Maude smiled to the tall buxom blond. Her plan was going to work and it was only a matter of time before she had both of her children out of this godforsaken town.

Lacey Grant was a twenty-eight year old waitress from the local truck stop. She was blond, like Drew, but much taller standing at about five foot nine. Lacey was a former flame of Buck´s the two use to get together often for hot steamy sex. She hadn´t been with him in nearly a year and missed their little rendezvous'. Now his new wife´s mother was paying her to break them up and paying her quite well too.

Maude stood up. “I expect to be seeing some results soon.”

Lacey stood up and smiled seductively, “don´t you worry any Buck will be back in my bed in no time.”

Maude rolled her eyes as Lacey sashayed away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Few hours later Drew stood at the Grille playing pool with Laura. She was telling Laura all about her and Buck´s first Christmas together.

Buck and Drew had found out a few days before Christmas that they would be having a son. They even had a name for him picked out already, Brandon William. Buck had got several things for Brandon for Christmas. A football toy-chest and several sports oriented items. Trina and Ezra were already spoiling their soon-to-be nephew as well.

From Buck she had received some clothes and jewelry and the plans for their new house. They had gone out to the land and he showed off their ´home´ that was already under construction. She was so proud of him having doing a lot of the groundwork himself. All gifts aside, Buck already had given her the greatest gift of all, their child.

She was now about six and a half months along and showing very visibly. She had been paying close attention to her diet, reluctantly. It wasn´t that she didn´t want to be healthy but it was hard for someone who was use to eating junk-food to cut out sugar and caffeine.

Laura smiled to Drew, “Sounds like you had a good Christmas.”

“Yes we did. I wish Kenin could have stayed through the holidays.”

Laura nodded, “yeah me too.” She missed her friend but knew that the job offer in Seattle was too good to pass up.

Drew smiled as she saw Buck enter the Grille. He was still in uniform being on duty. He was so handsome and she considered herself very lucky to have him in her life. She bit her lip as she admired him from across the room.

The smile quickly turned into a frown as she saw Lacey stand up and walk over to him. She knew the rumors were true that Lacey and Buck use to have a ‘thing.´ She had asked Ezra after getting some dark looks from the woman one evening at the Friday night dance at the Grille.

Laura looked over to what had caught Drew´s eye and scowled. She never did like Lacey and couldn´t quite understand what he had seen in her. Well she knew but to her there still had to be more to a relationship than sex and that would explain why it never lasted with Buck and Lacey.

Buck smiled to Lacey, “hey there Lace how ya doin?” He looked around her trying to find Drew. He smiled when he spotted her over at the pool table with Laura.

Lacey threw her arms around him, “Buck!” She started to hug him and rub her hands along his back.

Buck pulled her arms away, “umm Lacey. I´m a happily married man now.” He backed up then made his way over to Drew who was glaring at him.

“Laura, Sunshine.” He smiled to them not even realizing Lacey had followed him over to the pool table.

Laura nodded and stood with her hands on her hip glaring at Lacey.

Lacey laughed and looked to Drew, “oh that´s right I forgot you HAD to get married. What a pity, oh well doesn´t matter to me.”

Drew started to shake as Buck placed his arm around her, “Sunshine---.” He his brows furrowed as he looked to Lacey.

Lacey rolled her eyes and ignored the look Buck gave her, “oh how cute you even gave her a little nickname. Well you could never say mine in public.” She stood and twirled her long blond hair.

Her outfit left little to the imagination and it was quite obvious to Drew that her boobs were definitely NOT real. They spilled out of her tank top. And she purposeably leaned over on the pool table to reveal more of her cleavage.

Laura moved in front of Lacey and handed her the pool-stick she was holding in her hand.

Lacey looked at the pool-stick confused. “What do you want me to do with this?”

“Bend over and I´ll show you.” Laura glared to her just daring her to say something else.

Buck laughed out loud and Drew´s mouth nearly hit the floor.

Lacey tossed the pool stick to the side and returned Laura´s glare. “You know what Laura? You always were a bitch.”

Laura was about to move forward when she felt Dwayne´s hand on her shoulder. The large manager could tell there was going to be trouble and had walked over.

Laura tried to squirm out of Dwayne´s grip, “damn it let go of me. Someone needs to shut that slut up!” She wasn´t about to let Lacey continue to talk to her or Drew that way and knew in Drew´s condition she wouldn´t be able to fight.

Buck looked to Lacey, “I think it´s best you leave.” He wrapped his arms around Drew knowing she was very upset by the turn of events.

Dwayne let go of Laura but stood next to her, “Laura don´t.” He turned to Lacey, “I want you to leave NOW.”

The tall blond blanched, “you´re kicking me out?” She sighed then put her hand on Buck´s shoulder.

Buck pulled back as though he had been burned.

Lacey shook her head, “well you know where to find me. Heard you were on duty New Year´s Eve, I´ll be at our place. Room 4.” She laughed as Drew pulled away from Buck and walked over to the bar.

“It´s over Lacey has been for a long time.” Buck spat at Lacey as he walked over to the bar after Drew.

Laura followed Buck over after Lacey left. “Drew you okay?” She watched as Buck tried to get Drew to face him.

“Sunshine?” Buck took Drew´s hands off the bar and pulled her to him. “She means nothing to me, you´ve got to believe that.”

Laura didn´t want to intrude, so she smiled to Drew. “Buck´s right, it´s been over for a long time. Don´t let that tramp get to you. I´ll see you tomorrow night at the party okay?” Laura was having a New Year´s Eve party. Buck wasn´t going to be able to attend until later because he was on duty but Drew was still suppose to go with Ezra and Trina.

Drew nodded, “all right. Thanks Laura,” she reached out and hugged her friend.

Laura returned the hug and rubbed her back whispering in her ear. “You just let me know if Lacey gives you anymore trouble.”

Drew nodded.

She smiled then turned to Buck giving him a quick hug, “you take care of her or you´ll have to answer to me.” Laura gave him a stern look and a wink.

“Oh I will Laura, I promise.” He wrapped his arms around Drew again as Laura smiled and left.

Drew looked up to him as he hugged her.

“I love you Sunshine. I´m real sorry about that. But please believe me I haven´t been with any other women since I met you.”

Drew nodded and held onto him tightly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day Drew stood in front of the mirror and frowned. She was wearing a maternity dress that she had purchased for Laura´s New Year´s Eve party. Although it really flattered her and her condition Drew still felt like she looked like a blimp.

The dress was emerald green with spaghetti straps. The skirt was just above her knees showing off her silky tanned legs.

Buck leaned on the doorframe to the bedroom and whistled. “Damn Sunshine you look good enough to eat.”

“I´m fat.”

“You´re beautiful and you‘re carrying our son. You‘ve never been more radiant.“ He walked over, wrapped his arms around her from behind, placed his hand on her abdomen, and smiled as the baby gave a strong healthy kick. See even Brandon agrees.”

Drew leaned back into his embrace and snuggled against him placing her hands on top of his. “I wish you could go to the party to. Why don´t I just wait here until you get off?”

Buck nuzzled her neck then stopped. He looked at her through the mirror. “You know you can´t stay home alone. And everyone else will be at the party. Besides I‘ll be there, just arriving late.”

Drew shrugged and watched as Buck sat down on the bed grabbing his uniform. “All right.”

Buck gave her a wink, “you just be sure and save that New Years kiss for me.”

She nodded then walked out into the living room.

Lacey knocked on Buck´s apartment door. She laughed maniacally as Drew answered it. “Well if it isn´t the little wifey pooh. Where did you get the tent?” She looked Drew over referring to her dress.

She started to shut the door as Lacey placed her arm up grabbing it. “What do you want?” Drew glared.

“Oh I just thought Buck might want his tape back.” She handed Drew a videotape. “Oh and enjoy! And tell Buck I‘ll be waiting for him tonight!” She waved over her shoulder as she walked off.

Drew frowned then shut the door locking it. She walked over to the VCR and put the tape on.

Buck walked out into the living room as an image of him with Lacey having sex came up on the television screen.

Drew stood shaking watching the images in front of her. Tears spilled down her cheeks and she pushed Buck away as he tried to take the remote control from her. “Don´t fucking touch me!”

Buck rushed over to the TV and turned it off and waved his arm. ‘Where did you get this?!” He thought he had got rid of the tape he had made with Lacey over a year ago. “Sunshine?”

Drew turned away from him. “Fuck you Buck! What does it matter? Huh?!”

He shook his head and looked to the floor. “Drew this was made long before you came along. It was just for fun.”

“Oh so you give that same line to everyone you fuck?! I mean Lord knows how many videos we made and you said come on Sunshine it´ll be fun!” She walked over and opened the cabinet that held their videos and started to throw out the tapes she had made with Buck. Are there anymore in here with anyone else? Are you starting a collection?! I´m going to burn these!”

Buck walked over and pulled Drew back as she fought against him. “I´m sorry. I can´t do anything about what I did in the past Drew! It was just her okay and just that one time. Over a year ago! I love you! I never loved her. It was just sex nothing more.”

Drew looked up at him then pushed away. “I know you can´t change the past. It´s just--- I mean how would you feel if you saw a tape of me and another guy screwing?”

Buck shrugged, “I´d be pissed because I´d know it was AFTER you were with me. In case you´re forgetting I was your first time!” He didn´t mean to yell but he was frustrated and knew no easy way out of this.

“Oh so that makes this okay? You fucked a bunch of girls and I have to get over it?”

“Yes.” Buck looked to her then threw out his arms. “What am I supposed to do? I didn´t even know I had this tape. Here!” He walked over to the VCR and took out the tape then pulled it apart destroying it. “I have no desire to ever see this again.”

Drew jumped as the doorbell sounded. She walked over to answer it with Buck following her.

“Sunshine---”

Trina and Ezra stood looking to Drew both could tell she had been crying.

“Drew what´s wrong?” Trina asked worry evident.

“Nothing let´s just go to the party.” She had to get out of the apartment. She knew Buck was right he couldn´t change his past and that she needed to get over it. The tape was made before she even knew him. It was still hard though; she had such a hard time trusting anyone.

Ezra gave Buck a look. “Buck?”

Buck looked past Ezra and to Drew who now stood a few feet away with Trina. “Go onto the party Ezra. I´ll meet you there after I get off duty.”

Ezra nodded, “all right.”

“I love you Sunshine and I´m sorry.” Buck looked to Drew.

“I love you too,” She turned away and headed towards Ezra´s car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The party was in full swing as the trio entered. Trina and Drew exchanged hellos and hugs with Laura. Karol and Ridley were already out and dancing with Josiah and Vin. The only men that were missing were Buck and Chris who both had duty that evening. Both men were supposed to show later. JD and Josiah would be taking the second night shift so neither were drinking.

Drew tried to enjoy herself and have a good time. She had told both Laura and Trina what had happened with the videotape. And no matter how hard she tried she couldn´t get the image of Buck with Lacey out of her mind.

She was dancing with JD and he noticed she seemed depressed. “Drew you all right? Buck will be here in a little while.”

Drew shrugged, “how much do you know about Lacey Grant?”

JD bit his lip. He remembered Buck use to see Lacey but he was also aware Lacey had been around the block a few times. Heck she even tried to get him in the sack once. It was only to try and make Buck jealous but she still had tried. “Now don´t worry about her Drew. Buck loves you; it´s been over for a long time.”

“You know I´m tired of hearing that. If you saw what I did----”

“What do you mean?” JD questioned as the song ended.

Drew shrugged as she let go of him and headed towards the door.

JD followed Drew outside then she told him about the videotape and what Lacey had said about seeing Buck later.

“You don´t think he´s with her do you JD?” She didn´t want to believe it but until she knew for sure she wouldn´t be able to have any fun.

“Who´s with whom?” Trina questioned as she joined them outside. “I was wondering where you went off too,” she smiled to Drew.

“Drew thinks Buck´s with Lacey.” JD shrugged.

Trina laughed, “Oh Drew you know Buck loves you. Whatever happened with Lacey is over and has been for a long time.”

“Prove it.”

“What?” JD and Trina said in unison.

Drew looked from JD to Trina. “Let´s go find out. JD can drive us.” She started to walk over to where JD´s truck was parked.

“I have to let Ezra know!” Trina looked to JD, “don´t leave without me.” She ran back towards the house.

Trina walked up to Ezra who smiled to her. "What is it, my love?"

"Drew wants to go check something out."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. Trina elaborated. "She thinks Buck is at that hotel. I know he isn't, but she needs to see for herself."

"All right. But wouldn't it be easier to call the station?"

Trina shrugged and Ezra smiled. "Once my sister sets her mind to something, there is no changing it, is there?"

Trina shook her head.

"Well, come right back. We don't want to miss our first New Year's together."

"Thanks Ezra. I love you."

"I love you too, my beautiful one." Ezra leaned down and kissed Trina lightly.

She nodded once then headed back outside.

Drew got in the truck with JD and waited. She turned on the radio and tapped her foot impatiently.

JD sighed, ”Drew I´m sure you´re wrong about this.”

“I hope I am JD.” She knew she would die if Buck betrayed her. He is the only person she had ever let herself trust unconditionally. Everyone had left her, everyone. Her mother, even Ezra. She knew Ezra was young and she shouldn´t have expected him to be her parent but she had grown up feeling so alone and if Buck left her she would be alone again.

JD looked to the house hoping that Ezra would follow Trina out so he could talk some sense into his sister. He frowned as he saw Trina walking towards the truck alone.

Drew scooted over next to JD as Trina climbed in.

JD looked to them as he pulled out of the driveway. “Where to?”

“Hotel No-Tell,” Drew looked to him. It was a local hangout for the teenagers in town and anyone having a liaison. It was on the outskirts between The Fitzpatrick Ranch and Four Corners. Located right next to the truck stop off of highway 85.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buck frowned as he pulled up to the hotel. He got a call over his radio that there was a disturbance in room 4 that required police interference. “This had better be important,” he muttered as he walked over to the door.

He knocked once after drawing his gun, “open up police.”

Lacey laughed and threw the door open standing wearing nothing at all she pulled him inside.

“Damn it Lacey get off of me!” He put his gun back in its holster then tried pushing her away as she ripped his shirt open. He couldn´t believe he had been this stupid but also could not have ignored the call.

Lacey grinned and held onto him as she backed towards the bed. “Oh come on Bucky pooh. You know you want it.”

He pushed away from her and stood back. “Let´s get one thing straight. I DON´T want it. Okay? Got it? The thought of being with you makes me sick. I can´t believe I ever fell for your crap. I happen to love my wife and I won´t have you trying to fuck up my marriage!”

As he was arguing with Lacey JD´s truck pulled up outside the hotel. JD and Trina were speechless as they saw Buck´s squad car parked right outside.

Drew reached around Trina and opened the passenger side door.

Trina looked to JD, “call Ezra.”

JD nodded and got out his cell. He phoned Ezra only to find out that he was already on his way. Ezra had phoned the station after Trina left and found out that Buck was sent on a call to the hotel.

JD walked over as Drew and Trina stood looking at the hotel. Drew hadn´t moved up to the sidewalk yet.

Trina looked to Drew, ‘I´m sure it´s not what you think.” She herself didn´t know if she believed it or not.

JD grabbed Drew´s hand, “come on let´s go back to the party.”

Drew pulled away and walked over to room number four. The room Lacey had called her and Buck´s room. She reached up and knocked as Trina and JD joined her.

Inside Lacey had stood up and was trying to pull Buck back towards the bed as they heard the knock.

“I said no.” Buck pushed Lacey away and walked over to answer the door. He started to button up his shirt with one hand as he opened it with the other.

Drew saw Buck´s shirt hanging open and a nude Lacey standing next to him. It was too much so she turned and walked away.

“Man are you in trouble.” JD shook his head and looked to Buck.

Buck paled, “Sunshine?! Please it´s not--” His words were cut off by Trina.

“You bastard!” Trina screamed and kneed Buck right in the groin.

Buck grabbed his crotch, his eyes rolling into the back of his head as he fell to the ground howling in pain.

Trina turned away and took off after Drew.

Lacey bent down and tried to comfort Buck but was only pushed away by JD.

“Get away from him you slut!” JD was angry, angry with himself, and angry at Lacey for ruining Buck´s marriage.

Lacey blanched then stood up running back inside slamming the door behind her.

As Trina caught up to Drew she reached out and pulled her to her. “I´m so sorry Drew.”

“Why? I thought he loved me?” Drew sobbed onto Trina´s shoulder.

“I--I don´t understand this I´m certain he loves you. I can´t tell you why because I have no idea myself.” Trina was at a loss for words.

As Ezra pulled into the parking lot, driving Trina´s red mustang, he saw them standing hugging each other and crying. He glanced over to the hotel to see JD helping Buck to stand. A few doors down he noticed what appeared to be a young girl going into a room with a considerably older man. The image quickly forgotten as he saw Trina and Drew walking towards the car.

Trina wiped her eyes and looked to Ezra as she opened the door to her car.

“What?” Ezra questioned as Drew climbed in back then Trina up front next to him.

Trina looked to him. “Drive Ezra. Just drive.”

“Please tell me what happened?” He looked to Trina then focused back on the road as he pulled away from the hotel.

Trina explained to Ezra what had taken place and he was about to tell them that it sounded like Lacey had set a trap for Buck when headlights blinded his vision.

“Ezra look out!” Trina screamed.

A car was driving down the road heading right towards them with their high beams on. Ezra swerved to try and miss it but still was rammed into the backside of the car. The side Drew was sitting on.

JD told Buck he would go on duty early so Buck left the hotel and took off after Ezra in his squad car. He drove up to the scene of the accident just moments after it occurred. The scene before him was nothing he wanted to have ever witnessed in a million years. Trina´s red mustang was on its side with the back end smashed in. The other car was in much better shape and the driver too.

Ezra moaned as he opened his eyes. “Trina? Drew?” He sat up and looked around. Trina was nearly on top of him and he checked to make sure she was still breathing. Ezra sighed in relief and kissed the top of her head once he found out she was.

Trina moaned as she started to come too and looked to Ezra blinking a few times.

“It will be all right.” Ezra looked to her then sat up a bit trying to look into the backseat. “Drew?” What he saw frightened him. Drew appeared to be pinned beneath the one side of the car.

Buck had radioed in the accident and was heading towards the car when he ran into the driver of the other. The driver was drunk and unharmed. It took all Buck´s strength not to kill the man as he pushed passed him and rushed over to the wreckage as Trina and Ezra climbed out the front through the passenger side door. Ezra led Trina to the side of the road and sat her down. He started to stand to walk over, but saw Buck. Ezra sat back down and held Trina. He looked back to Trina.

Trina whispered, "Drew?"

Ezra shook his head. He didn't know. And he was afraid to find out.

“Sunshine!” Buck screamed as he made his way past them and up to the car.

More sirens could be heard in the background as some of the state police arrived. One of them took the drunk driver and cuffed him placing him in the back of a squad car.

Ezra held onto Trina starring at the car. Drew had not moved or made a sound.

Buck leaned into the car. ”Sunshine talk to me.”

One of the state patrolmen talked on his radio as Rafe, who was on duty that evening, walked over to the car. “Buck we´re going to need you to move out of the way.”

“I ain´t leaving her--” Buck cried as he stood trying to get Drew to talk. “Come on Sunshine-- don´t leave me. Please don´t leave me.” He sobbed and looked back at her. She was so still and lifeless and he couldn´t get to her to help her.

It seemed like hours but in actuality only minutes as the rest of the team arrived.

Nathan, being an EMT, looked Ezra and Trina over and Rafe and Chris who were trying to talk Buck into moving away from the car.

Soon the volunteer firefighters and ambulance were pulling up. Ezra and Trina were led over to one of the paramedics as Nathan walked over and assisted the firefighters as they tried to extract Drew from the wreckage.

The men held Buck back as he sobbed and watched. His life rushed before his eyes at the thought of losing his soul-mate and unborn child.

Everyone from the party had arrived. Karol and Ridley stood as near as possible both holding onto each other and fearing the worse. Vin and Josiah walked over and assisted the firefighters as well.

Laura stood over with Ezra and Trina near the ambulance.

It didn´t take long for the firefighters to get the wreckage away so the paramedics could remove Drew. They placed her on a gurney then Buck and Chris climbed inside the ambulance. It soon sped off and away.

One of the paramedics radioed the hospital knowing that the one in Ajo would not be equipped to handle Drew and her injuries. It was just a small facility that dealt with minor injuries. The hospital was getting the helicopter ready to air lift her into Tucson.

Buck sat holding Drew´s hand sobbing and kissing it. “She´ll be okay right? Right? And the baby?”

The paramedic didn´t know how to answer him as he took Drew´s vitals.

They arrived fairly quickly in Ajo and as soon as they took Drew out of the ambulance she was being wheeled away and towards the elevator to get on the helicopter. Buck tried to followed but was held back by Chris.

“You can´t go with her. They don´t have any room! You have to drive to Tucson.”

Nathan rushed up and took Buck´s arm. “Come on I know which hospital they´re going too.”

Buck reluctantly followed Nathan and Laura then watched as the helicopter lifted and took off. Drew hadn´t moved at all and the look on the paramedics face in the ambulance told him things were not good. He felt like he was losing everything and he would if Drew were to die.

Inside the hospital one of the doctors, Dr. Kingsley, talked with Ezra. “Your sisters been transported to Tucson. I can´t tell you anything other then her vitals appear to be strong.”

Ezra nodded, “Wait. Tucson? What if she needs a blood transfusion? I need to go they might need me.”

Dr. Kingsley looked to Ezra he was aware that Drew had a rare blood type and him being her brother made perfect sense. “You´re 0- too?”

Ezra was confused, “no I´m B+. Same as Drew.”

The older man shook his head, “no she´s not. She is O-.”

“What? This makes no sense both our parents are B+ is that possible?”

Dr. Kingsley didn´t know what to say he knew it wasn´t. “Well one of them could have been B+ but--”

Ezra looked away. He had his suspicions growing up but thought it was nonsense to think another man could have fathered Drew. But this confirmed it and he was aware of who her real father might actually be.

He shook it off and watched as Dr, Kingsley went over to check on Trina. Realizing he had no choice he took out his cell phone and called his mother who was staying in Tucson, well last he heard. He had to let her know that her daughter was being rushed to a hospital and that he had no idea of her condition.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the helicopter neared Tucson Drew finally came too screaming out in pain. She had no idea where she was but the pain in her abdomen was intense.

One of the paramedics spoke to her, “you´re being flown to Tucson you´ve been in an accident. Can you tell me your name?”

Drew blinked then screamed out again as she felt a gush of water spill forth between her legs. “My name is Drew. My baby? What´s wrong? Please save my baby!” She cried out as they started to work on her and radio ahead to the pediatric ICU. The baby was coming and they had been told she was not due for another three months.

The paramedics tried to calm her but she grabbed the arm of one and looked at them. “My brother? Ezra? And Trina? God are they? Where are they?” She sat up and attempted to look around.

The paramedic eased her back onto the gurney, “the others that were in the car are fine and being checked out in Ajo.” He took a syringe and stuck it in Drew´s arm. The baby was coming and she needed to remain calm.

Drew blinked a few times as all the pain disappeared then drifted off to sleep.

Maude was already at the hospital when Drew was wheeled inside. She had already spoken to the doctors and lied stating that she was the one responsible for Drew´s care.

By the time Buck, Nathan, and Laura arrived. Maude was already back in a room with Drew. Ridley, JD, and Karol arrived shortly after. Josiah and Vin had stayed in town to help out with everything.

Buck screamed to the nurse behind the desk “where´s my wife? Drew Wilmington! Where is she?”

“Calm down Buck.” Nathan tried to move forward.

“Please his wife was in an accident we need some information.” Laura pleaded.

The nurse looked to them. “The doctor will be with you shortly.”

They waited for nearly an hour before Ezra, Trina, and Chris arrived. No one had come out and said anything to any of them. Tempers were getting short. They all knew that the nurses were giving them the run around.

Buck had already been informed by Laura that Lacey had been the one who gave Drew the videotape. Buck explained to them all to about the false alarm Lacey had called in. Ezra was furious, as with the rest, and vowed mentally to bring some kind of charges up against Lacey.

~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Drew´s room she sobbed as Maude played the concerned mother holding her hand. “I´m so sorry Drew. I wish I could change all of this. But I warned you about that man.”

Maude had gone out and saw Buck waiting in the waiting area then had called Lacey to see what had happened. And she was going to use that to her advantage. “I mean I can´t believe the nerve of that scoundrel bringing his mistress here.”

Drew wiped away her tears, “what? He did?” She was on a considerable amount of painkillers and still not thinking clearly.

Maude nodded, “Yes he did. The tall buxom blond who wears clothes that leave little to the imagination.”

Drew choked back a sob. To her knowledge there was no way Maude could have known what Lacey looked like. How could he?

“I don´t want to see him.” Drew wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I´ll inform the physician. I do think it´s for the best.” Maude stood up and made her way out to speak with the doctor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The physician, after speaking to Maude, made his way out and over to the group. Buck stood up with Trina holding onto one hand and Laura the other.

“My wife? How is she? The baby?”

The doctor frowned to Buck. “Your wife is stable. I´m sorry to say that your son did not survive, we did everything we could. Little guy was a fighter but it was just too soon.”

The room fell silent as Buck fell to his knees in sobs. He wrapped his arms around his knees and shook violently. His son, he´d never see him grow up and he felt responsible.

Ezra looked to the doctor, “please let him go to his wife she needs him.”

The doctor shook his head, “I´m afraid I can not allow that. It seems Mrs. Wilmington has made it very clear she does not wish to see her husband.”

Buck looked up. Trina and Laura helped him to stand. “What?!”

Ezra looked to Buck and moved in front of him fearing he might hit the doctor. He looked sternly to the physician. “I believe there has been a huge misunderstanding between Mr. Wilmington and his wife. Might I add in that I am also Drew´s brother. But in order for him to explain he does need to see her. And given what my sister has been through this evening it would be in her best interest that you allow that. If not please allow me to see her. I do know that relatives are allowed back into the ICU area and surely my sister will wish to see me.”

The physician nodded and held his hand out to Ezra, still ignoring Buck. From what Ms. Standish had told him the man had even brought his mistress along. He looked from Laura to Trina wondering which one was her. “I´m Dr. Brinkman. I´ll go have a word with your sister and inform her you wish to see her.”

Buck moved forward. “I don´t care what she said; you have to let me see her. I´m responsible for her. I have to sign papers right?”

Dr. Brinkman glared to Buck. “That has already been handled, her mother has taken care of all of that. If you will excuse me I need to go back and see to my patient.”

Ezra and Chris held Buck back as he tried to follow the man.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Drew´s world had come to an end. She didn´t even want to go on. She lost her son and the man she loved with all her heart and soul had betrayed her. Her mother had told her Ezra and Trina were fine and still at the hospital back in Ajo. But Ezra hadn´t even called to check on her. Why hadn´t he called? Where was everyone else? Didn´t anyone else care?

Maude watched Drew and brushed a stand of hair away from her eyes. She leaned forward and kissed her daughters cheek. “Mother´s here and I won´t leave you I promise. I´m here my baby-girl, I´m here.” She held Drew to her as her daughter sobbed over her shoulder.

“I thought he loved me mommy.”

“I know, He´s a horrendous excuse for a human being. How could he break your hear this way? It´s inexcusable.”

Drew pushed back. “Can I see Brandon? I mean I didn´t even get to hold him. I just want to hold him for a little bit. Please?”

“Brandon is gone Drew. None of this is your fault. The doctors felt it was for the best it would only traumatize you even more.”

Drew laid back against the pillow and placed her hand on her now flat abdomen and sobbed. “I only wanted to hold him. Why couldn´t I hold him? I want my baby. Why did this happen why was everything taken from me?” She turned onto her side. “I heard him cry I reached out for him and they took him away. I just wanted to hold him and look at him.”

Maude stood up then knelt next to her. “Drew let me take you away from here. From all the painful memories. Please? I already spoke to Dr. Brinkman about having you moved to a private facility.”

Drew just nodded not even realizing what she was agreeing too. She looked to her mother again, “where did they take my baby?”

Maude shrugged, “honey I´m not sure. All I know is that he´s not here they won´t have a funeral for a child that wasn´t even suppose to be born yet.”

Drew choked back a sob and looked away. Her son had been discarded as if he were yesterday´s trash. It was all just too much for her to take and she wished she had died along with him.

Maude placed a kiss on her cheek then walked over to the door. Smiling evilly she left the room muttering to herself. “I told you not to cross me Buck. And it´s only a matter of time before I get that red-haired slut out of my son´s life.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the waiting area, Ridley, Karol, and JD walked back in carrying a tray with some coffee and doughnuts. No one knew what to do but everyone tried their best to be there for Buck.

Buck took the coffee reluctantly. He had finally stopped crying but looked so very lost and defeated.

Ezra sat in a chair holding Trina on his lap. Guilt plaguing him. His nephew was dead and he felt responsible.

Dr. Brinkman did not go back out into the waiting area until after Drew had been removed from the hospital and well on her way to another facility.

Buck moved over to him again, “well?”

Ezra set Trina down and walked over. “Can we see her now?”

“I´m afraid that won´t be possible. Mrs. Wilmington has been relocated to a private facility. Even I am unaware of where. Her mother left with her a little over an hour ago.”

“You fucking bastard!” Buck lunged toward the doctor grabbing him and strangling him.

It took JD, Nathan, Ezra and Chris to get Buck off the man.

Dr. Brinkman stood up and grabbed his throat. “Sir you´ll be damn lucky if I don´t have you placed in jail for this.”

Ezra glared, “oh that would be a mistake. You see even though there may have been problems with Mr. Wilmington and his wife he legally is the only one who should have been allowed to sign for her release. You will be DAMN lucky if you don´t lose your medical license over this. Are we clear?”

Dr. Brinkman paled. He knew that Ezra was right. He stuttered a bit. “Th--the infant you m--m--may see him.” He gained his composure and backed up a bit. “Of course you´ll have to make arrangements for him.”

Buck stopped shaking. “I can see him?”

“Yes,” Dr. Brinkman nodded. “I´ll have a nurse come for you in a moment.”

They all talked and decided they were not going to let Buck go back alone. Ezra and Trina would accompany him.

Buck felt as though he was walking through a nightmare as he was led downstairs towards the morgue. He let the nurse lead him over to a rocking chair in a room near where all the bodies were. Ezra held Trina and stood behind Buck as the tiny infant was placed in his arms.

The boy was small, fitting into the palm of Buck´s hand. But if they hadn´t known better he would appear to just be asleep. He was perfect with a tiny little nose and a few dark hairs on the top of his head.

Trina reached out and touched Brandon´s hand then turned to Ezra and sobbed into his chest. The baby was so perfect, a little miniature. It broke her heart to see him. And to watch Buck holding onto the baby. He would have been such a wonderful father. He still would. She just wondered why Drew had left.

Ezra ran his hands over her head. He looked away. It was too much. Maude had stolen Drew from Buck, and Lacey had stolen Brandon. Ezra felt responsible for letting Maude know that Drew had been injured when Buck was not around to protect her. He held Trina tightly, watching Buck with his son. He didn't know what to say. He was grieving for the loss of his nephew, and he could not even begin to know what Buck was going through. He hoped that he never did.

Buck looked to his child. Brandon was perfect, he had his mother‘s beautiful face. He held him and started to sob again, “I´m so sorry Brandon. I´m so sorry. I love you so much, Daddy loves you, and your momma does too, so very much.” He took his tiny hand and kissed it. “Rest peacefully my son.” He sobbed, “my son----I´ll never forget you---”

Buck lifted Brandon placing him next to his heart and started to hum a soft lullaby to him. He sat there and rocked him never wanting to let go.

~~~~~~~~~

Back in Ajo Eddie Two-Feathers sat in his jail cell. He had been brought to that facility out of fear he would not be safe incarcerated in Four Corners. The state patrolman had come in to inform him that Officer Wilmington´s wife had lost their son in the accident that he had caused. He had gone out to drown his sorrows over his inability to provide for his own family, and keep his daughter out of a life of destruction, but in the process had torn apart another. He would never be able to forgive himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day they finally coaxed Buck into returning home. He had been out around Tucson looking at every hospital and medical facility he could find. JD and Chris had remained with him the entire time, none of them getting any sleep.

Ezra and Trina, both had to return to Four Corners to rest.

JD watched as Buck entered the apartment he had shared with Drew. The place was still decorated for Christmas and presents for the baby were sitting unwrapped under the tree.

Chris stood rubbing Buck´s shoulders. “Ezra and Trina are on their way over.”

Buck didn´t say anything just walked back into the nursery standing in the middle of the room like a lost little boy.

JD and Chris followed him.

“Why did she leave? I mean I can see her being upset with me but she didn´t bother to stick around for her own child´s funeral?”

JD shrugged, “people do strange things when they´ve been hurt. Heck she might not have even known there would be a service?”

Chris looked to JD and was about to say something but stopped as he watched Buck. He himself had lost a wife and son and now was not the time to say how he really felt. “JD´s right. Until you find her you won´t know for sure why.” He admitted to himself that he didn´t give Drew much of a chance at first and that was because he had been worried about Buck. But with what he heard tonight Drew had been mislead and over the past few months he himself had grown quite fond of her. He was determined to help Buck locate her and set things straight.

JD left the room as there was a knock at the door. A few moments later, Trina, Ridley, Vin, Karol, and Ezra entered the apartment. Everyone wanted to help they just weren´t quite sure how.

Ridley walked over to the bookcase and took down a sonogram photo of Brandon. “This just isn´t fair. He never got a chance to live.” She turned towards Vin who stood next to her and sobbed into his chest.

Vin held Ridley close, “I know it ain´t far. All we can do now is be here for Buck and help him find Drew.”

Chris and JD left Buck alone in the nursery as Ezra made his way back to talk to him.

Ezra cleared his throat. “Buck?”

Buck turned towards his brother in law. “Yeah?” The circles under his bloodshot eyes told Ezra that the man in front of him was broken and would never be the same again.

He moved towards Buck and grabbed him in a hug. For the first time since the accident Ezra cried. “I´m so sorry. Buck. I´m so sorry.”

Buck held onto Ezra tightly, ‘”I don´t blame you.” He sobbed along with him.

Ezra held onto him a few moments longer before pulling away. ‘”If there´s anything I can do please, let me know.” He took out his handkerchief and dabbed his eyes.

Buck looked at him. “Help me find my--my Sunshine.” As hurt as he was he needed to find her and set things straight. No he couldn´t live without her and was determined to go to the ends of the earth to find her. And once he did he would tell her how much he loved her and how beautiful their son was. Then he would get even with Maude.

Ezra choked back another sob, “you know I will.” He gave Buck a stern look. “You need to get some rest. Let the rest of us take care of YOU for a few days. I´ll handle the arrangements for the funeral.” He held up his hand as Buck started to protest. “Brandon is family, please I insist.”

Buck nodded and Ezra took his arm and allowed him to lead him out of the nursery.

Trina, Karol, and Ridley all stood up and walked over. Each taking a turn hugging Buck and offering their condolences.

Chris nodded to the man. “Now go on back in your room and get some rest. Nathan said he and Laura would be stopping by later.” He himself was going to stick around and planned on staying for a few days. Buck had been there for him many times in the past and he wasn´t going to let his oldest and dearest friend down.

Karol added, “Josiah is going to stop by after his shift is over.”

Buck looked to all of them. “You don´t have to do this. I can take care of myself. All I want is my wife back and my life. Is that too much to ask?”

No one answered as Buck walked over to the bookcase and took a framed sonogram photo of Brandon down and held it to him.

Vin finally spoke up and walked over placing a hand on his shoulder. “We know we don´t have to Bucklin. Thing is we want to.”

Buck nodded to Vin.

Vin placed his arm around Buck giving him a quick hug patting his back. “Now go on and rest. All right?”

Buck backed away looking at the others in the living room once more. “Thanks,” he muttered then went into his room shutting the door behind him.

One of Drew´s nightgowns was lying next to the bed and he lifted it up and held it to him. He breathed in taking in her scent that was still lingering. Falling back to the bed he held it close and started to sob again.

.