"Why won't you tell me Steve?"
"Danny, it's a surprise. I'm not going to tell you so knock it off will ya?"
"It's a surprise for Gracie, not me! Come on spill it"
Danny had been his partner for only six months but it hadn't taken them long to grow very close. He would describe his partner as brash, hot-headed, and temperamental, unless he was with Gracie. That little girl transformed the tough Jersey cop into a pussy cat instantly. Danny glowed when talking about his little angel, with her he was sweet, gentle and loving. Danny Williams was a complex man but then again Danny would say the same of him. They had quickly developed an amazing love and respect for each other.
And Gracie….Steve adored that little girl. He had never spent much time with children before, but the day he met Gracie and held her hand on the bleachers of that football stadium she had him wrapped around her little finger. Danny had been gracious enough to share much of his treasured visitation time with Gracie with him and he enjoyed every visit greatly. Her seventh birthday was on Friday and he had been able to set up what he hoped would be a special treat for her.
Two months ago on a visit to the zoo, Gracie had become enthralled with three newborn monkeys that were on display. They had sat watching the babies for over an hour and when they were leaving at the end of the day Gracie had insisted they go back to see them again. Last week he called and talked to a zoo official he knew and he was able to set up a private viewing of the monkeys. They would even be able to hold and feed the babies. He had told Rachel of his intentions and she thought that Gracie would be thrilled. He had to tell Danny that he had plans for them for Saturday morning though, and all day long Danny had been badgering him for details…it was only Tuesday and it was going to be a lllooonnnngg week!
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Finally Friday night arrived and Danny and Gracie got to Steve's house a little after eight o'clock. The little girl chattered endlessly about the birthday party her Mom and step-Stan had thrown for her that afternoon complete with clowns, juggling and face-painting. Steve watched Danny's expression as his baby girl was bubbling over with excitement. They had planned to take Gracie to the mall tomorrow after Steve's surprise and then they were all going to a movie and out for pizza. It was obvious in Danny's face that he sensed his day would not match the fun that she had today.
Steve smiled as he watched the child, reveling in her glee. "Happy Birthday Gracie!"
She giggled, "Thanks Uncle Steve. What are we going to do tomorrow Danno?"
"Well Monkey I can't promise it will be as fun as clowns….."
Steve jumped in, "Gracie, don't let your Danno fool you…come on Danno tell her about your surprise"
"Steven….."
"OOOHH Daddy, what's the surprise?"
Danny looked at Steve before kneeling in front of Gracie, "Sweetie if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?"
"Uncle Steve, will you tell me please?"
Danny looked up at Steve as his partner spoke, "Danny, if you don't tell her your surprise, I will" He looked into the big brown eyes staring at him anxiously, "Gracie, do you remember the baby monkeys that we saw at the zoo?"
"Yes Uncle Steve, they were so cute"
Steve looked at Danny and then continued, "Well tomorrow morning sweetheart, me, you and your Danno get to see those monkeys. We get to hold them, and feed them…"
Before he could even say another word Gracie was screeching with delight, throwing herself into her daddy's arms. "Danno…ooohh Danno I'm so excited! Thank you….Thank you!"
Hugging the squealing child Danny stood "It's exciting isn't it honey?"
"Danno, I can't wait!, I can't wait!, I can't wait!"
"And then Steve and I are taking you to the mall so you can pick out your own presents!"
"Really? COOL!"
Danny's eyes met Steve's and shaking his head he mouthed the words, "Thank You"
Danny couldn't believe his partner. Steve was one a tough, bad-ass Navy SEAL who could stare down the worst of the worst criminal without showing a thread of emotion. He called him Superman because he ran like a machine, as if he were almost Superhuman. Then every so often he would do something like this, something so…..sweet and caring. The more he grew to know Steve, the more the man surprised him.
Steve's face lit up as he watched the little girl embrace her Daddy as he spoke to her, "I'm excited too baby, it's going to be so much fun. NOW, I think you need to take a bath and get into your jammies because we have to get going really early tomorrow okay?"
"Ohhhhh I don't know if I can sleeeeepppp! I'm ssoooo excited!"
"You've had a very busy day honey, you'll sleep. Now what do you say to Steve?"
He set her down and she raced and threw herself into the SEALS arms, "Thank you Uncle Steve, I can't wait to see the monkeys and hold them and feed them…..oooooohhhhhh!"
"You're welcome sweetheart, you sleep good and I'll see you in the morning" She kissed him and then he watched as she moved down the hall with Danno towards the bathroom, pulling her Barbie suitcase behind her.
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Steve was out on the deck sipping a beer when Danny returned.
"Is she sleeping?"
"Out like a rock. I didn't even get halfway through one story. Hey man, thank you"
"You're welcome"
"How were you able to swing this thing tomorrow?"
"I know people Danno"
Danny chuckled, "You know people huh? Well I tell you what partner, you made me look like a hero in her eyes. Thank you"
"Danno, you're always a hero in her eyes"
"You didn't have to do that you know"
"I know, but hey…. that's what partners are for"
Tapping each other's beer bottles the two visited for a couple of hours before turning in for the night, both of them looking forward to tomorrow.
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Gracie bounded out of the guest room before seven in the morning.
"Daddy! Daddy! It's morning, let's go see the monkeys now, LET'S GO!"
Steve came into the living room from the kitchen to see Gracie shaking her Daddy who had pulled a blanket up over his head.
He laughed and called to her, "Gracie, sssshhhh…let Danno sleep a little more. Come here and help me"
Turning her attention to Steve she giggled and ran into the kitchen.
"Good morning Uncle Steve, what can I help you with?"
"Good morning Sweetheart, do you want to help me make pancakes?"
"Yes! I love pancakes and so does Danno…blueberry's our favorite!"
"Then blueberry it is my dear"
They worked diligently making pancakes, sausages and fresh fruit. As Steve set the table he had Gracie go wake her daddy and soon they were sitting around the table eating.
"Gracie these are perfect pancakes!"
"I told Uncle Steve that blueberry pancakes were your favorite"
"Did you tell him they were your favorite too?"
She giggled, "Yes….I did"
"Well you both did a wonderful job, these are delicious. Steve, can you hand me the juice please?"
After breakfast, Gracie helped Steve with the dishes while Danny showered and dressed and then they were off, on their way to the zoo!
