"Before I go, I have to say one more thing." his voice shaking with pain and something else.

"Of course, Shawn, What is it?" I put aside my confusion for the moment so I could focus completely on his words.

"I need you to know that... I love you..."

Love? He loves me? I felt myself blush as heat rushed through my veins. Those butterflies I had kept safely caged for most of my adult life breaking free to flutter unhindered throughout my insides. I had waited for this moment so long that I no longer knew what to say. All I knew was that my mind was working a mile a minute.

"Uh..." What about Abigail. He couldn't have forgotten about Abigail. That's not like him. Maybe he truly believes he is going to die so he wants to make sure I know how he really feels about me. I wouldn't want to give him any sign that I truly believe he might die. I should tell him again that he is going to be fine. I should reassure him that we are going to find him.

"Shawn..." What are you waiting for O'Hara? Tell him that he's going to be okay. Tell him that you love him. Tell him something. His time must be almost up. I love him. I do? I do. I love everything about him. I love his voice, his hair, the way his lips purse when he's thinking really hard, and even the way he interrupts our investigations at the most inopportune moments so he can flail through his psychic vision of a new lead. I allowed myself a small smile. I do love him.

"I think that I.." I began

"Goodbye Abigail." he interrupted.

I felt ice shoot through my veins, fizzling out any remains of the fire that was so strong only a minute ago. I am so stupid. This wasn't a "before I die I just want to make sure you know that I..." (I couldn't even allow myself to repeat the sentiment in my mind) phone call, this was an informative call. I knew what I needed to do. I needed to be strong. It was easier said than done but I could to do it for Shawn; I could do it for the man that I now realized I loved. I took a moment to pull myself together before picking up the phone and dialing Lassiter's cell phone number.