LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE

By

Veronica Thomas

They say that each and every one of us has a soul mate, a mirror image of ourselves. You go through life searching for that person and when we find them, you fall in love, you get married and raise a family. The American Dream. You’re suppose to live happily ever after. What they don’t tell you is, that when you do find them, and what you thought was pure heaven, out of the blue, BANG! In the blink of an eye, it could be taken away from you just like that.

It was a rainy day as Rita was looking out the window. She was lost in her thoughts remembering her beloved Chris. She had gone over the events a hundred times trying to figure out just what happened, how she had come to this point in her life.

FLASHBACK

(In Chris’ Apartment)

"I went there to figure out if I was in love, and I am but its not with Jillian. See every woman I’ve ever been with has been jealous of you, and I always tell them that you just don’t understand the way it is between us, but Jillian understood, better than, I did. She said the reason I couldn’t commit to anybody else, is because there wasn’t enough left."

"We love each other, but we’re not in love Sam. That’s what I’ve always told all the men in my life."

"And that’s what we always told each other, and I think that was the truth, but tonight holding you, so scared my knees where shaking, thinking that I was gonna lose you. I realized that I’ve been lying to myself for a long time." They share a passionate kiss.

FLASHBACK

(At the cop shop)

" I don’t think what happened between us was wrong Rita… I can’t go around pretending what happened didn’t happen. It was right. I think it’s something we both wanted for a long time."

"Yeah."

"I can’t get you out of my mind I can’t stop thinking about you…tell me you don’t feel the same way."

"I would like to push you down on the desk right now."

FLASHBACK

(In Chris’ loft)

 

"I’m pregnant."

 

"Pregnant?"

 

FLASHBACK

(On the Beach)

 

"Rita, I love you heart and soul, I love you."

 

"I love you so much Chris."

 

"This is more than just about, a job or a baby."

 

"Yeah."

 

"Or what anybody else thinks. This is about you, me and the rest of our lives."

 

"Where are you going with this partner?"

 

"Rita, will you marry me?"

FLASHBACK

(In bed)

 

"I just… wanna make sure you had time to really think about it, you know."

 

"I have, I’m not gonna let you down Rita."

 

"And, I don’t want us to get married, because I’m pregnant."

 

"No, we’re getting married because we love each other. I love you."

 

"I love you." They cuddle and kiss.

FLASHBACK

(At the beach)

Standing in front of the preacher, both dressed in white, hand and hand. "Do you take this woman, to be your lawfully wedded wife. Do you promise to love, and comfort Rita, to honor her, and keep her, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and diversity and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you live?"

Chris turns towards Rita. "I do."

 

"Do you, take this man, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

 

Rita turns towards Chris. "I do."

 

"Place the ring on the bride’s finger."

 

Chris places the ring on Rita’s finger as they both smile at each other.

 

"Could you hold this?"

 

"Yeah" Chris replied.

 

Rita then handed her bouquet to Chris.

 

"Now you may place your ring on the groom’s finger."

 

They took a moment looking into each other eyes.

 

"By virtue of the authority vested in me," Chris turns and glances at the Justice of the Peace with his big Lorenzo smile glaring. "I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife." Chris and Rita both smile at the mere words, HUSBAND and WIFE. "You may kiss the bride." Chris leans towards Rita and they share a tender kiss.

FLASH BACK

(At the park)

BANG! BANG!

"Chris! You’re hit!". Rita is yelling as she runs to his side. He is lying on the ground, shot. "You’re hit!"

Chris gasping for air. "Bulletproof vest, bulletproof vest." He was trying desperately to say.

Rita ripped open his shirt. Realizing he was hit and it looked pretty bad, she ran back to the car to radio for help. "OFFICER DOWN! at Beach Park and Northshore Line Drive. OFFICER DOWN!" She runs back to Chris’s side, who was still trying to catch his breath. "Chris, just keep talking to me, you’ll be okay." She raises his head in her hand. "Your gonna be okay." She pleaded with him to keep talking to her as she started kissing him on the lips whispering "I love you, I love you."

Chris responded to her, still trying to catch his breath. "I love you, I love you."

A woman’s voice calling her name brought Rita back from her daydream state.

"Rita! Rita!" said the woman.

Startled, Rita turned around wiping away the tears that seemed to have formed in her eyes, she answered, "Hi Jillian."

Jillian was still standing halfway in the door when Rita turned to greet her. As she continued entering the room she noticed Rita had been crying and seemed very upset. She looked away, then back at Rita who was trying to gather herself and regain her composure. Feeling a little embarrassed that she had been caught by Jillian crying.

"Are you okay?" Jillian asks.

 

Rita clearing her throat, answered. "Yes, I’m fine."

 

Jillian knowing that Rita must be feeling uncomfortable decided not to press her, but instead changed the subject completely. Moving closer to the bed, she picked up the patient’s chart and started looking it over. "I just came in to check on our favorite patient" said Jillian. Still reading over the chart she continued. "Well, everything seems to be in order."

Rita now reached the bed herself, and sat down in the chair next to the patient. As she reached for his hand and with a big sigh, Rita replied, "Yeah, if you consider no change in order." Staring at the mans face, the face of her beloved Christopher.

Jillian who has now finished looking at the chart, returned it to its resting place at the foot of the bed. Feeling that Rita was on the verge of giving up all hope, she walked over to her and put her hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "Rita, we can’t give up now…not after we have come this far."

Glancing up at Jillian, Rita tried to reassure her that she hadn’t given up hope, although she wasn’t truly convinced herself, she wanted Jillian to believe she was. She smiled and patted her hand as to say really, I’m okay.

Jillian feeling satisfied with her gesture, smiled and stated. "Good, I’ll check back in on you two later. In the meantime, Rita, do yourself a favor, go home get some rest, eat a home cooked meal, take a bath. If not for you, then for the baby."

Rita nodded in agreement with what Jillian had just said, knowing that she was right. After all, her back was aching, and she could use a long soothing bath, but she just didn’t want to leave Chris’s side. "I’ll think about it Jillian" replied Rita.

Knowing her request was not going to be answered, Jillian said her good-byes and left. Rita turned her attention back to Chris who had been in a coma for two months now. She brushed his hair out of his eyes as if he knew she was there. She began to speak softly to him as her aching heart wanted so much for this to be the day he came back to her. "Sam, I love you so much. You have to come back to us, we need you. I can’t do this alone." Still nothing, no movement, no sign that he would come out of his coma. She held Chris’s hand to her face as she began to cry. She was lost in her pain. Pain she wished would go away.

Several hours had passed when Rita had awakened. Her first thought was nothing had changed. She decided it was time to go home, but before she left she would do Chris’s exercises to keep his muscles strong. She began stretching his legs in an up and down motion, she wanted to keep his circulation flowing. She then moved to his arms rotating them, flexing each finger back and forth. She wanted to make sure if…when he awoke that he would have a head start on his physical therapy, remembering how he hated it so the last time. How he thought it was slow coming, how it was mentally more than physically painful. When she finished with his exercise, she gave Chris a tender kiss and then told him "I love you." Rita would always say those three words when she first arrived every morning and ever evening when she left. She wanted those words to be the first he heard in the morning, and the last he heard at night.

Rita was at home now. She just finished taking a soothing bath which helped ease the pain in her back. She went over to her bed to lie down. "You know you’re getting to big to be carrying around Baby Lorenzo." Talking to their unborn child as she rubbed her swollen belly. Rita called him Baby Lorenzo because she hadn’t given much thought to a name yet. This was something she believed should be decided by her and Chris. Rita knew she should get started on setting up the nursery, again this was something that her and Chris should do together. She reached over on her night stand to pick up a picture of Chris. Holding it close to her heart she began to cry. "What am I supposed to do Chris? I need you here, I need you to hold me." Rita’s finger was outlining Chris’s face. "Chris, tell me what to do?…I need you to help me." Rita begin crying harder, trying to wipe the tears from her eyes that were flowing to fast. "I feel so alone without you. Sam you promised you would never leave me, that you would always be here." Burying her head in her pillow she continued to cry until she fell asleep. As she did every night before, Rita dreamed of Chris, but this dream was different from the others. It was as if Chris heard her pleas and came to her trying to ease her pain, to give her strength, to give her hope.

"Hey Sammy wake up… Sleepy head get up" said Chris.

Rita began to stir, slowly opening her eyes as she heard Chris’s voice calling to her.

"Hi there sunshine" Chris said as he was lying in bed next to her smiling.

"Hi" Rita said softly as she looked at Chris who was smiling at her. "I knew you’d come back to me" she said smiling at him as she reached to touch his face.

"Come back to you, I never left you. I told you I’ll always be there for you and the baby. That’s a promise I will not break Rita" he replied.

"I know, but…"

Chris interrupted her, putting his finger to her lips. "Shhh" as the expression on his face turned serious. "Rita, don’t give up on me… I haven’t left you, not by a long shot. You can always find me right here" pointing to her heart. "Whenever you feel alone look there, that’s where I’ll be until we can be together again." He brushed her hair away from her face, "You are so beautiful" he gave her a little grin as a tear rolled down her face. "Always remember that I love you, heart and soul, I love you Rita."

"I love you so much Chris."

Chris leaned in to kiss her. Rita jumped up as she awoke from her dream. Her heart was beating fast and she had a light sweat over her body, looking around to see if Chris was still there. Was it a dream? It felt so real. As she laid back down she glanced over at Chris’s picture and a warm sensation crept through her body. She was not alone, Chris was there with her as he had always been. The feeling of complete peace was around her. Rita had a renewed feeling of hope for the first time in months. She knew everything was going to be okay. For the first time in a long while she had slept peacefully through the night.

The next morning at the hospital the nurse was giving Chris his sponge bath, when he opened his eyes. "Mr. Lorenzo you’re awake" said the nurse surprised. She ran out the room yelling, "Call Dr. Dupree! Mr. Lorenzo is out of his coma, call Dr. Dupree!"

Chris was lying there trying to focus, gathering his bearings as to where he was. He was attempting to speak, but no words came out. He felt weak, his chest…the pain he could barely move. He managed to pull the oxygen from his nose, grimacing in pain as Jillian and the nurse returned. Jillian rushed to his side.

"Chris, can you hear me, do you know who I am ?" she asked as she was checking his vital signs. "Do you know where you are?"

Chris was still trying to focus, "The Hospital" he answered softly.

"Yes, that’s right, do you know what your name is?" asked Jillian.

Chris closed his eyes and nodded yes "Chris Lorenzo" he said.

"Do you know who I am?"

Again nodding his head, Chris answered "Jillian Dupree."

Jillian was very pleased that he knew both his name and hers. Wanting to see how much more he could remember she continued questioning Chris. "Do you know what happened to you?" she asked.

"My mouth," tasting the dryness in his mouth. "Water, can I have some water please?" Chris asked.

Jillian motioning to the nurse. "Can you get him some water please?"

"Yes, Dr. Dupree" answered the nurse as she poured him a cup of water from the bed stand. Nurse Ryan handed the cup of water to Dr. Dupree, as she lifted Chris’s head slightly, so he could drink the water.

"Just a little Chris, not to much." Jillian told Chris. After sipping the water, she gently laid his head back on the pillow. "Do you know why you’re here?" asked Jillian.

Chris took a breath and grimaced from the pain. "I feel like I’ve been shot, was I?" Jillian shook her head, yes. "By whom?" he said.

The nurse looked at Jillian, then back at Chris. "You don’t remember?" asked the nurse.

"No." A look of fear came over his face as he tried to get up. "Rita!" he said.

Jillian stopped him from trying to get up. "Chris you’re not strong enough to get up, just relax."

He grabbed Jillian’s arm "Rita, is Rita okay?" he pleaded with her.

"Rita’s fine Chris, she wasn’t hurt."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Chris sighed in relief, knowing that Rita was okay. "Where is she?" he asked.

"I’ll call her Chris, she could be here in a few minutes. Would you like that?"

"Yeah, I would. I need to see she’s okay for myself."

Jillian sent Nurse Ryan to call Rita. Then she turned her attention back to Chris. "How much do you remember?"

"Not much, I remember us breaking up. I remember you moving to Boston. I remember I came to Boston to see you." Chris got this puzzling look on his face "What are you doing in Miami?"

Rita was on her way out of the door heading to the hospital when the phone rang. She walked back into her apartment to answer the phone. "Rita Lance" she said.

"Mrs. Lance, this is Nurse Ryan."

Rita’s heart started to pound, oh my God, did something happen during the night, she thought. With panic in her voice she interrupted the nurse. "Chris! Is he…"

Sensing Rita thought something was wrong the nurse shot back "No, Mrs. Lance, nothing like that. Your husband is awake, Mrs. Lance."

The room was spinning Rita couldn’t believe her ears. Did she say Chris was out of the coma, or was it what she wanted to hear.

"Mrs. Lance, are you still there?"

Rita thought about her dream from last night. Chris told her that they would be together again. Her excitement grew as she responded to the nurse "I’ll be right there." As she hung up the phone she clasped her hands over her face in joy. She stood there motionless for a minute thanking God for answering her prayers. A single tear of joy rolled down her face as she put her hand on her stomach and spoke to their child. "Daddy’s gonna be okay sweetheart, Daddy’s gonna be okay."

Jillian was wondering just how much she should tell Chris. She wasn’t exactly sure how much he knew. If he knew he was married or going to be a father.

"Chris you’re not in Miami, you are in Boston."

A confused Chris asked, "What…Boston, I’m in Boston?"

"Yes".

"I was shot in Boston… What happened?"

"Chris you need to get some rest now, we’ll talk later." Jillian said to him, not wanting to tell him anymore. Not until Rita got there. As she turned to walk away, he grabbed her arm.

"No Jillian, I need to know now." he demanded. The expression on his face told her he wasn’t going to let it go that easy.

"Okay, you were shot in Miami, not Boston. I brought you here so I could keep a closer eye on your progress. You were shot in the chest through your bulletproof vest with two cop killer slugs."

Chris was shaking his head, no this can’t be real, he thought as he was listening to what she was saying. "I don’t understand, why was I shot…was I working on a case with Rita?" he asked.

Jillian continued to explain the events to Chris who seemed more eager than before, to get answers to the questions that were swimming around in his head. "A drug lord named Montoya kidnapped Rita and wanted to exchange her for some incriminating evidence you obtained against him. You met with him at a park to exchange the tapes for Rita. The exchange was made. You were on your way back to your car when a man on Rollerblades approached you. He started firing, you pushed Rita down in the car and returned your own fire. You were hit, pretty bad."

Chris was in shock, he couldn’t remember any of this. "Rita, was she hit too?" he asked in a tentative way afraid of what she might say.

"No, Rita wasn’t hit thanks to you shoving her in the car."

A calmness came over him, Rita was okay he thought, tears welling in his eyes. Jillian watched Chris’s reaction. She could tell that he felt helpless, not remembering what had happened to him. His blue eyes full of pain and confusion, he wanted to know more, but did not know where to start. "How long ago was I shot?" he asked.

"About two months, you’ve been in a coma until today."

 

"I was out of it the whole time?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Are we back together?" he asked.

 

"No" Jillian said almost disappointed that that was the answer. Now feeling a little uncomfortable she decided it was time to leave. "Chris you need some rest and to absorb what I’ve told you and I need to check on my other patients."

Chris understood that she was right, after all he wasn’t her only patient. For some reason after he asked her if they still together he felt relieved when she said no. Besides he needed some time to let everything he’d learned to sink in, but there was one more question he needed answered. It had been puzzling him.

"Jillian, you said you would call Rita to come and see me. If I’m in Boston and Rita’s in Miami, how could she get here in just a few minutes?"

"Chris, Rita’s here in Boston." She saw he was really confused now. "Rita will explain when she gets here. I really have to go Chris, I’ll check back with you a little later."

"OK" Chris said not wanting to push her for more answers, as he watched her leave the room.

Rita arrived at the hospital. Her adrenaline was pumping in anticipation of seeing Chris. She walked rapidly down the hall toward his room, afraid and excited at the same time. She had Longed for, Yearned for, Ached for this day which to her seemed an eternity in coming. Her Sam, had awakened. Jillian noticed Rita coming down the hall and stopped her short of Chris’s room.

"Rita!" She called out. "Before you go in, there is something you need to know."

Rita knew something was wrong by the look on Jillian’s face. Jillian was talking to her, but avoiding eye contact. Rita felt a chill go up and down her spine.

"Know what?" Rita asked.

"Chris has suffered some memory loss." Jillian said as she was now looking directly into Rita’s eyes. Eyes that were now slightly glazed. Eyes that were wondering what else could go wrong. Rita took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

"How much is some?" Rita asked tentatively, afraid of what she might say.

"He has no memory of Montoya, being shot…" her voice softening as she lowered it, "and being married."

Rita took a step back as though she was going to pass out. Jillian reached for Rita’s arm bracing her. Rita clasped a hand to her head shaking it in disbelief. Gathering herself Rita looked at Jillian as to say, do you have any more good news that you would like to share with me.

"Listen, I told Chris a little about what happened to him. Montoya kidnapping you, the shoot out, and how I brought him here to Boston for his own safety. I didn’t tell him anything about you two. I thought he would like hearing that from you."

Nodding her head in agreement, Rita asked "Can I see him?"

"Of course, he was having some discomfort so I gave him a sedative to ease the pain. He may be a bit groggy."

"Okay" said Rita.

"Rita, are you planning on telling him everything today?"

"Yes, absolutely, unless you don’t think he can handle it?"

"No, I’m pretty sure he can handle it. It might even help him in his recovery. Would you like me to go in with you?"

"Thank you Jillian, but that won’t be necessary. When I think of all the time we wasted denying our feelings…I don’t want to waste anymore. If I’ve learned one thing out of all this, it’s that life is too short, we shouldn’t spend what time we have in denial."

"I’ll give you some time alone together. I’ll check back later just in case either of you have any further questions." She gave Rita a half smile and left.

Rita stood outside the door preparing herself before she saw Chris. She knew she was going to tell him everything, how could she not. One look at her protruding stomach and he would start asking questions. But how was he going to react. She wondered. They had just admitted their love for each other. Found out they were going to be parents. They got married, then BANG! It was all taken away. Now they’ve been given another chance, only Chris can’t remember. She slowly opened the door. Chris was lying there asleep. She walked over to his bed, she leaned down and kissed him on the lips, ever so gentle so not to awaken him. Smiling at how peaceful he looked she reached over to caress his face and said those three important words. "I love you." Sitting down in the chair next to the bed, she watched him sleep, knowing this time he would awaken.

Three hours had passed when Chris awoke. He slowly opened his eyes to find a woman’s head lying asleep next to him. Her face was turned away, her hand interlocked with his. Her long brunette hair, the scent of her perfume. A scent which sent a chill to his bones. Smiling, he caressed her hair. Leaning closer taking a deep breath, he wanted to bathe in the scent that was radiating from her hair. He needed not to see her face. For he knew it could only be his best friend, his partner, his Sammy. Rita had awakened. Raising her head slowly their eyes met. They sat there in silence, not a word spoken. Words were not needed, for their eyes said it all. They were lost in the moment. He smiled, a devastating handsome smile. It was his special smile, the one that always seemed to melt her heart. God, he had a gorgeous smile she thought. That same smile she used to turn away from, but now she welcomed with baited breath.

"Rita!" he said in delight. "I was just thinking about you" breaking their silence.

"Oh yeah…" she said smiling at him. "What were you thinking?"

"Aaahh, nothing I can repeat to you…X-rated and all" giving her a devilish look.

"Sam, you are a dirty old man, you know that?"

"Yeah well, it comes in handy some times."

"How do you feel?" she asked.

"I feel good. Been better but…"

"Yeah."

"What about you…how are you doing?"

"I’m okay Chris, you’re the one who got shot."

He glanced down to where their hands were and gave a gentle squeeze, then he looked back up at her. "You know, I can’t believe any of this. It’s so damn crazy. I also can’t believe Cap gave you so much time off. Jillian said you’ve been here in Boston with me the whole time."

She hesitated at first, was this really a good time to tell him everything or was she pushing things. She raised his hand to her lips and gave him a gentle kiss. "Chris…I quit the force."

He was stunned. Why? He knew being a Cop was just as important to her as it was to him. Tears appeared in his eyes. "Rita, no. Not because of this. You love being a Police Officer."

"Things change."

"Yes they do. But not this."

"Chris come on I really don’t want to talk about this right now."

"We have to talk about this. We’re talking about your life here. You can’t just quit the force."

"There happens to be a lot more important things in life then being a cop, Chris."

"Oh yeah, like what?" he asked.

Before she could respond the door opened and Jillian walked in. She could tell by the intense expression on both their faces she had interrupted what looked to be a very serious discussion. Maybe Rita was telling him about their marriage and the baby. She wanted to turn around and walk out, but she didn’t.

"I’m sorry, I hope I haven’t come at a bad time" Jillian said.

"As a matter of fact…" Chris started, when Rita interrupted.

"No Jillian, come on in" as she motioned to her to come further into the room.

Chris was staring at Rita in frustration. Squeezing her hand trying desperately to make eye contact, but she wouldn’t look his way. She just dropped her head toward the floor.

"Rita, we need to finish this" he said.

"Not now, Christopher" she commanded.

By the tone in her voice he knew she meant it. Still he was visibly upset over the matter. This was to big an issue to ignore.

"I just came to see how you were doing" Jillian said.

Chris still glaring at Rita, who would not look his way, responded to her question. "Freaking great… just freaking great."

Everyone stood there in silence for a moment. You could feel the tension in the air. Rita could feel the steam boiling off Chris’s head by the way he was gripping her hand. He had every right to want to know what the hell was going on. She was planning on telling him everything anyway. Only she wanted to do it at her own pace. Finally turning towards him, Rita could see the hurt in his eyes. "Sam, I promise you we’ll talk about this later" Rita said. Withdrawing her hand from his, she stood and walked over to the window. His eyes followed her every step. This was the first time Chris had gotten an overall view of Rita. When she was sitting next to his bed, he could only see her from the shoulders up. He blinked, thinking maybe his eyes weren’t focusing. He turned towards Jillian then slowly back to Rita. He was totally flabbergasted, his mouth wide open, his eyes as big as balloons, he was shocked at what he saw. Rita had put on quite a few pounds, he thought. Turning to Jillian.

"How long did you say I’ve been out of it?" he asked.

"About two months" she answered.

"Two months" he mummers.

"Chris are you okay?" asked Jillian.

"Sammy, I see you put on a little extra weight there" he said.

Amused at the expression on his face, Rita and Jillian both started to laugh. "Yeah Sam, I did, but I have a good reason…" Rita paused for a minute before saying "I’m pregnant."

"Pregnant?"

"Pregnant."

"By who, Eric? When? Where? How?" he asked as his face went totally flushed.

"By whom? My partner. When? Five months ago. Where? On the couch, and then the bedroom. How? The old fashion way." Rita answered as both her and Jillian continued to snicker at Chris’s reaction. His eyes grew bigger. He was speechless. He was trying to absorb what Rita had just told him.

"But…But I’m your partner, Sam. At least I was five months ago" Chris said.

"News flash, you still are" Rita said.

Chris shaking his head "No way you’re kidding me."

"Sorry Christopher, its true."

Running his hands through his hair "Wow, I dreamed about this, you and me but never in my wildest dreams, and believe me they were wild, did I ever think it would happen. And then it did and I can’t even remember." He looked at Rita confused. Waiting for any sign that perhaps she was playing a practical joke on him. Her face was that of seriousness only. He knew she was telling him the absolute truth. "How do you feel? Is the baby okay?" He asked in his excitement.

"I’m fine and the baby’s fine" Rita said noticing Jillian looking at Chris as he expressed his feelings. Even though Chris and Jillian’s relationship had ended, listening to him brag about wanting Rita, and the way his face lit up knowing that something did happen between them, even if he couldn’t remember was more painful than Jillian thought it would be. Chris hadn’t realize what his words had done to Jillian, but Rita did. She felt the same way when Chris use to talk that way about Jillian, and all the other women in his life.

"I think you two have some talking to do, so if you’ll excuse me" Jillian said, as she turned to leave the room.

"Thank you Jillian," Rita said.

"Jillian, thank you again for saving my life. Twice in one lifetime. How can I ever repay you?" Chris asked.

Smiling half heartedly, Jillian answered, "You already have." Then she left the room.

Chris held out his hand to Rita. She walked over to the chair and sat down. Holding hands they sat there a while exchanging a long intense gaze into each others eyes. When a devilish grin broke out on Chris’s face, Rita returned his smile with a puzzling one of her own.

"What are you smiling at?" she asked curiously.

"You know," Chris said arching his eyebrows.

"No, I don’t know."

"I was just lying here thinking…"

"That could be dangerous" she said sarcastically.

"If you’re pregnant."

"Hum-hum"

"And I’m the father."

"Yeah."

"That would mean that you and me…" pointing his finger back and forth, and widening his smile, "we did it."

Rita was a little embarrassed, but also amused at the way Chris was grinning like a kid who had just gotten a bag of candy, at the idea, that they were together in that way. She brushed her hair out of her face with her free hand and gave a little chuckle, as she answered him.

"Yeah, we did it" leaning in closer to him she whispered "several times I might add."

"Several times?" he asked.

"Oh yeah" she said seductively.

"Wow! This is so unbelievable. I can’t believe I don’t remember." Then he stared at Rita with his puppy dog eyes telling her he wanted more details, but he didn’t want to have to ask. She was getting a kick out of making him beg for more details. Looking back at him she was a bit more serious, not wanting to laugh at the look on his face. But Chris couldn’t wait any longer. His desire to know more details was eating away at him. He blurted out in pure agony. "Come on Rita, are you going to make me beg?" he asked.

Rita turned her head so she would not break out in laughter. "Beg for what Sam?" She asked.

Feeling a bit embarrassed "Well…" Chris started.

"Chris?"

"How was I? There I said it." Chris asked, smiling nervously.

Rita couldn’t help but laugh now. Chris’s smile left his face which was replaced with a grimaced painful expression. He felt small enough for asking, and Rita laughing, lets just say he wish he could take it back. But now he really wanted an answer to his question. Rita was still laughing at him. "That…that bad hum?" He asked.

Rita notice the embarrassed look on his face, and gently leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. "No, You were definitely not bad" she said. As a smile returned to his face.

"Then it was good for you?" he asked shyly.

"Christopher!"

"Sammy, come on give me a break. Can’t you just give me a little hint?" Using his fingers to indicate an inch. Giving her that puppy dog look again.

Rita decided to let him off the hook. It’s just that he looked so cute begging her for more information. "Chris, you were great." Rita said looking deep into his eyes.

"Great eh? " He said with his big Lorenzo smile.

"Yeah, great" she said returning his smile with one of her own.

Chris shook his head in agreement, and raised his chest like he knew it all along. Rita was watching as his testosterone begin to seep through, so she decided, what the hell lets have some fun.

"The second time," she said with a disappointed look on her face.

"The second time?" he asked with a deflated expression.

"Yeah, the second time."

"What happened to the first time?"

"You don’t wanna know."

"Yes I do, absolutely" he said raising his eyebrows.

She stood and walked to the window to look out because she knew she wouldn’t be able to say what she was about to say and keep a straight face, if she was looking at him. Chris was holding his breath waiting for her to explain.

"Where should I start?" she asked.

"How about the beginning?" he said

"Okay. It started when I was on loan out to Vice. I was teamed up with Detective Michael Price on a drug related case. You came to Boston to see Jillian. There was a car bomb, and I got a little shaken up by it…"

"Car bomb, Were you hurt?" he asked concerned.

"No, not really. You arrived, you must have just gotten back when Cap called you. Anyway we went back to your loft. I didn’t feel like being alone that night. We started to talk, and I asked you how your visit with Jillian went. You said you came here to find out if you were in love, and you were, but not with Jillian." Rita felt herself getting emotional recalling the night that they confessed their love for each other. Meanwhile, Chris was hanging on to her every word hearing only her voice as she spoke. "Then you kissed me…" turning his way, smiling as a warm sensation came over her. She was remembering that night. "I could feel myself melting in your embrace, and I knew that I was in love with you, too. All of a sudden, you broke our embrace and apologized for dumping your problems on me."

"Then what happened?" he asked almost out of breath as he was imagining what that night must have been like.

"I stood and put my hand to your mouth, stopping you from apologizing for something that felt so right, then I kissed you. We started undressing each other as our passion took over. You were cupping my breast running your fingers over my nipples gripping my hips. Your hands were roaming all over my body, as your kisses became deeper and deeper penetrating my soul. Just the thought of what was about to happen took me to pure ecstasy. You took my hand and led me upstairs to your bedroom. Guiding me slowly down on the bed, your kisses were so intense that I thought for a second I was going to explode." Rita glanced over at Chris. His eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily, what she was telling him was definitely getting him worked up into a frenzy. She had to admit she was a little aroused herself.

"And?" Chris asked breathless with passion.

"Nothing" a smile erupted from her face.

"Nothing?" Chris asked regaining his composure.

"Absolutely nothing" she answered.

"What do you mean nothing, absolutely nothing? Come on, you’re hot, I’m hot, the time is right. My hands are all over you" gesturing with his hands. "How could nothing happen?"

"Chris, you couldn’t…little Lorenzo couldn’t come out and play."

"Couldn’t come out and play." He looked at Rita who was trying so hard to keep a straight face. It finally hit him what she was saying. He had failed to perform. He shook his head in disbelief, pointing and screaming. "NO WAY! NO HOW! That would never happen to me. I have never had a problem in that department. I have the staying power of a well oiled piston, you hear me?"

"Chris, there’s nothing to be ashamed about. You’re not the first man this has ever happened to." she said as she broke out and started laughing.

"Maybe it was you… maybe you didn’t excite me enough," he said not liking the fact that Rita was laughing at him.

"Oh yeah right," she said still slightly laughing, walking over to Chris, she planted a tender lingering kiss. When she pulled away, Chris’s expression told her that she definitely excited him.

"Well okay, you do excite me" he said smiling.

"Humm."

"But…" he said.

"But…" she said.

"But, I know how long I dreamed about you and me together. I can’t believe the opportunity was there and I froze up," he said, tilting his head with sadness in his voice and eyes, that he let her down.

"Freezing up was not your problem" Rita said sarcastically.

"That is totally unfair. Here I am lying on what very well could have been my death bed, and you’re making fun of my misfortune." He said as he looked away.

Rita started to feel a little guilty now for what she had done to Chris. His ego was feeling a bit deflated at the idea that he was unable to perform. She decided it was time to let him off the hook. She leaned down toward him, turning his face towards her. "Chris…" she said as he was avoiding eye contact. "Look at me..?" She whispered softly to him. Chris raised his eyes to meet hers. "I was just kidding" she said smiling at him.

"You were?"

"Yes I was."

"I knew that" he said with confidence.

"You did?"

"Yes I did." He paused being serious now. "You know there’s something that I’ve been wanting to tell you for a long time."

"What’s that?"

He grabbed her hand. "I know that I must have told you this before. But seeing as I can’t remember, I thought I’d say it again" looking deep into her eyes " I love you Rita Lee Lance. I always have, and I always will."

"Actually it’s Rita Lee Lorenzo." Correcting him as she reached behind her neck and removed her chain. The chain she placed his wedding ring on when she thought he had died. The ring she could now return to it’s rightful place. Chris was watching Rita remove the ring from the chain. He was speechless, we’re married, he thought as a tear formed in his eye. He was the happiest man alive. Rita took his hand. "With this ring I do thee wed…" she said slipped the ring on his finger. "I love you, Christopher Lorenzo." She leaned down and they shared a kiss.

Several weeks had passed and Chris was getting stronger with each passing day. Jillian walked into Chris’s room as he was reading his obituary again.

"Good morning, Chris" Jillian said.

"Good morning to you" Chris replied.

She walked over and picked up his chart "How are you feeling today?" she asked.

"Pretty good, how about you?" he answered.

"I had a long night in surgery, I’m tired, hungry and a bit cranky. Other than that, I’m doing fine." Looking over his chart "Where’s Rita?" she asked.

"I told her to go home and get some rest. She really needed a break from sitting here everyday for hours with me. I told her it couldn’t be good for her or the baby."

"I’m glad you had better luck telling her that than I did. I tried telling her that for months, but she wouldn’t leave your bedside. She wanted to be here when you finally woke up." Jillian said, as she finished with his chart.

"So Doc, how does it look?" Chris asked.

"A lot better than a few months ago, that’s for sure. It was really touch and go for a while. You should be able to start physical therapy tomorrow."

Chris laughed and pointed to his paper. "This whole thing is so damn weird. Rita told me about this and how everyone still thinks I’m dead. Hearing it is one thing, but reading it…" shaking his head. "It just so eerie."

"Let’s be thankful for the end result." Jillian said as she walked toward the door.

"Jillian, could you stay awhile" he asks as he gestured for her to re-enter the room. Jillian obliges and walks over to the chair and pulled it closer to Chris’s bed. Chris reached for her hand to hold as she extended it without hesitation.

"Rita told me what you did for us…" squeezing her hand. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome." She said as she looked into his eyes. "You know Rita really loves you."

"Yeah I know." He replied.

"And you, do you really love Rita?" she asked.

Chris hesitated at first, not at the question, but not to hurt Jillian anymore than he already had. As softly as he could, but also with conviction he replied "Yes I do. I love her with everything that I am. She has always been a part of me. Rita’s my best friend. My partner, Rita’s my soul mate. I think that I’ve always loved her."

Jillian slowly broke the embrace of them holding hands. Chris realized that his words cut a little deeper than he intended. She got up and walked to the end of his bed. Her heart felt a bit heavy. She was silent for a moment. She turned to look at Chris. "You know…when you came here before, and you were looking for answers, about your feelings. When I told you that you were already committed to Rita, that’s why you wouldn’t make the move out here with me. I must admit I was hoping that you would tell me that it was my imagination and that you were in love with me, only me. I never thought you would say it was her. I never thought you would ever tell her how you felt either."

"I’m truly sorry Jillian, I don’t want you to think that I was using you. I really did…do love you." Chris said with sorrow in his voice.

"Just not as much as you love Rita" Jillian fired back. Shrugging her shoulders, "Who said life is fair…look at what happened to you." She could see that he was hurting. She walked back over to the head of his bed and sat back down in the chair, reaching for his hand. "Chris it’s okay…really." He turned to look at her, tears standing in his eyes. "I totally understand Chris" she said trying to console him. "You and Rita belong together. I think I’ve always known that. From the first minute I saw her reaction towards you, when Deborah Bouchard shot you. That wasn’t a partner she was worried about, it was much more. I could see it then in her eyes, when she looked at you."

"Jillian, if I had been honest with myself back then, or even Rita…"

She interrupted him, putting her hand over his mouth. "You don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m glad to have been a part of your life Chris…even for a little while." She said smiling at him.

"Jillian, you were more than just a part of my life." He said with a serious tone in his voice. He smiled at her as she leaned over to kiss him gingerly on the lips. When they broke their embrace, Rita was standing there.

Jillian jumped up and tried to explain. "Rita, this is not what you may think."

Rita gestured to Jillian by raising her hand to say stop. "Jillian, you don’t need to explain anything. It’s okay, really." Rita turned toward Chris and winked at him "Good morning, Sam."

"Morning sunshine" he replied as he winked back at her.

Jillian then excused herself and left. Rita walked over to Chris’s bed and gave him a kiss good morning . "I love you" was all she said, as she sat down in the chair that Jillian just vacated.

"I love you" Chris said as he watched her sit down as though nothing had happened. "Thanks Sam."

"Yeah, for what?" she said smiling at him.

"For understanding what you just saw."

"Gee Sam, it’s not like you could do anything. Well, besides give her a hit of your IV drip."

"You know, something could have been happening, and we were pretending that you walked in on something innocent."

Rita shook her head no. "Now, why would there be? I can more than satisfy you Christopher."

"Oh you can-can you?" he said grinning.

"Absolutely."

"I’ll bet you could."

"You bet your ass."

"How’s the baby ?"

"He’s fine. He couldn’t wait to get here to see his daddy."

"He…you said, he? Is that a definite? It’s a boy?"

"No, that’s not a definite he, it was just a figure of speech."

"Oh." Chris said with a disappointed tone.

"Oh! Are you hoping for a boy instead of a girl?" Rita noticed the disappointment in his voice.

"No, I’m not. I just thought when you referred to him as a he-he was a he." Rita gave him a yeah right expression. "Although, a little Chris would be a nice way to say you love me. But if she’s a little girl, I can’t complain. I mean, if she is half as beautiful as her mother, and you are extremely beautiful, that would be fine too."

"Good save Sam."

"Why, thank you very much Sam."

"You’re welcome. By the way I called Benny and told him that I had a surprise for him. He said he was working on a big case, but he can get away in two weeks. Anna was on location in Paris, so I left word with her agency to have her call me."

"So, you didn’t tell Benny that I was alive?"

"No, seeing is believing. Anyway, I didn’t want to ruin the surprise."

"What about the Cap?"

"I was thinking about inviting Harry and Frannie down for the weekend. That way you won’t be to overwhelmed all at once."

"Good thinking."

"Of course, I am the one with the brains in this family." Rita said smiling.

"Oh really?"

"Really."

"Family, you, me and baby makes three. We’re a family Rita, that so amazing."

"Yes it is."

"Now, all I have to do is figure out how I’m going to support this family." Chris said with a worried look on his face.

"We’re going to support this family." Rita corrected him as he nodded in agreement. "We’ll manage Chris. I still have plenty of money left, from the sale of your loft. Besides, Jillian set us up in a condo apartment that her family owns. The rent is very cheap, to cheap, if you ask me. I think she’s under the impression that Police Officers don’t get paid very well."

"Gee, I wonder were she got that idea?" Chris said sarcastically. "I still can’t believe you sold my loft. I really loved that place."

"Chris, we were going to sell it anyway, remember? OOPS, I guess you can’t. Trust me we decided to sell your place and mine and get a new one."

"Yeah, I guess I have to take your word for it."

"Good boy."

"But what happens when the money runs out?"

"Then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime why don’t you stop worrying about that and concentrate on getting better. And I’ll concentrate on giving birth to a healthy baby Lorenzo."

"I know Rita, but I’ve been lying here trying to figure out how I can support you and the baby. I keep coming back to being a cop."

"Chris, you can’t be seriously thinking about returning to the force. That’s just crazy."

"Rita, I’m a cop. That’s all I know."

"Look, we don’t have to make any decisions right now Chris. You still have a lot of physical therapy ahead of you. This is something you shouldn’t be trying to decide right now."

Realizing the subject of him returning to the force was upsetting Rita, he decided to change the subject. "Let’s talk about baby names, or you could tell me more about our vigorous sex life together."

"You are impossible."

"Let’s see, Christopher Jr. If he’s a boy, that’s a given."

"Oh really, what makes you think I want to call our son little Chris?"

"It’s natural Rita. A man has a son first, he names it after himself."

"Christopher Lorenzo Jr.?" Rita said.

"See how it just rolls right off your tongue. Poetic don’t you think?" said Chris proudly.

"Oh yeah, poetry in motion Sam." Rita said smiling.

"Now, if she’s a beautiful little girl. I was thinking along the lines of…Let’s say Melissa or maybe even Rikki, no-no I got it Shelby." Chris said jokingly naming past girlfriends of his that Rita didn’t particularly care for. Rita playfully punched Chris on his leg.

"I don’t think so. But that was really cute, Christopher. No, I was thinking about Amber Rose."

"Rose, that was my grandmother’s name." Chris said proudly, remembering how much his grandmother meant to him.

"Yes I know."

"That is really sweet Rita. Grandma Rose would be honored. Thank you."

"Your welcome."

"Christopher Jr. If it’s a boy, and Amber Rose if it’s a girl. I like that."

"Good than it’s settled. That was pretty easy. Let’s hope all our other decisions in life can be solved this easily."

Later that evening at home, Rita was sitting on the couch with the phone in her lap. She was trying to get up enough nerve to make one more phone call. She had mixed feelings about this one. It was much harder than she initially thought it would be. Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, she started dialing the number. The phone rang three times before the man on the other end answered.

"Hello."

"Hi Cap, it’s me, Rita."

"Lance! Where have you been? Harry shouted. "Frannie and I have been worried sick about you." Harry said with panic and excitement in his voice.

"I know Cap, I’m sorry."

"You don’t call, you don’t write. We thought you fell off the face of the earth. Where the hell are you?"

"I’m in Boston."

"Boston! What are you doing in Boston?"

"I just needed some time by myself Harry. I’m sorry if you and Frannie were worried."

"Don’t worry about it. We understand. And how’s my godchild doing?" Harry said now talking a lot more calmer.

"Your godchild is doing fine. Actually, that’s why I’m calling."

"What do you mean? I thought you said the baby is fine."

"He is Cap. I was just wondering if you and Frannie would mind coming for a visit this weekend. I really feel the need to be around my friends right now. You know."

"We’ll be there. Let me talk to Frannie and I’ll get back to you with the arrangements."

"Thanks Cap." Rita gave Harry her address and phone number. After she hung up the phone, Rita thought how she hated not telling him the real reason she wanted them to come down. Harry had been almost like a father to her and to Chris over the years. She wanted to call him the minute Jillian had revealed to her that Chris was still alive. Then she thought better. She wanted to make sure Chris would really be okay. It was bad enough that she might have to face the fact she could lose him all over again. She didn’t think it would be fair to have Harry go through it too.

Friday morning. Rita had awakened early. Today was going to be a very busy day for her. Chris was scheduled to be released from the hospital at 11:00 a.m. Harry and Frannie’s plane was do to arrive at 4:30 p.m. Rita was rushing around the apartment, making sure everything was perfect for Chris’s homecoming. She was nervous. Rita knew it was going to be an emotionally draining day for all parties involved. This would be the first time in months that she would have Chris home with her. She was trying to make sure everything he would need could be easily assessable to him. Wanting to make sure he was as comfortable as she could possibly make him. When she arrived at the hospital, Chris was already packed, dressed and sitting in the wheelchair raring to go. He was just as anxious to go home as she was to have him home.

"Hey there beautiful. Where have you been ? I’m ready to go when you are." Chris said as he rolled back and forth in his wheelchair.

"Morning to you too." Rita said as she walked over to give him a good morning kiss. "We have to wait Chris for the doctor to sign your release papers before you can leave."

"Formalities, and here I thought you wanted to hurry me home, so we could play patient and nurse." Shaking his head. "You disappoint me Sammy." They both laughed.

"Good morning Rita, Chris. I see our patient is eager to leave us toady." Jillian said as she walked into the room, and saw Chris already sitting in his wheelchair.

"Hi" Chris and Rita said in unison. "It’s nothing personal Jillian, but I think I’ve over stayed my welcome. Don’t you think?" Chris said smiling at her. "Besides, I can’t wait to eat food that actually has some flavor to it." Looking around to see if anyone was listening Chris leaned in toward Jillian. "This is just a suggestion, but if I were you I’d fire the chef. The man’s cooking is probably the reason the doctors and nurse stay so busy around here." Chris said sarcastically.

Jillian and Rita chuckled. "Actually, your probably right. However, his cooking also helps keep me employed." Jillian said.

"Good point! Good point!"

"Anyway, I signed your release forms and you’re free to go home. But, I want you here everyday at 10:00 a. m. sharp for therapy." Jillian said pointing her finger at him.

"You got it. Now can we go Rita before she changes her mind? See ya!" Chris said as he started wheeled himself out of the room.

Rita and Jillian both started laughing, when Chris started making motorcycle noises as he left the room. "Thanks Jillian, for everything" Rita said as she hugged Jillian.

"Rita, Chris is going to be fine. I have never seen him this happy. You can relax now and start concentrating on yourself for a change." Jillian said. Rita nodding in agreement and then said her good-byes.

Rita and Chris were at home now. Chris was sitting on the couch in the living room, flipping threw the television channels, looking for something to watch. Rita was in the kitchen, getting a head start on preparing dinner before she had to go pick up Harry and Frannie at the airport. Chris turned off the television not finding anything that interested him. He decided to go help Rita out in the kitchen. She was standing at the counter, cutting the lettuce and tomatoes for the salad. Chris came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His fingers barely touch one another. He began giving her baby kisses on her neck. Rita laid the knife down, as she sunk back into his chest, enjoying the feelings she was experiencing of having him nibbling on her neck. She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pulling her closer, he leaned in and they kissed. When their embrace broke they stood there gazing deep into each other eyes. You could see the love they shared radiate off both their faces.

"I thought I told you to stay on the couch and rest" Rita said.

"I was bored, so I came to see if I could give you a hand with dinner."

"Thanks, but I can handle it. Besides you’re more of a distraction, a pleasant one mind you, yet still a distraction. And you should really be resting."

"Oh, I get it, you want me to rest so I can save my energy for later tonight when you attack me." Whispering in her ear. "Don’t worry Sammy, I have energy to burn." Kissing her more intensely, giving her an idea of what was in store for her tonight. Chris walked over to the other side of the counter and sat down on the stool. Picking up a piece of lettuce and eating it, Chris said "Sweetheart, I don’t know why you’re going through so much trouble. This is Harry and Frannie, the KING AND QUEEN of bland food. If you really wanted to impress them, we should have brought home two doggie bags from the hospital."

"You’re bad" Rita said laughing.

"So Rita, are you planning on telling them about me on the drive home, or when you get back here with me?"

"I have no idea." She answered hunching her shoulders.

"You know what I think?" Rita looked up at him. He had this devilish look on his face. "I think we should have some fun."

"What kind of fun?" Rita asked curiously. Not knowing if she really wanted to hear.

"I was thinking I should play ghost."

"Play ghost?"

"Yeah, It will be fun. I’ll dress up in all white and pretend like I’ve come back from the life beyond to see you."

"What?" she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

"C’mon, think about it. You guys sitting in the living room reminiscing about what a great guy I was. What a great cop I was. How extremely handsome I was" profiling for her, as Rita shook her head, not believing he was really serious. Chris moved around the counter now and stood next to Rita. "And then out of no where, I appear. Standing in the hallway."

"Chris, I can’t believe you’re serious."

"Rita, where’s your sense of humor? C’mon, it will be fun."

"No!" she said adamantly.

"Why not?" he said, disappointed.

"Because, It’s cruel. And I can’t find the humor in losing you" her voice turning softer and serious. Hurt even, that after what she just went through he could suggest it.

Chris realized by the tone in her voice, and the look on her face, that maybe his joke was in poor taste. After all she almost did. "Rita, sweetheart, I’m sorry. You’re absolutely right. It is a stupid and cruel joke. I can’t believe I even suggested it." Grabbing her hand, kissing it then pressing it up against his heart. "Forgive me?"

"You’re forgiven, this time." She could never stay mad at him for long. Especially, when he gave her his puppy dog look. He kissed her on the forehead, then embraced her in a hug.

It was 3:15 p.m. Rita was in the bedroom getting dressed to go pick up Harry and Frannie. Chris was sitting in the living room watching television. The door bell rang. "I’ll get it!" Chris shouted out. Turning off the television, he went to answer the door. When he opened it, standing there were Harry and Frannie. "SURPRISE!" they said in unison, as the smiles slowly disappeared from their faces. They were shocked at what they saw standing before them. CHRISTOPHER LORENZO, ALIVE! Frannie pointed at Chris. Her mouth dropped wide open, her eyes slowly rolled in the back of her head. She fell back against Harry, fainting in his arms. Harry caught her automatically, as his eyes were still fixed on Chris.

"Cap, help me get her to the couch" Chris said as he grabbed one of her arms. Harry didn’t move a muscle. He just stood there, still in shock. Chris started to get worried when Harry didn’t respond. He called out to Rita for help. "Rita!" he yelled. Checking to see if she heard him and was on her way. "Harry, snap out of it. ..Rita!" he yelled again. Rita finally heard him the second time. She had just gotten out of the shower. Throwing on her robe, she could hear the panic in his voice. She rushed into the living room. She saw Chris standing in the doorway. "What’s going on?" she asked as she approached him. When she got there she saw Harry standing there, with his mouth wide open and Chris and Harry barely holding up a fainted Frannie.

"Cap!" Rita said shocked to see him there. Harry slowly started coming out of his trance at the sight of Rita. Chris and Harry helped Frannie over to the couch, they laid her down as Rita shut the door. Chris picked up a magazine from the coffee table and started fanning Frannie. Harry stood there trading looks between Rita, Chris and Frannie.

"I’ll get a cold towel" Rita said, as she walked towards the kitchen.

Harry finally broke his silence "Lorenzo, you’re alive! This can’t be."

Chris turned around looking at Harry, while still fanning Frannie. "It’s a long story Cap." He said, smiling half heartily. "But yes, I’m alive and kicking."

"But how?" Harry said, as Rita returned with a wet towel, placing it on Frannie’s forehead.

"Cap, what are you doing here? You weren’t suppose to get in until 4:30" Rita said.

"We took an early flight to surprise you" he explained as he sat down in the chair next to him.

Rita went over to Harry, putting her hand on his shoulder. Frannie was beginning to come around now. "Harry, I just saw Chris Lorenzo’s ghost" she said, her eyes still closed moving her head from side to side. Harry moved closer to her, as Chris moved away. Not wanting to be the first person she saw when she opened her eyes, seeing that he was a ghost to her. Frannie regained consciousness, as Harry helped her sit up. She had her head buried in her hands. "Frannie, are you okay?" he asked, wanting to make sure she was really all right.

"Yes, I’m fine" she said raising her head looking at her husband. "I just thought for a second that I saw Chris" looking over Harry’s shoulder, "Hi Rita."

"Hi Frannie. Would you like a glass of water?"

"No thanks, Rita. Maybe later."

"Rita, I think she’ll need something a lot stronger than water" Harry said sarcastically.

"What are you talking about Harry?’ Frannie asked, looking around the room, spotting Chris again.

"Hi Frannie" Chris said waving shyly at her smiling.

"Harry, I think you’re right. Rita hon, you wouldn’t happen to have any brandy hanging around, would you?"

"Now Fran, don’t go fainting on us again" Chris said, moving closer to her. "I’m not a ghost. I’m real" he said sitting down next to her on the couch.

"Now Chris, I distinctly remember attending your funeral" shaking her finger at him. "So, don’t try an fool me, you ghost" she turned toward Rita "He was such a nice boy when he was alive. He was like a son to us, wasn’t he Harry?" he nodded in agreement. "I don’t know why he would want to come back an haunt me."

"Frannie, I’m not here haunting you" Chris put his hand on top of hers. "I’m really here…flesh and blood. Go ahead Frannie, pinch me" extending his arm out to her.

"Oh! That’s nice" she said before she passed out again.

"I’ll get the brandy" Rita said, as she couldn’t help but smile at Frannie’s reaction. Harry began fanning her again, as Chris was patting her on the hand, trying to bring her to. Harry and Chris exchanged looks. "Lorenzo, can’t you see you’re scaring my wife to death." Chris looked at him with an I’m sorry expression on his face. Rita returned with a glass of brandy. She handed it to Harry. When she came to, he immediately handed her the brandy. "Here Frannie, drink this" she swallowed it in one shot. Chris glanced up at Rita. They were trying so hard to hide the fact that all they wanted to do was laugh. Chris got what he wanted, to play ghost "Frannie take it easy" Harry said concerned. She handed him the empty glass. She looked over at Chris, then Rita. "Rita, darling, do you think I could have another?"

"Frannie, I think you had enough" Harry said shaking his head no at Rita.

"I think I’ll go get dressed. Will you excuse me?" Rita then went to the bedroom.

"So Chris, how are you? I mean, you look pretty good, for a guy who’s been dead for what, three months is it?" Frannie said.

"Frannie, I didn’t die…I mean I did, but I didn’t" even Chris was beginning to confuse himself. "Look, It’s a long story. When Rita gets back, she can tell you the whole story."

"I can’t wait" she said touching his face and smiling.

"Neither can I" Harry said, still amazed at seeing Chris.

Rita finally returned. She sat down with them, and began explaining the whole story to them. How she too thought Chris was dead. How Jillian came back to Palm Beach after Chris had visited her in Boston. Even though Chris had admitted to her that he was in love with Rita, she still thought that there was a slim chance for her and Chris to reconcile. She never thought he would tell me his true feelings. Not wanting to risk their friendship. Then she found out he had been shot in the line of duty. Rushing to the hospital, only to find out that he was pronounced dead. Wanting to see him one last time, to say her good-byes. When she went to kiss him, she felt a very faint heartbeat. He was still alive, barely. The only information she had gotten was that he was shot by some drug lord. Fearing his life may still be in danger, she had him transferred to Boston for his own safety. It wasn’t until then, she checked over his medical records and found out that we were married. She called me and asked me to come to Boston. Harry interrupted "Rita, why didn’t you tell me that day at his grave site?"

"Cap, I didn’t know then. It wasn’t until later that evening when she called me. I knew I needed to get away" Chris squeezed her hand "Boston was as good as any other place. So I thought why not."

"Rita, you could have called when you got here and found out. You didn’t have to go through that alone" Harry said shaking his head, wondering what she must of went through.

"I know, I had no idea what was going to happen. I just couldn’t bare having you lose him all over again too" tears started rolling down Rita’s face. Chris began wiping them away with his thumb. Kissing her on her cheek, squeezing Rita tighter.

"Rita, you poor child. Harry and I should have been here with you. Especially in your condition" Frannie said, putting her hand on Rita’s lap to comfort her.

They sat there talking for about an hour when Rita decided it was time for her to finish preparing dinner. She was getting hungry, and she knew the baby was hungry. He had been kicking her for the last thirty minutes. Frannie decided to help her. Both ladies started walking towards the kitchen. Harry figured this would be a good time to have a talk with Chris. "Lorenzo, can I talk to you privately?" Frannie and Rita stopped in their tracks. They could tell by the way he said it, it was something big. Noticing the women reaction Harry became defensive "What! What! Is there something strange about two men wanting to talk to one another alone?"

"Harry, I think you should calm down before you break out in hives." Frannie said smiling at him.

"Cap, why don’t we go into the bedroom?" Chris said as he started walking in that direction. Harry followed him in. Chris shut the door behind them. "So, what’s up Cap?" Chris said, his curiosity peaked. Harry just stood there. He didn’t say a word, just kept looking a Chris in amazement. "Cap, I thought you wanted to talk."

"I’m sorry Lorenzo. I still can’t believe your here, standing in front of me."

"I missed you too" Chris said, as he gave Harry a big bear hug. Harry reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box and handed it to Chris. "What’s this Cap?" Chris asked, putting it to his ear and shaking, making out like it was a bomb.

"Stop playing around and open it" Harry said getting antsy.

Chris unwrapped the box and opened it. There was a diamond engagement ring inside. "Harry, I’m flattered. But I’m already married to a very beautiful woman" Chris said half jokingly, have confused.

"It’s not for you - you idiot. It’s for your wife."

"Rita!" Chris said still confused. "Cap, does Frannie know about your secret love for my wife?"

Harry rolled his eyes. He began massaging both sides of his temples. "It’s not from me to Rita. It’s from you to Rita" Harry said, looking at Chris in disbelief. "You know, sometimes I really wonder about you Lorenzo." Chris is now looking totally bewildered. "You asked me if I would go with you and pick out an engagement ring for Rita. You guys did everything in such a rush, that you never properly presented her with an official engagement ring. We picked it out the day before you were shot. You gave me the receipt to hold, so Rita wouldn’t find it. It was going to be a surprise." Chris went to sit down on the bed. He was staring at the ring, trying to absorb what Harry was telling him. "I had forgotten all about it, until Frannie was cleaning out my sock drawer and asked me what it was. Boy did I have some explaining to do. I wanted to make sure Rita got it, because I knew how important it was to you that she have it" Harry walked over and sat on the bed next to him. "I was planning on giving it to her on the day she gave birth to the baby. But when she called, she sounded like she could use a pick me up. So I decided to give it to her now." Chris sat there speechless. He was mesmerized by the ring. Harry put his arm around his shoulder. "I think your wife, would prefer it if you gave it to her."

"Thanks Cap" Chris said, wiping a tear out the corner of his eye. "I’ll pay you back. I promise."

"You bet you will. And the way I figure it. That should take you at least twenty years. Try not to get yourself killed before then…again."

"I’ll do my best, Cap" Chris laughed "I’ll do my best."

"So, have you and Rita given any thought to returning to the force? After you’re properly healed, and she has the baby, of course."

"Not much. After almost losing me a second time, she’s a little gun shy. No pun intended."

"Can you blame her? She almost lost her partner twice."

"See that’s the problem Cap. Both times I was almost killed, Rita wasn’t my partner, technically anyway." Harry had a puzzling look on his face. "Think about it. When I was shot by Deborah Bouchard, Rita was on loan out to Vice. She was partnered with Derek McNeill. And this time, I was partnered with a cop named Holly Rawlings. We weren’t there to cover each others back. As you can see it makes a big difference. It’s been proven twice so far." Harry knew what he was saying made prefect sense. A cop has to believe in his partner to survive out there. Rita and Chris believe in each other. They don’t feel comfortable with anyone else. "You know the rules, nothing physical between partners. Rita and I are married. Last time I checked married people are prone to get physical" Chris smiled at Harry. "With a wife like Rita, I intend on being as physical as I can possible be." Leaning in, whispering in a devilish tone "Especially tonight…It’s been a while, you know."

"I don’t wanna hear that. And take that silly grin off your face." Harry said disgusted by the mischievous look on Chris’s face.

"Rita, do you think we should go get the men? They’ve been in there an awful long time. What do you think they’re talking about?" Frannie said with an ear to ear smile.

"Fran, I don’t wanna know what they’re talking about. But, I do agree we should go get them. Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes."

"Aren’t you even a little bit curious? I know, lets go listen at the door. Harry may be giving Chris some pointers in the romance department" Frannie said, seductively, winking at Rita.

"Trust me, Chris has that department covered Frannie." Rita knew Chris could more than satisfy her needs.

"Really, how good is he, Rita?" Fran asked, licking her lips waiting for details.

Rita started laughing at the expression on Fran’s face. Rita shook her head. "Fran! I’m not going to talk to you about my sex life. Forget it!"

"That good huh? So is Harry."

"Chris, you have to convince Rita to return to the force."

"I’ve tried. Rita won’t talk about it. She’s scared Cap."

"Chris you and Rita are the best damn homicide team I’ve ever worked with."

"Thanks Cap. You said it, we are a team." Hearing Harry say that, meant the world to him. Even though he knew how Harry felt. It was still nice to hear.

"The department has been trying to replace you guys, ever since you left. The first team they replaced you guys with, I thought the department was playing a practical joke on me. The new team, that replaced the old team, who tried to replace you and Rita, these two are getting better, I guess. I do know that their no match for you and your partner." Harry jumped off the bed, snapping his fingers "I got it. I know how you two can rejoin the force, and still be partners" he was so excited, that Chris began to get excited, and he didn’t even know what he was getting excited about. "Harry Lipshitz, you’re a genius," patting himself on the back. "Tom and Cassy, the new team I was telling you about, are assigned to the Silk Stalking homicide detail. They were married to each other. They’re divorced now, and top brass are allowing them to be partners. So why not you two guys?"

"But Cap, your said they’re divorced" Chris, not understanding where Harry was going with this.

"Chris, one of the reasons why the department frowns on partners who are involved with each other, is because they feel it may impair their objectivity. Tom and Cassy are partners because of a technicality. They’re divorced! But technically they still were physically involved at one point."

"I still don’t get it" said Chris with confusion.

"Lorenzo! Do I have to spell it out for you?" He shook his head, yes. "Okay, Rita was promoted to Lt. Chief of Detectives, right?"

"Excuse me?" Did he say Rita was promoted to Lt., Chris asked himself.

"What! She didn’t tell you?" Harry realized Chris had no idea what he was talking about.

"No! She forgot to mention that." He whispered, as he drooped his head. He was genuinely stunned. How could she not tell him that? Did she really think he never would find out?

"Anyway Chris," Harry continued "my point is Rita’s Chief of Detective promotion entitles her to assign whomever she wants to a case. So, she assigns herself to every case you work on. That way you two are still partners, and it is legal…technically that is." Harry was waiting for a response from Chris, who seemed to be lost in his thought of Rita’s promotion, and why she hadn’t told him. "Lorenzo! So what do you think?" Still no response. Harry sat back on the bed. "LORENZO!" He shouts.

"What Cap?" still feeling a bit dazed.

"What do you think of my idea?" Harry repeated.

"It sounds like a plan." Chris said his voice distance.

"Good. You should talk it over with Rita as soon as possible."

"Yeah, I’ll do that…absolutely." Chris ran his hands threw his hair. There was a knock on the door. Rita entered. "I’m sorry, I hope I haven’t interrupted anything important. Dinner is ready." Chris never raised his head. "Sam, are you okay?" Rita asked. He looked up at her, giving her a big wide smile. "I’m fine Sammy. You go ahead, we’ll be out in a second." Rita mouthed, I love you, as she closed the door.

"Chris, are you okay?" Harry was starting to get worried himself.

"Yeah, I’m fine. Cap, don’t tell Rita you told me about the promotion."

"Sure."

"Good, good. Let’s go eat."

Frannie noticed the men walking toward the kitchen for dinner. "We were beginning to wonder about you two."

"Let’s sit down and eat." Rita suggested, before Fran could say anything more. They talked non-stop though out the dinner. They talked about what they had been up to, about the baby, and every once in a while, Frannie would throw in a dig, trying to get the boys to tell them what they were discussing in the bedroom. Harry and Chris just laughed and kept changing the subject. Although each time they did, Rita was getting more curious about their conversation. But she knew if Chris wanted her to know, he would tell her eventually. After they finished their dinner, and had their dessert, Rita and Frannie, cleared the table and did the dishes. They sat around drinking coffee, Rita settled on juice, making plans for tomorrow. Chris insisted once again that they stay with them, but Harry and Frannie thanked him, deciding they should stay at the hotel like they originally planned. Especially now, that they were pleasantly surprised with the resurrection of Chris. Knowing that this was his first night home from the hospital. They knew the two of them would want some privacy. Harry and Frannie said their good-byes. It was getting late and they had big plans for tomorrow, so everyone needed their rest. They hugged and kissed each other goodnight, and went on their way.

Rita and Chris were lying in the bedroom, making small talk. Rita was at the top of the bed propped up on some pillows. Chris was down at the bottom of the bed, massaging Rita’s sore swollen feet. You could feel the tension in the air. This was it! Alone at last. The question now was, who would make the first move. They knew they were prolonging the inevitable. Chris was eyeing Rita. Rita was eyeing Chris. Each time their eyes met, they looked away. Continuing their pointless discussion. Rita yawned. "You tired Sammy?" Chris inquired. Hoping she wasn’t.

"That depends," she said smiling at him seductively.

"Depends on what?" smiling back at her with this smoldering look in his eyes.

"What do you have on your mind there partner?" Shifting, she made room for him. Chris crawled slowly up to where she was. Wrapping his arm around her neck, and rubbing her stomach with his hand, he kissed her tentatively. He couldn’t believe how nervous he felt. He was shaking, like he was a teenager again, and this was his first time. He wanted her so badly, his whole body was tingling. Rita was slowly running her hand up and down his chest. She could feel his heart beat racing. Pounding fast and hard. She knew he was just as tense as she was. "Chris, I’m just as nervous as you are" Rita said, hoping it would help him relax.

Chris took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Okay, maybe we should take this slow. I don’t want to disappoint you."

"Chris, you could never disappoint me."

"Rita, I can’t remember how it was between us and…"

"It’s been a while for me too Sam. Last time we were together, I wasn’t…I still had a figure of sorts."

"No, you’re beautiful. The most gorgeous woman I know," he said, with love in his eyes and voice. Rubbing her stomach he kissed her on the tip of her nose. He then kissed her passionately on the lips. Her mouth opened automatically, beckoning for him. He began unbuttoning her shirt, exposing her erect nipples. He started kissing them, then he worked his way down her body, until he reached her tummy. He explored every inch of her, kissing and caressing her belly. Working his way further down until he reached her inner thighs, finding his way to her inner core. Instantly, she moaned, her body arched up as a tingling sensation shot through her. Moving upward, he settled on her breast, kissing one then the other. Lingering long enough, leaving Rita breathless and panting heavily, she was consumed with her desire for him. Feeling his own rising passion. Chris began ripping off his clothes, as Rita removed her night shirt completely. Both totally were naked. They were kissing so hard, so intensely, they could feel the fire within, burning their souls. Chris began easing himself inside of her. His body hungered for her. Gripping her hips pressing her closer to him, Rita, urged him on, pulling him even closer. Welcoming his every thrust. Their bodies seemed to swallow one another. They moved together in perfect harmony. Both their bodies striving towards fulfillment. He couldn’t hold on any longer. He exploded as his whole body shook in total ecstasy. A second later, Rita joined him. Lying there in the aftermath, neither wanted to move. Chris was lost in her eyes. "I love you so much Rita," he whispered, then kissed her. "I love you endlessly Chris," she said as she kissed him. They laid there together, each holding the other tight, for what seemed like a lifetime. Chris finally moved lying next to Rita now. He scooped her up in his arms, both still breathing slightly heavy, trying to catch their breath. After a few minutes, Rita started giving Chris baby kisses on his neck. She continued upward ‘til she reached his ear. "You were incredible" she whispered.

Chris, grinned from ear to ear "I was…wasn’t I. And you were even better than I dreamed you would be." They kiss. "I hope we didn’t hurt the baby."

"No, the baby’s fine. Best exercise he’s had in months." They both laughed. "Rita began running her hand down Chris’s chest, she stopped momentarily circling his belly button, then she continued downward stopping only when it reached his manhood. Slowly, as she stroked him, Chris felt himself become aroused all over again. "You are aware of what you’re doing here?" he asked, smiling mischievously.

"Just making sure you’re up for another round." She said, raising her eyebrows several times.

Looking at Rita, then down to where she was stroking him, "Ding, ding" he said as he moved her closer, kissing her passionately. They made love all night long.

Morning was upon them. Chris had awakened first. He was watching Rita sleep. She looked so peaceful. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you Sammy," he said, as she began to stir, but she didn’t wake. Chris eased Rita’s head which had been resting on his shoulder, onto his vacated pillow. He went over to his pants, and pulled out the ring, Harry had given him the night before. He looked at Rita, then the ring, smiling as he left the room. Rita had awakened. She reached out, but Chris wasn’t there. She jumped up yelling out his name. "Chris!" Was it a dream, she thought. Chris heard her calling for him. "I’m in the kitchen Sammy, fixing breakfast." Hearing his voice, she began to calm down. She was over reacting she thought as she buried her head in Chris’s pillow, losing herself in his scent. Chris just finished pouring Rita’s glass of juice, putting it on the tray along with her toast, and her bowl of fruit. Spreading the fruit, he placed in the ring, hiding it under the fruit. He put his cup of coffee on the tray, and returned to the bedroom. He entered the room, and saw Rita wearing his shirt, sitting up in the middle of the bed propped up on some pillows. She was smiling at him as he approached the bed. Chris set the tray down on Rita’s lap.

"Chris, this is so sweet." As she looked over the spread he prepared for her.

"Sweets for my sweet" he kissed her. "Good morning."

"Morning" she said, reaching for his coffee.

"Uh-uh Sammy, the coffee’s mine" lifting her orange juice "this is for you." She took the orange juice, looking at it. "Okay, you can have a sip. A very small sip" handing her his coffee. She took a sip, and handed it back to him. "Thanks Sam" she said.

"You’re welcome" he picked up a strawberry and fed it to her. "Rita, I was talking to the Cap last night, and he told me about your promotion. I was just wondering why you never mentioned it to me?

"He had no right" she said dropping her head.

Chris put a finger under her chin, lifting her head so they could make eye contact. "He had every right. This is great news. Lt. Rita Lee Lance-Lorenzo, Chief of Detectives" he said proudly.

Sliding her hand over his. "When I first got the promotion, I thought, yeah, this was great. But when I lost you…It didn’t seem that important to me anymore."

"And now, knowing that you haven’t lost me?"

"I don’t know, things are different now. We’re married, and we’re having a baby. This is what’s important to me now."

"It’s important to me too. Rita, you worked so hard to get where you are. You can’t just throw it all away. That’s not you, that’s not my partner."

"Returning to the force, isn’t going to change anything. We’re married. They don’t allow married couples to be partners, partner."

"I know, and I spoke to Harry about that. I don’t want another partner either. Harry came up with an idea on how we could rejoin the force and remain partners."

"He said that?"

"Yeah, he did. Rita, all I’m asking is that you think about it. You don’t have to decide today, tomorrow, or even next month. The most important thing right now, is for you to have a healthy baby boy…or girl."

"I can’t promise you that I’ll return to the force Chris, But I can promise you that I’ll think about."

"Good, close enough. Now, eat your breakfast."

Rita picked up her folk and began picking at her fruit. Pushing aside the strawberries, she tried to get at the melon. When she heard a clinging sound, she glanced at Chris, who was grinning, which she thought was strange. Setting down the folk, and using her fingers she searched through and found the ring. She was at a loss for words. Her heart was melting, her eyes glistened with tears. "Chris, it’s beautiful. Where did you get this?"

"The Cap gave it to me last night."

"Cap!" she said surprised.

"Apparently, I put a down payment on it, and before I could retrieve it…I died. You know what I mean. Anyway, the Cap picked it up for me. He said he had planned to give it to you on the day our baby was born."

"I don’t understand. It’s not like he knew you were alive. Why would he bring it with him, when he knows the baby’s not due for months."

"He said, when you called, you sounded a bit down in the dumps. So he figured if he gave it to you now, maybe it would pick up your spirits."

Rita was glowing, and it made Chris really happy to see her that way. "Chris, I don’t know what to say. You shouldn’t have." Chris removed the tray off the bed, setting it on the night stand. Taking the ring from Rita’s hand, "I don’t remember some things, but I do remember you telling me once, that if I wanted to buy you a diamond, you liked them big." Rita remembered telling him that, after they had solved a case. Chris kneeled down on one knee beside the bed holding Rita’s hand in his. His blue eyes fixed on her green eyes. "Lt. Rita Lee Lance-Lorenzo, will you marry me, again?" He slipped the ring on her finger, right next to her wedding band. This time without hesitation she responded. "Yes, Sergeant Christopher Lorenzo, I will marry you, again." He rose, and they sealed it with a kiss.

"Where are you going?" Rita asked after Chris broke their embrace.

"To take a shower. I have to go to therapy pretty soon."

Pulling him back down closer "In that case, maybe I should help you warm up first" she said softly, as she started kissing him on the neck. "How about we start with some stretching exercises." Rita said, sliding herself down on the pillow pulling Chris with her.

"Oh yeah, stretching, I’d like that." He said lying down beside Rita, wrapping his arms around her. Their kisses becoming deeper and deeper. Chris knew he was definitely going to be late. If he made it at all.

THE END