A/N: Apologies for the long update, but this is the last chapter. Thank you to all who had read and reviewed the story. Now let's all indulge ourselves in the wondrous news that we received yesterday from Ausiello regarding our lovely couple. SQUEE!!!!!
A cool breeze whistled in the air, and the sky loomed with rumbling dark clouds. The weather reflected the mood of those who stood in the cemetery, huddled around a single coffin covered in roses and other assortments of fresh flowers. Angela Messer stood between her husband and youngest son, holding their hands and allowing the tears to flow freely. On the left side of Danny, Lindsay bowed her head solemnly, flicking her eyes up to catch a glance of him. His features had been grey for the last two days; even his touch seemed to have a slight coldness to it. His grandmother stood beside Dominick, her face creased with the countless years she had seen. Finally, behind them stood Mac and the team. Lindsay had managed to recall every one of them, and they had come to show their love and support for a fellow colleague.
Feeling Lindsay's hand slip into his, Danny continued to stare at the coffin which housed his brother. While he was glad that Louie had finally found peace, the feeling of guilt had never vanished from his heart. Ultimately, though, Louie was a hero. He had paid an eternal sacrifice to make sure his younger brother didn't become trapped in the cruel world of gangs and drug dealers, where one never knew which day would be his last.
The priest's words passed unnoticed in his mind as he gazed down at Lindsay, whose head now rested on his shoulder. They had been through so much in the last few weeks, and when he needed her she was there without any questions. She knew of his jagged past, yet she refused to step away from it all. Instead she sat and listened with opened arms, ready to hold him lest he crumble under the weight. He loved her more than anyone, sometimes even himself, could comprehend.
Danny watched his father walk slowly up and place a framed picture of Louie atop the casket. Running a thick hand over the wood, he sniffed and stepped back, allowing his mother, wife and son to take their turns. The second Danny returned to his spot, Lindsay again took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently in a silent offer of support.
As the priest said his final words, Lindsay shifted her eyes up to see Danny gazing at her. He had given her the greatest gift possible: a new chance at life. But now it was her turn to offer her love. He was hurting; he needed someone more than ever now. She offered a small smile and he returned the gesture, eyes holding a tiny bit of light that provided a sliver of hope.
The coffin was lowered into the grave, and everyone bowed their heads in respect for a fallen man.
---
Lindsay held back as the crowd started to diminish, respectively giving Danny and his family some alone time with Louie. After they had departed, she saw him standing at the grave, still staring down at the spot where his brother now lay. Her heart went out to him then, and she slowly padded over and took his arm.
The corners of his lips twitched in a faint smile. "Louie would have liked you."
She cast her gaze over the tombstone. "He sounded like a good man."
"We had our arguments, an' now I realize that he was only looking out for me. I was foolish back then, running wild and never wanting to settle down. Louie often knocked some sense into me," he gazed at her with compassion. "Will you do me a favour?"
"Of course."
"The poem your mother taught you-"
She nodded, knowing what his request was. Taking a deep breath, Lindsay recited an old poem from her childhood, passed down from generation to generation.
No more will you feel pain or suffering,
As you rest 'neath the soft earth,
Your spirit is finally free, my friend,
To roam the sunny pastures far away.
I place a flow'r on your grave,
As my mind wanders back to those long-ago days,
When you an' I were the best of friends,
Singing, laughing, dancing an' smiling.
But the fates can be cruel, alas,
As you were taken away from me,
You have fought the good battle, my love,
Now 'tis time to sleep with those,
Whose own hearts have traveled off,
To the waters of eternal shores.
An' when I have seen my seasons,
We shall walk the rainbow of freedom,
Together.
They stood in silence for a while, huddling closer as the biting wind nipped at their skin. Finally, Lindsay leaned up and placed a chaste kiss on Danny's cheek.
"C'mon cowboy, time to go. We must let his sleep."
As they glanced one last time at the final resting place of Louie, Danny took possession of her hand, rubbing a thumb over her soft skin.
"Danny?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
She tapped his nose playfully. "You helped me remember."
He smiled, shook his head, and squeezed her hand in one swift but gentle motion. "No; thank you, Montana. I've fallen even more in love with you because of this. You gave me a whole new perspective on life, an' jus' by being here you're helpin'. I love you, Lindsay Monroe."
"I love you too Danny."
In the end, they were each other.