It was a cold frozen morning in Manhattan. Snow was piled high on the sidewalks, burying store and office windows. Civilians were bundled up tightly, protecting themselves from the bitter wind. Such was the life of those living in New York during the winter. Despite the weather, the sidewalks were crammed with Christmas shoppers. Stores were filed with people searching for the perfect present.

Danny Messer looked outside his apartment window. The weather hadn't been too bad, but it still concerned him. "You sure you wanna go out in this Montana?"

"Danny, it's only for two hours." Lindsay answered. She walked out of their bedroom carrying Lucy's diaper bag.

"I know, babe, but that doesn't mean it's safe." Danny replied. He turned form the window.

Lindsay looked up at him and smiled. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm thirty one weeks pregnant, does it?"

Danny averted his eyes form Lindsay.

Lindsay sighed lightly. "Danny, I've been off field duty for four months. I've been stuck inside the lab since then, and now with the snow this winter, I've been stuck inside. I need to get out once in a while. And who knows when the next time will be."

Danny raised his hands. "I know, I know, babe. It's the weather that concerns me. I don' want you getting' stuck somewhere."

Lindsay smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're cute when you worry, cowboy."

"I can be cuter if you stay." Danny offered.

Lindsay kissed him quickly. "Sorry Danny. I need to do my Christmas shopping. And Stella insists on buying some new baby clothes for me. So I won't be alone."

"Stella's just using you as an excuse to go shopping." Danny said.

"And I'm using her as an excuse to get out of the house, so it works both ways." Lindsay replied. She released Danny and picked up one of Lucy's stuffed toys. "Can you get Lucy into her carrier for me?"

Danny nodded. He strolled over to Lucy's play pin. She was lying on her back, swatting at the hanging mobile above her head. Danny lifted Lucy up out of the pin. She smiled, giggling at her father. "Hey there Luce. You ready to go with mama?"

Lucy giggled again.

Danny smiled and kissed his daughter cheek. "Course you are." He set her in her seat and strapped her in.

Lindsay finished backing the bag and stood up from the ground. She placed her hand on her back and eased herself upright. She started toward the table, where Danny had strapped Lucy in. She took a few steps and stopped, gasping.

Danny turned quickly. "You alright?"

Lindsay exhaled, nodding. "Yeah. Just one hard kick."

"You sure that was it?" Danny asked.

Lindsay looked at Danny. "Well, let's see, I've already had one child, Danny. I think I know when they kick."

Danny said nothing, but he looked annoyed with Lindsay.

Lindsay walked to the table and set the bag beside Lucy. She looked to Danny and touched his cheek. "Danny, stop worrying. You're acting like this is our first child, again."

"It's not that babe. I just…don't have a good feelin' about you goin' out today. Can't you put this off for another day?" Danny asked.

Lindsay shook her head. "No. Stella works, I work, you work. I know you don't want me out there alone. This is the only time I can go out."

Danny nodded. "Alright."

There was a knock at their door. "That'll be Stella." Lindsay said. She kissed Danny quickly. "I'll call when we head back to the apartment, kay?"

"Kay. Have a good time. "Danny called.

Lindsay picked up Lucy, the bag, her purse, and walked to the door. Danny beat her there and opened it. Stella stood out in the hall. She smiled ad took the bag from Lindsay for her convenience.

"Be safe." Danny said.

Lindsay smiled. "We will. Bye."

Danny waved as they walked down the hall.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

yeah, so who can see where this is going to go wrong?

i own nothing!