A/N: A short little one-shot I wrote a long time ago but never got around to posting.:) I waited until today to post it...obviously it's about love, but not romantic--just very family-oriented. And yes...I am also posting because I feel bad I've left ya'll hangin with my other stories. So consider this a bonus.:)

Love is Everything

Don hated this feeling--that "bad neighborhood" feeling that came after a tough case. He sat in Charlie's driveway and pondered whether or not he should go in. All the lights were out, and surely his dad and brother were sleeping.

Don glanced at the clock in the SUV. 3:04 am. He shook his head. No matter--he could probably slip in without disturbing his family. He was simply too exhausted to go to his own apartment. Still, he wasn't sure why his 'autopilot' had taken him here instead of home, but since he was here...

Slipping out of the SUV, he shut the door quietly. Striding up the walk, he fumbled for his keys and promptly dropped them. He cringed, and bent to pick them up. He must be more tired than he thought! Finding the correct key, he opened the door and slipped in.

Don smiled at the low beeping of the security system he'd demanded his dad install. After he entered the correct code, the house was silent once more. Not quite ready to lie down yet, Don found himself looking at the different family mementos the room held. His trophies...pictures...ah...several of Charlie's papers were all over the coffee table. Don grinned. He could imagine the genius' confusion in the morning as he tried to remember where he'd left them. He'd have to tease him later. Completing his circle of the room, Don stopped to the left of the front door. The familiar framed poem hanging there caught his attention, and he stood still, reading the words.

Welcome to our humble home,

We're glad you are our guest.

But if you are to visit us,

We have a few requests.

No frowning is allowed here,

No chins upon the floor.

We share a lot of laughter,

But we always welcome more.

Our home is not a mansion,

Or the palace of a king.

But love is here, and after all--

Love is everything!

Don smiled. That poem had been hanging in the exact spot since he was a little boy. Since his mom's death, it had often encouraged him after a tough day. This time was no exception. The clouds had lifted a bit, and Don wandered over to the couch. Suddenly, he was exhausted, and sleep sounded great. Just before he drifted off, he thought of the last line of the poem. He felt safe in the knowledge that his family loved him. And after all--Love is everything.

The End

Another A/N: The poem in this fic was written by Cynthia Hamilton. I claim no ownership--I just used it as inspiration. And as a side note--a framed copy of this poem really hangs inside my front door--just to the left.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Kas