Yellowstone

Chaoter 42 - Baby Mine

When Elisabeth awoke, she was in a hospital bed with Walker's arms protectively cradling her.

She lifted her head slightly, causing him to shift and prop his head up on his hand.

"Hey..." She murmured. "You didn't sleep good did you?"

Walker shook his head. "I didn't sleep at all."

Elisabeth suddenly looked down and panic washed over her. "W-Wait... where-where's our baby?"

Walker gently shushed her, realizing that she didn't remember all that had happened. "Shh. It's ok. You had to have an emergency C-section."

"So... w-we're parents?"

He nodded. "Mhm."

"But... Oh God, twelve weeks early..." Elisabeth murmured, staring up at the ceiling.

"Doctors told me the chances are slim but... she's fightin' pretty hard."

Elisabeth turned her head to look at him. "She?"

He nodded again, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Yeah. We have a daughter. Ava Grace Bingham."

She hummed softly. "Called it."

Walker inhaled deeply and pulled her close to his chest. "Yeah. You did. She's in the NICU right now. She's taken care of, baby."

He buried his nose in her hair, closing his bloodshot eyes. "I'm just glad you're alright."

"How long do you think they'll make me stay here?" She asked, relaxing as he held her.

"Probably a few days since she was so early. Plus your bullet wounds."

"Yeah..."

Walker swallowed thickly, holding her even closer to him. "I don't think you understand how scared I was last night. First I heard gunshots, then Ripley came running back to the pasture without you... then Ryan messaged me and told me that you had been shot and were in labor... God, I don't think I've been that terrified in my life."

"I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry." Her breath shook as she tried to speak.

"Hush... there was nothing you could do to control it. I know this probably isn't the time but..."

Elisabeth looked at him with a furrowed brow. "But what?"

"Well... shit, I don't know to say it..."

An expression of concern rested on Elisabeth's face as he rose from his place on the hospital bed.

"You know I love you... right?" He asked, sliding his hands into his back pockets.

"Of course I know that. You tell me every day."

"Well..." Walker slid down onto one knee and Elisabeth's eyes widened.

He pulled out a small velvet box from his back pocket and opened it, revealing a thin silver band with studded with tiny little diamonds.

"Do you love me enough to spend the rest of your life with me? Elisabeth Marie Varshavski... Will you marry me?"

"God, Walker, yes. One hundred times yes." Tears streamed freely down her face as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"I love you... always." He whispered, resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you too..."

A boyish grin crossed his face and he kissed her forehead lovingly, crawling back into bed with her

As the two relished their moment, the familiar sound of boots on the tile floor rang in their ears.

The newly engaged couple sat up, waiting to see who'd come.