Trent took Laci on a tour of their new home, leaving out none of the details. He was very proud and happy about his decision and having Laci agree to move in and share it with him made him even happier than he thought possible. His life was everything he hoped it would be and he would not allow anyone or anything to change that.

Laci couldn't believe how much in love with Trent she was. The way he looked at her, everything he said and did just amazed her. Just the thought of him made her love him that much more. Her life was full and complete, and she knew she would always be by his side and take care of him in any way that she could.

They climbed up the stairs leading to the second floor and Laci gasped when she saw the very large bathroom that in addition to the usual amenities came with a hot tub.

"Do you like it Laci?" Trent asked, smiling and his eyes twinkled.

"Oh yes, very much. It looks so inviting", she said, smiling back at him.

"We'll have to try it out soon then", Trent said, a gleam in his eye.

Laci blushed and looked at him. Trent saw how much she loved him, went up to her, and wrapping his arms around her pulled her very close to him and he kissed her with everything he had. It was so sweet, so tender, and the passion filled them both. When their lips parted they looked deeply into each other’s eyes, right down to their souls, their faces still touching.

"There's one more room left to see", Trent said his voice filled with emotion.

"Show me," Laci said softly, her emotion matching Trent's.

Arms around each other they made their way down the hall to the bedroom and Laci's eyes grew large when she saw it. It was a beautifully decorated room, done in her favorite colors. There were two bay windows overlooking the backyard, which was very private. On the king-sized bed there was a giant teddy bear with a red ribbon tied around it's neck.

"Oh Trent", Laci murmured softly, not knowing what to say. Any words she thought of just didn't seem adequate to express her feelings.

"You went to a lot of trouble, and all for me?" she asked. She knew Trent loved her, but no one had ever done anything like this for her before and she couldn't get over it.

"It was no trouble at all," Trent said.

"There is nothing I wouldn't do for you, my love". He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck.

Laci absorbed his loving for a few moments, then turned around in his arms so she was facing him.

"And there is nothing I wouldn't do for you my love" she said tiling her head up to kiss him.

They shared another long passionate kiss and then breathless, they pulled apart slightly, looking at each other. They were ready for the next step in their relationship but Trent wasn't about to ask Laci for anything until she let him know she was alright. Laci never felt more loved and safe than when she was with Trent and was now ready to show how much she loved him in another way - a way that meant so much to her that she wouldn't share it unless she were sure of their feelings for each other.

Trent saw the look in her eyes change slightly and he was instantly in tune with her.

"Are you sure?" he asked, concerned.

Laci looked at him, their eyes met, and their minds connected causing a shiver to run through them both.

"Very sure" Laci said with confidence, as she reached out her hands and began to unbutton Trent's shirt.

She pulled off his shirt gently and looked at him for a few moments, taking in the sight of him bare-chested. He was well built with firm but soft skin and blond hair covering most of his chest. Trent moved closer to her so that they were breathing the same air and he reached for her, kissed her slowly and lovingly as he began to remove her blouse. Their first night together would be extra special, though Trent planned on making everything extra special for Laci for the rest of her life.

The next several weeks were spent getting used to living together, with Trent splitting his time during the day between Thunder Karate and Thunder Investigations, and Laci working on the front and back yards. She planted flowers in the front, and a fruit and vegetable garden in the back. She spent time with Katie learning all about Trent's favorite recipes, determined that she would do everything in her power to make him happy. She always kept the house neat and tidy and dinner was ready when Trent walked through the door. They had Ashley and Carlos over for dinner as often as everyone could get together for the four of them were best friends and they enjoyed each other's company. Carlos had moved in with Ashley not long after Laci had moved in with Trent and things were going very well for them too.

Trent had spent some time talking with Walker about what happened when he tried teaching Laci martial arts and Walker's advice was to take it very slow and that patience, understanding and encouragement were the most important things to consider right now. She had been through a lot and to push self-defense too hard or too soon, could have the reverse effect. Since Laci was doing so well, Trent saw no need to push the issue and agreed with Walker.

Laci had been getting a little restless lately, and though she tried to hide it, Trent knew something was on her mind. He came home from work early one night and found that not only was dinner ready but that there was a nice warm fire going in the fireplace. It was Fall now, and it had been getting chilly in the evenings and they both enjoyed fires rather than the artificial forced air heating.

Laci greeted him as usual when he walked through the door and he returned her kiss enthusiastically.

"Go change and get comfortable, then when you're ready, come on down to eat," she said.

"Great - be down shortly" Trent said and he went upstairs.

When he came down he found that dinner was set up by the fireplace.

"Wow - I think you've outdone yourself Laci," he said, looking at everything.

He was tired - more than he was willing to admit - and Laci knew it. She had thought of a solution and she was going to talk to him about it tonight.

"Don't you know that there's nothing I wouldn't do for you?" Laci asked, making his heart jump when he looked at her.

"I love you so very much," Trent replied and this time Laci's heart skipped a beat.

"I love you too - more than anything else in this world" Laci said, her voice just above a whisper.

"Now, it's time to eat".

She watched as Trent ate hungrily down to the last bite.

"That was absolutely delicious honey" Trent said and kissed her.

"Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now go get comfy on the couch. I'll do the dishes and be right back" she said and started to get up.

"Wait a sec" Trent said. He had been wanting to ask her what was on her mind and decided now was the time.

Laci looked at him and knew that he realized something was on her mind. She sat next to him on the couch.

"I've been wanting to talk to you about something" she said first.

Trent nodded his head.

"I thought so. What's on your mind"? he asked.

Laci looked at Trent, concern on her face.

"I'm worried about you honey. You are spreading yourself too thin between Thunder Karate and Thunder Investigations. You don't have enough time to spend with Carlos either. I have plenty of time on my hands and would like to get a job and help out with the bills around here."

"Laci, you know I don't mind paying for everything," Trent said, but he could see that Laci was set on this so he relented. And it would help ease his workload too.

"Alright my love, welcome aboard" he said hugging her.

"And thank you", he said as he kissed her.

"My pleasure" Laci said, looking longingly and so lovingly into his eyes.

They snuggled together on the couch by the nice warm crackling fire talking about her future work at Thunder Karate.

The next morning, Trent drove Laci to Thunder Karate and spent the morning showing her how to schedule classes and the overall operation of the business. They went out for lunch to the restaurant where they had dinner on their first date. Then he took her back to Thunder Karate and dropped her off with a kiss before heading over to Thunder Investigations to meet Carlos.

"I'll pick you up at 5pm, alright?" he said.

"Alright - see you then," Laci said and went inside.

"Hey buddy, how are things going?" Carlos asked seeing his smiling friend and partner walk through the door.

"Perfect Carlos, just perfect. I can't believe it's real, but it is." he said, still smiling.

"You look exactly how I feel," Carlos said.

"Ashley has made me so happy I just can't imagine my life without her."

"Same here" Trent said with more certainty than he had ever known.

Trent and Carlos worked on several cases, going over what clues they had and ideas on how to solve them. Before they knew it, it was time to go and Trent headed over to Thunder Karate to pick up Laci.

This routine worked very well for everyone and Ashley often picked up Laci and they would meet the guys at Thunder Investigations for lunch. It seemed as if life was perfect, with nothing out of place for anyone.

No one was expecting their world to be turned upside down and that was exactly what Scott was counting on. He'd been watching them for months, Trent and Laci, getting closer to each other. After they moved in together, Scott knew what he had to do to tear them apart, and he was ready to make his move.

The next day was Friday - the end of the week. Laci, Trent, Ashley, and Carlos were going to go away for the weekend and Trent dropped Laci off at Thunder Karate at 8am as usual. They had lunch at the same time and when he dropped her back off at the dojo they shared another sweet tender moment in each other's arms, kissing passionately.

I'll see you at 5 my love," Trent said. He kissed her cheek and got into his car.

"See you at 5 honey" Laci said and watched him drive off.

She went back into the dojo and checked the messages on the machine since lunch and began returning calls.

Trent arrived at Thunder Investigations to find Ashley and Carlos so deeply and passionately involved they didn't hear him come in.

"Laci was right, someday it would be our turn to walk in on you two. Man, would she love to see this" Trent chuckled as they looked up in surprise.

"Ok wise guy - you caught us". Ashley said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Is Laci back at Thunder Karate"?

"Yes, I just dropped her off" Trent said.

"I guess I'd better be going too. I'll finish getting ready for this weekend" Ashley said.

"Okay - see you later babe" Carlos said walking her to her car. They kissed once more and Ashley drove off.

Laci suddenly noticed it was 4pm and she started to get ready to close up the dojo for the night. She made the last few phone calls, scheduled two more classes for Trent and Tommy to teach, then started to clean up. She gathered up the garbage and took it out the back to the dumpster. She went back inside and shut off the lights, and double-checked everything. She grabbed the last load of laundry, folding everything neatly and put it all away.

She heard the front door open and her heart started racing in anticipation of seeing Trent. She looked at her watch - it was a little before 5.

"I'm back here honey," she said.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not who you were expecting."

Laci froze as she recognized Scott's voice - the man who nearly destroyed her.

"Wh.........What...are you doing here?" Laci asked, trying very hard to stay calm.

"I told you to leave me alone".

"Yeah right - like what you say matters. I told you before Laci, that you are mine, and I meant it". Scott stared at her hard and she realized she was in serious trouble.

She had to stay strong - she had the will to keep Scott from getting to her and now was the time to summon all the strength she had. Trent would be here soon, and she could make it until then.

Before she could blink Scott hit her and she took two steps backwards. He hit her again, grabbed her, and ripped her blouse off. She was dazed and going into shock, but she knew what he had in mind and she wasn't going to let him rape her. She suddenly remembered the self-defense that Trent had taught her and her body started to react to the threat she was under. She didn't move very fast but she connected with a few well-placed kicks against Scott's chest wishing she knew more.

Her body was beginning to give way under Scott's relentless attack, and when he kicked her in the ribs she went down and he kicked her again. She rolled to the side and stood up slowly, her vision fuzzy, head exploding and ribs aching. She could see Scott in front of her but she was looking past him for help. She needed help. Something was off in the distance getting closer. Was it....could it be.....Trent? Laci tried to focus.

"It's time Laci - you're mine" Scott advanced towards Laci but she got in one more good kick - her last - and Scott cried out in pain. He hit her as hard as he could and she screamed as she fell backward against the wall. She hit her head, falling to the floor barely conscious, and not moving.

That WAS Trent, and hearing her scream he ran inside just as Scott was about to attack her again. Seeing Trent, Scott ran out the back door and Trent, realizing that Laci was badly hurt, called 911 then cradled her in his arms as his tears started to fall. Laci wasn't moving and that scared Trent very badly.

"Honey? Can you hear me?" Trent asked softly.

"Y.........es," Laci said, straining to answer him.

"Good. It's over now and you're safe in my arms, alright"? Trent said, a little relieved that she was responsive.

"I............I........." Laci now trying to say something but the words wouldn't come.

"Shhhh, don't try to talk babe," Trent said.

"You're going to be fine, it's alright - you're safe now," Trent whispered to her.

"I...........I..........love you," Laci said, looking at Trent. Then she closed her eyes.

"Laci? Laci? LACI!" Trent cried, starting to shake. He knew she was unconscious and was praying the ambulance would get there fast.

Trent rode in the ambulance with her, holding her hand the whole way. He was frightened by the lack of response the paramedics had been able to get from her, and she had a very pale skin tone. He knew it wasn't good, but he couldn't accept it either. They rushed her to ICU and the doctors spent hours working on her while Trent watched and waited helplessly outside her room. He called Ashley and Carlos who were on their way as fast as they could hang up the phone.

Trent was in shock. How could this have happened, he asked himself over and over again. He knew it was his fault - he didn't follow through with the training he wanted her to have. If he had just insisted then maybe she would have had a better chance. Trent was feeling very low when the doctor came out of Laci's room.

"Mr. Malloy?" The doctor asked.

One look at the doctors' face and Trent's heart started to sink.

"Yes - I'm Trent Malloy. How is Laci?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers, while he held his breath.

"I'm sorry Mr. Malloy - I don't know how to tell you this"". The doctor paused, trying to find the words he didn't want to have to use.

Trent looked at the doctor carefully.

"Go on," Trent said evenly, his voice trying not to crack.

"Laci has suffered cuts and lacerations on her face and body, and has 3 broken ribs" the doctor said, pausing.

Trent closed his eyes for a moment.

"There's more, isn't there?" Trent asked.

"I'm afraid so. She suffered a severe blow to the back of her head when she hit the wall. She is in a coma Mr. Malloy and I honestly don't know if she'll pull through". The doctor said.

Trent felt like somebody had knocked the wind out of him and he had to force back a scream. He was so hurt and so angry - why? Why did this have to happen to the woman that meant more to him than anything else?

The doctor put a hand on Trent's shoulder.

"You can go in and see her now. Talk to her, read to her. We believe that people in comas can hear what is being said." The doctor was trying to be encouraging.

Trent got himself together and went into Laci's room but was shocked at what he saw. There was his Laci, very pale, propped up in a bed with tubes and machines attached performing different functions. She was beautiful to Trent no matter what, and he loved her no less at this moment, but the reality of her condition was beginning to hit home, and as he held her hand in his he could hold the tears back no longer.

"Please don't leave me Laci, I can't make it without you" Trent pleaded. He looked up and started praying silently that she would be alright and be returned to him safely.

"I love you so much".

He was still crying and was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to find Carlos there with Ashley by his side. Trent stood up and was hugged by Carlos, then Ashley.

"What's happened to her Trent? How bad is it?" Ashley asked, panic in her voice.

"It's very bad, I'm afraid. She's in a coma and the doctor doesn't know if she'll pull through" Trent said, tears starting to fall again as he filled them in on what Scott had done to her.

"I'm so sorry buddy. Is there anything we can do?" Carlos asked very worried about Trent and Laci.

"You're already doing it just by being here" Trent said, smiling at them if only for a few seconds. Then his eyes darkened and he turned his focus back onto Laci.

They arranged for an extra bed to be put into Laci's room as Trent had no intention of leaving her side. There was no change in Laci after 4 days but Trent never wavered in his faith that she would get better. Ashley brought Laci's favorites books for Trent to read to her and he told her jokes and updated her on the progress her fruit and vegetable garden was making thanks to Ashley taking care of it. He teased her about having to eat hospital food instead of her wonderful cooking, and how he walked in on Ashley and Carlos during a tender moment.

What happened to Laci and his living in the hospital was beginning to take its toll though and Carlos and Ashley had been trying to talk him into going home to rest for at least a few hours while they stayed with Laci. Trent kept refusing, fearing that if he left something would happen to his precious Laci. But it had been 5 days now and his nerves were ready to snap. After some gentle but firm urging from his best friend Carlos, Trent agreed to leave for a short while.

He didn't go home though. He went to Thunder Karate and began the workout to end all workouts. His anger had been pent up inside him too long and it came out with every punch and kick he could throw. Back kicks, side kicks, punches of every type - his anger was finally being released. All he could see was Laci, defenseless against Scott while he was beating her, and that Scott was going to rape her. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got and his bags at the dojo were his way of not only letting his anger go, but to get his strength and focus back where it needed to be - on the love of his life, Laci.

After a shower, he felt refreshed and headed back to the hospital. There had been no change since he left and Carlos and Ashley could see that Trent was doing better.

Ashley had been preparing meals for Trent lately because no matter what Trent said, Carlos and Ashley were determined not to let him continue skipping meals or eating hospital food. Oh Trent had denied skipping meals but they both knew him better than that, so they decided they would make sure Trent ate well, no matter what.

"How are you doing buddy?" Carlos asked.

"I'm a little better, thanks buddy. Thanks for everything". Trent said looking at Ashley and Carlos.

"I'm worried about you Trent. I know you want to be by her side, but to help her you have to take care of yourself. You understand what I'm saying to you?" Carlos asked, worried.

"Yeah, I know Carlos. Thanks, I know you're worried and I appreciate it more than you know, but I just can't leave her. Not until she's awake and on her way back to me". Trent looked at Carlos and Carlos' heart ached for his best friend. He thought about how he'd feel if it were the reverse and Ashley were in that bed and he had a whole new understanding for what Trent was going through.

Trent went back to sit by Laci's side and he picked her hand up gently, placed it in his, and squeezed lightly.

"I know you can hear me Laci, and I'm right here waiting for you. I'm not going anywhere and I want you to wake up and come back to me my love". Trent said, kissing her hand. Then he moved up and kissed her lips lightly, then sat down again.

Ashley and Carlos watched from the doorway as Trent tended to Laci. Ashley pulled Carlos close and said

"Laci is strong - she can make it".

"I pray you're right Ashley, not only for Laci's sake, but for Trent's." Carlos said, hugging Ashley tightly.