Is there anything else I can get you? Anything for pain?

Its ok, thank you

The nurse checked her monitors once again before leaving

Are you sure youre ok?

The nurse had studied Alexis face long enough now to know which expressions meant what

She looked sad

Can I ask you a question?

Of course The nurse said concerned

Could you tell me, how is Lorenzo Alcazar?

The nurse smiled

Hes doing very well. Actually were getting him ready to be released today

Today?

The nurse could tell she was thinking

Before she could ask another question

Ned knocked at the door and peeked his head through

Good morning

His face was handsome and bright

Good morning

I have something for you!

Ned opened the door and in his arms was a curly headed, brown eyed girl

My baby girl! Alexis said already reaching as Kristina squealed at the sight of her mommy

Well it looks like just what the doctor ordered the nurse said seeing how happy Alexis suddenly was Remember you cant lift her ok she said before leaving them

Ned sat Kristina down on the side of the bed

Remember how we said to be careful with mommy

Kristina looked at Ned as if she understood

My beautiful, beautiful girl. Ive missed you so much. I love you, I love you, I love you

Kristina was thrilled

Alexis was thrilled

She asked a million questions

She made a million observances

You look like youve grown at least two inches and your hair is getting so long and how did you get that scratch on your arm?

The slide I think

Huh? Alexis said looking at Ned not realizing what she was even saying

The slide, I think she got the scratch on the slide

Oh, oh Alexis said grinning and kissing Kristina for the umpteenth time

Thank you so much for bringing her. I needed to see her so badly; Ive missed her so much

I know you have. You just needed to be strong enough before you could handle her

Alexis shook her head understanding

Kristina lets show mommy what you made her

Ned pulled a piece of paper that had been folded in half out to Alexis

Pi-ture! Kristina said as Alexis looked

Youre such a wonderful artist! I love it!

Doggie!

Alexis looked at the purple scribble that covered the page

Yes I see your doggie

She drew it while she was at the office yesterday Ned said proudly

At the office huh? Alexis said smiling

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mr. Alcazar everything is just about ready. If you would sign these release forms we will get you in the wheelchair and well get ready to wheel you out of here

Lorenzo smiled slightly wanting to be appreciative

And something that may make you feel better

Lorenzo looked at the nurse

Ms. Davis was asking about you just a few minutes ago?

She was?

Yes, she seemed very concerned about your well being

And she how is she?

Shes doing much better. Mr. Ashton brought her daughter to see her for the first time today. I think it did her a lot of good. I watched her face turn to joy at first sight of that little girl

I know that face Lorenzo said now smiling She worships that little girl

I could tell

The nurse could also tell Lorenzo was mesmerized by his thoughts and by the smile on his face it had something to do with Alexis and her daughter

Mr. Alcazar, if you would let me help you into the wheelchair

Lorenzo broke his trance and tried to help himself to the edge of the bed the best he could

The door opened and in walked Snake

Well it looks like Im just in time to bust you out of here boss Snake said happily

The nurse grinned

Snake immediately helped the nurse get Lorenzo settled in to the chair

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Say bye bye to mommy. Well see you tomorrow!

Kristina blew one kiss after the other to her mommy until the door closed

Well that looked like it did the trick Jax said standing in the hallway

Jax I didnt know you were back

I didnt want to disturb you all

Shes has to be overjoyed to get to see her Jax said holding his arms out to Kristina

She obliged wrapping her arms around him

Were you happy to see mommy? She missed you so much!

Jax and Ned began to converse back and forth

WENZO! Kristina squealed pointing to the other end of the hallway

Both Ned and Jax froze

It was without a doubt what she had just said

Wenzo! Wenzo! She said now reaching, fighting the arms around her

Lorenzo knew every ounce of their secret had just deteriorated but the sight of her, he melted. If he could have he would have gotten out of that chair and ran to her he didnt realize how much he missed her. Her little face, her little voice and hands hands that were reaching for him

Jax quickly handed Kristina to Ned

Ned will you take her please

Ned couldnt believe that everything he hoped wasnt true had just become a reality

Kristina knew Lorenzo, she knew him well

Lorenzo watched Ned take Kristina in the opposite direction until she was out of sight. When he looked back Jaxs eyes were blaring at him

Boss we should go Snake said leaning down to him

Lorenzo nodded agreeing

Jax took a deep breath in and then out and made his way in to her room

Jax, good morning! Did you see Ned with Kristina? They came to see

Her eyes were bright

She was on a high from seeing her daughter

Whatever you do with Alcazar is your business but why do you let Kristina be around him?

I, I what?

She was confused

Your secrets out, Kristina told yours and Lorenzos secret

What do you mean?

She said his name repeatedly when she saw him in the hallway just now

Alexis wasnt sure what to say

She wasnt sure to defend it all

She wasnt sure if she should make up an excuse

She wasnt sure if she should just tell Jax it was none of his business

She did? Alexis said softly I, I

Oh come on Alexis. What is this? Is he the new exciting and dangerous man in your life? What are you thinking?

What am I thinking? What am I thinking?

Alexis heart raced on the monitor and the nurse came quickly to check on her

Is everything ok?

Alexis composed herself

Im sorry I just got a little too excited Ive calmed down

Mr. Jacks I will ask you to leave if youre disturbing the patient. She cant take this type of stress

I understand, everythings fine

The nurse raised her brow to Jax and then looked back at Alexis

Use your call buttoned if you need me

Alexis shook her head ok as the nurse left them

Jax Ive been having an affair with Lorenzo for months she said bluntly confessing

This is absurd

I thought so too at first but it happened, we just happened. I fell in love with him

Youre in love with him? Alexis

I dont owe you an explanation she said coldly

Alexis this is about Kristina

Is it?

She was now beyond defensive

You trust him with your daughter?

I didnt at first and yes I know I had every reason not to. I told him that. But now yes I do trust him with her

Alexis I love you, I love Kristina

But that doesnt give you a say so in whom Im with

You try so hard to protect her from so many dangerous things already

Its my call Jax. And I dont think hes a danger to her or to me. Hes done everything he can to prove that

And the wreck?

Jax!

Alexis the case points to someone trying to kill Alcazar and you just happen to be in the car isnt that enough? He almost killed you

He didnt all most kill me and you dont know what happened that night

Jax ran his hands through his hair frustrated

I just love you

I know you do and I love you Jax. But youre right my secrets out. And I wont change the way I feel about Lorenzo because you disapprove or because Ned disapproves

Alexis

She closed her eyes and shook her head

Jax I cant fight with you about this, not now she said calmly

She had worn herself out

Alexis Im sorry

If we have to discuss this later, fine I just cant

Jax leaned in kissing her

You dont need me here right now Im sorry

He started to leave

Jax

Yeah

I know youre doing this because you just want to protect me and yes I do know how much you love me but you have to trust me hes not who you obviously think he is he makes me happy

Jax shook his head listening to her

Ill see you tomorrow ok he said truly sorry he had upset her

She nodded ok

End Ch. 18