A/N-So I know its been ages since I updated. Life just sort of got in the way, and then my muse took a leave of absence when the writers strike happened. But I am back now with the last chapter of this story. I want to thank my wonderful beta for yet another job well done. I am still planning a sequel, and have already started the first chapter. But due to personal reasons, Marue61 has decided to resign as Beta, so I am in need of a new beta for my next project. If you are interested in helping me out, just shoot me a message, and I will get with you on the details! Also, thanks for reading and making this such a fun story to write, with out all of you I am sure I would have given up a long time ago. Thanks!

Don woke to the simple pleasures of life, a cheery sun ray entering the bedroom window warming his cheek, the smell of bacon cooking, and a woman he loved laying next to him. When he cautiously flung his arm across his body, he came in contact with an empty bedside. Sighing, he ran his hand over his face wiping away the last vestiges of sleep as he spoke to no one, "Well two out of three ain't bad." Smiling at the encouraging May sun peaking through the old and broken blinds in Liz's bedroom, he drug himself from the warm bed and in a move that would make his mother proud, started to make the double bed. It was day four of his visit and he knew that Liz had been awake for a while. The bed next to him was cold, yet he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. The Hello Kitty alarm clock, which he had teased her about unmercifully on day two, displayed the time and he groaned when he realized it was before eight.

After taking a quick shower Don was back in Liz's room. Shedding his sleep pants and the previous day's undershirt, he pulled on a pair of boxers and his jeans before he began sorting through his duffel bag, looking for a clean shirt. He paused his search momentarily to finally take in Liz's bedroom. The last few days had been a whirlwind and he had spent little time in the room, most of which was devoted to sleeping. As he surveyed the room he was struck by the nature of the decorations, it was a time capsule that was for sure. The room reflected the tastes of an 11 to 16 year old, not the mature woman that she was. Painted a light yellow, the room was cheery and colorful. Someone, either Liz or her mother, had taken the time to stencil white daisies in a borderlike pattern around the top of the room. The bedspread was actually a quilt that matched the walls, yellow with white daisies. The bed and two worn wood bedside tables, showing the scratches of both time and children, lined the wall to the right of the door. The closet door was across from the bed and the wall space on each side of the door was covered in posters, meaning that Don had awoken to find John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen staring at him, both much younger than they actually were. A tall dresser was along the right wall, framed in between two bookshelves, full to capacity with items stacked on top of each other. On the left side of the room was what he suspected had been teenaged Liz's favorite spot. The two large windows were pushed out from the wall, leaving room for a window seat. Covered in white and yellow stripped fabric, and accented with stuffed animals and character pillows, the seat offered an amazing view of the west side of the ranch house, the side where flower and vegetable gardens had once grown. It was the best view in the house, and Don suspected that the room had been saved for the only girl in the house.

Don pulled on his undershirt followed by his NYPD t-shirt and took his socks and shoes to sit on the window seat. He smiled unknowingly as his hands brushed the soft fabric of his t-shirt. Liz had looked rather shy when she handed it to him the evening before asking him if he could wear it the following day, since it had lost his scent from too many washings since she had left New York. He had agreed taking the shirt from her and kissing her soundly. The memory of that kiss brought a smile to his face. He jumped to his feet after tying his sneakers and bounded out of Liz's room and down the stairs to find the woman who occupied his thoughts.

Liz sighed and shifted the phone she was balancing between her shoulder and ear to the other side. She juggled the plate in her left hand and the tongs in her right hand, trying to retrieve bacon from the griddle pan before it burned. She cursed under her breath as the grease popped and burnt her wrist.

"Lizzy are you okay? What are you doing?" Lindsay asked as she heard her friend swear.

"I'm fine Lindsay. Just a little renegade bacon grease."

"Why didn't you tell me you were trying to get breakfast on the table? I asked if you were busy."

"Lindsay trust me, there is nothing more important today. In two hours they are going to drill into the base of your future brother-in-law's skull. I think that trumps bacon, eggs, and biscuits."

Lindsay sighed; she rubbed her neck trying to release the tension. She hadn't slept well because Danny hadn't slept well. All night he had tossed and turned unable to fall asleep at first, and finally settling into a restless sleep fraught with dreams from his childhood. She sat in their kitchen drinking coffee as Danny showered and got dressed. She took a deep sip of the hot liquid before speaking into the phone. "I know that Liz. Just do me a favor, put the phone down, get the bacon off the stove and then talk to me."

Liz smirked into the phone, and muttered to convey her assent. She put the cordless phone down on the countertop and pulled the cooked bacon off the pan, replacing it with uncooked meat. She breathed deeply as she smelled the smoky scent of the meat as it heated up, reveling in the sizzling and crackling before picking up the phone again. She snagged a piece of the cooked bacon and retrieved the phone, munching as she slid into the nearby bar stool and spoke into the phone. "I'm back, crisis averted. Now where were we?"

Lindsay sighed and fiddled with the coffee cup, "You were explaining the procedure to me, and I still don't understand how it works."

Liz spoke into the phone, her voice soft. It was her doctor voice, the one she had used when she came out of the operating room to talk to the family after surgery, "Lindsay we've been over this so many times, they shave his head, drill a series of small holes, just above the neck, drain any fluid, excise any abscesses and then close it all up."

"And how does that translate to walking and talking? It doesn't make sense."

Liz exhaled sharply, her tone reflecting her annoyance, it was 7:30 in the morning and she had already been over this with her friend three times, "You don't have to understand it Lindsay, you're not going to. That's why you are a criminologist and not a neurosurgeon. Just trust me when I say that this is Louie's best option."

"I do trust you. I just want this to work so badly. It will kill Danny if it doesn't. I wish you were doing the surgery."

Liz smiled at that, loyal to the end, that was Lindsay. "No you don't. I've never done this procedure before. I've observed, I've even assisted a few times, but I've never done it. The guy you've got is the best there is. He will be very thorough and he is very good."

"And he'll keep you in the loop right? I want to be able to ask you questions if the doctor is vague after surgery or if we don't understand something."

Liz nodded to herself knowing that no one could see her. She rose from her seat and flipped eggs with a spatula before struggling to take bacon off the stove again. She spoke as she worked, "I talked to him just before you called. Jared is ready. He's going to fax me the post op notes and let me know what happened so I can help make sense of things. But Lindsay you have to remember one thing. You have to help Danny and his parents remember too. Even if this works, if he wakes up, he may not be like he was instantaneously. Some patients have to learn how to walk, how to talk, how to eat all over again, like stroke victims. Others have temporary amnesia, they can remember past events, but things in the immediate past, generally 6 to 12 months before the trauma, are not there. I once had a patient, who had been in a vegetated state for six months, forget that his wife and daughter had been killed in the crash that left him unconscious."

"I know Liz, you keep saying that, but even if he has to go to rehab, even if he can't remember getting the crap beaten out of him by Sonny, at least he'll be alive. And Danny can stop torturing himself."

"That's what we're hoping for Lindsay. Just remember, cautious optimism. Try and stay calm, and try and keep the Messers calm. It will all work out." Liz sighed as she turned from the stove, yet she smiled as she saw Don framed in the morning light standing in the kitchen. He approached her, drawing her into his arms and placing a kiss on the top of her head. He pulled back and mouthed his question to her, "Monroe?"

She nodded as she listened to Lindsay speaking, "I know, easier said than done. At least we will be able to tell everyone about the engagement after this is all over."

"There you go, hold on to the positive Lindsay. You can do this, you can be there for Danny. It's not hard. Just hold his hand and reassure him."

Don nodded at her words and spoke low, trying to get her attention before the topic shifted, "Tell her I'm thinking of them and we'll be prayin' for Louie."

Liz nodded and motioned him to set food laden plates on the table that appeared to him to have grown overnight. "Don just came down; he said to tell you he's thinking of you all, and that he'll be praying for things to go well. Lindsay, we both wish we could be there, give Danny a hug from me, okay?"

Don completed his task and approached Liz, taking her in his arms and pressing his ear against her hand so that he could partially hear the conversation. Liz turned the volume on the phone up. "I will. Don't worry about not being here, we won't be alone. Mac is supposed to meet us at the hospital. Stella's gonna take over after that, and they've got it all worked out so that Shell can be here when he gets out of surgery, so he can talk to the doctor."

Don spoke first, "Just make sure you keep Mac away from Sergio. They've got a history, Linds, and it could get ugly."

Liz followed closely, "Lindsay did you hear that?"

"Yeah, and tell Don thanks. If things get sticky I may have to give him a call for a little advice. Look I gotta run, I think Danny's coming."

"Okay, we love you Linds, cautious optimism."

"I got it. Love you guys too. Bye."

"Bye." Liz sighed as she clicked the phone off and placed it on the countertop, snuggling into Don's arms. "Good morning."

"Morning, I missed doing this when I woke up," Don said as he leaned down and captured her lips in a warm and inviting kiss. "Imagine my surprise when I woke up alone. Did Linds call and wake you up?"

"No, she called because she knew I'd be awake. I've been doing this on weekdays for half my life," Liz said as she pulled back from his embrace and swiped at hair falling out of her messy ponytail. As she turned towards the refrigerator, Don took his first lingering look at the woman. He felt his pulse race as the morning light highlighted generous curves and the tight, worn wranglers she had selected this morning, offering him a perfect view of her luscious behind. The fitted red t-shirt, bearing a Cougar authority fighter logo on the front and the name Mellencamp on the back accentuated the muscles in her back and shoulders. He was personally a fan of the way it stretched invitingly over her ample chest. Some lesser men would have agreed with her when she defined herself as fat, yet Don was rather fond of the curves that greeted him when her back was facing him. He didn't understand why she always bemoaned her broad hips. Her small waist more than made up for it, and it always made Don contemplate children, her body seemed perfectly proportioned for childbirth. And the thought of children and Liz always were followed by illicit thoughts in Don's mind. He was grinning like a fool as she turned back to face him, and she blushed, knowing by now exactly what sort of thoughts that smile suggested.

Don ignored the blush, secretly enjoying the fact that he could induce it. He smirked at her and recalling her last comment, began to be consumed by the questions in his mind. "What do you mean you've been doing this half your life? Doing what exactly? And did the table grow overnight? It was not that long yesterday. And where did that huge coffee pot come from? Yesterday there was a standard 12 cup pot, now it's like triple that size."

Liz laughed at his confusion and the stream of questions that came flooding out of his mouth as she sat coffee mugs and glasses on the island countertop. There were times she forgot that he was a detective, and then he would rapid fire questions at her and she would be reminded why he was good at his profession, he was naturally inquisitive and incredibly observant. "I'm up at 5 every morning so that I can get dressed and have breakfast ready for the boys by 8. It was earlier when I was in high school after my mom died because I needed to be at school at 8:30." Liz paused in her recitation of facts as she removed a large tray of biscuits from the oven. "The table did grow. Well sort of. I put the leaves in it so that it would expand. Don, on the weekdays we have six hands that come to work with Tom and Jamie. If the two of them had had more kids then it would be a family affair, but Mark is too young to be of much help, and I am more useful keeping breakfast on the table. They are all out there right now taking care of morning chores, and then they will come in and eat. Mark and one of the guys will do the dishes, so that I can go to work. When school is in session we do it all a half an hour earlier so that I can drop Mark at school on my way into the office. And the coffee pot is stored in the roll top section of the counter there." Liz pointed to the contraption in question as a way of explanation. "We need a bigger pot on the weekdays, have you ever tried to come between seven grown men and their coffee, not to mention around here the mornings can be downright frigid, so they need lots of hot coffee to wake them up." Liz smiled as she arranged the last few things on the table. It was all ready and she came to lean against the island next to Don, smiling at him as she came to rest at his elbow.

Don smiled at her. He was constantly surprised and amazed by her. He had dated his share of women, from the down to earth to the superficial. His last girlfriend had been some rich spoiled girl, who wouldn't have been able to boil eggs in water, let alone put a meal on the table for eleven people. Not to mention she was up before the sun five days a week to do it all, he was amazed at the love and devotion she showed to her family. Stepping in to fill the domestic void left by her mother's death was something that amazed him. He knew she was ready for motherhood, ready to be a wife, it was a thought he found himself having more and more. Spurred on by thoughts of the kind of life the two of them could have, her motherly skills, his loyalty to and care for those he loved, he reached for her, pulling her tightly into him. He slid his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on her cheek, and whispered, "You are amazing, God I love you," before slanting his mouth over hers and capturing her in an intense kiss.

Liz was startled by the rough, grave quality of his voice, which caused her pulse to race. She was even more startled by the passion and depth of his kiss. Melting into him she threw her arms around his neck and slid one hand into his hair, returning the kiss. She let out a soft moan when Don pushed his tongue into her mouth. Unknowingly he had pushed her back against the countertop, nearly bending her over the counter, as they continued the kiss, a mess of warring to tongue and clashing teeth.

It was a voice that finally broke them apart. "Gross! Guys, some of us have to eat breakfast now, you know," Mark said as he bypassed the two startled adults and filled a glass with orange juice that was sitting on the other side of the counter before sitting at the table.

Liz blushed scarlet, and pressed her lips together, turning from Don to stand at the sink. She mentally berated herself for forgetting that Mark was still in the house.

Don for his part shook his head. He ran a hand over his face, thinking that the kid would be changing his tune in a few years when he met the right girl. He knew Liz was embarrassed, but he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. He made a mental note to inquire about it later, but for the moment he took a coffee cup from the cluster on the counter and filled it before taking a seat next to Mark at the table. Soon the rest joined them and Don was introduced to six men, ranging in age from 55 to 18. He was swept away in conversations of ranching, rodeo, NASCAR and baseball. Don laughed as the youngest hand made a joke about the Yankees and realized what it was that Liz loved about being here. As he watched her beam with pride at complements on the meal, all while dismissing them with a joke; he saw that while she may have lost her conventional family at a young age, she was surrounded by a new, extended family.

Mac absently cracked his neck as the elevator rose. He was agitated; no he thought as he mentally took stock of his emotions, he was frustrated. The last thing he wanted to be doing before his trip to England was babysitting Danny in the hospital waiting room. He was glad that Liz was able to help Louie, he thought the world of the soft spoken woman he had meet several years ago, but he was not happy that the solution to Louie's problem would find Danny in a waiting room for several hours with his father. Mac thought fleetingly as the elevator reached its destination, and hovered there for those last few seconds before the door slide open, he really hated that he had to spend his morning with Sergio Messer. Sighing, and plastering a fake smile on his face, Mac exited the elevator reminding himself to ignore the family's patriarch.

Danny saw Mac before he even spoke. The natural instinct to glance towards the elevator when he heard the soft ding, made Mac's presence known to him. Yet it wasn't until he saw his boss that he realized how much he had needed it. He had Lindsay by his side, sure, and she had been a great comfort after he had gotten out of the shower, but deep down Danny knew that she was just as scared as he was. But Mac Taylor's presence brought a calm to him and it settled deep in his soul. He trusted the former Marine with his life, and to know that the man had come to show his support, despite the rift between Mac and his father, meant the world to Danny.

"How you holding up, son?" Mac asked as he placed a friendly hand on Danny's shoulder. Most days the emotional connection Mac felt to Danny would have gone unnoticed, unmentioned, and generally ignored. Yet on this day, Mac felt the gesture would be appreciated.

"I'm here. I really hate the waitin' ya know?" Danny spoke, even as he felt the shot of pleasure wash through him. He'd never admit it, but he looked to Mac Taylor as more than a mentor. Danny relished the compliment that was implicit when Mac called him "son"; he craved the praise, and relished it with all that he was. Casting a wayward glance at his own father, he felt a longing for the relationship that they would never share. Turning his attention to the man that had long ago replaced his father as a role model, Danny focused back on Mac just as he spoke.

"I know." Mac nodded knowingly. He hated hospitals; he'd lost more friends in them than he'd seen saved. He handed Danny a coffee cup from the foam cup carrier that he held in his hand. "How's Lindsay?"

Danny accepted the coffee cup with gratitude and took a sip. He looked around to survey his family in the waiting room. Lindsay was sitting with his mother, their hands intertwined, heads bowed as Gina worked the beads on her old rosary. He risked a quick glance at his father and saw the heat in the old man's eyes. Danny was all too aware that it was directed at Mac. He sighed and returned his focus to Mac's question. "She's been an angel. I swear to God, I don't know how she does it, but she's been amazing with all of this. She's been sittin' there with my ma for nearly two hours now, and they've been prayin' the rosary. She was raised Southern Baptist Mac, I don't think she'd even seen a rosary until ma' whipped it out this morning."

That brought a smirk to Mac's lips. Southern Baptist, well that was news to him. He shook his head, "Well for reasons the rest of us don't understand, she loves you."

Danny's short bark of laughter rewarded Mac, and made him feel a little less useless. "Thanks Boss, glad to know that I can always count on you."

"Not a problem. So everything has been calm then?"

Danny sipped his coffee again and cocked his head towards his father as he spoke. "You askin' if he's been mindin' his manners?"

"If that's how you want to read the question."

"He hasn't said more than two words. But he's here, and that's more than I was expectin'," Danny said, his accent thick with tight anger. Few understood the fury and frustration that characterized Danny's feelings towards his father, Mac was one of those individuals. He found Sergio Messer an infuriating, pompous, law breaker who didn't deserve the family that he enjoyed. The two men had a past full of arrests, accusations, threats, and heated words. Mac was well aware that his mere presence could bring the anger and stupidity that accompanied it to Sergio's surface.

"It's a step," Mac said noncommittally. He didn't really believe that it was a sign of change, rather a temporary action taken to appease Gina.

"Yeah," Danny said as noncommittally as Mac's statement had been made. He sipped his coffee and tried to clear his mind. He smiled, adjusted his glasses, and grinned at Mac, asking, "So how long you going to be babysittin' me?"

Mac smiled at that, he knew when Stella suggested this plan, that Danny would be wise to it in mere minutes, "I'm here till nine, and then Stella will be here till 11. Liz told her that the surgeon should be done by 11, so Stella's got it rigged so that Sheldon will be here to help answer questions."

Danny took in the information and shifted from one foot to another, as he nodded his head. "Thanks Mac, it means a lot, you goin' to all the trouble, rearrangin' people's shifts and all. Just, thanks."

"You'd do the same if it was one of us. We're here for you Danny. We're a family and family takes care of its own." Mac placed his hand on Danny's shoulder in a comforting gesture as he spoke. His words were met with a curt nod, Danny couldn't manage anything else. Emotions were choking him, he didn't dare risk speaking or else the fragile control he was clinging too would snap. Mac patted his shoulder as he released his young friend and spoke, "I've got coffee for your mom and Lindsay. I'm gonna go sit with them for awhile. You going to be okay?"

Danny drained his cup and looked at the hallway outside the closed off waiting room. He tossed his empty cup into the trash can that was sitting near to where he had been pacing when Mac came in. "Yeah. I'm fine. I think I'm going to take a walk. Tell Montana will you?"

Mac nodded and watched the nervous energy in Danny propel the man out of the room. He shook his head when Sergio stood a few minutes later and followed his son out of the room. He smiled at Gina and Lindsay who looked up from their prayers to see what had caused the great exodus of their men. Mac sighed inwardly, even as he sat next to Gina, thinking to himself that it would be a long day.

"Detective Taylor, it was awfully nice of you to come down here and check on my boy," Gina said as she placed her rosary into the pocket of her jeans.

"It wasn't any trouble, Mrs. Messer. We all care about Danny, and we're hoping for the best for Louie." Mac held the coffee carrier up for both women to see, "I thought you might like some coffee, something better than the swill they always seem to have here."

"Thank you, that was very kind," Gina said with a warm smile accepting the cup.

"Thanks Mac," Lindsay said as she accepted the cup gratefully, and attempted to crack her neck. It had been a tense hour already. Danny and his father had barely spoken two words to each other and neither seemed to be budging. She welcomed the warm caffeinated liquid and hoped it gave her strength and patience for the rest of the morning.

She was about to speak, when she heard two competing voices as they began to grow louder in the hallway. She shook her head as they moved into view before coming to a stop in front of the plate glass window of the enclosed waiting room. Arguing in hushed voices that were growing louder and more frustrated, Danny and his father were both red faced and furious. She was unsure of the conversation, the two were arguing in Italian, but she could tell the level of frustration that Danny was feeling because even in Italian his accent was thick and his voice edgy.

Mac and Lindsay were both shocked when mild-mannered and calm Gina swore an epitaph in Italian. She had stood and was on her way to the door when she stopped dead in her tracks. The room was silent enough to hear a pin drop when Sergio shoved Danny hard, sending the young man backwards a few feet. Mac held his breath, hoping that the young man's better angles would win, and that he would be the bigger man, the one with enough sense to walk away. Sergio, realizing what he had done, and that the nurses at the nearby station were watching the two with a close eye, muttered something vehemently at his son as he stormed towards the elevators.

Danny watched him go, and fought the urge to chase after him. He sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. It was the same old story, his father got angry, and his first response was violence. This was the exact reason that Don despised his father, and Mac scorned him. He looked contrite when he reentered the waiting room. He approached Gina and placed a kiss on her cheek before he spoke, "I'm sorry Momma."

"Hush," she said as she hugged him with one hand, careful not to spill the contents of her coffee cup on him. "Your father is at fault, not you."

"But, it's my…"

"No. Now Danny I don't want to talk about it anymore. He'll come back when he cools off, and if he doesn't, well then we'll know what his priorities are. Now, come sit with that sweet girlfriend of yours," she said, turning him towards Lindsay and Mac. "Detective Taylor, Lindsay was telling me that you are going to London. You must tell me all about your trip."

Mac nodded and began telling her the planed itinerary. Danny took a seat next to Lindsay. She could tell that his mind was focused on his father; she pulled his arm around her shoulder and leaned against him, as she listened to Mac's steady voice as he spoke with Gina. She rested her head on Danny's chest, and silently prayed for the wisdom to know what to do to help him.

Liz laughed at Don's words as he held the glass door open. The two descended the stairs and came to rest at the bottom of the stair steps in front of another set of glass doors that bore the inscription, Morgue, Dr. Elizabeth Warren, County Coroner.

"Look at you; you've got your name on the door and everything," Don said with a playful poke to Liz's ribs.

She untwined herself from the arm that he had thrown around her and gave him a gentle shove. "Cut that out."

Don nodded and couldn't help the soft smile that came to his lips. He started to reach for the door, to push it open, but she stopped him.

"Okay, so it's not much to look at but it is all mine…"

"Liz, I'm not judging you. I wanted to see where you work; I don't care if it is as big or as nice as the lab back home."

"Good, because it's not going to be," Liz said as she pushed the door open and felt the blast of cool air hit her as she crossed the threshold with Don close on her heels. "So this is, as you can probably guess the autopsy room, we have one general lab, the body coolers along the wall…" Liz stopped her speech when she turned in the direction of the offices. Standing at the edge of the room, pressed up against the wall of cadaver drawers was a couple. It was clear to any observer that the two were in an intimate embrace.

"Oh that is sick," Don said as he observed the two mesh into each other even more.

"Come on, you've never done it?" Liz asked with amusement.

Don looked disgusted at the thought, "Against a body cooler, no. Wait, have you?"

Liz laughed again and moved towards the couple. "Achem. Maybe if you told your parents about your relationship, then you wouldn't have to try and bed my assistant in the crypt, Russ."

The entwined couple sprang apart. The attractive young blonde woman looked at her shoes, afraid to meet her boss' eyes. Russ for his part, though blushing, didn't look away. He simply cleared his throat and spoke, his voice surprisingly steady, "Morning Liz, Don, I was just telling Melissa about our adventures last night."

"Yeah, I can tell. Must have been one hell of a conversation since you conveyed the story without any words," Liz said as she affectionately punched him in the shoulder.

Melissa laughed at that, "He's always been a very good storyteller."

Don snickered, and Liz shook her head. "So I've heard. Just next time find somewhere other than the cooler to have your conversation."

"You got it Boss. How are things with you this morning? I thought you had taken a few days off," Melissa said taking in her boss with a cautious look. She had been pushing hard for her boss to move on and find a man to share her time. She naturally assumed that the tall, handsome detective would be monopolizing her time off.

"I am. Don't worry. I won't cramp your style. I wanted to be near the fax machine when our friend's brother gets out of surgery. I thought I would do some campaign calls for you," Liz said with a conspiratorial wink at her friend and colleague.

Don stood watching the scene with silent contemplation. The young woman was pretty and he could see why Russ was attracted to her. She was tall, maybe five eight if he had to guess. A heart shaped face, with pretty brown eyes, long eyelashes, and plump, full lips. Shoulder length blonde hair mixed well with the darker shade of her skin. She was conventionally pretty, the girl next door type, and despite Liz's remarks about her being young, she looked to be the same age as Russ. Don was pulled out of his thoughts as he heard Liz's statements about campaign calls. "Campaigning, what are you running for?"

Russ responded proudly, for his girlfriend, "County Coroner, can't think of anyone better to replace out little Lizzy." Russ wrapped his arm around the young woman's waist and pulled her close to him to place a kiss on the top of her head.

Melissa offered a shy smile, "These two conned me into running. I am not confident at all and the Republicans have a well known candidate as my opponent. Liz has promised me to do everything she can. And Russ has been great too."

"Except when it comes to going public with your relationship and being a force on the frontlines with you," Liz muttered pointedly and not under her breath.

"Liz, we've talked about this," Russ said as he shoved his hands in the pockets of his well worn jeans.

"Yeah, and it comes down to the fact that big, responsible, Ph.D. Monroe is too scared to talk to his mommy because his girlfriend is a little bit younger than he is."

"Liz, you know it's more than that. Besides you ran without a man to hold your hand and hand out campaign buttons," Melissa said, her voice firm and resolute. Don noticed the change and suspected that this was not the first time the three friends had had the conversation.

"That was different and you both know it. Melsie, I ran on my last name. Daddy hadn't been dead very long, and Tom had just gotten hurt. I had my family, I didn't need the help. You are a transplant, the fresh faced little girl from Illinois. You need the credibility of being in a serious relationship and with one of the city's most beloved sons to boot."

"Yeah, except for that fact that we're not married, I'm ten years younger, and it will look like an election ploy. We've argued this to death, and I don't want to talk about it anymore," Melissa said crossing her arms, setting the argument aside with a final, resolute note.

Russ looked at his girlfriend with admiration. They had talked about going public. He was ready, public opinion be damned, but then Melissa had announced her intent to run for Liz's open position, and he knew that the fodder their relationship would make in the diner and the beauty shops would destroy her campaign. So they had sat on it, stealing moments in private, like the breakfast they had shared in Liz's office this morning, the lunches in his truck parked out by the lake, or the dinners in seclusion in his office after hours. But Liz didn't understand, and her stubborn nature was making it impossible to move on. Russ tamped down the frustration he felt at her meddling and pushed the feelings to back to be mulled over at a later date, "Yes moving on, have you heard from Lindsay today?"

Liz smiled a rueful smile and shot Russ a look that clearly said we will discuss this more later, before responding to the question. "Yeah, before they left for the hospital. And Mac, her boss, called a little while ago when he left. I guess Danny and his dad got in some sort of argument and his dad left. I don't know."

Russ bit his lip in thoughtful contemplations. "That doesn't sound too good. I'll give them a call when I get back to the office and see how they are holding up. You guys going to stay until you get the call when he is out of surgery?"

"Yeah. Dr. O'Neil is supposed to fax me the post op chart information and the other relevant information, so I can take a look at everything." Liz pushed her hair out of her eyes as she spoke, and then was struck with a thought, and spoke again, voice a live with excitement. "What are the two of you up to tonight?" Liz asked fingers pointed accusatorially at Russ and Melissa.

Melissa chuckled. While Liz may be older, there were times when she acted like a crazed college student. It was part of her charm, and one of the reasons Melissa like working for her, there was truly never a dull moment. She spoke, "Well nothing that I know of. Ty's stuck with being the one on call tonight so I'm free and clear, right?"

Russ smiled at the question like statement. He nodded, "Nope, no plans. Why? You got an offer?"

Liz laughed. "Yeah. What do you say we take city boy here to the Stumble Inn for a little beer and two stepping. We can celebrate Louie's recovery. What do you say?"

"Wait, you people actually have a bar called the Stumble Inn?" Don asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and horror, laced with condescension.

Melissa laughed. She knew the reaction. She had been a farm girl, a small town kid from middle of nowhere Illinois when Liz had recruited her straight out of medical school, but even the cliché was not lost on her the first time she had set foot into the local dance hall. "Yeah, it's quite the place. And best of all, it's out of town a ways, so no respectable voter would be seen in the joint. What do you say Russ, got enough steam in you to take me for a spin or two around the dance floor?"

Russ smirked at the warm and open smile on his girlfriend's face. She was young, at times impetuous, but damn if he wasn't head over heels in love. "Sure, darlin'. Anything for you." He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Now I best be going, I have an appointment right after lunch."

"Alright, I'll get the details from Liz and give you a call, hot stuff. Love you." Melissa said the last two words lower, almost as if to keep them private. It made Liz smile at the shyness that her assistant still exhibited.

"Love you too. And Don, hope you brought your cowboy boots, you'll need 'em at the Inn. See you two tonight," Russ said before he stole another quick kiss from Melissa and sauntered towards the exit.

Don shook his head as he watched him leave, "Cowboy boots? He's joking right Doc? Right?"

Danny was pacing again, unable to release the tension in his back. Stella and Hawkes were talking to Lindsay, trying to talk her into eating a sandwich they had brought. His father was back; he hadn't said a word to anyone, just waltzed back in and sat down. Danny turned his back to his father once again trying to keep the rage from boiling within him. His mother had crossed the room and sat next to her husband, exactly four and a half minutes ago Danny noted in his head as he checked his watch. The two were engaged in a quiet but forceful conversation. Danny sighed and crossed his arms, this was not what he had planned, but then nothing with his family ever went the way he planned it. He was about to engage in his third self berating conversation in his head when he felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled the phone out of his pocket shook it at Hawkes, who looked his direction upon hearing the noise, pointed down the hall and took off for the reception area where cell phones were permitted. To his great relief the lounge was empty and he finally hit the send button on his phone, and barked a gruff, "Messer" into the receiver as he ran a weary hand over his face and sunk into a cushioned arm chair for the first time in hours.

"Danny, this is Russ. I had some time between sessions today and I wanted to call and see how you are doing."

Danny sighed. He liked Russ. He honestly did. They were going to be brothers-in-law soon enough, but damn if he didn't feel like hanging up on the man. The last thing he wanted was to be psychoanalyzed. "I'm fine man. Listen if Lindsay asked you call me and shrink my head we can skip it, I'm fine."

Russ laughed, "Danny in my line of work when someone uses the word fine, more than once in a span of three sentences they are usually anything but fine. And Lindsay didn't ask me to call; in fact I was hoping that we could keep this one between the two of us. I ran into Liz and Don, well actually they found me in a bit of a compromising position and they mentioned that you and your dad had a little tiff this morning and I thought you could use a distraction."

Danny snorted in an unflattering way at the mention of his father. But his interest was piqued, because at the end of the day he was as nosy as Lindsay was. "Leave it to the two of them to go blabbing my business." Danny sighed and put his feet up on the coffee table. "Amuse me Monroe and I might just tell ya how I'm feeling and you can tell me that I hate my dad cuz he never hugged me enough when I was a kid, or whatever mushy shit you people charge 200 bucks an hour to tell the rest of us."

Russ's warm laughter floated across the phone line and reminded Danny of Lindsay. He felt himself begin to relax in spite of himself.

Russ for his part shook his head as he leaned back in the cushy office chair and pulled a legal pad into his lap noting the date, time and Danny's full name. Sure it was a little white lie to get the man talking, and sure it was probably wrong to be keeping a secret file on his sister's boyfriend, but he had them on nearly everyone that had come in and out of his life since he had graduated with his degree. He had to give the wiseass detective credit. He knew the classic shrink play of opening with something mutual and non-threatening and then coax the patient into talking, but he was certain he could get the mushy details out of Danny. Focusing at the task at hand he began to doodle on the notepad as he spoke. "I must be in the wrong city, because I have never made 200 dollars an hour. Besides I am just calling to share a moment of humiliation with you in your time in need brother."

Danny scoffed, "If you wind up that pitch any more you're likely to drop the ball, just tell me already."

"So I've got this girlfriend and she works with Lizzy."

"Wait, since when do you have a girlfriend?"

Russ laughed a nervous laugh, he felt more than a little guilty about hiding Melissa from everyone, but what choice did he have. "Okay, make that I have a secret girlfriend that I can't tell my mom about so we are hiding our relationship and have to sneak around town because she is running for Liz's job and won't get elected if we are openly dating but not married."

Danny laughed, long and hard, and for a good five minutes before he spoke, "You're five years old and too chicken to tell your mom you are dating a woman, got it."

"Well I think it's more complicated than that but if you want to reduce it to that level of simplicity, fine."

"I do. Wait, how old is she? Why is this such a secret?"

"She's 25, and she is one of Liz's medical examiners, she is running for county coroner and we live in a backwoods state, and she is Catholic, so mom would flip."

"God, Russ, Lindsay is going to crucify you when she finds out you've been hiding this. And Liz too if she is in on the secret. She is isn't she?"

"Yes she is, now will you shut up and let me tell my story? Jeez, Messer for someone who doesn't like to talk to shrinks you won't let me get a word in edgewise."

Danny laughed in spite of his nervous energy. "Well stop talking about it and start telling me."

"Well now that I think about it there is not much to tell. I smuggled lunch into the morgue and we ate in Liz's office. I was just getting ready to leave and gave her a quick kiss, and one thing lead to another, and well Don and Liz found us against the body coolers."

Danny laughed, it wasn't terribly funny, but the mental picture of Don's face when he saw the two of them going at it in the morgue was priceless.

"Hey Messer come on its not that funny."

"Oh, yes it is Monroe, yes it is. Was Flack grossed out? He can't stand people getting cozy in the morgue. He caught me and Linds once…"

Danny was cut off mid sentence, "Don't go any further Messer, that's my baby sister you are talking about there and I don't want to have to hurt you."

"Right sorry, forgot. He just gets a little squeamish when it comes to sex and the lab. Not sure why, but he doesn't have the stomach for it."

"Well I can't say that I blame him. Liz read me the riot act for it."

"I can imagine."

Russ checked his watch and shifted in his chair, making himself more comfortable as he balanced the phone on his shoulder, pen poised to write, "So about your dad?"

"Ah Christ, we really gonna do this?" Danny asked, wishing he could switch the cell phone to his other hand, but was restricted from doing so by the cast on his arm.

"Yes, we are. You were just in a traumatic event not even a full week ago; you blame yourself for Louie's condition, and now this thing with your dad. You can talk to me, or I can call in the big guns and get your ass recommended for an on-the-job psych evaluation. What's it going to be?"

"Bastard."

Russ sipped from his coffee mug and replaced it on the desk, "So I've heard. Let's start with how you are feeling about the situation today?"

"What's there to talk about? My old man is an ass, he's always been an ass, and he always will be. The bastard's a lousy, mean man and don't give a rats ass 'bout no buddy but himself. That what you looking for Monroe?"

Russ nodded to no one in particular and scratched out a few things on the notepad in his lap. "That is fine Danny. I'm not judging you; I'm just trying to help. You say he's always been like this, what do you mean?"

"I mean he's not been one of those "Leave it to Beaver' types. Louie is the good son, stayed on the Island, took up the family business, and ran with the crew pops ran with in his day. Me, well I'm the failure, the one who went straight, who made a life, who wants more than a rat trap house in Staten Island, and a string of laundry mats that are fronts for illegal activity. I want a life, and he can't see that."

Russ nodded, the root of the problem exposed. "Want a life or have a life? Danny normally I don't say this, but for you I'll make an exception." He paused letting his words sink in and he tossed the notebook on the desk, "Who gives a fuck what your father thinks? You say you want a life, but you don't seem to realize you've got one now. You have a good job, you're back on the promotion grid, you saved a colleagues life, and you are saving your brother's life. You're a good friend, from what Lindsay gushes when I talk to her you are a great boyfriend, and an extremely hard worker. You've overcome every obstacle, but the one you've mentally created. You're not going to get your father's approval. Lots of us never do. But damn, Messer, you've got a good life, and you're a good man. It's time to let the anger go, say screw you to the old man, and start living outside the shadow of Sergio Messer."

Russ fiddled nervously with the phone cord as he waited for a response. It was unprofessional to talk in a frank manor, but Danny was practically family to him. Relief washed over him as he finally heard Danny sigh, before he spoke.

"Thanks man. Really, Russ, thanks. Listen I gotta go, Hawkes is standing here telling me that Louie is out of surgery and awake."

"Danny that's great news."

Danny was speaking in a rushed tone, relief and joy apparent in his voice. "Yeah, listen. Keep close to a phone tonight. You'll be getting a call you won't wanna miss."

Russ was confused at the cryptic statement. "What's that mean Messer?"

"Gotta go, talk to you later man." And with that Russ was talking to a dead phone line. He sighed, hung up the phone and scribbled a few more things into the notebook that he would put in Danny's file. Shaking his head he tried to clear his thoughts before his next patient arrived.

Liz smiled to herself, quite happy and very relaxed as she moved around her bedroom dressing for her evening out with her friends. She danced as she moved, happy with the news she had received earlier in the afternoon. The brain scans that had been taken post surgery were positive, nearly all of the swelling on the brain had been reduced and the blood work was normal. Best of all had been reports that Louie was cognizant and talking. He could move, and speak, and had most of his long term memory. The short term memory was fuzzy, but it was all good news considering how long he had been in a coma.

Liz sang along with the radio, which was tuned to the local country station, she pulled her favorite shirt out of the closet. She slipped the classic western shirt on over her black tank top and buttoned up the buttons until they came to rest just under her chest. The top had a retro feel too it, with red roses embroidered on the front and back yokes with red piping just under the roses, and red pearlized snap buttons. It was perfect for the place they were going that evening and pared with a dark wash, low rise pair of classic cut Wranglers she looked good.

Liz had just sat on the bed and pulled her favorite pair of dress cowboy boots on when Don entered the room. The boots had been her mother's, and were a light toned leather, with flower and bird inlayed pattern in a dark leather contrast, with a pointed toe and modest heel, they made her feel special, and as an added bonus taller. Liz smiled at Don as she placed her glasses on her face and crossed the room to meet him. She had opted for the glasses over contacts because she knew how much Don like them, but she figured the more she drank the faster the glasses would be lying on the table and not on her face. She spun in front of him and spoke, "How do I look?"

Don smiled. He felt silly in his get up and had been ready to tell her to forget the whole thing, but when he saw her dressed like that, her hair partially pulled back and cascading down around her face from the leather barrett that held it up, well he could hardly tell you his name, let alone tell her he was not going. "Beautiful. Liz, you look great."

Liz smiled and placed a kiss on his lips. "You don't look too bad yourself Cowboy."

"Okay, new rule, as long as I am dressed in this ridiculous costume, no calling me that."

Liz laughed and rubbed a hand on Don's shoulder as she stepped around him to grab a copper cuff bracelet and a pair of stud earrings. She spoke as she worked the posts into her pierced ears. "Honey, that is not a ridiculous costume. I would remind you that most of those things came from either Tom or Russ, suggesting that both wear them on a semi-regular basis."

Don sighed and sat on the edge of her bed, looking a little overwhelmed. She sat next to him and took his hand in hers as she listed to him speak, "I know that Liz. It's just, not what I am used to. I feel ridiculous."

Liz smiled comfortingly at him and took in his appearance once more. He was wearing dark washed straight leg jeans that were from his own personal closet. Russ had stopped by the morgue on his way home and dropped off a couple of retro design shirts for Don to choose from. He had settled on Liz's favorite, a light blue Fender style shirt with white stripes, and scrolling blue embroidery on the front, back and cuffs. On the back yoke the words "Custom Shop Rock and Roll" were embroidered and accentuated with metallic studs. Her favorite feature of the shirt was the hexagonal pearlized snap buttons. The outfit was complete with a pair of Tom's old dress boots, a light toned leather with contrasting flame design. She stood and pulled him up with her, her hand flittering across his chest and played with one of the buttons as she spoke, "I understand you're a fish out of water dressed like this. But honey, you look anything but ridiculous. I think you look damn sexy. This shirt with your eyes, well it makes me want to do unholy things with you. And those snap buttons, well don't even get me started. Thank you for doing this for me Don, it means a lot."

Don was distracted, the things that were coming out of her mouth, were the most provocative words she had ever spoken to him, and it was driving him crazy. Mental pictures of the two of them never leaving her bedroom flashed before his eyes. His voice came out a horse whisper when he spoke, "Not a problem, Doll," just before he crashed his lips to hers in a searing kiss.

The two broke away a few minutes later with some reluctance, but gasping for air. Don smiled at her and said, "So do I pass inspection?"

"Just one more thing you need," she said, producing a suede sports jacket from her closet.

Don liked the jacket, it actually looked normal, like something he could wear to work. "Nice, so who did this get borrowed from?"

Liz smiled as she stood on her tip toes and helped his slip it on, reaching up to fix the lapels once he had it on. "Nice, very handsome" she remarked, placing a kiss on his lips and stepping back to admire it. As if finally aware of his question she added, "Nno one. This is for you, I bought it the other day and was going to give it to you next time I saw you. I thought you would look good in it."

Don smiled and kissed her again. "Thank you, you didn't have to Liz."

"I know," she said simply as she pulled a rich brown leather jacket off the peg behind her bedroom door. "You ready to go? There is something I want to show you before we leave."

Don helped her put the jacket on and nodded, "Sure, let's roll."

The two headed down the stairs and out the back door, after Liz shouted her goodbyes to the other residents of the house. Don expected that they would turn towards the gravel drive adjacent to the front of the house where Liz parked her truck. Rather they turned towards a second smaller barn that was near the larger barn he had been shown in the previous days.

"This is where we store a lot of the junk we don't get rid of," Liz said as she slid the door open, "like dad's old boat" she said as she pointed to the mentioned item, "the furniture I had in New York and college" she said pointing towards a large tarp that had been anchored over certain items, "and ah here we are, my baby," Liz said as she stopped in front of another item covered by a tarp. "Normally I don't do much with this when I'm here, but this is a special occasion. Don meet my New York wheels," she said as she pulled the tarp off to reveal the most beautiful motorcycle Don had ever seen.

"Is that a Harley Davidson Softail Springer Classic?" Don asked running his hands over the leather seat with near awe in his voice. "These things are amazing."

"Yeah, it and my upper east side apartment were my two extravagances after I got my first paying job as a surgeon. Dad always had motorcycles and he loved these, so I learned from the best." Lifting two helmets off of a nearby shelf she handed Don one. "I thought I would drive to the bar, since you don't know where it is, but if you pay attention to the directions, I will let you drive home."

Don smiled and spoke, "God I love you woman," as he pulled the helmet over his head.

Liz laughed, and pulled her helmet on, before sitting down in the driver's seat "I know. Climb on detective and hold on."

Lindsay heard a soft chuckle as she knocked softly on the door to the private room Louie was resting in. She knew that Danny's mom and dad had left a little while ago after talking with their son for quite some time. Danny had sent her out to get something to eat, but she knew it was an excuse for him to spend some time with Louie alone. She was nervous, she hadn't really ever met Louie, not while he was conscious, but she pasted a bright smile on her face as she pushed the door to the room open.

"Cowboy I brought you coffee," Lindsay said as she approached the chair he had pulled up next to the bed.

"Cowboy? Now that is a change little brother, you've gone soft."

Lindsay was startled by the voice. It sounded so much like Danny that it was disorientating, she had expected something akin to Sergio, but Louie sounded like Danny, his voice resonating a little deeper, and his accent thicker.

"Are your eyes workin'? I mean look at her, she's a dish. You'd a gone soft too." Danny said with a light tone to his voice, and a wink at Lindsay.

"You must be the Montana Danny's been telling me about. How exactly did you get him on a horse?" Louie asked as he watched Lindsay settle in on the arm of Danny's chair.

"The one, the only. How are you feeling?" Lindsay asked, already starting to warm up to Louie.

"Better. I guess I've been out for quite some time. Danno's been filling me in on stuff, like how he finally got a girlfriend."

Danny sipped his coffee and listened as Louie made Lindsay laugh, mostly at his expense. But it felt good, felt right. Better than things had felt in a long time, he couldn't stop smiling. He had done a great deal of thinking when it came to his relationship with his brother, the time that Louie had been sick and unconscious had given him plenty of time to think, about all of their problems. All the strife, the anger, the resentment of having been turned away as a young adult was in the past. Danny knew now that Louie had been protecting him, had protected him at his own expense. Now that he was back and alive, he knew he was never going to let their inability to communicate with one another keep them from having a relationship. Draining his now empty coffee cup he focused back on the conversation that was going on around him.

"And that my fair lady is the story of how Danny got his ass kicked by Sister Emily O'Shea in the tenth grade."

"Awe come on. You've been awake for half a day and ya' already tellin' her that story?" Danny asked blushing as the memory of what the nun had caught him doing with Veronica Puente under the bleachers came to his mind.

Lindsay chuckled from her perch on the edge of Louie's bed. Danny wondered when she had moved over there, and how many other stories Louie had told while he was in his head.

"What? You two got together before I could scare her away with stories about what you were like when we were kids so I gotta make up for all the time I've been layin' here doin' nothin'."

Danny smiled and nodded with a sad glint in his eyes. He knew from what they had talked about that Louie was surprised to know he'd been in a coma for over a year. He smiled again, and reached for Lindsay. He offered her a wink, and he hoped she would get his meaning, as he pulled her from the bed into his lap. "Well if you're trying to scare her away, you're too late."

Lindsay nodded as she realized what Danny was getting ready to do. She reached towards her neck and pulled on the chain she had been wearing around her neck for several days. She fiddled with the clasp on the chain and pulled the ring free as Danny spoke.

"I wanna tell you something, and just to show how confident Lindsay here was that the surgery would be successful, she wanted to tell you first."

Danny watched as confusion passed over Louie's face, and as Lindsay slid the diamond engagement ring on her finger.

"Danny, I'm still a little groggy, I have no idea what you are tryin' to say."

Danny took Lindsay's left hand in his and extended it towards the bed, as he spoke, "I'm engaged, to be married, ya goof."

Louie looked shocked, his mouth opened to speak, then closed, then opened again. Danny and Lindsay laughed at the sight. When he finally found words, Danny was surprised at the sincerity and emotion in his brother's voice, "That's incredible little brother, really. Congratulations. God, come here and give me a hug."

Danny laughed and complied with the request giving his brother a quick hug. "Thanks Louie. We wanted you to be the first to know, haven't even told her parents yet."

Louie nodded, overwhelmed with emotions. He didn't know when it had happened, or really how it had, but Danny was a grown up, a real man. He knew in that moment that everything he had done to Danny when he was young, all the pain he had inflicted by rejecting him, by riding him hard, was worth it. Seeing him snuggled into the chair with that beautiful young woman, his NYPD badge clipped to his belt, Louie recognized that his sacrifices had been worth it. Sure Danny had hated him for years, and sure he had been an idiot to have ever been messed up in Tanglewood and involved with Sonny's crew, but seeing that his efforts to keep Danny clean had been worth it. Well it brought tears to his eyes. He had gone to bat for Danny and it had nearly cost him is life, but seeing Danny smile like that, to know that he had a future, that he was content, well he knew that he was right, he had done what he could to make up for the sins of their father. And Danny. Well, Danny had saved his life. His stubborn refusal to give up was why he was still alive. Emotion evident as he spoke, "Thanks guys. Danno you saved my life. You're a stubborn son of a bitch, and for once it worked in my favor, I'll never forget it. I love you man."

Danny felt his heart clinch. It had been years since he had heard Louie speak those words to him. He knew that for the first time since they were kids he and Louie were on the same page, they would be brothers again, and the knowledge warmed his heart. He knew in that moment the things Russ had said were true. Sitting there with his arm around Lindsay, hearing his brother speak with such raw emotion, he knew that he did have a life, regardless of Sergio's approval. He had a family and a life. He smiled, and tried to fight tears as he placed his cast laden hand one top of Louie's and spoke, "I love you too."

Clearing his throat Louie spoke, his voice light this time, "Good. Now go on get outta here. Call your parents and tell them, then go tell your friends that you work with the good news. I need some rest, and Nurse Ratchet out there is hovering," Louie said pointing at the nurse who had been annoying him all afternoon, who was peering into the window in the room. "She'll be shooing you out here pretty soon anyway."

Danny followed his brother's finger and saw the woman about whom he spoke. He sighed, he didn't want to leave, but knew that Louie did need to rest after such a long surgery. "Alright, we'll go, but I'll be back tomorrow to check on you," Danny said as he stood and squeezed Louie's hand.

"It's nice finally get to meet you in person. I'm glad you're back," Lindsay said as she leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks. Welcome to the family Lindsay," Louie said with a smile, as she nodded. Louie watched the two exit the room as he felt the exhaustion tug at his body. He was asleep when Danny glanced in the window in the door, after it had closed behind them.

Russ smiled and ran his hands along his girlfriend's arms. He adored the outfit she was wearing, and he tried to distract himself from the indecent thoughts running through his mind as the pair waited for their friends to meet them. Her pink long-sleeved western shirt, with white daisies embroidered on the yokes accentuated her sculpted arm muscles and well-formed chest. The pair of tight jeans and her cowboy boots made her legs look impossibly longer. But she had neglected to bring a jacket so he had done his duty and offered to keep her warm as the two snuggled together on the wooden and artificial porch of the Stumble Inn. The honky-tonk was already busy and loud. Pounding country beats could be heard from inside, but he was content to stand in the chilly spring night air as long as it meant he got to be wrapped around the woman in his arms.

"So did you talk to your sister?" Melissa asked, rubbing her hands along Russ's which were resting on her stomach.

"No, I haven't had a chance."

"Russ, I thought you were going to call between appointments. Is the Sager boy having that much trouble that he is taking two hours a session?"

Russ kissed the top of her head, unable to stop himself, "Babe, you know I can't talk about clients, I could lose my license for the information you just spouted off. But no, I didn't run over. I called Danny, Lindy's boyfriend."

"Oh, Russ, you just used the therapist voice, did you add Danny to your secret patient files?"

"No," Russ said as a guilty blush creeping on his cheeks.

"That's a yes. God, Russ, you've got to stop doing that, when people find out they are going to flip out."

"You didn't"

"Well, I'm special. Seriously, the only reason I didn't freak is because I love you, otherwise I would have killed you. There is a reason profilers don't profile their families, it's not nice and no one likes it."

"Yeah, yeah. I know. But I think it was a good talk, he sounded like I had finally broken through to him. That father of his is a real piece of work, he sounds like such an ass, I can see why Danny battles family issues the way he does."

"Wow, you are good." Don's voice broke through the cuddling couple's bliss. It startled Russ. "Sergio Messer is an ass, and if you did get through to Danny it will be a miracle a long time coming."

Don stepped on the porch, his motorcycle helmet under one arm, his other arm wrapped protectively around Liz's waist. He was tense at the talk of Sergio Messer, the man just pissed him off, nothing to it, and he instantly felt anger pulse through him when he heard that name.

Liz, feeling the tension roll of Don in waves, decided to end the conversation before they could dwell on Danny's father anymore, "Hey, forget about Danny's dad, we're here to celebrate. Louie is doing well, the doctor said he is talking and has most of his memory. All in all it's even better than I had hoped."

Melissa seized on the conversations shift, knowing that her boss was trying to redirect. "Yes, let's move on. Come on, Stud, take me inside and buy me a drink…we need to do this up right, a toast."

Russ laughed, at times Melissa could be so spontaneous and carefree, it was a welcomed change from the serious, studious, farm girl he had meet a few years ago at Tom's house.

"What do you say, detective? Let's get these women liquored up."

"I can't wait," Don said with a wink at Liz.

The four were about to go through the classic swinging saloon doors when Russ's cell phone rang. He stopped, pulling the offending object from his belt.

"Come on, ignore it Dr. Monroe, we're out on the town tonight, no emergency calls, you promised," Melissa said in a frustrated tone, even as he was flipping the phone open.

Don turned a curious eye towards Liz, "Emergency calls?"

She smiled, and squeezed Melissa's arm in a comforting gesture, even as she spoke low to Don, while Russ answered the phone. "Russ is a trauma psychologist. He volunteers for the Red Cross. He gets calls all the time to council children who survive ordeals, or who witness crimes. He gets called all over the state at random times."

"I didn't realize such a thing existed. Do you think that is what this is?" Don asked a little disappointed; he knew that Liz had been looking forward to the evening out all day.

"Doubt it, I figure its Linds, calling about you know what," Liz whispered as Russ spoke for the first time.

"Lindy, slow down, I don't understand what you are saying."

Russ couldn't believe what his little sister was telling him, he was shocked; it was all happening so fast. "Lindsay, you're engaged? Engaged to be married? To Messer?" He asked not believing his ears. Surely not, she was too young, Messer was too scared. He had to be wrong. But even as he heard his sister cussing at him for his inability to understand her simple words, it all clicked into place. Danny's cryptic, "keep your phone on" comment from earlier in the day came to his mind.

Melissa cocked an eyebrow at Liz and Don that clearly asked if they knew about this. Liz smiled and nodded to her co-worker who smiled broadly. No one knew better what Lindsay and Liz had gone through a few months ago when their friend's murderer had been caught. She had met Lindsay, in passing, when she had been home and she knew what the young woman went through. It was wonderful, and it gave her hope for her own screwed up relationship with Russ.

Russ laughed into the phone, a ridiculous smile on his face. "Of course I approve Lindy. I think it is amazing. Congratulations. Did he ask Daddy?" Russ laughed at the curses that came from his sweet little sister. "Such a mouth on you. I can't believe dad didn't say anything, that he kept it from mom all this time. Okay, okay, you go, tell everyone you work with. Seriously Lindy, I'm happy for you. Yes, I will, I love you too."

Liz smiled as Russ hung up his phone and placed it back in the holder on his belt. He was grinning like a fool. He placed a friendly hand on Don's shoulder, as he spoke, "Apparently my little sister is marrying your best friend. She said to tell you to hurry up and ask Lizzy here and then they can make it a double wedding."

Don laughed, a loud hysterical laugh, as Liz sputtered in surprise. "Yeah that sounds about right. Now I'm not sure if that was Messer or Monroe. Those two are a riot. Wait until Messer finds out your ma is pushing for grandkids."

Russ smiled and pulled Melissa in for a kiss. "Yeah, looks like you and me are off the hook. Let go folks. We've got an engagement to celebrate, too."

"Lead the way man; I think this one needs a drink after Lindsay's declaration," Don said pulling Liz, who was still stunned, into his side.

Lindsay ran her hands together trying to calm her nerves. Danny smiled at her as he approached the table with two beers. "Relax Montana, it will be fine. You're mom was cryin' and Russ was happy, nothing to worry about right?"

Lindsay laughed a skeptical laugh. "Ha. That was different, that was family, for all they know you asked me tonight, we tell Stella, Mac, Hawkes and Adam we've been hiding it for days and they're gonna freak, be furious we hid it."

Lindsay sipped her beer and inwardly cringed. She was really happy with the way everyone had reacted. Louie had been nothing short of amazing, the tearful hug he shared with Danny made the waiting well worth it, and Danny's mom had been so surprised and so wonderful, welcoming her to the family and assuring her that she didn't expect a Catholic wedding, Sergio had been, well Sergio. Gruffly muttering congratulations shortly before asking if she was pregnant. She'd blown it off and encouraged Danny to do the same. Her mom had cried when she heard the news, thrilled to have "another son" in the family, immediately inquiring about dates and arrangements and dresses. And Russ, he had been supportive and loving and been the one to help to convince her dad that Danny was the one so many months ago. But she feared telling their colleagues. Would Mac be encouraging, would he be their supervisor and point out all the work problems? Would Stella be furious that Liz had known but that she hadn't? And Sheldon and Adam, would they be happy or mad to be the last in the loop? Now they were sitting at Sullivan's, their friends and colleagues on their way, curious as to what the surprise meeting was all about.

Danny slipped his arm around her, his casted hand on her shoulder, "Lindsay stop worrying, everything will be fine. They're our friends, they will understand."

"I hope so," she said admiring the ring on her finger. It was finally where it belonged and she loved to look at it as it sparkled even in the dimly lit bar.

Hawks was the first to arrive, bringing with him a fragile looking Adam. The young lab tech was still staying with Danny and Lindsay, and Hawkes had been sitting with him this evening after he had gotten off work. The young man was healing, but he still looked weak, his hands bandaged, and his normally effervescent personality muted in light of recent days. Lindsay smiled welcomingly at Adam as he slumped into a chair, and Hawkes headed to the bar to place their drink orders. She made a mental note to ask Russ to call Adam in the next few days if he didn't improve.

Adam spoke, a weak smile on his face, his voice a fraction of its usual cheeriness. "Great news about your brother Danny. Hawkes told me everything is looking good, must feel great."

Danny nodded. He felt a weird protective nature towards Adam since their ordeal with the Irish mob. He smiled warmly at the young man who was clearly still traumatized by the event, "Yeah, it's a relief. But how are you doing man?"

Adams smile faltered a little, "The same. But I'm getting better; I'll be out of your place in no time at all."

"I meant what I said yesterday Adam. You're welcome to stay as long as you need. The doctors haven't cleared you yet, we want you to stay with us at least until then." Lindsay was firm. She and Danny had agreed, he needed someone to look after him and they were perfect for the job.

Adam agreed weakly as Hawkes returned to the table. He had barely pulled out his chair when Stella and Mac arrived. They waved at the table and after a quick stop at the bar to pick up a glass of wine and a beer were seated at the table with their friends.

Mac spoke first, "So I don't know why you guys wanted to get together but as long as we are all here, I propose a toast, to Louie and his continued recovery."

There was a round of "Hear, hears" as everyone took a sip of their beverage. Danny was about to speak when Stella beat him to it. "So what's with the cryptic meeting, guys? We all got the same text. I asked around. Sullivan's 8:30, we've gotta talk. You couldn't have given us a clue? I'm dying to know, what's the big secret?"

Melissa felt a twinge of jealousy as she watched Russ and Liz dance around the wide dance floor. The two were doing a slow two step, while she and Don were taking a much needed break at the table.

Don sipped his beer as one eye followed Russ and his Liz around the dance floor. He was only momentarily shocked that his mind called her his. The other eye watched Russ's girl critically. She looked conflicted, and a little irritated. He killed his beer, signaling the waitress to bring him another as he spoke, "So you look about as thrilled with that combination as I do." Don cringed at the moody jealous tone his voice took, but he couldn't help it. He was head over heels for Liz, and no matter how many times she told him that it was a platonic friendship with Russ, it still grated on him. He hated the thought of losing her.

Melissa was a little surprised; she didn't realize that she had been projecting her feelings outward. "I don't know what you mean," she said trying to pretend she didn't know what he was referring to.

"No offense, but bull. I'm a detective, I know facial clues. What's the matter, you don't trust them?" Don took the beer from the waitress and muttered a thank you, before taking a sip.

"No. That's not it at all," Melissa said, her tone defiant and unwavering. She trusted Liz and Russ but there were times when she still hated that the two of them shared a connection that she would never have with him.

Don released a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Then what?"

"I know that it is completely innocent, but damn if it still doesn't grate on me. I've got him, and I know he loves me, but this sneaking around and hiding it, it's driving me nuts. He's a good looking guy, and he is one of this town's most eligible bachelors, he can decide in a heartbeat that he wants something better, something less," she sighed as she pulled at the label on her beer, "complicated." She laughed a self conscious laugh, "I can't believe I just told a complete stranger things I hadn't even admitted to myself."

Don laughed, he knew that feeling. He had told Liz things about his life, his family, that he had never told anyone else, all in the few short hours they had spent together that first day at the zoo. He understood her concerns, hell he had his own, and he really, really wanted to punch Russ Monroe in the face as he effortlessly shuffled his girlfriend around the dance floor with a natural grace that he would never possess, but he also knew that Liz had made her decision, and that theirs was a deep friendship and nothing more. "Look I know I don't know Russ like you do, but I can't believe that he would pick something easy over what he obviously has with you. And if I know anything about Liz and Lindsay Monroe, none of the women in Russ's life have ever been uncomplicated. He loves you, Melissa, you've got to trust that."

Melissa nodded; it was a surprising speech coming from the rough around the edges city detective, and yet it proved to her exactly what about Don Flack had attracted her boss. Liz had claimed that he was sensitive, intelligent, and perceptive, yet she had doubted her friend. "Pretty perceptive words, especially coming from a man who looks like he wants to beat my boyfriend's skull in."

Don smiled a guilty smile, "What can I say, I trust her, but I'm a little jealous. This guy's is practically perfect, gives the rest of us a bad name."

Melissa smiled, she knew the feeling. "If it makes you feel any better he is a helpless housekeeper. He can't cook a meal or make a bed and laundry? Forget about it, unless you want everything to be the same faded color. He may be perceptive as hell, in touch with his emotions, and a damn good dancer, but the man can't boil water or fold a towel if his life depended on it."

Don laughed and saluted her with the beer bottle in his hand, speaking before he took a swig. "Thanks, I needed that."

Melissa nodded, "I understand. Hey, why don't you go break up our significant others apart? I'm gonna request a song. Tell Russ to wait for me, I'll meet him out there."

Don looked a little apprehensive. He had already been taught more country western dances than he thought he could ever learn. He wasn't very good at it, and he found the whole experience a little embarrassing, especially as experienced dancers whirled around them.

"Come on city boy, either watch your girlfriend dance with every other man in the place, or man up and get out there," Melissa called over her shoulder as she headed for the DJ. Don killed his beer and stood up from the table; if nothing else he could rely on his buzz and his jealousy to outweigh his pride. He stood and moved towards Liz and Russ on the dance floor.

Russ spun Liz on the dance floor, a smile on his face. As the music hit the second chorus he began singing along to the words of the slow Gary Allen song, "Well I've been a wildcatter, and a go-go getter, been an SOB right down to the letter. I've had misadventures, I've even got pictures. I'm even more than I can stand, but starting today all I'm gonna be is her man."

Liz smile and took in his soft voice, it was one of the things that all the Monroe's had in common. Connie had passed on her amazing singing voice to each of the children. She spoke, cutting off the impromptu concert, when the song reached the final verse. "Is that a declaration? You are going to do right by Melissa?"

Russ cringed at the question, and glanced over at the table his girlfriend was sharing with Flack. He felt a pang of jealousy as she smiled a bright smile at something the detective said; it had been days since he had made her smile like that. Sighing he focused back on the woman in his arms. Sure a part of him would always love Liz. After what happened to her in New York the first time, part of him was devastated to see her go. She was something between a sister and a lover to him, never quite reaching the status of either, but she was his first love, and he would always care about her. But damned if he didn't want to kill her when she did crap like this. "Let it go Warren. We've been over this, you and Melsie have been over this. Does it suck that we have to hide our relationship? Yes. Do I wish it was different? Yes. Can we change that while she is running for election? No. Now for the love of God, Let. It. Go."

Liz was surprised by the force in his voice, she knew she had been pushing, she just didn't realize how much it was driving him crazy. She offered a warm smile at Don as she and Russ rounded the dance floor by their table again, but he didn't see her. She returned her concentration to the man, who led her around the floor, sighing she finally realized just how much he wanted to go public, but for his own reasons couldn't. It was taking a toll on both of her friends, and she hadn't really recognized the difficulty. She spoke, true regret in her voice, "Sorry Russ, I didn't realize. This will be the last time I mention it, I swear."

Russ made an undignified snort that reminded her of Lindsay, "Right I will believe that when I see it. But enough about my love life, what about you? Things better between Tom and Don now?"

"Yes, I talked to Tom, explained things to him. He is still a little worried, doesn't want me to get hurt again, but he is trying and that is all I can ask."

Russ nodded and wondered where Melissa and Don had gone, their table was empty now. He rushed to get his last question in before they were interrupted; he had been dying to ask for days, but had been unable to get Liz alone long enough to do so. "What about Don? Does he understand why we worry about you so much? Liz, does he treat you alright?"

Russ understood Tom's hesitation. The detective seemed genuine, and Liz was devoted to him, but both men were unsure if Don was trustworthy. They had yet to get a complete feel for the man. And Russ knew Liz's history of trust issues, he had been her confidant for years, he wanted to make sure she was taken care us, safe, protected, before he turned her loose again.

Liz was touched by the concern and raw honesty she saw in Russ' eyes. She knew he cared for her, and he was the best friend a girl could ever ask for. Over the years their relationship had become one she treasured, and now she saw him as yet another brother. He was finally a big brother to take care of her, not one that she had to play surrogate mother to. She kissed him affectionately on the cheek and then spoke, "You are so sweet. Don is amazing with Tom and Mark, so patient and so understanding. And yes he gets why you all worry about me. He's got four sisters, believe me he gets it. As for the last one, God Russ, I couldn't have asked for better. He is so amazingly patient of me with everything that is a nervous tick after the rape. He is wonderful, I've never been treated so well by a man, and most of all Russ he loves me. Really truly loves me."

Liz smiled at Don as he appeared beside her and Russ. He smiled at her, obviously catching the end of their conversation, and inside he felt a little silly for being so jealous. If she believed in him, that was all he needed to know. Russ and Liz stopped dancing as the song came to an end, and Don offered her his hand. He started to speak, telling Russ, "Melissa said she would be right back" but was cut off as the DJ made a quick announcement before starting the next song.

"This one is a special request from Melissa, going out to a new couple, Don and Liz. She thinks this describes you both."

"Hey, Stud, wanna dance?" Melissa asked Russ as she snuck up beside the three friends.

"What did you do?" Liz asked even as Don pulled her to him.

"Nothing, just a little song that after my conversation with Don, I felt would be appropriate," Melissa said as she took Russ' hand. The two couples danced away from each other in a natural rhythm as Eric Church's Guy's Like Me filled the crowded dance hall.

Don nodded along with the mid tempo song, executing the moves Liz had showed him earlier in the evening. The more he listened the more he knew the song was appropriate for how he felt about Liz. He had heard the song before, one of his older nieces was a fan of it and she had played it for him. He sung along, softly, whispering in Liz's ear as the second chorus came on, "Your daddy worked at the bank, mine worked on cars. You went to college, I pulled graveyard. You must have had your pick of all the trust fund types. But you came back to me and only God knows why…Cause guys like me drink too many beers on Friday after work
Our best blue jeans have Skoal rings, We wear our boots to church, So rough around the edges, It's hard to believe, That girls like you, Love guys like me."

Liz sighed as she felt his warm breath whisper the lyrics in her ears. She loved this song, and parts of it did remind her of the at times rough and tumble Don. She smiled at him as he finally stopped singing. "I love you, Don. Thank you for being here, for coming here tonight when you didn't want to. For being so patient about all my little nervous ticks, and for understanding my relationship with Russ. I know it drives you nuts, but you never try to make me choose. A lot of men wouldn't be that great to me."

"Then a lot of men are stupid, and don't know what they are missing, Doll." Don spoke the words, with truth and sincerity. He understood her caution, but the reservation and fear he saw in her eyes was enough to break his heart. He wanted her convinced that he wasn't running away, he tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and leaned in to kiss her, his lips feather light against hers. He pulled back, but let his hand linger on her cheek, loving the way she nuzzled her face into his palm as he spoke, "I love you Liz, nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to change that. The only place I am ever going is right back here to you. This thing we're doing, I'm all in."

She smiled, and whispered, "Me too. I love you Don, so much it scares me sometime, but I'm all in." And then she kissed him, a heated passionate, kiss. Full of reassurance, promise, and passion. Neither mind that they were in the middle of a dance floor or that people were staring. All that mattered was that they had each other. After all that was all they needed.

Lindsay smiled at the look of suspense on Stella's face. It was too easy, too predictable, and a little cliché, but she loved every minute of it. She used her right hand to search out Danny's hand under the table, and then stuck her left hand under Stella's watchful gaze. As she spoke, her voice sounding more calm than she felt, "We're engaged!"

The table erupted in a cacophony of good wishes, and cheers. Stella had jerked Lindsay into a hug and was already firing off questions about how he had proposed, when Mac clasped Danny on the shoulder, and Hawkes shook his hand.

"Congratulations Danny, it's about time," Mac said with a congenial smile. He was thrilled that his young colleagues had managed to get their lives together and were ready to make the ultimate commitment to one another. It tugged at his heart, knowing that his own Clair was gone, moments like these seemed to make her loss all the more real, but he was thrilled.

Hawkes released Danny's hand, and called over the noise of the bar, "Stan, bring us another round, on me. We're celebrating over here." He smiled and offered Lindsay a hug and his congratulations once she had broken free of Stella's excited inquiry.

The group laughed, but no one turned down the drink. Lindsay was only a little surprised when Adam offered her a hug in congratulations. Her heart soared it was the first time in days that she had seen him smile, and he seemed to be genuinely happy. He settled in at the table next to Hawkes and the two became engrossed in a conversation about comic book characters.

Lindsay was about to sit down again when Mac offered her his hand, asking her to dance. It seemed that Sullivan's was once again trying something new and had shoved some of the tables out of the way to make room for a small area for dancing.

"Come dance with me Lindsay, I wanna talk to you for a second."

Lindsay smiled as she took his hand, somewhat surprised at the ease with which he offered it, and at the jovial nature of his request.

At the same time, Stella saddled up alongside Danny, and grabbed his hand moving them in the same direction, as she spoke, "Come on Danny, step into my office, I want a word, and you might as well push me around this dance floor while we do it."

Danny laughed, and slipped his arm around Stella, "Okay, so shoot, what do you wanna talk about?"

Stella smiled, and leaned in and placed a friendly kiss on his cheek, "Congratulations, Danny. Are you happy?"

Danny laughed, he wasn't sure what he had been expecting when Stella dragged him out to dance, but that wasn't it. He dipped her and then responded, "Yeah, really happy Stel. I got Louie back, and by some miracle that crazy woman wants to marry me. I'm great." Danny punctuated his words by pointing to where Lindsay was dancing with Mac.

"I'm glad to hear it Danny. Now I want to tell you something. You hurt that little girl and I will kill you. But I know you won't. You've come a long way Danny. When I first met you, you were an angry punk who didn't have a clue, you were some hot shot, so pissed at your dad and at life in general I didn't think you'd stick around long. But you got your act together, worked on your temper, and finally got smart when it came to Lindsay. I know what happened today with your pop, and I know it kills you inside." Danny started to argue, but she shook her head, "I don't want to hear it Danny, I'm right. But I want you to know; sometimes the real family is the one we don't choose. Family chooses us, and Danny me, Mac, Hawkes, Flack, all of us we love you like family, and we are so excited about this. And Danny, I'm so proud of you."

Danny didn't speak, didn't trust his voice. Stella had always been part competitor, part hardass, part friend, and part big sister to him. To hear her speak of family and how proud she was of him, it meant something, so much more than anything Sergio could ever give him. He didn't know how to respond. He just stopped dancing and pulled her into a tight hug, hoping that it would speak for him.

Lindsay smiled at the sight of Danny and Stella dancing, but her focus was shifted as Mac began to speak as he led her around the dancefloor. "I don't want you to worry about how this will work out in the lab Lindsay, I'll make it work."

"Thanks Mac. I have to say I was a little worried about which Mac would show up tonight, friend Mac or big boss man."

"I'm your friend Lindsay, always. You and Danny are like family, we all care about you both very much. I hope you know that. I am so proud of you. You came in to the lab in the middle of a team that was already so tight, and you forced your way into our hearts. You make the place complete and no one would disagree with me on that. I hope you are both happy, and if you ever need anything, even just someone to kick his ass, let me know."

Lindsay smiled at Mac. There were times when she looked at him and it felt like she was looking at her father. Mac had done everything for her; he had recruited her, given her a chance, and been patient, understanding and caring. But more than all of that he had been like a father to her when she first moved, making sure she was protected, safe, and had an affordable place to live. She smiled as he talked and when the song ended she reluctantly pulled away. She noticed that Stella and Danny were standing there ready to cut in, but before Mac got away, she offered him a smile, and placed a kiss on his cheek, whispering, "Thanks Dad."

Mac chuckled congenially as he offered her hand to Danny, and extended his free hand to Stella. She laughed as he pulled her into him with a flourish and the two were dancing away from the newly engaged couple as the next song started on the jukebox.

Danny smiled as he danced with Lindsay. With a laugh he spoke, "So I just got the 'I'm so proud of you, but don't screw it up' speech from Stella, what about you?"

"I got the 'we love you and are proud of you' speech from Mac."

Danny nodded, and he felt a calmness in his heart that he hadn't felt in ages. He finally knew who he was, and he had a wonderful woman who trusted him enough to want to be a part of his life, the good and the bad. He wondered at the marvel that was Lindsay even as he held her close. "Montana, are you happy?"

Lindsay giggled a delirious little chuckle at the question, "So happy Danny. I couldn't have asked for more. I love you."

Danny leaned in and pressed a feather light kiss on her lips before murmuring, "I love you too" and kissing her more soundly. The coupled pulled away a little too quickly for Danny's liking, but they were in a public place.

Lindsay sighed with contentment as she nestled closer to Danny, "So I guess this means we have to start planning the wedding."

"You bet. Just tell me what you want, and I will make it happen." Danny was so happy his voice seemed giddy. He was ready, ready for marriage, for the lifetime commitment, ready for it all.

"How did I ever get so luck as to find a cowboy like you Messer?"

"Just lucky I guess. Hey Montana."

"Yeah?" Lindsay asked, a little puzzled by the serious tone Danny's voice had taken on.

Danny nuzzled her nose and then pulled back to look her in the eyes, "I just want you to know, this is it for me. You're the one, the only. This, you and me, it feels like home to me, and it's all I ever need."

Lindsay nodded and her voice grew soft as she spoke, "Me too, Danny. That was beautiful." She paused for a moment and the pair stopped dancing as the song ended, she playfully smacked him on the chest as she spoke, "even if it did sound like one of your famous lines."

"It wasn't one, besides I don't need to charm you into sleeping with me, I already got you reeled in," he said with a playful pat on her behind as the moved back towards the table.

"Oh, that's what you think. It's all uphill from now on, between your parents and mine, and well-meaning but meddling friends, the funs only started. Better hang on to your hat, Cowboy. With all the plans we've got to make, it's going to be a long summer."

Danny pulled her in close, his face millimeter from hers. "Bring it on Montana, I'm ready," finalizing the conversation with a searing kiss that left their friends clapping and cheering the happy couple on.

A/N- Well thats it, I hope you all have enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for everything! And look for the sequel.