Chapter 17
"I wish you had told me what was going on, Ness. Maybe I could have helped or at least had the chance to say goodbye." Mike stared into the sparkling blue water of the Delines' pool. He had shown up a few minutes early, hoping to talk to Nessa alone before everyone else arrived.
"I'm sorry Mike, I really am. It just happened so fast." Nessa sighed. "In some ways I'm glad we never… you know. It would have made it harder to leave and to be just friends now. Do you know what I'm saying?" Nessa said sensitively. She didn't want to hurt Mike's feelings but she needed to make it clear she couldn't handle any complicated relationships right now.
Mike nodded his head at Nessa's implication. He didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed that she didn't want to start up where they left off.
"You're a great guy Mike, but I think we missed our chance, at least for now."
"It's okay, you don't have to explain," Mike said reassuringly.
"So, what's been going on with you? I heard you've become quite the player while I've been away," she teased.
"Nah, well, maybe a little," Mike said shyly. "I'm still really looking for 'the one'".
Nessa laughed at Mike's embarrassment. "Any potential Mrs. Mike Cannon's?"
"Well, maybe," Mike replied coyly, thinking of Sam.
"Anyone I know?"
"No, I don't think you know this girl," Mike replied.
---
Sam and Mary walked into the garden by the pool. They noticed Mike and Nessa hugging and waited before making their presence known.
Mary thought she saw Sam look a little jealous. Mike and Sam had been spending a lot of time together and Mary was surprised she hadn't noticed it before. Something more than friendship was going on between these two.
Sam tried to ignore the pangs of jealousy. She was just being territorial over Mike's friendship. Sam didn't know how long Nessa was going to be in Vegas and she didn't want Mike to get hurt. She kept trying to rationalize her feelings as concern for Mike but Sam began to worry that it was more than that.
---
Danny felt hungover. He was having difficulty clearing the sleep from his mind. He had spent a good portion of his day thinking about everything Mary, Ed and Delinda had said to him. It had taken hours to finally shut his mind off and fall into a restless sleep. Noticing it was getting dark in his room he glanced at the clock. Crap, I was supposed to be there over an hour ago, he thought as he bounded out of bed.
---
After enjoying homemade pizzas Jillian and Ed made in the outdoor pizza oven everyone gathered around the pool. Ed was beginning to worry. It was almost nine and Danny hadn't shown up yet. Mary saw him repeatedly check his watch and she was wondering where Danny was too.
Ed leaned over to Mary "Where's Danny? He said he was coming. Have you talked to him?"
Mary shook her head. "No, I thought he'd be here by now. He was pretty tired when I dropped him off, maybe he's still sleeping."
"There you are!" Mike yelled as he saw Danny come through the gate. "You missed the best pizza."
Mary could tell Danny had just rolled out of bed. She thought he looked adorable in his camo cargo shorts and black t-shirt, his bed head hidden under his ball cap. He was carrying an old USMC gray sweatshirt and a six-pack of Guinness.
Nessa jumped up to greet him in a hug. "Thank you so much for last night," she whispered into his ear.
"Don't mention it. This is for you," he said as he handed Nessa her favorite beer. After apologizing to Ed and Jillian for his tardiness his eyes were immediately drawn to Mary.
"We saved you some pizza, are you hungry?" Mary asked. He noticed how pretty she looked in her sea blue tank top and khaki shorts. She seemed happy to see him which brought a smile to his face.
"I'm starving."
---
Mary looked at Danny's plate in wonder. She was always amazed at how much food he could eat. Danny seemed so content eating his pizza and sipping on his beer while he listened to everyone talk. She wondered what he was thinking. They were all seated around the pool, their feet dangling in the warm water as the sun was setting. The lights from the city provided a stunning view from the Delines' backyard.
Delinda had been watching Danny and Mary all evening. She saw Danny's eyes follow Mary as she got up to get another drink. If he had looked at me like that just once, we would have had a chance, she thought. She knew something had changed between Danny and Mary even though they were careful not to show it. Delinda reasoned they were not showing their obvious affection for each other out of respect for her and while she appreciated the gesture, she felt it wasn't necessary. She loved Danny but knew she wasn't really in love with him. Maybe she could have been over time but she wouldn't have made him happy. He belonged with Mary. To an outsider they might not seem to fit together, but their family knew differently. They complimented each other in the best possible way.
Danny looked around the small group of people laughing and joking with each other. He had not felt this content or happy in a very long time. He wanted to enjoy this moment, soak up everything about it. Everyone was enjoying themselves and genuinely cared about each other. His family was finally put back together, physically and emotionally.
---
The next morning Danny was shuffling papers around his desk. Where is that damn file? He cursed. He was trying desperately to maintain his good mood from last night but it was quickly vanishing. He had finally gotten a fitful sleep last night but ended up sleeping so hard he didn't hear the alarm. With Ed being gone Danny and Mary had to pick up the slack and it had kept them from spending any time together today. Danny felt unsettled when he thought about Mary. He needed to talk to her, to confirm her feelings about him. His cell phone went off just as he was about to call her.
"Danny, it's me. Jillian said you weren't coming to my mother's party tonight?"
"Yes." Danny could tell by the tone in Ed's voice that he wasn't pleased. "Even though Delinda and I worked everything out I just thought it would be best not to go," Danny explained.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do but it's not necessary. I want you there, Danny," Ed said sincerely. There was a pause on the other end of the line and Ed knew Danny was trying to make a decision.
"You could come with Mary." Hopefully that would give Danny the reassurance he needed.
"Ed, do you think that is a good idea? I mean, as much as I would love to, what about Delinda?"
"It was her idea," Ed said truthfully. "No later than 8:15, alright?"
"Alright, we'll be there."
"Oh, and Danny? Take her some flowers when you pick her up," Ed commanded before hanging up.
---
Mary stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had bought the beautiful red dress at Sam's urging. The halter style showed plenty of cleavage without having to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions. The skirt flared out at the bottom and stopped just above the knee, making it the perfect dress to dance in. Mary wondered if Danny would notice it was the exact same shade of red her prom dress had been. She had been surprised when Danny asked her to go with him. She had resisted at first, thinking it would be too awkward for Delinda. Danny had reassured her by explaining the conversation he'd had with Ed.
Danny stared down at the beautiful bouquet of Stargazer lilies, blue delphinium and pink gerbera daisies. Maybe it's too much, he questioned. He honestly couldn't remember the last time he gave Mary flowers. He had some sent to her for her birthday when he was in Iraq but handing her a bouquet was different. He wished he didn't feel so anxious. He wanted this night to be perfect for Mary-- to show her how he felt about her. The flowers were her favorites and so was the suit he picked out to wear. It was a black Hugo Boss suit he paired with a crisp white shirt and dark tie. Mary preferred clothes that were simple and elegant, nothing loud or flamboyant.
Mary opened the door and was greeted by a smiling Danny. The sight of her took his breath away. He couldn't help but stare at how amazing she looked. He suddenly felt like he was transported back in time to the day of the prom. His mouth went dry and he felt his palms begin to sweat, just like they had 11 years ago.
"Hi, these are for you," he offered Mary the flowers nervously. "They're beautiful."
Mary laughed quietly and took the flowers from him. "I mean, you're beautiful," Danny corrected himself.
"These are gorgeous, Danny, and so are you. Thank you." She smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. As she turned around and led him into the loft he noticed how the backless dress showed off her perfect form.
"I am just about ready. Sorry, I'm running a little late. I was helping Jillian get everything set. She's really nervous about tonight," Mary chatted as she placed the bouquet in a vase and added water. "I just have to get my purse."
"Mary this place looks great. Maybe you should have been an interior decorator." Danny looked around the loft. She had chosen a warm color palette that softened the room but left it bright and airy. As he admired her decorating he wandered out onto the terrace. Mary had placed several terra cotta pots filled with red geraniums around and there was a sea grass chaise in the corner with a matching side table. He walked over to it and picked up the blanket he sent to her when he was in New Orleans. He pictured Mary out here in the mornings drinking her coffee curled up in this blanket.
"I love it," Mary said as she stepped onto the terrace.
"I do too. You have done such an amazing job. I would never want to leave if I lived here."
"I meant the blanket, but I love the loft, too. I'm glad you like it. I forgot you haven't seen it since I put it all together."
"I hope the card wasn't too cheesy," Danny laughed, referring back to the blanket.
"No, it was perfect." Mary smiled.
---
The small ballroom was filled with friends and relatives. Everyone was having a great time, even Jillian finally relaxed at Ed's urging.
"Mel, I want you to meet this young couple. This is Danny McCoy, the young man Ed's always talking about and this is his girl, Mary Connell. She manages the hotel. Danny, Mary, this is my brother Melvin. Edward is named after him."
Mary felt butterflies in her stomach as she cast a sideways glance toward Danny to see if he would correct Bette Deline. It had been a long time since anyone had referred to her as Danny's girl. Was she? They hadn't exactly defined their relationship and Mary was hoping tonight they would finally get the chance to discuss it. Mary didn't want to be pushy but she felt Danny needed some answers as much as she did.
---
Dinner had been served and everyone was moving about mingling or dancing.
Mrs. Deline and Guillermo walked up to the table Danny, Mary, Sam, Ed, and Jillian were currently seated at.
"Oh, Guillermo! I think I need to sit this one out," Bette said as she gracefully sat down in a chair Ed had pulled out for her.
"If you insist, my love. May I interest any of you ladies in the Foxtrot?" Danny looked at Mary. She had been looking longingly at the dance floor since they had arrived.
"Mary will," Danny spoke up. "She's a great dancer, she knows how to do all these kinds of dances."
Mary was blushing furiously but loved Danny's compliment. Guillermo held out his hand to Mary. "May I have this dance?"
Mary graciously accepted and they moved to the dance floor. Everyone watched Mary and the manager of the South of the Border Revue spin and dance across the floor.
"I didn't know Mary could dance like that," Sam said in astonishment.
"She is a wonderful dancer," Jillian commented.
Danny never took his eyes off Mary as he spoke proudly, "She studied dance all through school- ballet and tap were her favorites. She even taught classes while she was in high school and college."
"Too bad some of that couldn't have rubbed off on you," Mike teased.
Jillian gave Mike a warning look. "Well she is a very talented girl."
"I know, that's one of the reasons why I love her," Danny said absentmindedly.
Everyone at the table gave each other a knowing look. Danny obviously didn't realize he had said that out loud and no one wanted him to feel self-conscious.
Danny watched Mary closely as the music turned into a Samba. Mary was in her glory on the dance floor and Danny wished it was him holding her like that. He admired her long shapely legs and the way she moved her hips to the Brazilian music. As Mary and her dance partner returned to the table a waltz began to play.
"Danny, do you remember how to waltz?" Mary asked. She knew she was putting him on the spot but turn about was fair play.
Danny looked around the table nervously. Mary had taught him how to waltz in his father's living room when she was practicing for a class.
"Danny? Waltz?" Mike laughed. There was no way Danny knew any kind of ballroom dancing.
Never backing down from a challenge, Danny led Mary onto the dance floor. "You might need to remind me how I do this," he warned. He hoped desperately that he wouldn't embarrass Mary or himself with his dancing.
Mary looked at him encouragingly and said, "Just remember, 1-2-3, 1-2-3."
Danny caught on pretty quickly and before he knew it they settled into a comfortable rhythm. Mary felt like she was in heaven as they danced around the floor, Danny holding her.
---
This is a great party your mom has put together, D, but I thought your grandmother was 87, not 80?" Mike asked innocently.
"Ssshhh!" Delinda and Sam said simultaneously.
"Grandma does not acknowledge any birthday after 80. We have been trying to throw her this party for seven years," Delinda informed him.
Mike just shook his head in wonder and watched Danny make his way back from the restroom.
"Where's Mary?" Danny questioned as he rejoined the group. He was anxious to get Mary back out onto the dance floor. Not that he liked to make a fool out of himself but he wanted an excuse to have her back in his arms. "Are you going to eat that?" Danny took the leftover piece of steak off Mike's plate and popped it into his mouth. Danny had eaten his plate and Mary's leftovers and was still hungry.
"She got a phone call and said she would be right back," Sam said.
"What phone call?" Danny said as he looked around for more food.
"I don't know Danny, I'm not her keeper," Sam said impatiently remembering when Danny used to always need to know where Mary was and who she was with. That had changed a lot in the last year. He had been careful to never ask too many questions about Mary, but Sam wondered if he was going back to keeping tabs on her again.
Danny made an excuse to leave, hoping he would find Mary in her office. He wanted to get her alone so badly. Mike said he was needed in Surveillance for a minute as an excuse to leave with Danny.
"Danny, I need some advice. What do you think about Sam?"
Danny didn't slow his stride as he said, "Sam? What about her?"
"What do you think of me and Sam? You know, together?"
Danny stopped and looked at his friend in shock. "Are you serious? Do you remember how you told me she would turn me into little whiteboy meatballs? What do you think she will do to you? Besides, I always kinda thought she would get back with Casey."
"No, that ship has sailed," Mike said assuredly. "You don't know her like I do, we've been spending a lot of time together lately and we've gotten close. I think I could really like her," Mike said seriously.
"Mike, I don't know if I am the best one to give relationship advice. Have you talked to her about it?"
"Not yet. Call me crazy but I think she might like me too."
Danny was about to respond when he spotted Mary outside of Wolfgang's and headed towards her. Mike followed his friend's gaze when Danny suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.
Danny felt nauseous at the site of Mary embraced in a hug with Jake. He felt rage bubble up inside his chest and his hands clenched into fists. Danny's first instinct was to punch Jake in the face. Suddenly, his jealousy turned into sorrow when he saw her turn and greet his parents with a warm embrace as well. She looked radiant and happy. Jake could offer her everything she ever wanted- travel, a beautiful home with a white picket fence, but most of all, a family. Danny felt like he was suffocating. He turned to his friend who was looking at him with pity, "I need some air. I'll see you back at the party."
---
Mary looked around the room for Danny. She hadn't meant to be gone so long. There had been a mix up with the reservation she had made for Jake and he had wanted her to meet his fiancé who had been in the restroom. She spotted Mike and Sam by the bar.
"Have you seen Danny?" she said brightly.
"No, not since he left to find you," Sam replied. Mike responded with a shrug.
Mary felt a little panic go through her. Did he see me with Jake? Oh, no, Mary thought when she realized what her encounter with the Porter family could have looked like if Danny walked by at just the right time. She noticed Mike avoiding eye contact with her.
"Where is he, Mike?"
"He said he needed to get some air," Mike said a little coolly.
"Mike, it wasn't what it looked like," Mary pleaded. "I really want to work things out with Danny."
"If you want to work things out with Danny then why were you hugging Jake and his family in the middle of the casino?" Mike instantly regretted his words when he saw the anguished look on Mary's face.
Sam looked at her friend in surprise. She knew how Mary felt about Danny, this must be a misunderstanding.
Mary didn't wait to explain as she quickly headed for the exit. She knew her and Danny's friendship was solid but their budding romance, if it could be called that, was still very fragile.
---
Danny paced along the veranda outside the ballroom. He could hear the laughter from the party drift out to mock him. His emotions kept drifting between jealousy at seeing Mary in Jake's arms to the pain of what it felt like to lose her. Trying to settle his conflicting emotions was not easy. Danny let out a sigh of frustration and sat down on a bench. He became angry when he thought of all the games they had played over the last couple of years. All of the time that was lost because of pride, fear, jealousy, doubt and circumstance. Danny knew he had to put an end to this uncertainty once and for all. He jumped up from the bench and headed back inside.
Mary was trying to determine the quickest way to the roof. She was almost to the exit of the ballroom when she noticed movement out on the veranda. She tried not to run as she made her way across the floor. She was about to open the door when it came swinging open. Her forehead collided with the door and as she caught herself from falling she heard Danny's startled voice.
"Oh my god, Mary. I am so sorry. Are you okay?" He quickly began searching her forehead obviously worried she'd been hurt.
Mary looked around slightly embarrassed, hoping no one had noticed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Where were you going in such a hurry?"
"To find you," Danny said still sounding upset. "Let me get you some ice."
"No, I'm fine," Mary told him as she grabbed his hand and led him out onto the veranda for some privacy. "We need to talk. Right now."
Danny looked at her with dread. He didn't want to hear about her and Jake. He needed more time to think of what to say to convince her that they were meant to be.
"I know you saw me with Jake, but it wasn't what it looked like," she said in a rush. "I got a reservation for him and his fiancée. The only reason I was there was to straighten out a mix up. I'm not sure where we stand with each other, Danny, but you needed to know that." Mary took a deep breath and tried to relax.
Danny was glad she had explained about Jake even though he had just come to the realization that Jake was no longer a factor in their relationship. Danny stared past Mary and into the ballroom. Mary had always wanted a big family. She had loved coming to the McCoy house for Sunday dinners when they were kids. His grandfather would entertain them with stories about silly things Larry did as a kid while he would start up the grill. Larry would act upset with his father but would give them a wink to let them know he was just pretending. Danny's eyes burned at the memory, he was filled with sadness knowing his dad would never be able to do that with his kids. He would never be able to give Mary the big family she wanted, the only thing he had to offer her was himself. Danny thought back to that fateful Valentine's Day when he thought he knew what was best for her. He had wanted her to have everything he couldn't give her not realizing that maybe he was enough. If she wanted him now he would never question it again. If she rejected him then he would respectfully disagree and spend the rest of his life trying to convince her they were meant to be.
"Danny, what do you want?" Mary asked softly. Her voice was filled with promise and gave him hope. She looked at him expectantly. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He became frustrated when he couldn't find the right words to say what he needed to say. He pointed to the family inside the ballroom as he practically yelled, "I want that."
Mary just looked at where he was pointing, confused.
"I want you," Danny tried again. His voice was filled with the emotions he was having difficulty verbalizing. He could feel himself begin to calm down as he saw Mary begin to smile.
"I want this," he said as he took her hands in his. "I want to marry you, have lots of babies with you. The house with the pool and the Sunday dinners. I want it all with you. I've said this before and I'll say it again until I get it right." Danny smiled as he wiped a tear that was slowly making its way down Mary's cheek.
"We can take it as slow or as fast as you want, as long as we both want the same thing in the end. To be together forever. I love you Mary Connell. You are the love of my life. Please give us another chance." He bent over and kissed her with all the love and promise he felt in his heart.
"I love you too," Mary said through tears of happiness. She had waited her whole life for this moment. No more doubts, no more insecurities. "We'll make it work this time."
---
Sam and Mike slowly backed away from the window. They didn't even try to pretend they were ashamed for spying on their friends.
"Who do you think will be the maid of honor?" Sam asked casually.
"Probably you," Mike answered as he handed her another glass of champagne. Trying to muster up his courage Mike leaned over to Sam and said in a low, sexy voice. "It's tradition that the best man and maid of honor hook up."
Sam burst out laughing much to Mike's chagrin. She took a sip of champagne and set her glass down on a nearby table. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
When she pulled away Mike said in amazement. "Wow, not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"
"Sometimes a girl just has to take charge," Sam laughed with a wicked grin.
---
Later that night Danny and Mary were lying in the chair on her terrace, their naked bodies wrapped up in her blanket. They were enjoying the feeling of security and closeness the night had brought them. "This is better than I ever imagined," Danny said as he tore his gaze away from the Strip and kissed her on the forehead.
She turned slightly so she could look him in the eye. "Danny, I have a confession to make."
"What is it, baby?"
"Remember when I said I wanted the house with the pool and white picket fence, 5 kids and 10 dogs?"
Danny suddenly became anxious when he heard her say, "I've changed my mind."
"What do you mean?" Danny asked hesitantly.
"I really don't want 10 dogs. Do you know how much dog poop we would have to clean up? I thought maybe just 2 or 3."
Danny relaxed and pulled his arms around her tighter. "Whatever you want, Mare. I think 2 or 3 sounds perfect," he laughed softly.
"Danny?"
"Yes?" Danny said as he nuzzled her neck.
"I really don't like white picket fences, either."
"God, I love you!" Danny exclaimed as he lifted her up and carried her back into bed.
The End.