Our Baby

*Wes can't help but give a little laugh as his brother enters the room.*

"I'm no sure if I am more scaired or excited."

*Wes continues to listen to his brother talk finding Mick shairing his own experinces to be a little comforting. Though he was still a baskit of nerves his brother presence was welcome and helped having someone to talk to.

The minutes drag on, and the hours seem like an eternity. Wes continues his silent praying that his wife and child would be ok. While talking to Mick, and trying to keep him mind on other things while stay out of the way.

As the baby's cry echos through the office Wes snaps his head twords the door and stands. Ignoring his brothers pround look Wes wairs a smile of his own.*

"Thats our baby..."

*Just standing for a long moment Wes stairs at the closed door untill Becky opens it and lets him know its ok. Turning to look at Mick Wes smiles and than heads back into the other room.

Entering the room slowly Wes' smile grows as his eyes rest on Cindy and there new baby. Now Wes smile beaming even more and the pride that shown in his eyes as her looked down on his daughter and wife. Moving closer to the bed Wes puts on arm behind Cindy as he sides onto the edge. Never had he thought she looks more radeint than at this moment. Taking his rough hand Wes gently runs it over the small babys forhead and around her small cheek cheek making sure this prescuse gift infront of him was not a dream.*

"Our baby girl....look at our baby girl."

*Giving Cindy a squeeze and a kiss to the forhead he leans his head on hers as the look down apone that treasure infront of them.*

*Angel stands cleaning up for a moment and watching the two pround new parents. For a moment Angel's mind goes back to when she first had Wendy and how her father hadent been there but Trent was and that was good enough. Wendy was her world and so was Luke, Angel loved he looked at her like his own daughter. Now if only the title would match.

Giving another smile and a sigh Angel leavs the room and closes the door behind her letting the family get to know there newest member. Walking out onto the pourch Angel lets out a long sigh and looks around the ranch. How things had changed, and how life had moved on offering more hope to those who had little.*

*Misty takes note to the life that was missing from Kyle's eyes showing how searouse he was. Giving a nod Misty shows she agree's with Kyle and will help as much as she can.

Opening the car door Misty throws Kyle another smile trying to hid the consern her had about the cough he was now contracting.*

"Food sounds good, I'm starved lets go."

*Getting out of the car Misty closes her door than goes to Kyle's playfuly opening it for him.*

"Well ya coming or what I have been waiting all day."

*Jess slowly opens her eyes as the bright sun shines into the window. Stairing at the white wall with her back to the door she trys to get her bearings for a moment. Remebering where she was as a bit of pain surges through her Jess closes her eyes again. She still hurt all over and just wanted to sleep. Nothing alse but sleep, and make everything go away.

The dark rings under Jess eyes tell the story that she hadn't slept very well that night. Waking up many times from horrable nightmares, and sounds she dident know. If they let her Jess just wanted to stay in the bed forever. Closing her eyes Jess fights the emotions, the feelings, the anger and pain.*

Labor

Kyle lets out a long sigh at the news of the cancellation, though seems to have known that would probably happen.

At Misty’s suggestion of Katie or then herself, he quirks an eyebrow, keeping his gaze on the road. He knew there were options. The other guys knew it too. But Kyle knew that the other three had probably talked more amongst themselves and most likely felt it was too big of a risk to go ahead with the concert. Kyle had been surprised they’d even agreed to asking Rocky. Him not being able to come was simply a prime out for them.

Kyle slowly shakes his head and takes back his phone to close it. “Sounds good to me…try convincing the guys.” He purses his lips in thought. “How ‘bout me on keyboard one-handed…you on vocals as another pair of eyes from stage. We go ahead with the show…” He pauses, coughing a little and wincing. “…as bait. I know they’re gonna strike again…I can feel it.”

Coming up on the Mexican restaurant, he parks, but doesn’t get out of the truck. He turns to Misty, the mischief gone from his eyes. “We need to do this…to stop the Agency. They’ll come…the guys will say we’re endangering the public, but…the Agency is after me or Jen, no one else, and they send experts.” He swallows hard. “Whether it’s a good show or not…we have to act like everything is normal…and get those goons out in the open. With the security we’ll have we have to be able to catch them.”

Without waiting for a response, Kyle’s stubbornness shows through as he opens his phone again to send Phil a text message. “I have backup. The show’s still on. Up to you to come or stay home.”

After sending, Kyle looks back up to Misty. “I’m hungry. We going inside or what?”


Cindy tries to let Angel and Becky keep her calm, though knowing Wes was up front more nervous than she was made her own nerves heighten.

Getting settled in the bed in the back room, the pains grow more severe and frequent, proving that it had not been a false alarm. She can’t help but cry out once, though Becky and Angel are right there to help her through.

Footsteps are heard coming up on the porch, the boots approaching the door. They enter without knocking, then stop. A wry grin spreads on Mick’s face as he sees his brother walking back and forth. “You’re gonna wear a hole in the floor,” he muses teasingly.

Going over to Wes, he puts his hands on his shoulders and sets him down in a chair, sitting next to him. “You pacing isn’t going to make it go any faster. Trust me. I know.” He rolls his eyes. “When Jade came along, Jill was in labor for nine hours. I was a wreck by the time it was all over, and even after everything she’d been through, I dare say she looked in better shape than me.” Mick chuckles a the memory. “It was easier with Dylan.”

He turns to look at Wes, grinning. “Let nature take its course, bro. She and the baby will be fine. They’re in good hands.”

Two hours and much more pacing later, Mick is standing at the window, sipping a glass of water himself after staying with Wes in an attempt to keep him calm and out of the women’s way.

Suddenly a baby’s cry rings out. Mick stops and turns around, a smile spreading as he looks at his brother. Not only was Wes a father, but Mick was an uncle again too.

The next few minutes seem like an eternity, but Becky finally shows up, beaming. She smiles at Wes. “Mother and baby are both fine. Tired, but just fine. Come on and meet your daughter.”

Poor Wes

*As Kyle makes his comment and bolt for the door Misty is right on his tail chasing him and laughing the whole way. Getting close to the car she catches up with him and jumps on his back.*

"Gideup...."

*Making a whip cracking sound her laugh grows till they are finally at the car. Sliding off his back she goes around and gets into the car.*

"Mmmm...Mexican sounds great to me...I...."

*Misty's words stop as she glances down at the text message. Her heart sunk a little reading the news about this weekend. Turning to Kyle her own eyes are filled with the sadness felt. She new this ment the word to Kyle and now it was being taken away.*

"It's from Phil, Kyle. He said Rocky can't make it so the show is canceled."

*Misty lets out a long sigh and looks out the window. As if a lightbulb went off in her her Misty sits up straght quick remembering something.*

"Hey, what about Katie? I hurd her sing that once and she was real good. I know its not the same but it would do so you dident have to cancele. Oh she is doing the sacurity thing hu. Well Heck I would even sing than. I'm not the best but I am by far the worse. I wonder if the guys would go for it. What do you think? I mean it would only be for the one show."

*Wendy pokes her head from the office and giggles hearing he new.*

"I'll get right on it...poor Wes. He's excited and nervouse at the same time."

*Wendy goes back into the office and dials her mom letting her know that Wes and Cindy would be showing up.*

*As Wes drives with Cindy back to the ranch he drives fast but with car trying to avoide any big bumps. As Cindy's hand slips into Wes his own fingers give her hand a gentil squeeze.

Wes can't help but beam at Becky and the mention of being called Daddy. He couldent help but be excited and scaired at the same time.*

"Oh...Becky be gentil...oh Hun watch that stick there I dont want you to trip."

*Wes took the greatest care as he helped Cindy into the office. About to follow them into the back room Wes is cut off and told to wait outside he cant help but grow more nervouse.*

"Is something wrong is that why I can't come in? Is everything ok?"

*Not receving an answer Wes starts to pase the floor. Trying not to worry but everytime he hurd Cindy, or even a bump Wes would jump. Sitting down His leg bounces, standing he pases drinking water glass after glass.*

*Angel smiles at Cindy and cant help but laugh at Wes a little bit.*

"Everything is gonna be ok Cindy. We will get you through this. Poor Wes."

*Angel helps Cindy to the back continuing to talk to her and keep her calm.*

On the way

Cindy's eyes widen at the sound of Wes on the other end of the line. "Wes...Wes, are you okay? What..." He's already telling her he's on his way, then hangs up. She blinks, a wry grin twitching the corner of her mouth, and she shuts her phone off to wait.

Glancing at the clock, she predicts the amount of time it would take for her husband to arrive, and sure enough, it's twice as fast as normal.

As he struggles with the door, Cindy cringes. "Wes...hun....slow down, I..." She watches him go down the hall, then leave the house, only to finally return for her.

Stifling a laugh, Cindy accepts the help to the car. Pulling on her seatbelt, she glances over to Wes. "Now take it easy, just calm down, will you?" How ironic that she was the one telling him to be calm.

As the hit a little bump in the road, Cindy's met with another wave of pain. Holding in a cry, her hand slips over to find Wes', her fingers tightening around his. She might be perfectly calm on the outside, but on the inside she was a bit frightened. Things had not been easy when she'd had Jason so many years ago, and she only prayed that this time around it would be easier.


Clint's eyes widen as he sees Wes laid flat by the phone cord, then stumble around, barely able to talk before he shoots out of the shop. He just stares at the door for a minute before a grin spreads. Looking over to the open door of the office, he calls out. "Hey, Wendy. You might wanna give your mom a call. We got a Henson baby on the way and one father who may need attention as well."

He laughs and shakes his head, leaning back into the engine of the car. Looked like he'd be on his own for this one. He'd have to find the problem himself. Wes wouldn't be back any time soon.


As the truck pulls in to the ranch yard, Cindy has a bit of relief. Parked, and walking slowly to Angel's office, they're met by a smiling Becky who immediately steps in to help. "Well, looks like we're going to have some excitement today after all." She smiles up at Wes, having heard about his frantic behavior from her son. "We might just have to call you Daddy by the end of the day." She tucks an arm around Cindy as they step into Angel's office, guiding her to the back room and directing Wes to stay up in the front room for now.


Kyle's jaw drops in faked shock at Misty's comment, then he recovers, his eyes narrowing with playfulness. Rushing beside her, with his good arm he puts her in a side headlock and drags her down the hall a ways before he finally lets her go with a light shove with his shoulder to make her stagger. "I know," he whispers, "In realty you've missed my...charming...voice." He bats his eyes at her, then sprints for the exit, knowing that he's in trouble now.

Once they're to his truck and pulling out, Kyle hangs a left, not really sure where they're going, but figuring he'll think of somewhere good to go as he sees it.

His phone beeping makes him roll his eyes. Picking it up, he hands it to Misty to read the text message while he drives. "And we're going to go for Mexican food today," he states decidedly. "Unless that's a message from someone inviting us to something better."

The text message is from Jason.
Phil called. Rocky can't come. Show canceled. Relax the weekend. More later.


Luke sits in the tack room, rubbing oil into one of the saddles. It seemed he spent a lot of time here lately...it was one of the few tasks around the barn that he could handle himself.

A spasm of pain shoots down his leg and he holds his breath until it passes, gritting his teeth and continuing to work. It was getting harder to ignore these bouts. A few weeks ago he was up and walking almost like normal. But it didn't take but a couple days for him to be right back where he'd been. Most of the time he walked with a cane. If he went on any outings, he used a wheelchair.

He hated it...he hated feeling helpless, and he hate being helpless around those he cared about.

A tap on the doorway makes him look up and he lifts an eyebrow at Trent. The two men usually avoided each other. Though they never fought, and though much of the tension between them had eventually subsided, they were far from friends.

Luke looks at him with question. "Yeah?"

Trent shrugs and enters, his hands hooked in his pockets. "Cindy's having her baby."

"Oh yeah?" A smile spreads on Luke's face. "Good."

Trent grins a little. "Yeah...Wes is beside himself."

"I bet he is." Luke chuckles and returns to his work. "He's been hyped since they first found out Cindy was pregnant."

Trent can't help his laugh. He steps in a little further and sinks down on another bench, quiet for several moments. "Those two seem pretty happy."

Luke pauses again, now wondering why Trent was sticking around. That wasn't like him. "Yeah, they do. Looks like they were made for each other."

"Mm-hmm..." Trent thinks. "Mick and Rosetta sure look like they're happy too."

Now Luke looks up at Trent, questioning the motive of this conversation. It was rare to chat with him, let alone on a subject such as this. "Yes...they do. Been a long time coming with them."

"I suppose so." Trent looks down, picking at a loose thread on hsi jeans. "So...when are you and Angel gonna tie the knot?"

Luke's shoulders drop and he sighs. "Look, Trent, I don't know what you're getting at, but you know good and well that she and I are staying together, whether you're back in the picture now or not."

Trent looks back up quickly, his eyes widening slightly. "Hey, take it easy. I didn't mean anything like that."

"Well why else would you make it your business?"

"Because I see the look in Angel's eyes when she looks at you." Trent cocks his head. "There was a time she looked at me like that...and I'd give just about anything to get that again. But I know you're her man now, not me."

Luke swallows hard. "What's your point?"

"My point is, she's being a whole lot more patient than a lot of women would be."

"You think I'm dragging my feet?"

"Yes."

Luke grows defensive. "This really isn't any of your business."

"I know, but I just couldn't not say anything." Trent shakes his head. "Why haven't you married her yet?"

Luke concentrates on the saddle in front of him, rubbing the oil in just a little harder. Trent of all people, had to be the one to bring it up. "I guess I keep hoping for better days."

"With what? What could be better?"

"The Agency...my health."

Trent sighs. "First off, we got two couples here who dared to prove their love and nothing bad has happened. The Agency has backed off and from what I hear, they're hitting the folks in Nevada now more than here. And second..." He looks to Luke's legs then back up at his face. "Do you think Angel loves you less just because you can't walk as well as you used to?"

Luke rolls his eyes. "It's just that we decided we wouldn't get married until we knew the Agency was over."

"You think she'd turn you down if you said you wanted to get married sooner?" Trent looks to Luke, but receives no response. "Forget about that excuse, Luke. It's your legs, isn't it?"

"Maybe." Luke looks down. "I just...I don't know. I'm already enough of a burden to her the way it is. What kind of responsibility will she be taking on if I were her husband? At least now I can rely on other people and not always her. In the middle of the night when I get into trouble, it's Sparky...or Jeff. I don't want Angel to have to worry about me twenty-four/seven. It isn't fair to her."

Trent purses his lips. "Don't you respect her enough to make up her own mind? Or do you think you're more intelligent and therefore you feel the need to make decisions for her?"

"That's not fair."

"No, you're the one not being fair," Trent retorts. "You're making up Angel's mind for her, when you know good and well that she'd marry you tomorrow in a heartbeat if you asked. She loves you, Luke...and if taking care of you is part of the package deal, then she not only doesn't mind, but she enjoys it. She doesn't like to see you hurting, but being able to help you gives her fulfillment...because she's helping the one she loves."

"But what good am I?" Luke argues. "I can't give her a home...I can't get a job to earn the money to support us. Oh, sure, I could get some kind of disability benefits, but how much would that be?"

"Quit feeling sorry for yourself." Trent shakes his head. "If you're too proud to stay here and let her have her practice here, and remain here at the ranch, then that's stupid. Look at Mick. If ever a man had pride, it's him. If ever a man wanted to provide for his own family and be the man of the house, it's him. And look...he moved into Rosetta's place. She's still running this ranch. Sure, he helps out, and he's got the horse training business here. But in reality, he moved into her world, not the other way around. And you think he cares? No...why? Because he's with her and that's what matters most. Not his status...not his money...not his position."

Luke swallows hard and leans his arms on the saddle, feeling the pains of the pointed statements. He wasn't used to this, let alone from Trent. "I just...want to give her what she deserves."

Trent offers a slight grin. "When will you get it, that she doesn't care about what she deserves? All she cares about is having you...you, Luke...she loves you. Quit putting her off."

Luke eventually looks up, his eyes narrowing. "Why do you suddenly care about this? You of all people?"

Trent grows a little more serious, the melancholy in his eyes. "I guess because I care about that woman enough that I want her to be happy, and I know she'll be most happy with you. You know good and well that if I thought I had another chance, I'd take it. But I don't...and there is no chance. She has eyes only for you, and you need to stop taking it for granted."