Disclaimer: Knight Rider and it's characters are copyrighted by Universal Studios. This story was created for the enjoyment of other Knight Rider fans and I am not making any profit from writing this story so please don't sue me because I'm broke.

By: D Anne Paris

Michael briskly walked down the hospital hallway with a teddy bear and bag of candy in his hands. Visiting hours just started and he tried to stop himself from running. Turning to one door in particular he walked in.

"Where's my brave girl?" he said with a smile as walked over to Candy's bed.

"Michael!" Candy cheered when she saw him. With her left arm in a case she lifted her right arm to get a hug.

Michael sat down on the bed and hugged her gently to not hurt her broken ribs. He handed her the bear saying, "This is from me to keep you company when I’m not around, and this," he held up the bag of candy, "Is from KITT to remind you that you are very very sweet to us both," he added whispering, "And KITT said to hide it somewhere so the nurses don't find it."

Candy smiled and hugged the bear. Taking the bag of candy she looked through it and took out a pack of Skittles. "Is KITT okay?"

"Yes, he's going to be good as new and he's been bugging us all about when he'll be able to see you."

Candy smiled, "I can't wait to see him either. I've got some new ideas that would help him run a lot better and I want to start working on it…"

"You'll work on it when you feel better," Michael interrupted.

"I feel better, already. I want to go home. This hospital smells too much." She said as she wriggled her nose.

Michael smiled and gently pushed a stray piece of hair away from her face. "Sweetheart, you won't be able to leave until tomorrow afternoon. Doctor's orders."

"Oh!" she said in frustration as she laid back against her pillow.

Seriously, Michael sighed and took her right hand, "Hey, you almost died out there trying to help me and KITT. You may think that you're invincible but you're not. Those broken ribs and your arm prove it." He stopped and stared directly into her eyes, "I don't ever want to loose you, sweetheart. You are the most precious thing in the world to me and…" he paused and saw how fragile she really was, "I'm going to do everything in my power to protect you and that includes getting full custody of you."

Candy smiled, "When?"

"The papers are on their way to the courthouse as we speak."

"And Grandma and Garth won't take care of me anymore?"

Michael gently squeezed her hand, "Not ever again."

"Good." She then smiled, "I always hated those dresses."

"You won't wear those dresses ever again." Michael promised her.

"Michael, what happened to Garth and Grandma?" Candy asked curiously.

Michael sighed. He didn't want to lie to her and after all that happened she deserved to know what happened. "Well, your Grandmother has disappeared and the police are still out looking for her but with all the money she still has she might have fled the country." He paused and then continued, "Garth is in jail on charges of kidnapping and a possible murder charge for the death of an official from Africa."

"Elie?"

Michael stopped, "How did you know that?"

Candy felt fear leap in her throat. Looking at Michael she hesitated about telling him about the devise that she helped create. Still, it was wrong to hide it from him and she looked down at the blanket. "I helped make the bomb."

Michael couldn't believe what he heard, "What?" looking at her Michael realized that it was the truth, "Why did you do it?"

Candy heard the disappointment in Michael's voice. He wouldn't want to adopt her now. Tears stung her eyes and she whispered, "Because he wanted to hurt Garth. I was protecting Garth."

Michael wrapped his arms around her, "Oh, sweetheart. He brainwashed you into thinking that you were doing the right thing. It's not your fault. Garth was the one that took that bomb and used it to hurt someone."

"Am I going to go to jail?" she asked sobbing.

Michael shook his head, "I doubt it. You were under so much stress and Garth influenced you into doing something that you shouldn't have. You were a hostage, sweetheart and you did what you thought would get you your freedom back. Don't worry. We'll work things out." He rubbed her back gently and added, "You aren't a bad person, Candy. You sacrificed yourself to save me from getting hurt or killed. That's what counts."

Candy's sobs slowly quieted and Michael released her. Her eyes were red and swollen but her smile showed her young beauty and the spirit that lived inside of her. The same spirit that lives inside both Wilton Knight, Michael Knight, and now her- Candace Knight, the child who would carry on the legacy.

As Michael looked at Candy she slowly began to drift into sleep, exhausted from the past few weeks that changed her life forever. Gently, Michael caressed her cheek,

"I love you, Candace."

From somewhere in her semi slumber state she murmured, "I love you, …Daddy."

**