She had barely left his side at the precinct as they shared congratulations on their engagement and her reinstatement to Lead Detective. When he tried to step away to use the men's room she had pulled him in for a soft, lingering kiss, her hands gently cupping the sides of his face, whispering " I love you, don't take too long." When he pulled back from the kiss she had seen the slight grimace that crossed his face.

She had been clinging to him since they had arrived at The Old Haunt. When he went to slip into the cab his sharp intake of breath had her reaching out to help in and when they finally arrived at the bar she jumped out rushing around to help him before he even had his door opened.

When they finally made it back to the loft she brushed his hands away as he struggled to remove his shirt. It was when she had her first glimpse of the dark bruise that had formed on his chest that the tears began to fall down over her face.

He reached for her gently, tilting her face up , "Hey" He said, " I'm fine, it's just a bruise."

"Twice" She said," Twice in less than a month I've almost lost you."

"Kate, I'm fine. I promise you, it's just a little sore."

"Promise you'll never do that again"

"Promise" He answered." Come on it's been a long day. Let's go to bed"

He turned, taking her hand and led her to their room.

Gently he stripped off her clothes, then sliding the covers back he eased her down onto the bed. He removed the rest of his clothes and slipped in behind her. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close, whispering soothing words until he felt her body relax into his, hoping her dreams would be nightmare free.