As soon as the three were seated in the booth at the burger joint Gracie handed Steve a letter.
"What's this sweetheart?"
"Daddy said you weren't feeling well so I wrote you a letter"

Steve glanced at Danny who raised his eyebrows showing he knew nothing about this.
Steve opened it and read it aloud,

"Dear Uncle Steve

I hope you are feeling better because I am realy sad when you are sick.
You are verry special too me and I love you verry, verry much.

You always make me feel special, just like my Danno does.
I am so happy evrytime I see you. Danno says you just need too sleep.

I am glad that you and my Danno are friends.

I am glad that YOU are my best friend.

I love you
Gracie"

Steve voice was choked with emotion as he finished the letter.
"Why are you crying Uncle Steve? I wanted to make you happy"
She was sitting between the two men and Steve pulled her up into his lap, hugging her tightly, "These are happy tears sweetheart, Thank you so much. You're my best friend too and I love you Gracie"

The little girl pulled from his hug and planted a kiss on his cheek, giggling "I love you too SuperSEAL"
Steve looked at Danny who was also wiping a tear from his eye and the men smiled at each other.

After they ate they went for a walk down to a pier near the restaurant and after watching the sunset and sharing an ice cream sundae (with pineapple!) they headed for home.

Dropping Steve off first, he kissed Gracie and then as he exited the car he spoke, "Gracie I want to thank you for that letter. It meant so much to me and it taught me something very important"

"What's that Uncle Steve?"
Steve looked to Danny, "It taught me that nothing in life is more important than being loved and loving someone"

"I thought you already knew that?"
"Sometimes Gracie, we adults can forget what's really important. Thank you for reminding me. Good night baby, I'll see you in a couple of days and I promise you I'll take you to the water park again soon"

"YEAH...Thanks Uncle Steve"

"Hey Danno, call me later"
Danny grinned, "Will do buddy"
Steve watched the two drive off and stood smiling, amazed at the impact an eight year pig-tailed little girl had on his life. He then made his way into the house and called Catherine.

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Danny called Steve about an hour later catching him just as he hung up from Catherine.
"Hey Danno"
Noting Steve was a bit quiet Danny spoke, "You okay?"
"Yeah brother…thanks to you, Gracie and Catherine"
"You talked to Cath?"
"I just hung up with her. Between you three...…all I can say is I'm a lucky man Danny"
"So does that mean what I think it means?"
"If you think you can handle me brother…..I'd love to keep working with you"
"You're a challenge man, but I think I can handle you"

Steve sighed, "Did you know about Gracie's letter?"
"I swear to you, I knew nothing. She told me she was going to color you a picture, and she obviously changed her mind…..just like a woman 'ya know"

"Well….after that letter, how could I possibly leave my best friend"
Danny chuckled, "She's got good taste in friends….just like her Daddy"
"Danno, thank you brother. Thank you for being here for me"
"Always partner, and don't you ever forget...you're never alone. Get some sleep now and I'll see you tomorrow, I love you"
"I love you too, good night"