A/N: Same disclosures apply as in all other previous chapters. Thanks for reading, please remember to review!!!

Chapter 12

Lindsay and I returned from our walk at the exact time that Chad pulled into the hotel's parking lot. Lindsay didn't drop my hand nor did she push me away when we got closer to Chad's vehicle.

"Colleagues, huh?" was all that Chad said when we approached.

We got in and drove the short distance to his house. We chatter about the latest news in the world and some of the latest gossip as well. Soon we were pulling into a wide driveway leading up to a cute two story log cabin style home. While it wasn't the tradition style log home, the architecture design was very appealing and attracting.

"Your home is gorgeous, Chad!" Lindsay said sincerely, "I love the design. It reminds me of Montana."

"Thanks Lindsay," Chad said as we got out of the vehicle and made our way to the house, "My wife designed it. She's really talented."

He opened the door and stood aside to allow Lindsay and I to pass in front of him. Once inside I was promptly met with a plastic dart to the forehead. Remembering that Chad had said that he had a little boy, I decided to play it up.

"I've been hit!" I exclaimed and began to lean on the wall for support, "I've been hit. Take cover!"

A child, hidden from our eyes, giggled softly and another dart flew by barely missing Lindsay.

"Riley Jackson!" a voice came from down the hall, "How many times have I told you that you don't point or shoot that at people!"

A young woman, probably in her late twenty's, and looking very pregnant; appeared in the doorway. Chad had just joined us as well.

"You must be Danny and Lindsay," the woman said, extending her hand, "I'm Tessa, it's wonderful to finally meet you. Chad has said wonderful things."

"Nice to meet you too," We echoed together, "Chad told us about you too; however I think he left a couple of things out."

Tessa laughed and smiled.

"He didn't tell you that I was as big as the house?" Her smile was genuine as she rubbed her expectant belly, "I'm due in a couple of weeks. We think it's a girl, but we also thought Riley was a girl."

We all laughed as Chad joined us.

"I heard you call for Riley," Chad said, giving Tessa a kiss and taking our jackets, "What did he do now?"

"Shot Danny in the head with one of those plastic darts." She answered, giving him what was most clear "I told you not to give him that toy" looks.

"Riley Jackson!" Chad's voice boomed, "I think you'd better come here."

A red haired boy crawled out from under the table and stood behind his mother.

"Riley," Tessa turned to him, "I think you need to apologize to our guests. You know better than to shoot that at people."

Riley looked to his father, then to both Lindsay and I in turn.

"Riley." Chad warned, "Please apologize to Danny and Lindsay."

"Sworry." Riley said, hanging his head, "I rweally didn't mean to hurt you."

Lindsay bent down to Riley's level and made him look at her. The little boy was nearly in tears.

"It's ok Riley," Lindsay said to him, "We aren't mad, are we Danny?"

Lindsay looked to me to agree with her. I too, knelt down to Riley's level.

"Nope," I said, "Not mad at all."

A big smile spread across Riley's face and he took Lindsay's hand.

"Wanna see my room?" He asked, pulling her further into the house, "I have an indoor swide."

Lindsay looked back at me as if to say "what choice do I have?". I just smiled back.

"Let's go in, shall we?" Chad asked, directing Tessa and I into the house as well.

The house truly was gorgeous, on the inside as well as the outside. We made our way to the kitchen, gathering around an island style bar that was built into the kitchen.

"What'll ya have Danny?" Chad asked, opening the fridge and pulling out a beer.

"Looks good to me." I replied with a smile.

Just then Lindsay and Riley came into the kitchen, laughing.

"Riley," Lindsay said, "was just showing me his slide."

"Wow," I said, smiling at how Lindsay was interacting with Riley, "Maybe you both could show it to me after dinner?"

Riley was now grinning from ear to ear. Lindsay had taken a seat on the stool next to me.

"You bet." He said, climbing up onto one of the stools, "Can I sit on your lap?"

"Sure." Lindsay smiled and helped him transition over.

"Lindsay," Chad asked, "Anything to drink?"

"Whatever you're having is fine." She replied, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, no Lindsay," Tessa replied, "You're a guest in this house. Just relax."

Chad and Tessa went about putting the final touches on dinner while we made small talk. The house smelled delicious, putting me greatly at ease. After a few minutes, Chad announced that dinner was ready and we moved from the kitchen to the dining room. Lindsay helped Riley, who had seemed to take a shine to her, into his seat before sitting next to me. It was quiet for a few moments with only the sounds of clanking dishes being passed around. Once everyone had been served, Tessa was the first to speak.

"How is the investigation going?" she asked as she cut up Riley's lasagna.

"It's definitely a gruesome scene," I commented, "but unfortunately that's about all I can say at this moment."

"Oh," she replied, "I understand."

"Chad told us that you designed this house." Lindsay said, skillfully changing the subject, "It's absolutely gorgeous. It reminds me of my grandparents' house in Montana."

"Oh, thank you Lindsay," Tessa blushed, "this was the first thing I'd designed after moving from the city. I used to work for a large architectural firm there."

"Do you still design?" Lindsay asked, genuinely interested.

"I freelance," Tessa answered, "But I've finished up all of my outstanding work so that I can concentrate on the new baby when it gets here."

"Completely understandable." Lindsay responded, "This is absolutely delicious."

After dinner we all went out back to the patio to enjoy the sunset, and Riley took Lindsay out to show her his tree house. We made small talk, watched Riley play on his play set, and enjoyed the evening."

Soon it was time for Riley to go to bed and for Chad to drive Lindsay and I back to the hotel.

"But I want Wind-sey to read me a story." Riley cried as Tessa walked him up the stairs, "I don't want Wind-sey or Danny to go."

We could hear Tessa talking soothingly to him and trying to calm him down as we went out the door. H

"Sorry about that," Chad said once we were in the car, "I don't know what got into him tonight, he normally doesn't attach to anyone unless he's known them awhile."

"Oh," Lindsay said, "It's ok. I have lots of nieces and nephews back home, maybe he could just sense that. Besides, I think it's a phase that everyone goes through. Each of my nieces and nephews went through something similar. He's probably just feeling a little unsure of his spot in the family with the new baby coming."

"Danny," Chad said looking at me in the review, "You've been awfully quiet."

"Just taking everything in." I answered honestly, "You have a wonderful family and a beautiful home Chad. Thank you for everything."

"Anytime."

Once we had bade our goodnights to Chad, I walked Lindsay back to her door.

"Care to come in for a drink?" Lindsay asked coyly.

"You have drinks in there?" I asked, pretending to be astonished.

"No," she answered, "but its been such a wonderful night, and it's still somewhat early. I brought some movies, maybe we could watch one of them."

"Sounds like a plan to me Montana." I said as we walked into her cabin.