According to plan

A/N: Now it's time for the hard time angst to start. You all knew this part was coming, didn't you? But I bet you didn't think it would happen like this.

'When he popped the question he could see the teardrops fill her eyes. She said I knew this was coming, and I'm sorry but I hope you realize'- George Strait, You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody.

Danny was feeling quite smug. Everything was going according to his plan. Kate and he had spent the whole day together. They went ice skating in central park. They went for a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park and to finish the day, they were going out to dinner and then back to his apartment to exchange gifts.

"You are a hopeless romantic, Daniel Messer." She smiled lightly and he just melted. Reaching across the table, he took her hand and held it in his.

"There is something about you and I don't know what it is, but I can't resist it. You are so completely different from any woman I've ever been with and I just can't explain in words the way you make me feel. I love you, Katharyne Baker. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you." With his free hand, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box. "Will you marry me?" Kate's eyes widened as he opened the box. The ring was a stunning princess cut diamond in a beautiful platinum setting. She pulled back her hands and covered her mouth with them.

"Oh Danny." She breathed as she started to cry. "I should have known this was coming." Danny looked at her in concern.

"Kate, are you okay? What's wrong?" He tried to console her but it only served to upset her more. "Come on, talk to me."

"I can't." She sobbed.

"What? You can't talk to me?" He didn't understand. He thought she'd be happy about this.

"No, I can't marry you." Kate pushed back her chair and fled before he even knew she was gone.

"Kate wait!" He called out as he ran after her. He caught her outside just as the snow began to fall. "Why can't you marry me? Hah, why?" He held her by both arms as he fought back his own tears.

"I just can't." She tried to break away but he held on tight.

"No! I want to know why. I deserve to know." He wasn't mad at her. He was heart broken.

"I'm not good for you, Danny. I want to give you all of me but I can't, I just can't." Kate explained desperately. He tried to retort but she cut him off. "I have to go. I can't be around you knowing what we had and what we could have been." She broke out of his grasp and hurried away, leaving him standing in the cold.