You Had Me From Hello

by Cindy Brewer

The lyrics used in this story are from You Had Me From Hello by Kenny Chesney


JD Dunne paced the width of Nathan's clinic. It had been eight years since the Seven had first met and Four Corners had turned into a bustling city. The young man ran a weary hand through his short dark hair as he glanced at the closed door of the small room beyond.

Casey had been in labor since six o'clock the night before. The only one who had come and gone from the room during the long night had been Mary Travis. She would try to give JD words of reassurance but JD could tell that the birth wasn't going well.

One word,that's all was said
Something in your voice called me, turned my head
Your smile captured me
You were in my future as far as I could see.
And I don't know how it happened, but it happens still
You ask me if I love you, if I always will.......

Sunlight streamed through the front window and bounced off of one of Nathan's spare stethoscopes lying on the table. JD swallowed hard and turned away from the instrument.

They had lost their first child during childbirth four years earlier. Casey had been devastated and JD had mourned the loss of a son he never had the chance to know. But through his grief JD had been very grateful that he still had his wife. Nathan had told him later that they had nearly lost Casey as well. Now it looked like history was repeating itself and JD was helpless to do anything to stop it.

Well,you had me from "Hello"
I felt love start to grow the moment I looked into your eyes
You won me,it was over from the start
You completely stole my heart
And now you won't let go
I never even had a chance you know? You had me from "Hello"

JD wished Buck were here. But he and Chris had left last week to investigate troubles in a mine along the border. They were pretty much out in the middle of nowhere, no way for JD to send a telegram.

Suddenly, Casey's agonized scream tore from the next room causing JD to instantly run to the closed door. He placed his hand on the doorknob and almost turned it before Nathan's strict orders came back to haunt him.

JD leaned his forehead against the wooden door, never having felt so helpless. Casey's scream died to a strangled weary sob and JD reluctantly retreated to his pacing.

Inside I built a wall so high around my heart
I thought I'd never fall
One touch, you brought it down
Bricks of my defenses scattered on the ground
And I swore to me that I wasn't going to love again
The last time was the last time I'd let someone in

JD started as the front door creaked open. The youth turned to see Josiah Sanchez sioluetted in the doorway.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be here sooner, son," Josiah said quietly as he quickly crossed the room. "How is she?"

JD's resolve started to crumble and he sat heavily down on the corner of the table. "Its been too long, Josiah. Almost fourteen hours.....something's wrong......"

Josiah glanced at the closed door as he placed a reasurring hand on the young man's shoulder. "Things take their own pace,JD. It'll be alright."

JD nodded weakly, wishing he could believe his friend. Josiah was about to speak when a weary Nathan stepped out into the main room. Icy fear gripped JD's heart as he saw the look on his friend's face. Casey and the baby had to be all right.... they just had to be.

That's all you said
Something in your voice calls me, turns my head
You had me from "Hello"
You had me from "Hello"
Girl, I've loved you from "Hello"

A weary smile broke across Nathan's face as he wiped his hands on a cloth,"Casey's fine,JD."

JD blinked back tears as he fought to get words past the lump in his throat. "The baby?"

A small wail answered JD's question as Mary stepped from the room carrying a small bundle. Mary and Nathan exchanged a glance as Josiah clasped JD on the shoulder.

"JD?" Mary asked with a smile as she stepped forward. "Would you like to say hello to your daughter?"

The tears flowed freely now as JD gently accepted the warm bundle from the reporter.

A daughter.

JD shook his head in amazement as he stared down at the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He raised his head and looked at his old friends with gratitude, "Thank you," he said in a choked voice.

Nathan nodded,"You got a beautiful family there,JD."

JD didn't seem to hear his friend as he walked past Nathan into the smaller room where Casey slept.

"I love you," JD whispered to his wife as he gently leaned forward and kissed her softly on the forehead.

JD settled down into the small wooden chair opposite Casey. With tender hands, he pulled the blanket slightly away from his daughter. "Well hello little one. Welcome to the world," the youth said hoarsely. "I love you."

THE END

Comments to: cindyryan7@yahoo.com