching Lark. She knew what it took for Lark to be there and to say that. She appreciated her support immensely and it touched her to the deepest part of her soul.

Rayne looked at Lark and released her hold on her hand as she reached into her pocket. She pulled out Danielle's Secret Service badge that Tom gave her from Danielle's personal effects and moved closer to the coffin. Lark helped steady Rayne who was still having difficulty keeping her balance with the cast, the cane and a bad arm. Rayne leaned over and placed Danielle's badge on the coffin. "You did some terrible things to us and in the end you did a heroic act for us. You saved my life so I could spend the rest of it with the love of my life and my daughter. Thanks. I hope you find some peace." Rayne solemnly replied and clutched Lark's hand within hers as they walked towards the car. Rayne slipped her arm around Lark and drew her close. "Thank you." Rayne lovingly smiled and gazed down to her shorter lover.

Lark smiled and squeezed Rayne tighter, "This is where I'm suppose to be my love."

"I wouldn't want you anywhere else, except naked in bed. That would be nice." Rayne mischievously grinned and kissed the top of Lark's head.

"Ooh, sounds very nice to me." Lark agreed and held Rayne tighter as they approached the waiting limo.

"Well, Partner. I'm heading back home. You two have a wonderful vacation and I'll catch you back in the states for our retirement ceremony." Tom winked and hugged Lark, who had relinquished her hold on Rayne. "Take care of her, would you?" He teasingly whispered.

"I will and thank you so much for everything Tom." Lark gratefully smiled, breaking the hug.

"It was my pleasure." He grinned and moved in front of Rayne. "Try to stay out of trouble and relax…you deserve it." He jokingly replied.

"The same can be said for you my dear partner. Thanks again, we owe you so much." Rayne appreciatively smiled and hugged him.

"Nay, just keep me on your Christmas list." He teasingly answered and broke the hug.

"You got it." Rayne and Lark laughed in unison.

"I've got to get out of here. You're both way too mushy and I don't want to get teary eyed." He sarcastically smiled and climbed into the driver's seat of the car.

Lark and Rayne laughed as they watched him drive away. "Let's get out of here." Rayne replied and held the car door open for her bride.

"Hi, Sweetheart. We missed you." Lark sweetly voiced as she climbed into the limo next to Julia, who was securely tucked away in her car seat.

"Hey, Elaine. How do you like babysitting?" Rayne teasingly asked, taking a seat in the limo next to Lark and Julia.

"Not too bad for such a short time." Elaine grinned.

"Oh, damn. Ow." Rayne replied when she felt Lark's elbow in her side. "Sorry, but Honey. You've got to take it easy on me, your elbows are finding new wounded spots on me." Rayne grinned, looking at Lark.

"Watch your mouth and I wouldn't have to find them." Lark sarcastically smiled and kissed Rayne's chin.

"Yes, ma'am." Rayne laughed looking at Lark.

"I thought you would see it my way."

"Ooh, sassy too." Rayne chuckled. "Well, as I was getting ready to ask before I was rudely interrupted." Rayne sarcastically began and looked at Elaine. "How did you change the plans for the photo shoot with the baby? I wasn't expecting Lark to come here and thought we would take the picture when I returned." Rayne asked, knowing the reporters were expecting a family photo.

"Well, we snuck Lark and Julia out the back as Lark's parents were the decoys, exiting through the front where you all were to go." Elaine explained with a grin, she was happy her plan worked perfectly. She wasn't so sure the Congressman and his wife felt the same way, but they didn't object to the idea.

"You two are very sneaky." Rayne chuckled, looking between the two women.

"Well, what can we say?" Lark laughed, as did Elaine and Rayne.

"They'll get their picture once you three take a family photo together." Elaine smiled and looked at the happy family.

"Sure, I would like to wait until some of these injuries heal though. I need to look good." Rayne cockily teased as everyone laughed.

The ride to Thessalonkiki was quicker than they thought it would be and were delighted to finally get out of the limo once it arrived. They all exited the limo and Lark removed the car seat. "Here, let me take it, Honey." Rayne offered and took the seat as Lark struggled to lift it. She was still weak and Rayne saw her grimace in pain when she attempted to carry it.

"Are you sure you can manage it?" Lark worriedly asked, as Rayne held the car seat.

"I got it, Babe." Rayne assured her and turned when she heard Marcia shout out her greetings. "Hey, it's good to see you!" They greeted in unison.

"Let me see that new baby girl." Marcia excitedly exclaimed and approached them.

"What, no greetings for us?" Lark teasingly pouted.

"Of course, I'm sorry. I'm so glad to see you both!" She grinned and hugged Lark, then Rayne. "Here let me take the baby for you." She smiled and took the car seat from Rayne as they all walked towards the villa.

"Lark, you've got my number at my villa if you need me." Elaine reminded her as Lark stopped to speak with her agent.

"Thanks Elaine, I appreciate all you help." Lark cordially smiled.

"Don't thank me." She sheepishly smiled embarrassed by Lark's gratitude. "I'll chat with you later." She winked and headed back to the limo as Lark entered the spacious, airy villa.

"Oh, this is so beautiful." Lark exclaimed, amazed at the large villa. "How come you've never brought me here before?" She asked with a grin, looking at Rayne.

"My father just acquired it recently, but I think we should come back here and visit…frequently." She smiled, looking out the windows seeing the beautiful ocean backdrop there.

"Well, I'm beat and I'm sure Julia is ready to eat. Marcia, where is our room?" Lark asked, looking around the large villa.

"Right this way." She directed, as Lark and Rayne followed Marcia down the hallway. "This is the master suite with plenty of privacy." Marcia smiled and placed the carrier with Julia on the bed.

"Thank you." Lark smiled and watched as she exited the room. "Wow…this place is gorgeous." Lark exclaimed, looking around the room as she approached the bed. "Don't you think so, Julia?" She chuckled and picked her daughter up out of the carrier.

"It certainly is and look at that huge bed! I can't wait to try it out." Rayne wickedly grinned, as she stared at Lark with lust filled eyes.

"Ooh, me too, but I have to feed Julia first." Lark smiled and sat on the bed.

"I can wait, it only adds to the allure of it." Rayne sexily replied with a smile and propped the pillows up behind Lark, who leaned back against them. Rayne removed her coat and helped Lark open her shirt as she positioned Julia to feed her. Lark held her daughter up to her breast and began to nurse her. Rayne adoringly smiled as she watched Julia nurse. She removed all her clothes and climbed in next to Lark. She leaned her head against Lark's arm and watched Julia suckle her mother's breast. "This is so incredibly beautiful, Honey." Rayne smiled and glanced up at Lark, then back to Julia. She smiled and lightly stroked Julia's dark hair.

"Yes, it is my love." Lark agreed and kissed Rayne's head.

Rayne looked up at Lark and softly replied, "I love you," as she moved up to kiss Lark.

"Hmmm…" Lark answered as Rayne deepened the passionate kiss. "Whoa…hold that thought honey while I burp her." Lark replied, flustered by the sensual kiss. She placed Julia over her shoulder and proceeded to burp her. After Julia complied, Lark placed her in the crib that sat next to the bed and covered her with the blanket. She leaned down and kissed her as Julia settled comfortably in her bed. Lark smiled joyfully as she gazed upon her daughter and climbed back in bed. She snuggled up next to her warm, naked lover who waited her return. Rayne held Lark's face in her hands and slipped her hand to the back of Lark's head, drawing her closer for a deeper kiss. Rayne's tongue softly traced the contours of Lark's lips before it slipped deep within her mouth for a wet, passionate kiss. Rayne slowly moved onto her back and pulled Lark on top of her as they deepened the kiss. "I want you so much, Lark." Rayne whispered through her kiss.

"The feeling's mutual babe. Unfortunately, the doctor recommended I wait for six weeks before having sex. However, there's no reason why I can't enjoy you." Lark seductively whispered and deepened the kiss as Rayne's arms wrapped tightly around her.

Lark woke with a start and sat up in bed. She looked around desperately trying to collect her bearings in the unfamiliar surroundings. She saw that Rayne wasn't in bed with her or that Julia wasn't in her crib. Doubt crossed her mind, then fear. She had a nightmare that everything that occurred in the past few days was all a dream and that Rayne was dead. Her heart fluttered as she tried to shake off the affects of the nightmare. "Rayne? Julia?" She nervously called out, as there was total silence. "Please tell me that was just a nightmare and Rayne is alive." She nervously pleaded and slipped on the robe that lay across a chair. She rushed to the balcony and looked out to see if Rayne was in sight. She couldn't see her and rushed out of the room, breathless in her search to find her lover and their daughter. "Rayne! Where are you?" She tearfully shouted.

"Lark? What's wrong, Honey?" Marcia worriedly asked, seeing the anxious look on Lark's face as she stepped out into the hallway.

"Where's Rayne? Where's Julia?" She asked in a panic as she approached, frantically looking around the villa.

"It's okay, Honey. They are out on the back porch." Marcia assured her and stopped her frantic search. "Look, they are right there Lark." Marcia calmly informed her and pointed to where Rayne and Julia where located.

"Oh, thank you. I'm sorry. I had a terrible dream and I got nervous when I didn't see Rayne or Julia." Lark sheepishly admitted, her racing heart finally leveling off to a steady beat. Lark padded across the tile floor to the sliding glass door and opened it. She adoringly smiled at the sight before her. Rayne lay in a hammock with Julia sleeping on her chest, both cuddled warmly in a large comforter. Lark slowly approached and whispered to Rayne so she wouldn't startle her, "Hi, Honey."

"Good morning, sleepyhead." Rayne smiled, happy that her sexy lover was awake. "Care to join us?" She asked and slowly moved over so Julia wouldn't wake.

"I'd love to." Lark smiled, slowly climbing in next to Rayne, making sure that they didn't all take a spill out of the hammock. "This is heavenly." Lark smiled and lay on her side, cuddled next to Rayne. Rayne smiled and kissed Lark's forehead.

"I've got a question for you, Babe." Rayne sarcastically posed with a mischievous grin.

"Hmmm…you didn't have enough last night?" Lark grinned devilishly, referring to their sexual escapades.

Rayne blushed and chuckled. "Well, yeah, but I'm always up for more of that hun." She sexily grinned and kissed Lark. "The question I was going to ask you was, how do you feel about me being a kept woman?" Rayne grinned, looking at Lark.

"You a kept woman?" Lark asked, surprised and laughed.

"Sure, I can stay home and take care of Julia while you go off to work to bring home the bacon. I can make sure that Marcia has dinner ready for you every night when you come home and see to it that she cleans the house properly so you won't have to do a thing. I can play with Julia all day and then be a sex toy for you in the evenings. Of course, you can give me an allowance for my good behavior." Rayne sarcastically explained with a chuckle.

"Oh, I thought you were being serious." Lark sheepishly grinned. Of course, she wanted Rayne to stay home.

"Well, I kind of was Lark. How about if I take care of Julia while you're at the set?"

"That sounds wonderful to me, but I don't want you to be going crazy without any work to do."

"Oh, I'll be fine. I can do some modeling, acting or set up a practice with Jayce where I can set my own hours and be able to spend more time with you and Julia. I don't want to rush back to work right away anyhow." Rayne admitted.

"Wow! That sounds great to me. I love the idea Rayne. I don't have any projects for a few months so, we can spend a lot of time with Julia and each other settling into our new life." Lark grinned, excited about having Rayne around the house all the time.

"Great, then it's settled. I will officially become a kept woman once we get back." Rayne jokingly laughed, joined by Lark.

"I've got a question for you." Lark grinned mischievously, staring at Rayne.

"Anything, just ask it." Rayne smiled and hugged Lark, seeing the gleam of happiness in Lark's beautiful green eyes.

"When can we have another one of these gorgeous bundles of joy?" Lark lovingly asked, looking down at Julia referring to another child and looked at Rayne whose small smile intensified.

"Whenever you're ready Lark. You just say the word." Rayne lovingly smiled, staring into Lark's eyes and kissed her. "I love you, Baby." She whispered through her kiss.

"Don't ever stop." Lark softly added, kissing Rayne.

"Never." Rayne guaranteed and deepened the passionate kiss. Her family was safe and secure within her arms just like it's supposed to be.

The End. Thank you to all the fans for your support and unwavering devotion to this story as well as Indiscretions. Your support is very encouraging and inspiring, thanks again.

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