Disclaimer: I own nothing and no-one from CSI:NY, I'm just borrowing them for a while. No infringement intended. Any new characters - well they're mine.

A/N: Many thanks as ever for the reviews for the least chapter – it's so lovely to know that you're still reading and even lovelier to get reviews from those who don't do so very often as well as those who do. Welcome to new alerters as well!

Not sure many of you are going to like me at the end of this one but it has to be done….enjoy!

Complicated

The next week, Don working nights meant that Ellie hadn't seen him much and to be honest she was slightly relieved. The viral thing seemed to have returned. She was permanently exhausted and had almost keeled over at work when a dizzy spell had hit. Fortunately, she had been working in a hospital's rehab centre and so medical help was on hand in an instant. If she'd been at Dwyer's practice, Alice would have called Don and he'd really have given her a hard time. Even so, she wasn't stupid and had made an appointment to see the doctor the next week. Don would be on days and so wouldn't notice her going to an afternoon appointment like he would if he were on nights.

It didn't help that they were packing up to move. Their new apartment wouldn't be ready for a month or two but Don had given the month's notice on their current apartment or else they'd have to stay another six months. As there was no way they'd be able to find anywhere for just a couple of months at the most they had reluctantly accepted Ed and Nancy's offer to use their place as a stop gap. Ellie had been grumpy for days about it until Don had told her that enough was enough. If her parents had a place in Brooklyn she wouldn't have protested so much – in short she was being difficult because it was Nancy. When he put it like that it made sense. And he was right – it was the fact that it was Nancy helping them out that put her back up. She wasn't being fair to the other woman and had made a huge effort to stop her petty behaviour and in spite of Nancy's constant emails wanting to know when they wanted to get married, Elinor had determined to make it up to her mother some how.

Ellie had worked really hard packing and organising their stuff and as she taped the final box for their weekend move, she thought about two weeks time when her, Nancy, Connie, Lindsay, Donna and Eva were all going to spend the weekend wedding shopping. Ellie had asked Sam if she would like to be a bridesmaid but Don's sister had declined saying that she couldn't face being on show like that but she'd still like to be a part of the day. Don had explained that Sam couldn't take any pressure so they had asked what she would like to do and had come to an agreement that made Sam feel involved.

Nancy and Eva had both ganged up on Ellie regarding her dress and several designers had been put on alert. Ellie swallowed the fact that there was no chance of her picking an 'off the peg' dress and had to admit that there was something wonderful about getting her own gown specially designed and made. However, she didn't have a clue as to what she wanted and so had happily agreed to a weekend spent going around the high end wedding stores trying on dresses. Having Donna and Lindsay there was the icing on the cake as they were not only her best friends but would dilute the effect of not one, but two, mothers of the bride.

The door clicking shut jumped Ellie out of her thoughts and seconds later a tired looking Don came over. He'd swapped from nights to days without a day in between and it was taking its toll. He kissed her as he surveyed the scene.

"Wow, you've worked hard – take out tonight?" he asked hopefully knowing Ellie preferred to cook healthier meals.

"Chinese would be great," she answered, trying to hide the now familiar wave of exhaustion that was creeping over her.

Don looked at her in surprise then made a show of ordering immediately before she could change her mind.

"So, apart from out everyday clothes which we'll pack in to suitcases, I think that's it," said Ellie, the relief clear in her voice.

"Sorry I left you with all this – I didn't mean to..." started Don, feeling more than a little guilty even though he hated that sort of thing.

"Hey it's fine – you've been working nights and it had to be done so – I did it! Good job we're both organised and tidy though!" She motioned to the coffee table. "Today's post?"

'Yeah I just picked the mailup," he grinned, picking up the differences in language yet again. "Looks like more engagement cards – a couple here from the UK. Want me to open them?"

Ellie nodded for him to go ahead and waited for him to ask who these people were. He was gradually learning about her family but she still had fun teasing him about it. She carried on labelling her last box and turned to him as he'd said nothing.

"Don? What is it?" she asked, his silence and the slightly shocked look on his face worrying her.

Looking up he handed her a piece of paper. Ellie looked at it and saw exactly what was going on. Her grandparents had written them a substantial cheque as an engagement present. Her father had warned them that something was coming but he hadn't known how much. Neither Don nor Ellie was expecting quite the sum they had in front of them. Don read the card.

"DearDonandElinor,

Your parents told us that you were moving into a new home of your own, so we thought that a little something to get you started with setting up costs would be an appropriate gift.

We are so excited for you both and can't wait to meet Don again. We hear that the wedding is likely to be in the US. Please let us know exact dates as soon as you can so that we can get on and book our flights and organise ourselves.

Have you thought about a honeymoon yet? We do hope you'll consider coming here as there are so many people here who would love to see you both.

We are absolutely thrilled and excited for you.

Please be in touch soon.

Love to you both

xxx

Ellie, have you seen the size of the cheque they've given us? Appropriate gift? Really? Do we really accept this from an elderly couple?"

Ellie went over and put her arms around him. "Unfortunately, yes we do. My grandparents won't even notice this is gone and they'd be mortified if we didn't accept it – and use it. I'm afraid we'll need to suck this one up. Remember, the way they live is very different to the way we do but they won't really get that, it's just what they're used to." She paused, an uneasy feeling coming over her. "Is this money thing going to be a problem for us Don?"

He held her back so he could look at her squarely in the eye. 'No," he said decisively. "I guess I've just got to get used to it that's all." He looked back down at the cheque and sighed before a thought made him grin. "I guess we could open that joint account with this then."

NYNYNYNY

By the time Don appeared, Ellie was out of bed, showered and changed and was almost bouncing with excitement. Don laughed as she collected things around her and checked them off.

"Handbag, purse.."

"You mean purse and wallet," he teased, earning himself a glare as she poked her tongue out at him continued.

"…appointment list …

"Appointment list? For wedding dress stores?"

Ellie tutted at him playfully. "Yes, now shut up, I need to think….Lindsay will know what size Lucy is so I don't have to worry about that. You know what time you have to be at the tailor's don't you? And what you want, yes?"

"Yep, a nice suit in the Flack family tartan or possibly a kilt – don't you think Danny'd look great in a kilt? It was Donna's suggestion."

Ellie pounced on him, straddling him on the sofa. "Don Flack if you dare…"

Don grabbed her and pulled her in to him, Ellie resisting as best she could.

"Oh so my little colleen's got a bit of spirit in her today has she?" putting on his best brogue.

Ellie suddenly leant forward and kissed him deeply, knowing he'd let her go instantly. Coming up for air a very wicked grin swept over Don's features, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Ellie, judging by the look on Don's face I think if you do that again, we're going to be very late for our first appointment!" Donna's laughing voice made Ellie startle and Don chuckle.

Donna had arrived a couple of days previously and was staying with Don and Ellie at Nancy's. Nancy and Connie had flown in the day before and had the grace to stay with friend's to give them their privacy. It had helped that Ellie, in her determination to thank Nancy and not be so negative and unfair towards her had dismissed Nancy's suggestions of wedding planners and asked her mother if she would arrange their wedding. If she were honest, not only was Nancy well known for her ability to plan superb events, but if anyone could get something done it was her. Ellie also felt that she could keep the reigns of the event if she only had Nancy to deal with and not her mother and a wedding planner. Nancy had been thrilled and had even listened and almost accepted that Don and Ellie didn't want a huge New York or Boston Society wedding. She had almost burst with joy when Ellie had asked her and learned that he couple didn't want to wait, planning to get married that summer. Now she had a date though, there was no stopping her and lists of ideas and questions were emailed to Ellie daily.

Don and Donna had hit it off straight away and once he'd gotten used to her quirky, straightforward, no nonsense and very British, sense of humour, they had become firm friends and allies, Ellie being their common love.

Donna left to get her things and Ellie kissed Don again to say goodbye. "Hey, listen, I know we're having dinner with everyone tonight, but do you think we could find a few minutes on our own?" she asked.

Don looked at her, concern crossing his face. "Sure, but why? What's the problem?"

She smiled and kissed him again. "No problem. Just need a few minutes with you that's all. Now go get a suit – a proper one!"

The girls left and Don checked his watch. He had a little while before he needed to meet Danny and the guys at the tailor's and he was glad as there was something he needed to do.

NYNYNYNY

Don arrived at Ed's hotel suite and found him and Charles, Ellie's father, there enjoying a coffee and the morning papers.

"Don, wasn't expecting you here – or was I?" asked Ed. "I thought we were meeting you at the tailor's"

Don smiled. "Yes sir, we were, but there's something that I feel I need to talk to you both about first."

Ed frowned slightly. "Sir eh? Sounds serious. Okay, please, sit. Would you like a coffee?"

Don nodded and took a seat. He knew what he wanted to say but wasn't really sure how to say it. On the way over he thought about how Mac would have approached this. He was never one to shirk a difficult subject. How would he advise him? What would he say if he were here with Don now? Be honest, respectful and show integrity. Don thought for a second and took a deep breath.

"Ed, Charles, this isn't an easy thing for me to talk about, but I feel I need to talk to you about money and what it means for Ellie and I."

He saw the older men stiffen at his words and quickly moved on in case they thought he was here on some kind of gold digging mission.

"As you know, Ellie and I are keen to pay our own way, but it's become clear to me that really Ellie comes from a very different world. And if I'm honest, that's really difficult for me. But I don't want my problem with that to be a part of our future and I never want to give her - or you - cause to think that I'm marrying her for her money. So, I want to organise some sort of agreement. I know that in this state I would be entitled to a substantial share of Elinor's money should we split and what I want to do is legally waive my right to that. God forbid we ever split, I don't want her money. Losing her would be more than I could bear and money would never make up for that. It cheapens what we have and how I feel about her."

Ed and Charles sat in silence for a few moments, studying the young man in front of them. Surprisingly, it was Charles who spoke.

"I have to say Don that of all the things that you could have said, that was the least expected – and most welcome. It's certainly the thing that a girl's father wants to hear. However, I think that you young man, are doing yourself an injustice. The fact is that even though she doesn't touch the money we put aside for her, Elinor is a wealthy young woman and the fact is that that wealth is going to increase markedly in the coming years – so you need to get used to that idea and get comfortable with it and actually, so will Elinor."

"That's right," confirmed Ed. "Elinor will inherit money from four sets of extremely well off grandparents, she is an only child to one set of parents and one of three of another. What she also doesn't know yet is that she has various sums invested for her that will all mature over the course of the next few years – in fact a very healthy sum will be released on your wedding day. Don, by just being married to Elinor, you will be a very wealthy man whether you like it or not. As Charles rightly says, get used to the idea."

Ed paused, giving Don time to assimilate what he was hearing before continuing. "It's not the fact you have money that's important, it's what you do with it, and what you let it do to you. You and Ellie are grounded people but you both need to learn that for example, using some of that money to give yourselves a great holiday isn't selling out – you've worked hard so why not? And if you chose to give the interest you earn on it to a charity, then that has to be a good thing. You both need to think of it in wider terms.

Now as for a pre nuptial agreement, which is what in essence you are talking about, if you really want that, then we can draw one up, but we do it in a fair way. If you and Ellie do split up and you give up the rights to any money, you could find yourselves struggling to get back on your feet after covering the costs of a divorce. Also consider that you may have children and you will need somewhere decent to see them. If you insist on this what we will do is agree a one off payment, maybe based on your salary and years married, plus a lump sum. But you will forfeit that lump sum if you are the cause of the split."

Don considered what was being said. He hadn't thought about it in that kind of detail – starting over again, a place to see their kids. The very thought of it turned his stomach. Ed interrupted his thoughts.

"Don, there is one other thing. If you really want this then Ellie needs to be part of it – she has to co sign the agreement. Now forgive me if I seem patronising, but although Charles and I are very grateful that you've come to us with this, you do seem to have acted a little rashly, like the man in love that you are and I'm betting that Ellie doesn't have a clue about this. Although it makes perfect business sense and shows what an honourable man you are, it'll take a braver man than me to bring this subject up with her!"

Don blew out a breath. "I hadn't even thought about that. You're right, she's going to be really pissed. Maybe I won't do it just yet, not when she's so happy and out choosing dresses, but I guess I have to at some point. Thanks."

"Well, we will happily leave that one to you – but Charles and I appreciate what you've done today Don." Ed chuckled. "Ironically, your actions are exactly those of a man who will be long and happily married," said Ed warmly.

Charles glanced at his watch. "Well gentleman, speaking of long and happily married, we need to get going or none of us will be if we don't get to that tailor's on time!"

NYNYNYNY

Ellie and the girls had had the best time ever trying on dress after dress. All of them had been in tears at the sight of Ellie in a wedding gown. They had decided on what kind of shape, fabric and colour she looked best in over a late lunch and were now on to the next shops which were more for the bridesmaids. Ellie had already decided on a beautiful ice blue for their dresses, which she insisted was because the colour reminded her of the ocean and would suit everyone and had nothing whatsoever to do with the colour of the groom's eyes – however, no-one believed her and Lindsay and Donna led the steady stream of teasing.

The men were also having a good time. Danny especially had kept the mood light, poking fun at Don at every possible opportunity. He'd been truly touched when Don had asked him to stand up with him and be his best man and was already taking his duties very seriously, much to everyone's amusement. This only increased when Hawkes, Mac and Adam joined them to be fitted for usher suits.

They had finally settled into a bar when Danny's 'phone rang. Mouthing to Don that it was Lindsay, he moved away from the others to answer it.

"Hey babes, how's it going? You girls tried on every dress in the city yet?"

Don was just about to give Danny a message for Ellie when he saw his friend's face change.

"Linds, slow down honey, where are you? Are you alright?"

The group stopped, hearing Danny's urgent tone. Danny looked straight at Don, eyes wide, brows knitted.

"Tell me exactly what happened. And Ellie, what about Ellie?"

Don's mouth went dry. He felt his heart rate quicken. From the corner of his eye he saw Mac move towards him. He got up before he could be stopped and went over towards Danny.

"What? What's happened Danny? What about Ellie?" his voice slightly strangled as he looked at his friend's shocked expression.

Danny held up a hand to quieten him and Mac and Hawkes moved in by his side.

"Okay, Baby we're on our way. You just hold on there, everything will be okay…. I know, I know….. I love you."

Danny snapped his 'phone shut, looked up slowly and took a deep breath.

"Don, there's a problem. Ellie's collapsed."