"You're the first and last thing I think about every day."
Sunrise would be in about fifteen minutes. He'd have to force himself from the safe haven of his warm bed. The alarm would offensively blare any minute now, he'd kiss his wife good morning, then head for the shower.
Danny Reagan rolled over and smiled as he draped his arm around his wife. Gosh, I'm lucky. Having a beautiful wife like you. He stroked her cheek, making her smile. "Morning, gorgeous."
"Hello, handsome," Linda rubbed her eye, then turned her head to her husband. She reached over him to turn the alarm off. "Rise and grind, huh?"
"What?"
"It's a Donnie- never mind... suppose we should get up, get the Troops moving."
"Mhmm... so why are we stuck here?"
"I don't know," she yawned and rolled over. Sitting up and stretching, she asked, "you'll be home tonight, right?"
"Should be. Just paperwork today." Danny walked to the dresser to get ready for his shower.
"Good," Linda walked over to him, and hugged him, "I hate it when you work hard cases."
"How's the back? The side?" He knew part of her reluctance to see him go was due to her being shot. He hated how she had to be in the crossfire, and he hated how it slowly tore her apart.
"They're a little sore."
"Tell you what," he pecked her lips, "why don't I take the kids to school today? Then you can relax in the shower. Get your muscles loose."
"You don't have to-"
"I want to, really. Relax."
"Thank you. You're a saint." She kissed him and ducked behind him, grabbing her stuff.
Danny sighed as he walked to his car around twelve in the morning. It was supposed to be a normal day filled with paperwork. But he and Baez caught a case last minute. He hated how Linda sounded disappointed when he called. He wished he could've come home at six, like he planned.
"Night, partner." Baez called across the parking lot. "Bright and early tomorrow?"
"Early, definitely. Bright? Don't count on it."
The Latina laughed. "Send my love to Linda."
Danny smiled. Baez and Linda has become great friends over the last few years. "I will, thanks." He ducked into his car, wanting to get home as soon as possible.
The detective quietly made his routine lock down check, making sure his house was secure. It wasn't the house or things he was worried about- it was the occupants.
Danny sat on the bed and sighed, "Night, baby."
"Good night," Linda mumbled, her face squished in her pillow.
"Didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't. Not really."
He nodded, "I'm gonna hoo in the shower real quick."
"I'll be waiting."
"Good."
Ten minutes later, Danny emerged from the shower in a pair of sweatpants. He quietly got under the covers, trying not to wake his bride. "I love you."
"I love you more." Linda resounded, mostly asleep.
"I love you most." He kissed her once more before she snuggled into his embrace. Before he drifted off to sleep, he thought, I love her so much. Thank You for sending her to me. And keeping her with me.
