It was the following afternoon that Steve had gone to Dulles Airport to retrieve his offspring. Kyle had been worked up over the past few days afraid of his father disappearing as his mother apparently did. Steve had spoken to him on the phone a few times but Jaime suggested she bring the children to Washington so they could at least see him in person. The young ones were still in the dark about their mother.

While Steve was busy and away from the medical center Rudy moved on with his patient’s care. He checked her over and, with his head nurse standing by, he flipped open the medical chart on the tray table and clicked his pen to the functional position. His written and verbal orders were simple and succinct.

“I want the IV stopped; the catheter removed, and discontinue the sedative.”

“Yes, doctor.” She replied obediently.

“Also, tell the staff no one, and I mean no one, is to converse with her on any topic except how she’s feeling, the weather and things like that and there is to be no mention of her children. Understood?”

“Yes, sir. What if she asks about her husband?”

He flipped the metal covered chart closed and returned his pen to his pocket. “Tell her you don’t know where he is but you will try to find him or you could say he had to take care of some business.”

“Yes, doctor.” She sighed not liking the idea of lying to the young woman sleeping off the affects of the drugs in her system.

Rudy handed her the chart and headed for the door. “I want to be paged as soon as she begins to wake up.”

“Understood.” She responded.

It wasn’t long before the overhead page reached Dr. Wells. He quickly headed to Kayce’s room, his heart beating in his chest. His head told him it was likely she would not remember anything more then before but his heart still held onto the hope that when she awoke all would be as it was before the explosion.

When he reached her bedside she was slowly stretching her lean body under the light blankets. She let out a heavy sigh before her eyelids lifted, revealing her glassy sapphire eyes.

Rudy waited as she briefly glanced around the room, attempting to orient herself. Gradually a handsome face with warm brown eyes came into focus.

“Hi,” Rudy greeted.

”Hi” she responded softly. “Where am I?”

“You are at a hospital. You’ve been very ill.”

She moved again under the covers before realization set in. “The pain is gone.” She commented a little surprised.

“Yes.” He smiled. “How do you feel?”

“Like I’ve been asleep forever.”

“Not forever just a few days. I’m glad you are feeling better.”

“So am I. Are you the one who fixed me?” Rudy nodded. “What’s your name?” She asked.

Rudy swallowed hard before answering. “Dr. Wells, Dr. Rudy Wells.”

She gifted him with a charming smile. “It’s nice to meet you Dr. Wells. I’m Kayce and I owe you a debt of gratitude. The other doctor Tom brought to the house didn’t know what was wrong with me.”

“Kayce, what can you tell me of your time before you fell ill? Do you remember what brought it on?” He held his breath hoping she would recall something to connect her to her previous life.

Her face took on a very serious expression as she tried to recall the events leading up to the onset of pain. “Um….” She blinked a few times as her eyes locked on the ceiling. “I don’t remember anything specific. I just woke up one day and my legs hurt.”

“Then what?”

“Then they got weak and I couldn’t walk. Then my left arm started hurting. God, it was horrible. The doctor who came to see me gave me sleeping pills because I couldn’t get any rest but they never really worked.”

“I see.”

“Where is my husband?” She asked with a hopeful tone. “Is he here?”

“No. I’m afraid he was called away on business.” He watched her head sink deeper into the soft pillow, her face showing her disappointment.

“How long have you been married?”

Again the question could not be easily answered as her memory could not pull up a date or number of years. She pushed down the fear that filled her chest from the lack of available information she knew should have been there. She chose a vague answer. “A long time.” She closed her eyes. “Sometimes it seems like we were married yesterday.”

‘I bet’ Rudy thought to himself. He couldn’t believe Sheridan had convinced her they were married. “Well it’s almost dinner time, is there something special you would like?”

Her eyes popped open and she smiled. “I so hungry I could eat a horse but I’ll settle for a cheese steak sandwich and ice cream if it’s not too much trouble.”

“You got it. I’ll be back in a little bit.” He moved to the door and looked back before exiting. Kayce rested back on the bed with her eyes closed and a small smile on her pretty face. He hated to take that away from her but knew the time might come when he would be telling her that her present life was a lie. He knew she would be angry and hurt by the news. He hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

Sitting on the sofa Jaime watched her former fiancé with an experienced eye. Although clearly tired he seemed happy to spend time with his children who were ecstatic to see him. She was aware of Kayce’s condition and was feeling guilty that Steve had to go such a difficult situation a second time.

Glancing at her watch she knew she would have to head to the airport soon. Last night she had found Steve on the back patio after midnight. Opening the sliding glass door she was chilled by the cold night air. The tall woman could tell by Steve’s face he had been crying and knew he wouldn’t want anyone to see him in such a state.

It took several minutes of coaxing to get him to talk to her.

“I just can’t get the thoughts out of my head, all the ‘what ifs’, you know? If Kayce doesn’t get her memory back will she leave me…us? If she moves out will she want the children with her?” He looked at her with glassy blue eyes, their intense gaze begging for answers she didn’t have.

“I wish I knew the answers Steve but I don’t. I’m just sorry you have to go through this again.” He nodded in agreement. “I do know she’ll be confused and frightened when she does realize she has lost memories of her life. I can honestly say it’s a terrifying feeling.” Her head tilted and she knew he was holding back. “There’s something else isn’t there?”

“When I try to sleep I keep seeing her face on your body when you told me that you only wanted to be friends.” He let out a heavy breath. “I won’t be able to live with that… not now…not with Kayce.”

Jaime’s intuition spoke loudly and she placed a hand on his broad shoulder. “I guess me being here isn’t helping matters is it?”

He looked away, unwilling to answer, but his silence spoke volumes to her. “It’s okay Steve. I understand. I really do. I’ll go back to California tomorrow okay?”

“Jaime, you don’t have to…” He looked into her eyes, a gaze that demanded honesty from him. “I…I really appreciate your help with the children but….”

“Steve when I offered to bring the kids here I didn’t even think how it would affect you. I’m sorry. Just tell me, will it be easier on you if I wasn’t here?”

He looked away and was unable to voice his answer so he just nodded affirmatively. As soon as he had seen her step off the plane it was as if his painful memories magnified and melded to his present thoughts of his wife in a similar condition.

Jaime smiled warmly, “I thought so. I’m glad I could help. With Michael in Colorado I was getting a tad lonely.” She was relieved to see his crooked grin, though weak, appear. “He’ll be back home tomorrow night but remember you can call me anytime if you need me.”

“Thanks Jaime.”

“How about we go in before both of us catch pneumonia?” The brown haired man allowed her to guide him back into the warmth of his townhouse.

Steve’s childhood friend was suddenly yanked back to the present by a deep voice. “Are you ready to go?” He asked.

“Yeah I’m ready.” Steve carried her luggage for her as she carried Stephanie. Kyle obediently followed behind.

With Kayce physically recovered, Rudy requested a meeting with Steve and Oscar in the director's office to decide the next step of her care. He knew Steve was near the end of his rope.

"Has she shown any recall?" Oscar asked with a glance at Steve.

"No. She has memories up to when she left her first husband, David. She doesn't remember coming to or living in Washington. She thinks she met and married Sheridan after her divorce."

Steve remained silent, standing by the window looking out at the busy city street. He couldn't help but wonder what the powers-that-be had against him to have this happen twice in his lifetime. Was it just sheer bad luck? Was it karma? Whatever it was he had had enough. Rudy voicing a suggestion instantly caught his attention.

"I think I should tell her the truth." Steve spun around in surprise, a tentative hopefulness filling his chest. "

"What?" It was all he could force out.

"She keeps asking for her hus……. Sheridan. I think she should be told the truth."

Oscar leaned forward onto his desk, sharing Steve's surprise. "Won't that do more harm than good?"

Rudy nodded negatively and explained, "I don't think so. With Jaime it was different. We didn't want to bring back the intense pain of her brain aneurysm. Kayce doesn't have that risk." He glanced over at Steve. "I had hoped by now, with being physically recovered, at least some memories would have surfaced by now. It's been almost a week… and nothing."

Oscar came to his feet to stand next to Steve who was deep in thought. "So what... we just send Steve in there with their kids?"

Rudy stood quickly. "No... I think that would not only be overwhelming but very uncomfortable for Kayce."

"I agree." Steve responded confidently.

"I'll have a talk with her. Where will you be Steve?"

"I have Kyle and Stephanie here. They are with Callahan at the moment. I'll entertain them close by until I hear from you how it went."

"Okay." Rudy responded with a sigh, anxious as to how this would turn out.

Walking along the cement path behind the medical center Rudy and Kayce were enjoying the afternoon sunshine and fall breeze. The doctor, dressed in a dark business suit, suggested they sit on a bench to talk. Hesitating at the man's request Kayce thought he sounded uneasy as she settled onto the seat.

"What's wrong Dr. Wells?" The young woman asked as she wrapped her open, pink cardigan sweater tighter around her and crossed her denim clad legs.

"Please call me Rudy." He said as he sat next to her. "We've been close friends for years."

"We have?" She asked in surprise.

"Yes we have." He watched her struggle to reconcile what he was saying with what her memory was not confirming.

"But... I thought I just met you a few days ago." She stated a little embarrassed.

"No Kayce, we met seven years ago." He saw the expression on her face change from one of confusion to one of distress. "Kayce, the problem you had that made you so ill also caused amnesia."

"I see." She replied with uncertainty. "So what else am I not remembering?" Her dark blue eyes stared into his brown ones.

The doctor took a deep breath. "Well, you do have a husband but I'm afraid he's not the man you think he is."

"You mean Tom is not my husband?" She said with her brow furrowed. “This is crazy.”

"No, he’s not. The man you think is your husband is actually an arms dealer who kidnapped you and led you to believe you were his wife." The young woman sat in stunned silence, her gaze moving about the grassy surroundings. It was almost too much to believe.

"I don't understand." She said honestly.

Rudy knew he had to tell her everything. "You are an agent for the federal government. You and a partner were assigned to rescue a kidnapped scientist. In the midst of the rescue you were injured. For some reason, that we don't know yet, Tom Sheridan kept you at his estate. Taking advantage of your memory loss he convinced you he was married to you."

Kayce took a few moments to digest the outlandish story. Confident the doctor would have no reason to lie she had many questions. "So who am I married to?"

"A man named Steve Austin." Rudy replied hoping for some recall. Kayce continued to stare out in the distance then shook her head.

"The name doesn’t sound familiar." She turned to look at him. "How long have I been married to him?"

"Six years.”

"Six years?! I don’t have children do I?" She asked expecting to hear a negative response. Surely she would remember any children.

"Yes, you have two." Rudy heard the long exhale as she tried to come to terms with being a mother and not having any memory of the birth of her children. The two friends sat in silence for a long time, watching the comings and goings of visitors and staff to the park-like area. There were mumblings of adult voices as people walked past them or sat off at a picnic table eating their lunch in the sunshine. Frequently sounds of children giggling could be heard coming from a small playground area 300 feet away.

The experienced physician waited patiently for more questions to be brought forth, still hoping much of her memory would return on its own. Finally 10 minutes had passed before she spoke again, "Those children over there," Rudy followed her gaze to the play area where more than half a dozen children played.

"Which ones?"

“The two in the sandbox. They’re mine aren't they?" Rudy's gaze immediately locked onto Kyle and Stephanie playing quietly in the distance.

"Yes they are. How did you know? Do you remember them?"

She nodded slowly. "No I don't remember them. But I’ve had dreams… about a little boy and a little girl, both with blonde hair and blue eyes." She looked at the doctor. "In my dreams they looked like those two children."

"That's a good sign." Rudy said encouragingly. Once again Kayce became silent folding her arms across her torso, watching the many children running about.

"The man over there," she gestured with her head, "with the dark hair and sunglasses. Is that their father?"

Rudy was stunned to see the man she was referring to was in fact Steve Austin. He was also surprised she was able to single him out from the 20 or so people milling about. He was sitting alone on a bench keeping an eye on the two children in the sandbox, seemingly unaware that his wife was nearby.

"Yes." The doctor replied noticing she didn't refer to him as her husband, but as the children's father. "He’s your husband."

He immediately felt her stiffen next to him when the simple statement was said. "What's wrong?" He asked watching her stare at Steve without blinking.

"It is such a strange feeling. Looking at him… there is no connection… yet we have two children together." Her stare then moved to Kyle and Stephanie. "And them... I feel no connection to them either."

"That's not unusual in cases like this." The doctor thought for a moment on what the next step might be. "Would you like to meet them?" He asked, completely leaving the choice up to her.

She took several long moments to think over his offer. "I don't know. I mean what if he... I mean I can’t… what if..." She struggled to make sense of her thoughts.

"Kayce, I've known Steve for many, many years. I can honestly assure you he has no expectations for you and him. There may be some hopeful thinking on his part but he would not pressure you into doing anything you were not comfortable with."

She gave him a small smile, grateful that he could understand what she was feeling. "Alright let's go."

Dressed in a casual tan leisure suit with dark red shirt, Steve had been sitting quietly watching his children closely for half an hour before noticing Rudy and Kayce sitting on a bench. Without moving his head from facing his children, he moved his eyes behind the dark glasses and, using his bionic eye, observed their conversation. His heart began pounding faster in his chest when the pair stood and began walking towards him.

With the children so focused on their sand sculpture none of the adults expected their quiet presence would be noticed. Rudy and Kayce were half way across the grassy area when the voice of a small boy cried out, "Mommy!" And immediately Kayce's attention was drawn to the five-year-old boy running towards her his arms outstretched. Not wanting to be left behind the little girl struggled to follow her older brother to their mother's arms. Steve's stood and watched the long awaited reunion from a distance.

Kayce automatically crouched down to return the tight hug from the adorable little boy. No sooner had she put him back on the ground that Stephanie wrapped her arms around Kayce's neck. "Mommy!" She squealed. When a giggling Kayce returned the enthusiastic hug, smiling, Rudy was relieved. The reunion seemed to be going as he had hoped.

Both Rudy and Steve were holding their breath to see if the two children would bring forth their mother’s memories. Sitting back on her heels to remain face to face with the young ones Kayce tousled Kyle's hair and asked what he had been up to without using his name, a name she had yet to be told. The young boy began filling his mother in on his birthday party she had missed the month before. Holding Stephanie with one arm she intently listened to her son’s story before apologizing for missing the important event. Once the conversation was done she directed them back to the sandbox which they ran to excitedly.

Rudy watched as her eyes followed them to the square wooden box and saw the blank expression return to her face. "You don't remember them do you?"

She turned to look at him in the eye and replied, "No, I don't. But I don’t want them to know that." He was relieved she was able to act normal to the two children. Turning around they saw Steve slowly approaching with tentative steps. He came to stand in front of the woman who held his heart. She was surprised how handsome he was and shyly pulled her gaze from his rugged face.

"Kayce," Rudy said feeling strange having to make the introduction, "this is Steve Austin." Steve nodded but could not hide his disappointment that Rudy's talk obviously did not have the effect he hoped. Breaking the awkward silence the doctor excused himself. "I'll go keep and eye on the children."

The pair stood in uncomfortable silence staring at their feet and the surroundings not knowing what to say. "I'm glad you're feeling better." Steve said softly, desperately wanting to pull her into a tight embrace and just hold her.

"Thank you." She replied politely. “Dr. Wells…..I mean Rudy, says he’s discharging me tomorrow.”

“That’s great.” He responded casually. “I know how much you dislike hospitals.” He saw her relaxed posture gradually tense, her arms folding tightly about her front, and knew he may have said the wrong thing. Obviously she didn’t need to be reminded how much more he knew of her then she knew about him. Silence surrounded them for several minutes.

Finally she got up the courage to speak honestly, "Steve... I don't... I mean… I…" Her courage quickly dissipated and she fell silent. Steve eyed her closely.

"What is it Kayce?" He asked with genuine concern.

"It's nothing." She replied off handedly feeling nervous around this man who apparently knew every intimate detail about her, a man whom she remembered nothing about.

"Kayce, I know you don't remember our relationship right now. I want you to know I will do anything to help you if you’ll just talk to me. Please tell me what you're thinking."

"It's just... I don't know where to go from here." She said in a voice full of fear and uncertainty. Their blue eyes locked and for a second she felt a thin, wispy connection but it disappeared instantly. Steve could feel her discomfort and did his best to put her at ease.

"We'll just take it one step at a time, alright?" She could see the honesty in his handsome face and believed what Rudy had said, that this man would not pressure her into anything that would make her uncomfortable. “Alright.’ She replied with an uneasy smile.

Just being able to talk with his wife caused a lopsided grin to curl the right side of his mouth. She didn't know why but the sight of the unique smile warmed her heart.

With a promise of ice cream Steve was able to get the children back into the Medical center. The doctor spent a few minutes with Kayce who chose to remain outside for awhile longer. Standing at the doorway to the lounge Rudy had a few quiet words with Steve about Kayce’s discharge.

Of course Steve wanted her home with him and the children but Rudy explained it would be too emotionally exhausting for the wife and mother. She would be in a constant state of discomfort and expending excessive energy to appear to be the mother the children expected.

Steve nodded in reluctant agreement. “You’re not thinking of just sending her off to live alone are you?” He asked concerned for his wife’s security.

“No, actually I was thinking she could stay at my place. She would have her space since I’m at the lab most of the time and I could still keep an eye on her recovery.”

Steve thought for a moment, with a glance at the two sticky faces enjoying their treats at the table. “And she could still spend time with the kids?”

“Absolutely…if she wants to.”

“Alright. Steve responded in an exhale. “What about her bionics? Does she know?”

“No, and I think it’s too soon to tell her. Let her digest the family first, maybe in a couple of days I’ll explain it. Do you want me to tell her about you?”

Steve didn’t hesitate. “Go ahead. It was hard enough for me to tell her the first time. I’d rather not have to explain it again.”

“Okay.”

“Let me know if she needs anything. Okay Rudy?”

“Sure Steve.” The doctor replied to the heartfelt offer.

The next day Kayce slowly settled into Dr. Wells’ 2 bedroom condominium. She was relieved to have some time completely alone when he left this morning for work. Casually sipping her coffee she perused the morning paper. After a light breakfast she took a long walk around the neighborhood, trying to sort out all that had happened in the last few days. It was a lot to sort through and she had the happiness and security of a family hanging on the outcome. She just wished she could force her memory to return and not be such a source of anxiety for so many.

Meanwhile, Steve was at his townhouse just seven blocks away. It had not been a good morning. Kyle was being unusually disobedient and when disciplined he shouted at Steve that he didn’t like him anymore and he wanted his mother. Once that was said and a door slammed Stephanie, sitting on the floor, started crying. Steve immediately picked her up and spoke quietly to her in an attempt to calm her. His heart broke at the tear-streaked, red face and watery blue eyes that stared back at him. “Mommy….mommy!” She cried.

“Yeah I wish Mommy was here too.” He whispered to her. He just wished he could, like his daughter, just cry out all the tears he had been frequently forcing down his throat.

Sitting down and settling her on his shoulder he rubbed her back until she stilled, worn out and sleepy. He remained on the couch cuddling her tight, a piece of his wife he could touch, savoring the living bond between Kayce and him. It wasn’t long before he was putting her down in her bed. He then wandered about the house cleaning up toys and clutter, his heart heavy with loneliness. He needed his wife more than anything. His children needed their mother. The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavy on him as he began cleaning up the lunch dishes. In an attempt to pacify his inner turmoil he constantly reminded himself that he had the opportunity to talk with Kayce, to try and help her return to the life she had with him, which was more than he had with Jaime.

Deliberately cutting his usual 12 hour work day short, Rudy opened his front door to the wonderful aroma of roast beef that evening. He stepped around to the kitchen and found Kayce pulling out plates from the cupboard. He smiled a greeting at her.

“That smells fantastic.”

”Thank you.” She returned his grin. “I hope you don’t mind. I needed to keep busy…you know…get my mind off things for a little while.”

“No, I understand completely. I just don’t want you to feel obligated to cook just because you are staying here. You are my guest after all.”

She set the full plates on the oak table. “Actually I like cooking. It’s very relaxing for me.”

“Well if you keep this up I’ll have to find myself a wife.” They both chuckled and began eating. When the main course was completed Kayce stood to retrieve the dessert.

“You made dessert too?”

She froze at the kitchen counter, her brows squeezed together, as she looked down at the pie. Something was there put she just could put her finger on it. “Yeah, I….ah…I had a strange urge to bake a pie.” She turned with the warm pie in her hands and returned to the table. “I have no idea why.” Her blue eyes met his. “Do you?”

Rudy shrugged and thought a moment. “I know you liked baking pies for Steve.” He said cautiously, not know how the information would be received. He watched as Kayce just nodded silently and began serving the gooey apple pie.

Working the evening hours in his home office the doctor pulled off his glasses and sat back in his leather chair. He hadn’t noticed how much time had passed since dinner. Stepping into the quiet living room he found Kayce curled up on the couch, asleep, with a hard back book on her lap. She always looked so young and peaceful when she slept. He was glad her physical recovery had gone so quickly. Placing a light blanket over her he startled the woman to wakefulness.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” He apologized in a low, soft voice.

She stretched. “Its okay I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I must be more tired than I thought.”

“What are you reading?” He asked with interest.

She smiled guiltily as she replied, “It’s one of the books from your office. I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed it.”

He sat himself next to her and looked at the text. “No, I don’t mind at all. I want you to feel at home here. So what topic is so engrossing it put you to sleep?” He teased and read the cover out loud. “Amnesia and Its Aftermath”. He remembered purchasing the book after Jaime came out of her coma. “Learn anything interesting?”

She smiled, “No, not yet. I dozed off before finishing the first chapter that covers the different types of amnesia.” Her chuckle died off quickly and she stared silently at the book.

“What is it?”

She looked at her new friend with an unreadable expression. “The children seem very sweet and Steve….well ….” She left the comment hanging. The experienced doctor suspected that Steve may be instrumental to Kayce’s full recovery.

“What about him?”

“He’s very sweet too.” She replied then giggled. “Not to mention very easy on the eyes.”

Rudy laughed with her. “Yes, he does seem to attract a lot of female attention.”

“He does huh?” She asked in mock jealousy.

“I think it embarrasses him sometimes.” Rudy chuckled.

“I bet deep down he enjoys it.” She stated plainly. “As any man would.”

“Well if he did it was before he met you. Then he never wanted the attention.”

“I see.” She sat grinning like a cat that ate the cream.

“What are you thinking?” He asked seeing the twinkle in her eye.

“I don’t know… I guess I never expected to have such a handsome husband.” The title husband felt so foreign to the young woman when it pertained to the former astronaut.

“Well I think Steve is very grateful to have such a pretty and intelligent wife.”

She suddenly sobered and looked the man in the eye. “Thank you Rudy.”

”You’re welcome.” He stood and stretched. “Well, if you will excuse me I should get some sleep. Oh, by the way, I’d like you to come with me to the lab tomorrow.”

”Why?”

“I want to do more testing on you. While we are there I’ll ask Oscar for a car that you can use until, well, until things go back to normal.”

“And if they don’t?” She asked softly with trepidation fingering the corner of the blanket.

“Then we’ll deal with the situation.”

“How long do we wait Rudy? I mean Steve….the kids….” She asked without looking up.

“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself Kayce. It’s only been a week. Okay?”

“Yeah Rudy, okay.” She stood next to him. “Good night.”

“Good night Kayce.” He watched as she walked to her bedroom, her narrow shoulders carrying the weight of a whole family on them.

As the lights went out at the Wells household they went on at the Austin home. Steve had tossed and turned for 2 hours unable to force the restlessness from his body. Sitting on the edge of his bed he rubbed his face with both hands. After pulling on his pants he wandered to his children’s rooms.

Seeing that his offspring were sleeping peacefully he settled in the living room. Looking over to the small side table he picked up a framed photograph of Kayce and him. It was taken in Mexico on their first trip together. Tracing her smiling face with his fingertip he let a small smile play on his lips as he recalled the flight home which was interrupted by an in-flight emergency and unexpected night spent under the wing of the disabled plane. It had been an incredible night, one that proved to the OSI operative that his heart had been stolen by the young blonde.

Resting his head back he closed his eyes to recall every detail of that night…every detail of the woman he adored. With the picture held on his lap with both hands he slowly descended into sleep.

Rudy, up early as usual, was showered dressed and making breakfast within an hour. He was surprised Kayce had not risen as yet. Thinking after last night’s conversation she may have not slept well he poured a cupful of coffee and headed to her bedroom.

Knocking softly he didn’t get the reply he was expecting. Quietly he entered and smiled at his friend slumbering silently on the bed. With both hands clutching the pillow, she was lying on her stomach, facing away from him, wearing loose purple pants and a lavender tank top. The bedding was half on the bed and half off, evidence of the restless night she had.

Moving to gently set himself on the edge of the bed he held the hot mug of coffee in his hand, waiting for the wonderfully rich aroma to reach her. During the few seconds it took for her to waken he observed the defined muscles in her upper back and shoulders which just confirmed his suspicions that she still needed to regain the weight she had lost. A soft appreciative moan caught his attention.

“Mmmmmmm.” She sighed and slowly rolled onto her back to stretch, rubbing away the sleep in her eyes. “That smells great.” She mumbled, her hair falling haphazardly about her face.

“I thought maybe you might need it this morning.”

“You thought right. I couldn’t sleep last night. I finally dozed off about 2 am. What time is it now?”

“Almost seven.” He smiled as she repositioned herself into a seated position to take the offered beverage. “Breakfast will be ready in 20 minutes.”

Swallowing the caffeinated brew she rested her head against the headboard, nodding affirmatively that she heard him. Her eyes cleared of their bleariness and she smiled. “Thanks for the wakeup call.”

“No problem.” He stood to leave her. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

Scanning the morning paper, the business suited physician relaxed with his coffee, hearing the abbreviated shower, then the hairdryer then the soft footsteps. Looking up he saw his houseguest more awake and put together.

“Just in time.” He stood to retrieved two plates of pancakes and sausage. He smiled at her fresh face, her sandy hair pulled back into a French braid.

Kayce placed her tan blazer on the back of the chair and slid her legs, covered in dark brown pants, under the table. She unfolded her napkin and placed it carefully on her lap. As she ate her breakfast she was careful not to dribble syrup onto her cream colored blouse.

Rudy ate slowly noticing his guest moving more food about her plate then to her mouth. He sat back and pick up his coffee mug and asked casually. “Want to talk about it?”

“It’s nothing, really.” She replied softly.

“Then why does ‘IT’ have you so distracted?”

She let out a sigh and took a sip of the warm, dark liquid. Putting the cup back on the table she gave her new friend a small smile. “I guess I’m just nervous about the possibility of running into….Steve today.”

“I see. If it will make you feel any better I don’t think he will be at the OSI unless Oscar has called him in for something.”

“Who’s Oscar?”

Rudy hesitated, realizing once again how much the young woman didn’t know. “He’s the Director of the OSI. You, Steve and I all work for him.”

The woman’s head just nodded and she began eating not realizing she was hungrier than she had thought. Seeing her set her napkin next to her empty plate he asked. “Are you ready?”

“Yep.” She grabbed her jacket and left with him.

Waiting for Oscar in the Director’s office, Steve leaned back in his chair with his thoughts on his children. He was relieved they were adjusting to the situation fairly well. Today he had dropped them at Cassie’s when Oscar requested his presence at the OSI this morning. Feeling restless the bionic agent moved across the room to busy himself with pouring some coffee.

The opening of the large wooden door got his attention but he didn’t turn around assuming it was his boss. He was surprised to hear a soft feminine voice speaking.

Cheryl had stopped by to drop off her latest project update and was visually checking it over, not noticing Steve off to her right. She stopped moving and talking when her brown eyes came up and saw the desk chair empty.

“Coffee?” Steve asked with the full pot in his raised hand.

The startled scientist paled, her anxiety rising quickly. She had not wanted to run into Steve…it was just too painful to see the man who rescued her at the expense of his family. The desperation she felt to run from the room must have shown on her face.

“Cheryl, are you alright?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Ah….yes, I’m fine, thank you.” She glanced once again at Oscar’s desk and moved swiftly to place her report on it. Steve watched her with curious eyes, noticing she wouldn’t look him in the eye. Before she could make a quick exit he intercepted her at the door.

“Cheryl what’s going on?”

Her head was bowed and she was feeling trapped. “Cheryl?” His tone was more forceful then before.

“It’s just…..”

“Just what?” He prodded.

Her eyes, filling with guilty tears she refused to let fall, looked at his concerned blue ones. “I’m sorry.”

”Sorry for what?” He asked perplexed.

“Sorry because of me your family is no longer intact.”

Steve swallowed hard. “Cheryl none of this is your fault. You were not responsible for what happened…only Sheridan is. I don’t want you carrying around this kind of guilt and neither would Kayce. Okay?”

She gave him a half-hearted smile. “I can’t help how I feel Steve, I’m sorry.” She moved past him and out the door. He stood unsure if he should follow her…as he turned to catch up to her Oscar was closing the door behind him. The look on the director’s face was one of frustration and fatigue. Steve took a deep breath wondering if he wanted to hear what caused the dark look.

Kayce was re-introduced to Rudy’s assistant, Linda, when the pair arrived at the lab. Linda was hooking Kayce up to an EEG while Rudy set up his newest piece of diagnostic equipment.

“So what will this do?” The patient asked with genuine interest.

Rudy immediately stopped what he was doing to reply. “Well, this device is like a small CAT scan. Along with the EEG it will tell us whether the memory storage areas of the brain are improving.”

“Do I need to do anything?”

“No, not really. Once it’s set up, I’ll ask you some vague questions about your life. And the machines will tell us if there is an increase in electrical impulses in the memory centers that were damaged.

“Okay.” She replied a little unsure as she eyed the unfamiliar machine. “Has this ever been used on a patient before?”

He smiled at her and responded, “Once or twice.”

“Well at least I’m not a guinea pig.” She relaxed back into the reclined chair.

Rudy flipped a few switches but was unsuccessful at getting the machine to function.

“Something wrong?” Kayce and Linda inquired in unison.

“Looks like a component burned out.” He stated while looking into the bowels of the machine. He let out a disappointed sigh. “I’m afraid this will have to wait until I repair it. Linda you can remove the electrodes.”

Kayce could feel his frustration. “It’s okay Rudy. I’ll just head down to the motor pool and get the keys to a vehicle. Maybe you’ll have it working by the time I get back if not I’ll take a crack at it.” She stood, shot him a wink and headed to the door.

The smiling scientist watched as she gracefully exited and didn’t realize he was staring where she no longer was, a strange feeling coming over him. So entranced by his thoughts and feelings he didn’t hear Linda calling his name until the third time.

“What did you say Linda?”

“I asked if there was anything wrong.” She looked at him oddly.

He suddenly realized she had seen him staring at Kayce as she left. Quickly covering his emotions he adopted a professional tone. “No nothing’s wrong. I just hoped to get this scan done today so maybe I could give Steve some good news.” His eyes fell back upon the open doorway wondering why he suddenly missed her company.

...Continued