CH. 1: Small Packages

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Jenny Reece didn't know what to do. The baby was hungry and to make things worse winter was coming, and she didn't have the means to clothe her in the manner

that she needed. She had a job, but it was barely enough to keep a roof over their heads. She had to do something, she had to make a change if they were going to

survive. She had been offered a job in another country, but there was no way possible that she could afford the travel or even the means to care for her once she got

there. And due to what she would be doing, the place she would be living wouldn't be safe for a baby. After running these same thoughts thru her head numerous

times. Jenny made a decision, she would do what was best for the baby, and that was give the baby to her father. Her father came from quite a different home life

than that of her own. His family had the means to care for the child and provide it with lots of love. Her father came from a family of cops. His grandfather Henry was

the Police Commissioner, his father Frank was a Captain in the 12th precinct, and he was a Police Officer in the 54 precinct on the fast track to becoming a detective.

His mother Mary was one of the toughest yet sweetest persons she had ever known. His sister Erin was a lawyer just out of law school, she was married to man she

met in law school, and they had a one year old little girl Nicki, his brother Joe was on the verge of joining the police academy and his youngest brother Jamie was still

in school, but had plans of becoming a lawyer like his sister. Yes, her mind was made up. The only chance her daughter would have at a good life would be to go to

live with her father and be raised by him and his family. Her father was Danny Reagan after all.

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She didn't know where he lived, he was in between places when they dated. She figured she could drop her off at the precinct but dropping her daughter off at a

police station just didn't seem right. After considering her options, Jenny did the only thing she could do. She would take her to his parent's home, knowing in all

confidence that they would call him. After packing the baby's meager possessions, and writing a short note to explain the situation, Jenny took a taxi cab over to Bay

Ridge. "Wait here please," Jenny glanced at the cab driver before stepping out of the car. After placing the baby's bassinet just outside the front door, Jenny rang the

doorbell and ran back to the car, before disappearing down the street. Mary Reagan opened the front door of her home and looked down surprised to find a sleeping

baby at her feet. Mary looked around the yard and down the street, but there was no one around. Shaking her head, Mary did the only she could do, she brought the

baby inside and into the living room. Looking about the bassinet, Mary found a folded piece of paper nicely tucked into an envelope. The note read,

Danny, I realize this may come as a shock to you, but I'd like you to meet your daughter. I apologize for not telling you sooner, but I didn't know what to do. After a

short time, I came to realize that I could not care for her any longer, and I have taken a job out of the country. I am sorry to do this to you, but I know that she will

be much better off with you and your family. I will not be returning, and I want you to know that I love her very much and miss the relationship we used to have. Her

name is Devon Leigh Reagan and she is one month old. I didn't have much for her, but I left the few things I had. I really struggled with the decision on whether to

give her your name or mine. But for the life of me, I just couldn't bring myself to keep her from you, regardless of our differences. I always knew you would make a

good father, and you are the only one I could think of that could provide all the love and support that she would ever need.

I wish the two of you the best, Jenny Reece

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Mary had to read the note numerous times before it finally sunk in. Once it did, Mary did the only she could think of, she called her husband. "Frank," Mary sounded

concerned. "What's wrong Mary, are all the kids okay?" Frank could tell by the sound of her voice that there was something wrong. "I need you to go get Danny,"

Mary's voice was still showing concern. "Mary, tell me what's wrong. Is he okay?" Frank was afraid that something may had happened to his son, he was working that

day after all. "He's fine Frank," Mary took a deep breath. "But Danny's old girlfriend Jenny Reece left a baby on our doorstep, with a note saying its Danny's child."

"Oh, my God," Frank slumped into the chair in his office. "Does he know?" "Not yet, you were my first call," Mary said honestly. "I didn't know what to do." "This is

certainly going to come as a shock to him," Frank mentioned. "That's why I want you to go get him. I'm afraid if I told him over the phone and he drove, I'm afraid he

would have a car accident," Mary had a point. "He's going to need his car," Frank thought about it. "So, I'll just call him and tell him to come to the house. Tell him we

need to talk to him." "That's probably a good idea," Mary hung up the phone before looking through the small bag that held the baby's belongings. There wasn't much,

Mary noticed. A few diapers, wipes, two sets of pajamas, and one other day outfit. The bare minimal, Mary couldn't help but feel bad for the child, as well as the

emotional strain it must have put on the child's mother. After taking everything out of the bag, Mary uncovered another envelope. Inside the envelope, Mary found the

child's birth certificate. Mary looked it over and sighed, it certainly seemed legal enough, but she made a mental note to have Erin validate it later, once they talked to

Danny and managed to get him to breathe again once he got over the initial shock.

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Danny got in his car in a hurry, concern filling him as he drove to his parent's home. Part of him was afraid that something was wrong with one of them, and they

wanted to speak to him as the eldest. They seemed to be okay Sunday, Danny remembered, at least nothing seemed out of the ordinary at family dinner. They were

fine, he pushed concern from his mind, Erin and her family were fine, Joe was fine, and Jamie was fine. At least he hoped so, Danny pulled into the driveway, before

running into the house. "Mom! Dad!" Danny yelled still concerned. "Shh," Mary hushed him when he walked into the living room. It really didn't surprise Danny to see

a sleeping infant in his mother's arms, knowing she babysat for some of their neighbors every now and again. "Have a seat Son," Frank turned away from the

fireplace. "What's going on Dad?" Danny's concern had yet to subside. "Do you remember Jenny Reece?" "Sure," Danny nodded. "We dated for a year and a half. But I

haven't seen or heard from her in several months." "You have today," Frank thought it best if he just handed him the letter rather than just trying to explain it all.

Danny read the letter silently in his head, and then looked from his mother to the baby. "Danny," Mary stood up and walked over to her son. "Meet your daughter,"

she placed the baby in his arms. Danny looked down at the little bundle in his arms. Settling on her face, Danny watched the little face expressions she was making as

she slept. "Are you sure she's mine?" Danny knew the question sounded bad, but at this point, he wasn't sure what else to ask. A child appears on your doorstep, sure

chances were it was his, but before he got attached, or started making any long-term plans, he thought it best, he knew for sure. "There's a birth certificate," Mary

took the folded document from the envelope and read it aloud. "Name: Devon Leigh Reagan, Sex: Female, State of Birth: New York, Place of Birth: St. Victors

Hospital, Mothers Name: Jennifer Reece, Fathers Name: Daniel Reagan." Mary stopped when she finished with the part of the document that he really wanted to know.

"And if that isn't enough proof," Mary sighed. "Look at her face Son," Mary placed a hand on his, that he had placed on the child's chest. "She resembles you so

much." "When's her birthday?" Danny asked. "September 23," Mary looked up at him. "A month ago today exactly." Danny choked, trying to take a deep breath,

suddenly finding it difficult to breathe. Handing the baby back to his mother, Danny headed for the back door, looking for a place to think. He just couldn't process this

right now, the last thing he expected when he got up that morning was to find out that he was the father of a one moth old baby. Mary handed the baby over to Frank

and ran out after Danny. "I know this comes as a shock Danny," Mary walked up behind him. "But everything's going to be fine." "How do you know Mom? I mean

what do I know about babies. How could she possible think that I would be the best thing for her daughter?" Once Danny started he couldn't stop. "You mean your

daughter," Mary faced him. "She's your child now." "I can't believe this is happening," Danny ran a hand through his hair, feeling almost sick. "And to answer your

question the reason she thinks you will be the best person for your daughter, is probably the same reason I think you are the best person for her," Mary paused.

"Why?" Danny's voice was strained. "Who else to raise a child than their father?" "What do I know about raising kids?" Danny voiced one of the hundred questions that

was running through his head. "The same thing every parent knows when they first start out," Mary laughed, "Nothing." "You and Dad made parenting look easy,"

Danny took a seat on the back-porch steps. "It only seemed like that. We were really only taking one day at a time, just hoping to get through." "And it's not like you

are going into this blind," Mary mentioned. "You have changed a diaper before," she remembered. "Yeah once, and that wasn't by choice," Danny shook his head.

"And it was only because you and Erin left her with me." "It was only for an hour Danny," Mary didn't see how it could have possibly been all that difficult. "Yeah and

everything would have been fine, had it not have been for the dirty diaper," Danny had a point. "Yes, but the point is, you handled it fine, and you will do the same

with your daughter," Mary gave him a reassuring smile. "My daughter," Danny repeated the words aloud to himself. "That's going to take some getting used to,"

Danny stood and headed back into the house.

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"I made some coffee," Frank pointed at the coffee pot when Mary and Danny joined him in the kitchen. "Thanks," Danny went straight for the pot, "I could really use

some." "Where's the baby?" Mary noticed Frank wasn't holding her. "She's fine Mary," Frank shook his head at her concern. "She's sleeping safe and sound in her

bassinet." "I just wanted to make sure," Mary took the cup of coffee Danny was offering her. "I've raised four kids Mary, I think I can be trusted for a few minutes

alone with my granddaughter," Frank teased. Mary and Danny joined him at the table, and Frank looked at his son. "What are your plans?" "I don't know," Danny had

a death grip on his cup, "I haven't had much time to think on it." Mary let several minute's pass, before she finally spoke up. "We don't want to tell you what to son,

but you know you are always welcome to stay here." "Thanks Mom," Danny gave her a half smile. "Listen Danny," Frank cleared his throat. "I know the last thing you

want to do is move back in with your parents, but your mothers right, we wouldn't mind if you came back." "I know Dad," Danny knew they meant well. "It wouldn't

be like when you were a kid, you would naturally have complete freedom, and we wouldn't interfere with the raising of Devon. We just want to be able to help when

you're working or when she's sick. Taking care of a child is hard work, and we want to support you in what you are doing. Being a single parent is no easy job. It could

only be temporary, until you can get on your feet and get used to being a parent," Mary wanted him to understand that they weren't trying to run his life, they both

understood that he was grown, was an ex-marine, and an NYPD officer at that. Danny ran a hand through his hair, as he continued to think the whole thing over.

There was a part of him that made him feel as if he was sliding back rather than moving forward in his life. Then again, he just found out he was a father, and he had

no time to prepare emotionally, financially, or have substantial housing. His apartment was small, and by no means suitable for himself and a baby. Babies took up a

lot of space with all the things they needed. Knowing this, along the many other things his parents said that made since, made him consider it. "What would I do with

my apartment? I still have another several months left on the lease, and its already paid up," Danny was slowly beginning to consider his parent's suggestion. I mean

they did have a point after all, he was going to have to work if he was going to support him and his daughter. "Joe might be interested," Frank suggested. "He has

been wanting to move out, maybe he could take it over." Danny sighed, "if he's interested, I'm willing to try." A smile started to spread across Frank and Mary's face,

their lives were changing, but they knew it was for the good, for both their granddaughter and their son. Frank glanced at his watch, and noticed the time. "I'm going

to go pick up Jamie from school," Franks stood, placing his coffee cup by the sink. "And if you want," Frank turned back to Danny. "Me, him and Joe will start packing

your things at the apartment." "That's fine Dad, thanks," Danny swallowed the last bit of coffee in his cup before filling it again, knowing he was going to need it. In

fact, he wanted something a little stronger, but he knew that now, wasn't exactly the best time for that, and he was more than willing to settle on several cups of

strong black coffee. Frank walked out the door, and Mary looked over at Danny. "Would you mind if I called Erin, and let her check out the legality of the birth

certificate?" Mary couldn't help but want to protect her little boy, even if they already made plans for the future. "I believe Jenny," Danny shook his head, "she

wouldn't give me a child that wasn't mine." "So do I," Mary nodded. "I just want to make sure that if the birth certificate is faked, we can be sure and get a legal one.

I know we will need it for different things throughout her life." "Call her," Danny hurried out of the room when he heard the baby crying.

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Erin hurried into the house, excited to see the new addition to the Reagan family, happy to have a little niece. Erin squealed when she saw the baby in her brother's

arms. "Can I take her?" Erin placed Nicki on the floor. "Sure," Danny couldn't help but smile. "I'm going to get more than my share to hold her." Erin took the baby

from him, and took a seat next to her brother on the living room couch. Nicki toddled over to the two, and pulled herself up using Danny's pant leg. "Baby," she

pointed at the baby's head. "Yah it's a baby," Danny set her on his lap so she could see better. "Here's the birth certificate," Mary walked into the room before handing

it over to her daughter. Erin took it from her with her free hand and read the document several times, before carefully surveying the writing as well as the quality of

the document. "It looks legitimate to me," Erin handed it back to her. "I thought so," Danny admitted. "I think she needs a diaper change," Erin noticed the diaper was

beginning to feel a little droopy. "I'll get one," Mary walked into the other room where she had gone through the child's belongings. "Here you go Daddy," Erin handed

the baby to her brother. Danny shook his head when he heard the phrase Daddy, still having trouble believing it. "This is the last one," Mary handed the diaper to her

son, bringing the bag into the living room. Danny carefully laid the little girl on the couch before removing the soiled diaper. He was just unfolding the fresh diaper

when she surprised him by urinating all over the couch before he managed to get the diaper in place. "Devon," was all Danny could say before Mary caught on to what

happened. "I'll go get the cleaner," Mary hurried out of the room. It wasn't the first time one of her grandchildren peed all over the couch, remembering Nicki doing

the same thing not all that long ago. "It isn't nice to pee all over your grandparent's furniture, the first day you meet and move into their house," Danny fastened the

diaper before picking her up. "It isn't making a very good first impression." "Leave her alone Danny," Mary started to clean the couch. "You did a lot worse when we

first brought you home." "I was just trying to break you in as parents," Danny shrugged. "And that's the exact same thing she is going to do to you," Mary pointed at

the little girl in his arms. "You and I are going to have to have a long talk," Danny looked at her. "If only you could manage to stay awake long enough to do that."

"Just wait till she starts fighting her sleep and crying because she's tired," Erin knew those days all too well, knowing Nicki still did that herself. "Ugh," Danny moaned

before placing her back in her bassinet, not at all looking forward to those times. "You know there isn't much here," Erin looked at everything in the small bag that

Jenny brought. "And she's definitely going to need some more diapers." "What do I need to get," Danny was volunteering to go. "How about I go with you?" Erin

volunteered knowing the number of things a one month old needed. "That's probably a good idea," Mary agreed. "And I'll keep the girls here with me." "You're going

to keep both of them?" Danny looked at her surprised. "Oh please, I had all four of you running through this house while your father was at work, and I managed. I'm

pretty sure I can handle two little girls all under the age of two." Mary started for the stairs with both Nicki and Devon, planning to try and do a little work in Danny's

old room, knowing it was not only going to need a little cleaning but also a little rearranging if they were going to fit a crib and a few other things inside. Then again, it

may also be a good idea if they made Erin's room the nursery, where they could set up a changing table, a rocking chair, a diaper genie, and several other things she

had a feeling Erin and Danny were going to come home with. Poor Danny, Mary couldn't help but feel sorry for him, thinking of how much more he was going to have

to get, compared to what he originally planned.

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Danny grabbed a pack of diapers and tossed them in the shopping cart. "Danny?" Erin took them out of the basket and placed them back on the shelf. "What?" Danny

was confused. "Those would swallow her," Erin shook her head. "How am I supposed to know?" Danny tried picking up for himself. "You've both held her, and changed

her diaper," Erin had a point. "How much do you suppose she weighs?" Erin was trying to teach the new father as much as she could. "A little under ten pounds I

think," Danny thought about it. "And was her butt very big?" Erin laughed. "I don't know," a strange look crossed Danny's face, surprised at his sister's question. "I

wasn't trying to look at it too much." "Really Danny?" Erin shook her head. "You are going to have to pay some attention, you are going to be her primary caregiver

for several years, until she can learn how to take care of herself, and even then, if something is irritated, she's going to need to feel that she can tell you without

feeling too embarrassed. That is unless you are planning to get married tomorrow, and provide her with a mother." "That's ridiculous Erin, I'm not even dating

anyone." "That's exactly my point," Erin placed a set of newborn size diapers in the basket. "Diapers need to fit snug, yet roomy," Erin explained. "That doesn't even

make sense Erin. How can they be snug and roomy at the same time?" Erin ignored her brothers comment and moved on with her explanation. "They should also

provide hours of protection. Does she seem to wet often?" "I don't know?" Danny was trying to keep his voice low, "I've been a parent for a total of three hours, and

I've only changed her once. Now would you please stop embarrassing me, you sound like a diaper commercial." "Do you want my help or not?" Erin was getting

flustered. "Yes," Danny couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the amount of baby stuff stacked all over the shelves. "But let's move on to something I may know

a little bit about." Erin pushed the cart a few steps ahead, but stopped when she reached the items located directly next to the diapers. "What kind of diaper rash

ointment do you want?" Erin couldn't help but smile, as she anticipated her brother's expression and comment. "Oh, my God Erin, this is worse than the diapers."

"This will go a lot faster if you just cooperate and give me an answer," Erin handed him several different products of diaper rash ointment. "Which one works the

best?" Danny looked at his sister, "they all claim to be the best thing out there." "Most of them are good and they all work to an extent," Erin shrugged. "It just

depends on the child; all children are different." "Then just pick one," Danny shook his head, feeling helpless, "I don't even care anymore." "This is your child Daniel.

You have to make the decision." Erin was trying not to let her frustration show, but she had to admit, her brother was pushing her to her limit. "I thought the whole

reason you came to help me was because you're a mother and you've been through all this." "And that's what I'm doing," Erin kept her voice calm. "Fine," Danny

shook his head. "Which one do you use on Nicki." "Well I've used a number of different ones," Erin started with another long explanation. "I've heard good things

about Arbonne ABC Diaper Rash Cream, Triple Paste, Desitin has been around for a while, then again Burt's bees is also good." Erin went on and on. "In my opinion,

Boudreaux's Butt Paste smells and it doesn't stay on good, and if she wets frequently, it probably won't do much good." "Don't want that one," Danny shook his head.

"She's going to have enough bad smells coming from down there," Danny had a point. "There's also Anti-Monkey Butt cream," Erin added. "Monkey Butt," Danny

laughed. "I want that one just because of the name," Danny put it in the cart. "And what if it doesn't work?" Erin asked. "There's only one way to find out," Danny

kept walking. "So, what else do we need?" "A crib, and changing table are the big things," Erin thought she better get it over with. "I forgot about that," Danny ran a

hand through his hair. "This is getting expensive." "Babies are expensive," Erin agreed. It didn't take long for Danny to pick out a crib, in fact that was the easiest time

he had, had since they got there. After looking at the price, Danny decided to wait on the changing table, thinking he could get that with his next pay check. "Picking

out the crib was easy," Danny smiled for the first time since they walked through the door. "Now what?" He was generally expecting the rest of the shopping to be just

as easy. "Bottles, formula, baby soap, bather for the bath tub, diaper bag, clothes," Erin rattled a few things off. "Seriously?" Danny's eyes went wide. "How does

something so small, need so much?" "I've often wondered that same thing," Erin and Danny managed to have a meaningful conversation. "Baby soap is easy enough

to pick out," Danny figured he could handle that part. "What kind of bottles do you want?" Erin asked carefully, knowing he was sensitive when It came to him making

decisions on things he knew nothing about. "Which ones are the best?" Danny was looking at the Avent bottles, and the Vent Aire Newborn bottles. Bottles are kind of

like the diaper rash ointment," Erin admitted. "They vary based on the child's needs. Some babies are picky, and will only take certain kinds. That being said, you

want one that will still be good for her." "I kind of like the Playtex bottles, with the drop-in bag liners," Danny picked one up. "What do you like about those?" Erin

didn't really care which ones he picked, in fact, she was just glad that he was taking interest. "All you have to do is take out the liners," Danny smiled. "No bottle

washing." "Time to move on," Erin shook her head at her brothers reasoning. "I think you only have one more challenging decision to make," Erin couldn't help but

feel nervous herself. "What now?" Danny moaned. "The formula," Erin answered. "What do you recommend?" Danny was looking for the easy way out. "I like the

powder formula that you mix up," Erin was able to at least help with that. "The problem however is with the brand. We know we need newborn formula, but all babies

are different, some infant's tummies are more sensitive than others, and they can end up with colic, gas, it can cause them to spit up a lot, or it can even make them

constipated." "In that case, I'm going with this one," Danny picked up the Gerber Good Start Gentle powder formula. 'That's a good choice," Erin was proud at how

fast her brother was learning. "Considering we don't know how well she tolerates things, its best to go with something that will be gentle on her tummy and not make

her sick." Danny walked away for a second when his phone rang, leaving Erin to continue shopping for baby shampoo, baby powder, and baby wipes. "Mom said we

need to hurry," Danny returned a few minutes later. "Devon needs another diaper change." "Were almost done here," Erin was trying to pick out a few clothes. "Let's

not pick out a whole wardrobe," Danny was fine with them only getting the necessities. "Do you have any idea how often an infant soils their clothes," Erin questioned.

"No I don't," Danny was getting aggravated at all the pink she was trying to sneak past him, quickly switching out several of the pink outfits for other colors. "What

are you doing Danny?" Erin was confused. "She's not going to wear nothing but pink all the time," Danny handed her a few gray, yellow, green, purple and blue

outfits. "Do you want to get a bather, to put in the bathtub?" Erin was by all means willing to let Danny pick out the rest of the clothes he wanted to buy her, at least

as long as he got the right size. Then again, she was a newborn and fairly small at that, so she didn't think he could mess up that bad, she would eventually grow into

it after all. "Let's wait on that," Danny was adding up all the items he was already purchasing, and he knew it was going to be expensive. "You sure?" Erin wanted to

double check. "You're going to need it eventually." "I can use the kitchen sink for a while, she is pretty small after all. Not to mention, I'm going to be providing for

this kid for a long time, let's not break the bank the first time I buy her anything." Danny was also thinking of how much more control he would have on her using the

kitchen sink, rather than a huge tub. He didn't want to say anything, but he was a little nervous about the bathing. He had never bathed a baby before, he helped with

Jamie when he was toddler, but that's a lot different than a newborn he figured. Erin moved on to the diaper bags, enjoying looking through the large selection they

had. She had just about settled on one, when Danny came around with a few baby towels and wash clothes. "Do I really need a diaper bag?" Danny wasn't exactly

looking forward to packing a bag around with him every time he took her somewhere with him. "Not if you plan on sticking everything in your pockets?" Erin thought

that instead of giving him a direct answer, she would let him think about it, and then come up with his own answer. "Good point," Danny let her have her way. "How

about this one then," Erin picked out a pink and gray diaper bag. "Erin its pink," Danny just looked at her. "I'm not carrying a pink bag around with me." "She is a girl

Danny," Erin had a point. "Yes, I know," Danny nodded. "But she's not going to be the one carrying it around, and as you said before, it's my kid and I make the

decisions. And as long they have Daddy diaper bags," Danny was looking primarily at the shelf that held gender neutral diaper bags, yet they were designed with a

Daddy in mind as the main provider. "I'm going with this one," Danny figured he could live with a pale yellow and gray one, considering his sister was right about him

having a girl. "How do you want to decorate the nursery?" Erin was looking at Crib bedding sets. "I'm sure mom has plans of turning my old room into a nursery." "I

don't know Erin," Danny shook his head. "I can't get it right now anyway." "That's fine Danny, just tell me which one you like," Erin pushed. "Erin the set is over

$100," Danny looked at her serious. "And with the amount of stuff I already have to get, I'm going to be lucky if I can get out of her without spending $1,000." "I

understand that big brother," Erin secretly wanted to buy it, but it wouldn't do any good unless she knew which one he liked. "I'm just curious," she lied. "Okay,"

Danny gave in, thinking they may never get out of there if he didn't answer the question. "I like this one if you must know," Danny pointed out the peanut shell dot a

lot cloud yellow and grey set. "Daniel," Erin smiled at him. "I'm surprised at you, it has girl stuff on it." "Yes, but it doesn't have pink in it," Danny pointed out. Erin

and Danny started to leave the baby section of the store, thinking they were finally done and ready to head home, at least until Erin stopped short, remembering

another vital piece of equipment. "Danny," Erin said. "We should probably get a car seat." "That would probably be a good idea," Danny stopped in his tracks, before

turning back around to grab one. "Oh good, you got a car seat." Mary came into the room when Erin and Danny walked into the house. "Now I just have to figure out

how to put it in my car?" Danny wasn't exactly looking forward to that task. "You should probably take Devon to a pediatrician tomorrow to get checked out, make

sure everything is as it should be, considering we don't know anything regarding her birth or first month." She seems fine to me," Danny shrugged. "Take her in

Danny please," Mary looked at him serious. "She's going to need her first month check-up anyway. They usually have to get shots." "Great," Danny didn't at all sound

excited. "First time I take her to the doctor and she has to get shots." "Just hang in there big brother," Erin patted his arm reassuringly. "Mom and Dad survived with

all of us, and I've survived a few times with Nicki."

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With Danny busy putting the crib together in his old bedroom, Mary took it upon herself to care for her granddaughter, and get her ready bed. Frank, Joe and Jamie

were home and unloading some of Danny's things they managed to get packed up. At least Frank and Joe were, while Jamie was in his room supposedly doing his

homework. "Jamie!" Danny hollered out his bedroom door for his brother. "What do you want Danny? I'm doing my homework." Jamie complained walking into his

brother's bedroom. "No, you're not your playing your video games," Danny glared at him. "Now stop lying to me." "Stop bossing me around Danny," Jamie shrugged

him off. "Get used to it kid, I'm your big brother and I'm moving back in," Danny grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him back into the room. "Fine," Jamie wasn't

exactly happy about it, but he knew if he didn't help, Danny would make his life miserable, or even worse, he would tell their parents about him not doing his

homework, and then he would get grounded. Needless to say, it was fairly easy for someone as smart as him to come up with the solution. "Hold this in place while I

screw it in," Danny instructed. "So, you're a dad now," Jamie made small talk. "I guess so," Danny hadn't really thought about himself and that title along the same

line. "She's cute for a baby," Jamie in all his teenage wisdom shrugged. "Thanks, little brother," Danny grabbed him in a headlock. "Maybe it won't be so bad having

you move back in," Jamie was trying to pry himself loose. "That's what you think," Danny teased. "What are you guys doing now?" Joe walked into the room. "Getting

reacquainted," Danny said simply. "You might want to do that later, because moms about ready to put Devon to bed and she needs a place to put her." "Where's

Devon now?" Danny, Joe and Jamie hurriedly finished up with the crib. "Asleep in Dads arms," Joe tossed a fitted sheet onto the mattress, while Danny and Jamie

picked up the mess on the floor. "I never thought I'd see the day, where I had a crib in my room," Danny shook his head turning down the light.

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Things hadn't exactly been too difficult for Danny, at least not until that night when she kept waking him up every few hours. "Devon baby, Danny's trying okay. But I

don't know what you want. I've changed you, I've fed you." Danny paced the floor, the baby wrapped snuggly in a baby blanket, tucked safely in his arms. "You

should really call yourself Daddy in front of her," Mary stepped into her son's room. "I'm not a Dad, Mom. Dads a Dad, not me," Danny shook his head. "You're a

Daddy, Danny regardless of what you think or believe. You're her father, and she can't go around calling you Danny." "I know Mom, but it's not like she can talk

anyways." "That's not the point son, she needs to have at least one parent she knows, and you can't confuse her by calling yourself two different names in front of

her," Mary had a point. Danny sighed and looked at his mother, "I'm a Daddy." "Yes, you are," Mary smiled at her son. "And I know you will be a very good one." "You

really think so?" Danny wasn't sure. "I know so," Mary nodded. "You had a good example in your own father." "Thanks Mom," Danny looked down at the child in his

arms. "She didn't wake you, did she?" Danny knew it was nearing 2:00 am. "No," Mary admitted. "Mom," Danny looked at her. "I know you don't usually walk the

halls of the house." "I have my reasons," Mary didn't want to tell him that she was worried about him. "I don't know what to do," Danny had to admit he was

exhausted. "The few times she is asleep, its restless and then I can't sleep because I keep getting up to check on her." "This is a strange place to her," Mary took a

seat on the edge of his bed next to him. "And we're all new to her, it may take some time to get her to adjust." "What can we do to help her?" Danny didn't like the

thought of something so small dealing with problems, especially considering she was his child. "All we can do is hold her, let her know we love her, and try to make

her happy." "She seems to be content most of the time," Danny was trying to figure the child out. Devon started to cry again, and Danny whimpered. "Your killing me

baby." "Let me take her for a few minutes," Mary offered. "You go downstairs and take a breather." Mary knew that a crying baby that was keeping you up all night

was hard on anyone, but it was especially hard on a new single dad. "Thanks," Danny mumbled before handing her over and heading down the stairs. The weather

was cold and there was still a light fire going in the fireplace. Danny put another log on it, hoping to get it going again, before leaning against the mantle to watch it

burn. "You okay son?" Frank found his eldest starring into the fireplace nearly an hour later. "Fine," Danny barely mumbled. "You can solve a lot of problems this

way," Frank said making conversation, getting the feeling that if he got him talking, he might just open up. Then again, he had a feeling he knew what was bothering

him. Probably the same thing that bothered him the night he became a father so many years ago. "I know I did," he added. "And it really works," Danny's voice

squeaked. "It may take several hours. But in time, an answer will come through," Frank placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Even when it's a situation you can't

control?" Danny didn't move, still starring into the fire. "It may seem like you have no control over the situation now, but in time, you may find that you have all the

control in the world." "I don't know if I have what it takes to be a good father," Danny hated to say it, partially afraid that his father would be ashamed of him for even

thinking it. "I know you do," Frank said seriously. "How can you be sure?" Danny's voice was almost begging for an answer. "I've known you since the day you were

born," Frank started to explain. "You've been a good son, a good older brother to your siblings, always vowing to take care of them, and you've also been a good uncle

to Nicki." Danny smiled when Frank mentioned the little girl. "Nicki's easy to love." "It's the same thing with your own Danny," Frank tried explaining. "Yeah well, I

don't have Nicki all the time, and she goes home with Erin after a couple of hours." Danny knew that keeping a little one for a couple hours was easy, but when you

were responsible for them all the time, that changed matters significantly. "Maybe so," Frank agreed. "But there will be such an overwhelming sense of love and

responsibility that will well up inside of you, simply because she is your child, and your blood. It's a feeling that will make you willing to do anything and everything for

your baby. And those feelings will stay with you the rest of your life, long after your child grows up and has a family of their own." Danny smiled at his father's words,

knowing he was talking about him. "I just don't know if I'm ready to be a father," Danny took a deep breath. "I stood in front of a fireplace very similar to the one we

have here, thinking that exact same thing when we brought you home from the hospital," Frank remembered it as if it was yesterday." "Really?" Danny was surprised.

"You had several months to prepare for me." "True," Frank nodded. "But it became more of a reality after you were born." "Were you nervous?" "I was," Frank

answered truthfully. "I didn't know anything about raising kids or taking care of babies. But between your mother and grandparents, I managed to figure a few things

out. I remember them handing you to me just moments after you were born, and as I looked at your little body that was in my arms. I remember such a strong sense

of pride welling up inside of me, and all I could do was cry as I thought of how much I loved you." Danny slumped onto the couch and dropped his head in his hands.

At first, he tried to keep the tears that threatened to fall at bay, not wanting his father to see how vulnerable he was turning, but in the end, no matter how hard he

tried, his attempts were futile. "Do you love your baby Danny?" Frank asked softly, his hand resting assuredly on his son's neck. "I was afraid that I wouldn't,

considering the circumstances," Danny choked out admitting. "But as soon as mom placed her in my arms, there was no stopping it." "And that's how I know you

will be a good father," was the last thing Frank said when Mary came down the stairs with her granddaughter in her arms. "She asleep?" Danny asked. "No," Mary

handed the child to her son. "Hi Devon, I'm your Daddy," Danny held her close to his chest for several minutes. Giving Frank and Mary the opportunity to go upstairs

and allow father and daughter a chance to form an everlasting bond.

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Danny never was one to believe in fairy tales, or even something similar, but as he starred into the face of his little girl, he couldn't help but truly believe that

sometimes the greatest things in life come in small packages.

Several readers from my Life With The Reagans series commented about wanting a story about Danny being a single father. After consideration I decided to give it a try, hope you all enjoy it. If so, please review and I'll go for a series... JusticeStandsTRUE