Note: This is the LAST chapter! Please review! Thanks again to everyone who has read this story and this series! I adore all of you!

Casey was first to arrive at Olivia's apartment for girls' night. Soon after, Barek showed up with a casserole dish full of pancetta wrapped shrimp drizzled in a spicy honey glaze.

Olivia greeted Barek with a warm smile and guided her to the kitchen where Casey was pouring herself a glass of wine. After her mobile phone rang, Olivia excused herself from the room to take the call.

"Want one?" Casey held up the wine bottle.

"Sure. Those arancinis look delicious did you bring them?"

As she poured the wine, Casey answered, "I did, they're from Trovo. So, your first girls' night, have any expectations?"

"I don't know what to expect. At first, I was surprised to be invited but I figured out why. I'm just gonna cut to the chase. Mike told you and Thea why I left Major Case and how we sorted it out last week."

With a small bob of her head she replied, "He did and everything's fine between us… but I don't blame you for being, albeit briefly, attracted to Mike. He's handsome, charming and witty - he's rough around the edges but he has a good heart. You're also partners, you spend a lot of time together. And the Tarkman shooting, it rattled you both."

"It did. And that was the first and only time Mike ever made a pass at me. He wasn't himself that night…but I'm glad we worked it out. We're both happy and now that the air is cleared, things are back to normal."

"That's good and from what Mike's told me, your fiancé Josh, he sounds like a nice guy."

A little smile was on her lips, "Yeah he is and it turns out not a momma's boy, thankfully." She took a sip from her glass.

Intrigued, Casey leaned forward, "Detective, I'm gonna need some details."

She crossed her legs and explained, "Josh's mother was pressuring me to have kids even though she knows we're happy with how things are now. He was brushing it off until I made it clear to him that he needed to do more. Last week, when I came home early she and Josh were about to have dinner. She apologized to me and even brought me biscotti from my favorite bakery."

Casey gave her a supportive nod, "Well I'm glad that worked out for you."

"So am I. I get along with his father and brothers just fine."

"At least with Mike being an only child and both of his parents are deceased, I won't have to deal with in-laws. And what he's told me about his mother, I am beyond grateful."

She agreed, "Tell me about it, the late Mrs. Logan sounded like a real nightmare."

"Oh she was never gonna win mother of the year, that's for sure. Mike told you about her?"

"He made a quick sarcastic comment about her abusiveness. So, it wasn't exactly an in-depth conversation but it explained a lot about him."

"It does…but he's also great with Thea."

Nodding, she picked up an arancini, "They really are like family or as Mike told Lupo last week, he's her overprotective Irish Catholic cop uncle."

Casey scoffed, "He told me about that…and I'm surprised she didn't steal something from him or tampered with his chair again especially after teasing her and Goren."

Before they could continue the conversation, Olivia answered the door and welcomed Eames and Thea into her home.

While Thea and Connie walked over to the living room where Olivia, Casey, Eames and Barek were chatting and drinking, the younger detective asked, "So, why did Cutter seem annoyed after you two made deals with the Brynes?"

Connie swallowed her arancini then explained, "Mike made a bet with me to see which one of us could get the most deals out of the Byrnes and I won. He's cocky and a sore loser, you saw both sides of him that day."

Thea's lips briefly twitched upward, "Aww, it's always fun seeing arrogant Mikes getting humbled. Although lately and unfortunately, I haven't been able to do that with Logan. So, as the loser of the bet what does Cutter have to do?"

"He has to pay for dinner at Virdi's. We're going there tomorrow night; it's the first time for us."

"My upstairs neighbor, Ronaldo and his boyfriend Adam, they've been to Virdi's a few times and they love it. Although you have to be specific when ordering the fried chicken sandwich because there's only mild and spicy, and the latter sets your whole body on fire."

There was a hint of mischief on Connie's face, "I'll definitely keep that in mind for tomorrow night."

"Ladies, what are we playing?" Thea asked as she and Connie sat on the right side of the black sectional sofa.

Eames answered her, "Never Have I Ever and I'll start…Never have I ever stolen something from a store and gotten away with it."

Thea was the only one to take a sip from her glass of sparkling cider.

"Old news Thea." Olivia commented.

"Yes but out of all of us I'm the only one? Really?! Four of you were raised Catholic and you never rebelled?" Thea looked at her friends' faces.

Connie said, "Of course I did but I wore mini-skirts and dated guys that my parents hated."

Eames nodded, "Me too. It was fun to see my old man turn beet red when I walked out the door in my mini-skirt and halter top. I thought his head would pop when I then got onto my boyfriend's motorcycle."

Barek chuckled, "I never would have thought…well, I wasn't into mini-skirts but my mom and my father man were pretty disappointed that I chose to date a Jewish guy over our neighbor's Italian Catholic son, Calogero Toretti."

Olivia steered the topic back to Thea, "All right then, what was the most expensive thing you've ever stolen?"

She proudly admitted, "Aladdin's talking genie lamp, it was $29.99 from the Disney store."

Barek asked, "Wait, I remember that toy. I had to get one for my niece that Christmas and the box was kind of big. How'd you make that happen?"

"It was December so I was wearing my puffy coat and I was still very chubby. So, the coat made it look like as if the lamp was a part of my…zaftig figure! Also I had bangs and a bob haircut. No one suspected me because I looked so cute and innocent."

They laughed at the visual.

Casey pointed at her, "It's true, I've seen photos of Thea at that age, she could have gotten away with murder."

Thea grinned at her then said, "My turn! Never have I ever…slept with my boss!"

Everyone's jaws dropped when Connie reluctantly drank from her glass of wine.

"Connie?! Oh this definitely makes up for Thea's, no offense!" Olivia stated with wide eyes.

Thea agreed "None taken, my answer was straight garbage! Anyway, Connie we need details!"

"Counselor, please elaborate." Casey teasingly inquired.

Eames remarked, "I'm definitely coming back for the next girls' night."

Barek calmly agreed, "You're not the only one."

Groaning, Connie confessed, "So…it was my first month at the DA's office. I was working on five different cases and I hit it off with one of the ADA's. We lost a case, went to a bar to commiserate and then we went back to his place to let off some steam…twice."

Shocked and fascinated, Casey asked, "I am truly stunned-but wait, does he still work with us?"

"No, he's a defense attorney now…"

Barek leaned forward, "Counselor, we're gonna need a name."

Her dark eyes went to each of her friends' eyes as she begrudgingly admitted, "Marcus…Marcus Woll."

Casey gasped in utter horror, "Oh God, you slept with that smarmy smug prick?! Really Connie?"

She defensively held up her right forefinger, "It was a mistake but I was also young, stressed out, he's a handsome charismatic guy and this before I saw how arrogant he can be and-Thea what are you doing?"

"I'm getting Olivia's laptop so that we can look pictures of Woll because my phone's screen is too small!" Thea answered as she fetched the laptop from the dining room table.

"Oh come on. This is embarrassing enough!"

Olivia kindly gripped her shoulder, "Connie, we all have at least one Woll in our past and you got him out of your system early."

A grateful grin touched Connie's lips, "Thanks Liv."

Thea carried the laptop to the sofa and everyone gathered around her, "Here he is!"

Olivia spoke, "He's a really good looking guy. I'd be tempted…"

Barek nodded, "Definitely, I get the appeal."

Eames retorted, "So do I, he's got the confident/cocky look to him…and since we're all sharing…I um, I almost slept with an ADA that I worked with."

They all whipped their heads towards Eames.

"Details! Alex, details!" Thea curiously demanded.

She briefly rolled her eyes then sighed, "It was before I joined Major Case. And it was right after my husband was killed. I was vulnerable and we had real chemistry which turned into a strong bond…"

Barek asked, "So, what went wrong?"

Eames shrugged, "I don't know…all of a sudden we got hit with a pile of motions, he distanced himself from me to focus on the trial. When he lost the trial he blamed it entirely on me. Anyway, his name is Kevin Mulrooney."

After Thea typed on the laptop, she happily said, "He's cute!"

"I remember him and how much media attention his trial got…Anyway, he does have a nice smile." Connie said with a small lift and drop of her shoulders.

"He pulls off the dapper look pretty well." Olivia politely stated.

Barek remarked as she tipped her head from left to right, "He's not so bad looking."

Casey exclaimed, "The Boz Burnham Case! I knew I recognized his name. From what I heard, he became unbearable to work with which didn't do him any favors around the DA's office."

Connie spoke to Eames as she placed her hand on the detective's shoulder, "It's life, things happen. At least you won't have to ever work with him again. I mean, him losing the Burnham case really tanked his career. But Woll, I've seen him around the courthouse a few times and he always gives me this smug creepy smirk…."

Eames replied with a ghost of a smile on her lips, "That sounds oh so pleasant."

Connie sarcastically chuckled, "It's a real delight."

"Maybe one of these days, you and Cutter will face off against him and win?"

"If it happens, it'll be a real pleasure to wipe that smirk off his face!" Connie smiled before she lightly clanked her glass against Eames', "here's to learning from bad decisions."

"I'll drink to that." Eames said before they both took a swig from their glasses.

Connie and Thea were the last ones to leave Olivia's apartment. They spoke about the Byrnes' upcoming trial as they walked towards the elevator.

"So, who's Maggie Byrne's lawyer?" Thea asked.

Connie pressed the call button, "She's not dumb; she hired John Buchanan."

The young detective's face fell, "I've heard about him, he's ruthless and doesn't hold back when it comes to attacking the prosecution's witnesses."

Nodding, she replied, "Definitely. He's a real prick and has already gone toe-to-toe with us before. Mike can't stand him and he'd love to crush him."

"I bet he would.." Thea said as they stepped onto the lift. "And Buchanan really does his research into witnesses, right?"

"He's meticulous and his law firm, where Woll is also a partner, has the resources to turn over every little rock. They represent the most wealthy and powerful people in the city."

Thea felt uneasy hearing her friend's comments, she looked around the elevator making sure there wasn't a video camera around; "Connie, he might look into my past…back when I helped IA take down my father."

The discomfort on Thea's face concerned her, "He might, we won't know for sure until he brings it up. Why do you seem so worried?"

"Because he'll probably paint me as someone who has a bias against bad parents and as a liar."

"Well neither one is true."

"Yes but when I was-uh, when I was working with IA I told them about how physically abusive my father was but the statute of limitations ran out so they couldn't charge him. They included my allegations in their files about him…if Buchanan is as aggressive and shameless as he sounds then you should know about this.." Thea lifted the bottom half of her sweater and showed Connie the brand on her belly. She explained the story behind it and then talked about the other brand on her outer right thigh.

Quiet shock was on Connie's face as she listened and looked at the scar. Thea had told her about her father before but she hadn't revealed these two specific stories until now. It hurt her to see the unease and shame in her friend's eyes and voice. She embraced her and grinned when she felt Thea hug her back.

"He really was the worst. I'm sorry that you and your mother had to experience that.."

"Yeah…I uh, I showed Munch last week for the first time. He joked that he wanted to resurrect my father just so he could kill him himself."

They both laughed.

Connie slowly nodded, "I'm not blaming you or your mother but I have to ask…why didn't you report this? There's actual proof."

"We tried to but when this brand got infected we went to a clinic and he tracked us down. He threatened the nurse and doctor who examined me…they saved the photos and the notes they took. They're retired now and they're willing to testify. I'll text you their contact information."

"OK…you didn't have to tell me this but I'm-but I appreciate that you did. Not only would Buchanan bring this up but it shows that you trust me."

She put her arm around Connie and smiled "Of course I do, you're my friend."

After the elevator doors opened, Connie hugged her again, "You're mine too."

The next day Logan dropped by the 27th precinct with a full white plastic bag in his hand.

From Logan's old desk, Bernard greeted him with a small smile, "Logan, you're so homesick that you really came back here?"

"Nah, I thought I'd drop by and visit my favorite lieutenant. How's my old desk?"

"As uncomfortable as ever, I swear they haven't changed this chair since you left."

Lupo countered, "But don't worry, B's ass indentation has long since replaced yours."

Logan and Lupo shared a light laugh.

The junior detective smirked, "So Logan, how's Thea doing, is she still single? Lupes here, he's just dying to know."

Lupo's mouth turned into a flat line, "Really Bernard, really?"

He shrugged, "Come on, you had to see that coming, Lupes!"

A wistful smile came to Logan's lips; seeing the detectives teasing each other reminded him of when he and his old partner, Lennie Briscoe occupied those desks. He spoke to the pair,"Thea's good and happy, although being happy is almost her default setting so that's not saying much. And she's still single, for how long? I don't know? Now, if you'll excuse me I gotta delivery to make…"

Lieutenant Anita Van Buren looked up from her stack of papers once she heard a knock on her open office door. A gentle smile spread across her face when she saw Logan enter her office, "Logan! What brings you back here old friend?"

He reached out and shook her hand as he smiled, "Well, I just recently learned that you helped get me into Major Case. So, I dropped by Nala's Bakery in Greenpoint and got you.."

When he removed a pie box from the bag, she happily brought her hands together, "Their key lime pie! Logan you really didn't have to, all I did was take a phone call from Deakins and told him the truth about you."

He opened the box and handed her a paper plate and plastic fork, "Yeah but what you said convinced him to give me a real shot and a ticket out of Staten Island. This is the least I can do."

She took off her reading glasses and smirked, "This is real sweet of you…has Major Case softened hothead Mike Logan?"

A dry scoff came from him, "I wouldn't go that far..I mean, the perps there have the wildest motives; they make the 2-7's perps look like Sunday school kids."

"Sounds exciting, why don't you tell me about it over a slice? Unless you got other plans?"

He grinned as he sat down, "I don't and I'd love to catch up with my favorite lieutenant."

At Virdi's Connie and Mike Cutter were looking over the menu deciding what to have for dinner. She persuaded him to order one spicy fried chicken sandwich so they could share it as an appetizer. When the waitress brought the sandwich with a side of curry fries, Connie cut the sandwich in half and was the first one to take a bite. Connie was raised eating spicy foods but even she thought the sandwich was quite hot yet still flavorful. Despite not being an actress, she successfully hid her anticipation the moment Cutter bit into the sandwich.

The look of surprise and disappointment on Connie's pretty face brought a cocky smile to Cutter's. "What were you expecting? That I'd run around here like my head was on fire? Come on Connie, I did my research about this place."

A trace of irritation was obvious in the puff of air that came from her, "Fine…but you never told me that you liked spicy foods!"

"Well despite working with each other for a year you never asked me-excuse me," he covered his mouth with his napkin turned his head and burped. The sound of her giggling caused him to grin.

"I suppose I shouldn't make assumptions about you, Mike."

"You really shouldn't. As you've learned, I'm full of surprises."

She remarked, "Oh you are - but since we're on the subject, Thea is prepping her testimony with you tomorrow but I'll be interviewing witnesses so it'll just be you two."

He shrugged, "All right, we get along pretty well. Is there a reason why you're bringing this up?"

Connie briefly averted her gaze and shifted in her seat. She saw him lean forward, "She thinks that Buchanan will attack her credibility and her work with IA when they investigated her father. She made…she made credible allegations of abuse towards him. These weren't a part of the charges brought against him but they are in his file…"

"What did he do to her?"

"Mike, you should really hear it from her. And I know that we're partners but she's also my close friend. Trust me on this, OK?"

He opened his mouth to object but the serious tone in her voice and her eyes made him reconsider, "All right, I will. So, how was girls' night? Did you learn or share any juicy secrets?"

She rolled her eyes, "Seriously Mike? Everything we say to each other is covered by privilege."

Cutter playfully tilted his head to the right, "And what privilege is that?"

"The communications between female friends is binding, private and sacred, it's known as Girl Code."

He was intrigued, "I don't remember reading about that in any of my law classes?"

"Well it's since been added to the curriculum. But don't feel bad for being out of the loop; people were still using quill pens when you were in law school." She joked before grabbing her bottle of beer.

He gave her an annoyed glare but also stifled a chuckle.

In the nearly empty courtroom Thea stood in the witness stand showing Cutter her brand. He was stunned and disturbed by the stories behind her scars. It added more layers to what she had said to Rodney Byrne in the interrogation room about having scars and living with monsters. Her uneasiness and embarrassment were evident in her voice and on her face. His heart went out to her - but it puzzled him to find out more about her dark past because it was a striking contrast to her upbeat personality.

He told her, "Thea I…I'm sorry that you and your mother had to endure such cruelty."

With a small bob of her head, she replied, "Thanks. Things are great now but I wanted to get out ahead of Buchanan. And Connie told me that you like to…improvise sometimes."

A bit of shame came to his blue eyes, "Yes but I apologized to Connie and if I had known about your scars I wouldn't bring them up without talking to you first."

"I believe you..Connie's interviewing the doctor and nurse who treated me."

"Good, they'll corroborate your story but that's only if Buchanan questions your credibility."

"He probably will. Can we change the subject?"

"Sure, what's on your mind, Detective?"

"How was Virdi's?"

A smile stretched across his handsome face, "It was incredible, the food, the service and the atmosphere were amazing."

"Cool. Connie liked it too."

"I thought so."

"So I gotta ask, are you two together?"

His eyes became enormous, "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"Nuh-No, of course not! We're colleagues not lovers!"

She lifted then dropped her shoulders, "OK, I'm only asking because I saw the way you looked at her during my Halloween party and how you two always flirt."

He defensively held up his right forefinger much like Connie did during girls' night, "We have witty banter, that is not flirting and this is a wildly inappropriate conversation!"

She giggled at how flustered he became, "I guess with my mom dating my captain it didn't strike me as weird or improper to ask about you and Connie. Sorry…"

"Well that's a slightly different situation. I'm Connie's boss."

"I'm aware but I also know that the DA's office and the NYPD rescinded their anti-fraternization rules almost a decade ago."

"Well I have my own ethics and standards. I don't have sex with my co-workers and I don't talk to them about their sex lives. And as a woman you already know how hard it is to succeed on your own merits and it becomes harder if you sleep with your boss. It's not like that with men. Women sleeping with their bosses, it demeans them."

"Mike, you're a very intelligent man but that line of thinking is simplistic and a bit paternalistic. Today, women are capable of making their own decisions and we're capable of taking care of ourselves; things are far from perfect but we have agency. Sometimes we happen to be attracted to our bosses and co-workers, and we sometimes have consensual relationships with them, neither action demeans us.

We spend so much time with our co-workers in and out of our workplaces, forming close bonds to each other..it's inevitable! Now, sexual harassment and abuses of power are serious issues that must be dealt with and taken seriously…but consent and the freedom to make our decisions when it comes to our personal and professional lives are also important, not everything is black and white. The NYPD and the DA's office have learned that lesson and they have adapted to the times. Perhaps you should too, Mike."

He looked at her, utterly dumbfounded, "How old are you again?"

After a quick chuckle, she said to him, "All I'm saying is life presents you with unexpected opportunities and it's not always ideal or what we imagined… but you shouldn't pass them up."

He locked eyes with her and knew that she had valid points but said, "I hear you, Thea, I do…but I see dating in the workplace as a minefield. We'll just have to agree to disagree."

"All right, but don't forget how you felt when you saw Lake dance with Connie at my Halloween party."

He paused then sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oh Thea…"

Her laugh was light and airy as she pointed at him, "My mom does that with me too!"

Cutter suppressed a laugh into a grin.

On the third day of the trial, Lupo was in the waiting room designated for police officers who were set to testify. Connie sent a text telling him that they were taking a break for lunch. As he was about to get up and walk over to the food and refreshments table the door opened.

"Hey Lupo!" Thea chirped as she closed the door and carried an insulated blue and black lunch bag in her right hand.

His expression brightened, "Hi Thea, I didn't know you were testifying."

She hanged her coat, scarf and white cap on the rack by the door, "Elliot, Olivia and Munch are working on other cases and it was my day off anyway. So, what's up with you?"

"Uh I-I was just about to get lunch…" He tipped his head towards the table.

"Ah, the good ol' pizza, doughnuts and coffee spread. That's why I make my own lunch." She walked over to the shabby sofas as she opened her lunch bag and sat on the couch across from him.

He paused when she began to unpack her lunch onto the coffee table. Familiar and delicious scents filled the room. His mouth began to water when she removed white parchment paper from the entrée. "Is that a corned beef sandwich?"

She proudly stated, "Yes it is, except mine's on a toasted brioche finger roll that I made myself along with my homemade sauce and I swapped out sauerkraut for pickles."

"Well it looks and smells really…really delicious." He kept his eyes on the sandwich.

Her pouty lips quirked before she offered, "Lupo, would you like half of my sandwich?"

His gaze met hers then he waved her off, "Oh..no, it's yours I'm fine with pizza."

"I don't mind sharing and I can tell how much you wanna eat this. And you can also have some of my homemade coffee cake." She removed a pocket knife from her ankle holster and cut the sandwich down the middle.

Surprised, he answered, "Thea you really don't have to…and you carry that around with you?"

"I just started to; I've seen how having a knife can come in handy. Here!"

"If you insist." He accepted the sandwich and took a big bite. The savory, hearty and tangy flavors danced on his taste buds.

She smiled once she saw him close his eyes and lightly moan, "You like it?"

He nodded as he wiped his mouth with a napkin, "This is excellent. I've been all over the world but only this city knows how to make the best corned beef sandwich. Thanks for sharing yours with me."

"You're welcome. And I'll have to take your word for it. Although I don't doubt your judgment because my friends who used to live here but are now overseas, they agree with you. When it comes to food, this city being a melting pot of different cultures, it's one of our assets."

"They're not wrong. So, you learned to cook from your mother?"

"Yep and from cooking shows and books."

"Well, you're just as talented as she is and speaking of books, I haven't read The Long Halloween yet but I have started watching Batman: The Animated Series, it's an absolute masterpiece! I should have watched it earlier. I can't believe it's a kids' show, it's so complex, intelligent and mature while still being entertaining."

"Right?! It's astounding to see what they did with their well-crafted storytelling and the animation is phenomenal especially for the 90s! And Kevin Conroy's lines in Nothing to Fear-"

He started to recite the lines, "I am vengeance...I am the night…"

In tandem they said, "I am BATMAN!" They shared a genuine laugh together.

"It gave me chills!" Lupo said to her.

"I watched it when it first aired and my 12-year-old brain exploded from sheer ecstasy!"

They continued excitedly speaking to one another and eating until they finished the sandwich.

As she handed him a piece of her coffee cake, she asked him, "So, is your brother still into comic books too?"

After a brief pause he explained, "Um, he lost interest when he started high school."

"It happens. Are you two close?"

"We were. Actually, he died last year….that's why I came back." He itched the back of his head and moved in his seat.

With apologetic eyes, she said, "Oh um, I'm sorry. If you want, we can talk about something else?"

He shook his head, "It's all right. You didn't know. He had cancer a couple of years ago, he beat it but it came back so…he didn't tell anyone. He killed himself, a homemade lethal injection."

Thea walked over and sat down next to him; "That's…that must have been really difficult for you and your family. It's still kinda raw, isn't?"

Lupo shifted closer to her, "It was and yeah..sometimes. My parents died in a drunk driving accident during my senior year of college. I remember thinking that nothing could ever feel as devastating and terrible but I at least had my big brother, Tommy, with me. But this time, losing Tommy…I got through it thanks to my sister-in-law, Jenny and my niece and nephew. My old partner, Ed Green, he was there for me and we barely knew each other. He investigated Tommy's death and then after, he became my partner when I transferred back to the 2-7. He's family now."

After a beat, she gripped his forearm, "That's wonderful and that's how I see everyone in my squad. After being overseas and working alone for so long, that must have been comforting to know that you still had a family and a home here."

His eyes went to her hand and he felt at ease. He placed his hand on hers, "It was and is."

She received a text message and reluctantly let go of him, "It's from my mom; she's letting me know that we're having breakfast tomorrow at her place. She's been giving me a heads up ever since I um, I walked in on her and my captain's…morning after."

His mouth dropped open then turned into an awkward smile, "Wow that sounds really…horrible."

She nodded, "It was jarring but at least they were in their bathrobes in the kitchen and only kissing each other…but I didn't handle it well. I…I called them 'gross' and I said that 'Old people don't have sex!'"

A booming laugh escaped his mouth, "Aw man, that's hilarious!"

"Well, it is now," she briefly closed her eyes and scrunched her face, "that wasn't one of my best moments."

"Yeah but your reaction is understandable, no one wants to think of their parents being sexual especially with their boss."

"True. But as a kid, when things got really bad with my dad…I'd wish for him to go away and for Cragen to be my dad instead. Other times, I'd ask the universe why he wasn't my father…I never got an answer.."

Seeing her being vulnerable and honest it caused Lupo to lean forward. He also felt complimented that she felt comfortable with him to be so open.

"I just never imagined that he and my mom would do…what all couples do in their bedrooms. But I'm happy that they're finally together now and things are great between them." A thankful look spread across her caramel complexion.

The edges of his lips curled upward, "They got their happy ending."

"And they deserve it. They took the long way round but they found each other again."

A young Latina officer opened the door and poked her head in, "Detective Lupo, you're up next!"

He nodded at her, "Thanks, I'll be there in a minute!" Lupo looked at Thea, not wanting to leave her, "Duty calls."

Thea gave him a supportive smile, "And you have to answer. Good luck, Lupo."

"Thanks…I'll see ya later." He reluctantly got up and exited the room.

She kept her eyes on Lupo until he closed the door behind him.

Eames reached for the door handle and briefly hesitated. With a casual shrug she uttered, "What the hell?" and entered the diner. She took a left turn and stopped at the corner booth.

"Good afternoon, Detective Alex! You look amazing!" Lewis greeted her with a huge smile as he stood up.

When he approached her with open arms she protectively held out her hand with her palm facing him, "Down boy, this is only lunch and you promise not to tell Bobby about this, got it?"

He gave her a polite nod, "I do and honestly, I'm just glad to be invited and to have a real chance with you. Please, sit!"

She slid into the booth, "Did you order yet?"

"Of course not. I didn't wanna make any assumptions about what you liked."

She flashed him an appreciative grin, "Well that was very considerate of you, thanks. So, how's work?"

"Things have been picking up ever since I got a contract with the city. And Brennan has been grateful for the work because he wants to impress his new girlfriend."

"Brennan?"

"Right, sorry, I met him through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program a couple of years back. When he turned 18 he got into Hudson's Automotive Institute, he graduated last year and I hired him."

Eames was surprised, "You're a mentor?"

He proudly nodded, "Yeah, they helped me out after my dad died when I was 13. My mom signed me up. I love my older sister Sandy but no one could ever replace our dad. So, Hank was my big brother and we're still close. He's retired and living in Florida now but we call each other monthly and we visit each other twice a year. He still has family here so he and his wife fly up for Christmas and I visit him during the summer. Anyway, he was like a second father to me when I really needed one. I mean, during my wild teenage years Bobby and I had some close calls but Hank was always there for me. So joining the program, it's the least I could do."

Her face softened, "Well that's great and it's really kind and generous of you to give back."

Shrugging, he replied, "I love doing it and I've never seen it as an obligation. So…have any plans for Christmas?"

"Uh yeah, my entire family including the in-laws and I are going upstate; we're renting a big lake house. My brother-in-law is friends with the owner and we're gonna have an old fashion Christmas in the woods with all twenty-four of us including eight kids under the age of 13, under one roof. Oh joy."

He chuckled at the sarcasm in her voice, "Well, that sounds like fun, kids make Christmas so awesome. Seeing how happy my niece and nephew are on Christmas morning, it makes me excited and I feel like a kid again!"

A little smile came to her lips, "I absolutely agree. Seeing their little faces lit up it's so…"

"Magical."

She nodded and realized there was more to Lewis than she originally thought.

Lupo was in the courtroom's gallery, seated in the front row behind Connie when Thea testified. As expected, Buchanan attacked her credibility and brought up her allegations of abuse towards her late father. However, the abrasive attorney seemed genuinely stunned that Cutter was prepared and tried to get the judge to forbid Thea from showing her brand. Buchanan failed and begrudgingly took his seat next to Maggie and Grant Byrne. The jury and Lupo had the same aghast reactions once she revealed her scar and spoke. It pained Lupo to see how uncomfortable she was and to hear the stories behind her brands. There was a noticeable tremor in her voice. He wanted to comfort her but knew that it wasn't possible at that moment. Before she sat down, she locked eyes with him. She saw him give her an understanding nod and her lips briefly quirked up.

After an hour of deliberation, the jury came back with a guilty verdict on all charges against Maggie and Grant Byrne. Thea wasn't in the courtroom; she was seated outside in the hall on a bench. Connie and Cutter walked over and informed her of the verdict as she stood up. They both hugged her before leaving. After they walked away from Thea, Lupo approached her.

"That uh, that was a really heavy case…" He commented.

"It was – but at least the bad guys didn't get away with it." She nodded and put her hands into her coat pockets.

"Yeah, still, there are no real winners here. But now that it's over…maybe we could get a bite to eat?" He was looking at her with anticipation.

A lungful of air escaped her mouth as she dropped her head.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I misread-", He began to say before she cut him off.

"No, it's not that at all. It's just now; I have to pay Munch fifty dollars." She was slightly annoyed.

An amused look was on his face as he lightly chuckled, "If you want, I could cover that for you?"

She shook her head, "Thanks but I'm a woman of my word."

"OK then, so do you have plans for dinner tonight?"

She tipped her head from right to left, "Right…Lupo, you seem like a really nice guy but I've been on a break from dating and it's gone great. There are no expectations, disappointment and awkward encounters… it's simply been me and my friends enjoying each other's company."

He considered her words and nodded, "All right, how about we simply go to dinner together as work friends? It's not a date. But if you wanna go a real date, you can call me and let me know." He offered her his card.

After a beat, she accepted his card, "I can agree to those terms. And I pay for my own food." When he opened his mouth to object she pointed at him, "You said this wasn't a date."

"I did…but I don't mind covering the bill."

"Well that doesn't matter because I'm paying my own way."

"If you insist."

They began walking towards the courthouse's front entrance while she talked to him, "Since I'm not trying to impress you, I'm gonna tell you things that I wouldn't say on a first date. So you should know that I'm a democratic socialist."

He paused, "Really now?"

"Yes and it's not the same thing as being a communist."

"I know, I've gone to school and read a book or two."

"Well most people I come across seem to mix those terms up. So, are you sure about this?"

"It's gonna take a whole lot more than that to get rid of me, Thea."

"I also hate Snickers."

His dark eyes shot open, "Oh come on! Snickers is like the steak of candy bars!"

She laughed, "There's so many peanuts! And I'm an absolute Twix girl, get used to it!"

Feeling competitive, he countered, "Fine, I can definitely top that."

"I doubt it." Her eyes rolled.

"I dated the woman who is now my sister-in-law. She ended up marrying my older brother but I had a relationship with her first. She left me for him."

Her full lips formed into an O shape. "I gotta admit; I didn't see that coming."

"Well it's true. For some time it was awkward and difficult - but we're good now."

"I see; were you three on Jerry Springer or Maury Povich?"

He laughed, "Really? That's all you got?"

She leaned in, stood on her toes and gave him a flirtatious smirk, "I have plenty more where that came from, Lupo."

He caught the sweet scent of her perfume and smiled down at her.

Bobby was in his living room eating a slice of pizza as he watched a documentary about lions in the Serengeti. The moment he heard his mobile phone ring he considered ignoring it until he looked at the screen. He immediately answered.

"Hey Bobby, I'm coming over to your place to give you your Christmas present!" Thea cheerily told him.

He stood up and looked at his messy home, "Really? Right now?"

"Yes, we're not gonna see each other on Christmas. I'm about 15 minutes away and that's after taking the train."

"You really don't have to I mean-…"

"Bobby, I wanna see your face when you open my present and it's OK if you don't have one for me. That's not why I'm giving you one. Oh, we're going into a tunnel, I'll see ya in a few minutes! Bye!"

He put down his phone and immediately went to the hallway's closet to retrieve the vacuum. Ever since he was suspended without pay for six months he had to cut back on his expenses. He had to cancel the maid service he used to clean his apartment every week. After he finished tidying up the living room, he went to work on the kitchen. Thankfully, he had already cleaned his bathroom the night before so that was one less chore off his list. With three minutes to spare, he drank a glass of water then went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Just as he finished wiping his wet mouth with a towel, his doorbell rang.

"Hi Bobby!" Thea greeted him with a kind smile as she placed her mobile phone in her dark grey messenger bag.

"Good afternoon, Thea. Come in!"

"Thanks, how has your day been?"

"Pretty relaxed. I just had lunch and I was watching some TV." He guided her to the kitchen. "Would you like a drink or something to eat?"

"Thanks but I'm good, I just ate.." She walked into the center of the kitchen and slowly took it in. Thea knew that he lived in a house but what she imagined didn't match what was before her eyes. The kitchen with its dark wood cabinets, yellow double wall ovens and yellow linoleum floor - she thought the kitchen was plucked straight from the 1970s.

Leaning against the kitchen's entrance, he kept his gaze on her and although she tried to hide it, he could see a trace of scrutiny in her dark eyes. Bobby was fully aware that his kitchen looked outdated but he never cared. Seeing Thea struggle with what to say about the heart of his home, he was mildly entertained. "You hate it." He said with a small grin on his mouth.

Her posture straightened and she turned her head in his direction with big dark guilty eyes, "What?! I-I didn't say that!"

With a little laugh he pushed himself off the frame and walked over to her, "Thea it's all right."

She dropped her shoulders, "No it's not. This is the first time you welcome me into your home and I insult it! I'm so sorry!"

He shook his head, "I'm a grown man, I can take a little criticism and I-I know that Architectural Digest isn't gonna do spread on my kitchen any time soon."

"I can't help it; I'm the daughter of an interior designer. Bobby, it's just that…you're a modern and sophisticated man; this room doesn't reflect that, at least not to me anyway."

A small smile stretched across his face, "Well, that's a very nice compliment and constructive criticism, I'll take it. Come on."

He led her into the living room where she briefly scanned the room and gave him a nod of approval when she saw the hardwood floors and dark chocolate suede couches. On the walls and on some of the shelves were various awards and commendations. He saw her briefly glance at his accomplishments but she didn't comment. She then went over to the shelves and pulled out two photo albums. Instead of choosing the three-seat sofa, she sat on the loveseat and placed one of the albums on the mahogany coffee table then put the other one on her lap. After a brief moment of hesitation, he joined her on the loveseat where his knee was lightly pressed against hers. She didn't make any effort to get some space or shift away from him as she opened the album. The first photo was of a newborn Bobby being held by his happy mother in a hospital bed with a smiling three-year-old Frank standing next to them.

"Aww, baby Bobby!" She was clearly taken with the sweet photo. "Your mom was so stunning. You have her eyes."

With a skeptical scoff he said, "Oh come on."

"What? You do! One of the first things I noticed about you was your eyes."

"Really?" He tipped his head towards her.

Thea told him, "Yes, you both have doe eyes. But you clearly didn't get your giant size from her."

He laughed, "Clearly."

She turned the page and saw photos of his mother in a one-piece bathing suit and a Houndstooth skirt, jacket and matching hat. "Was she a model? Because she was breathtaking, Bobby."

The Houndstooth suit photo caused him to uncomfortably shift in his seat. It was taken by the late serial killer and rapist Mark Ford Brady, his biological father. His attention was pulled back to the moment once he felt her hand on his forearm.

"Bobby? Are you OK?"

He nodded, "Yeah, she dabbled in modeling but it was never her job."

On another page was an image taken on Christmas morning, he was eight-years-old and Frank was eleven. They were opening presents while his smiling parents were standing on either side of the tree. The snapshot was taken the day before she had a severe psychotic episode.

"The Gorens were a picturesque family." She said as she kept her eyes on the photo.

His head slowly tilted from left to right, "Well, anyone take a good picture."

The tone of his voice compelled her to say, "Every family has their issues."

After a beat he said, "They do…my mother, she was loving, funny, smart, honest, feisty but she was also…schizophrenic."

She looked up and into his eyes. It moved her to see him reveal something personal about his family. Thea spoke in an understanding voice, "That must have been scary for you and your brother. Did she start showing symptoms when this photo was taken?"

He didn't see any fear, discomfort, judgment or pity in her eyes, just compassion; he was relieved. "Um, yes, a year before actually."

"Considering the era and her mental illness, she did a pretty good job raising you, Bobby."

Bobby blinked, "What makes you say that? You didn't even know her."

Thea shrugged, "True but I know you. And you got your humor, your clever wit, your intelligence, your kindness and charming personality from someone. And basically every mother from this time period was a single mother regardless of her marital status."

He grinned, "You're not wrong…thanks. And-and she would have liked you too."

"The feeling would have been mutual."

When she came upon a photo of a teenage Bobby, Frank and Lewis leaning against his Ford Mustang the smile on her face faded. She pointed at the photo, specifically at the cigarette that was dangling from his mouth. "You were a smoker?!"

"Yes, it was a part of my misspent youth.."

She saw him scratch the back of his ear, "Bobby, you smoked well after high school, didn't you?"

He reluctantly nodded, "I uh, I quit in '94 and I've only smoked three times since then."

"When was the last time?"

"About six years ago, for a case I was putting on an act and trying to provoke the ringleader."

"All right, you better keep it that way or else!"

Amused, he asked her, "Or else you'll do what?"

She folded her arms, "I'll nag you to death and I won't make you my spring rolls ever again!"

He chuckled, "Well I wouldn't want."

Her right forefinger teasingly jabbed his chest, "No you wouldn't!"

The next photo they looked at was taken on the day Bobby had graduated from the police academy. He was standing in between his mother and brother with a wide smile on his young handsome face.

She was stunned by how young he looked, she hid her attraction; "Well this one is lovely…were you and your brother ever close?"

Nodding, he said, "When we were younger…these last couple of years have been hard for us with my mother's declining health and Frank he's-he's a junkie."

Thea closed the album and calmly asked, "Which drug?"

"Uh, crack cocaine. He's been on and off for years now. He started using again when Donny escaped from Tates. That night I went to his place and I…I said some horrible things to him." Bobbly fiddled with his hands as he stared down at them.

After a small exhale, she replied, "Bobby, we've all said things that we regret."

His eyes locked with hers, "Thea, I told him that I was done with him and-and…if I heard that he was on a bridge ready to jump, I'd go there just to hear the splash."

Her eyes briefly became big before she nodded, "OK, that was harsh but you were angry and - you had been tortured in prison for almost a day so you weren't yourself. And I can see that you clearly regret it, Bobby."

"He's my brother…I shouldn't have said it to him. What kind of person does that make me?"

She shifted closer to him, "A normal one. Dealing with an addict is frustrating, exhausting and heartbreaking. I have no right to judge or criticize you for saying that to him. I'd-I'd be an absolute hypocrite."

He was surprised but then asked, "Who is it?"

Her lips slightly curved up as she wore a wistful expression on her face, "I met him during my freshmen year in college. We were in the same creative writing class. He was wearing a Buffy the Vampire Slayer t-shirt. He was also into Batman, he was gay, progressive and his name was Bruce…Bruce Burnwood, of course we were gonna be friends!"

They both chuckled.

"His parents died when he was five; it was a car accident, a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel. So, his maternal grandparents raised him and they were his world. His grandma got cancer during the summer between freshmen and sophomore year. She died before Thanksgiving. It hit him real hard but he didn't start using until our senior year. That's when his grandfather died of a stroke and that…that's what broke him." She hugged herself and took a breath.

"What was he using?"

"Meth. I tried to be there for him but it wasn't enough. I used to think that if I chained myself to him then maybe he'd have a shot at being sober. And I was so..so naïve. The first time he asked me for money, he said that it was for rehab and like an idiot, I believed him. He used it to get high. A few days later, he came back to my apartment apologizing but he asked for money again. I told him to leave. He wouldn't… he was furious." Her stare went to her lap.

Bobby tilted his head and he locked eyes with her until her head was aligned with his. He could see her deep brown eyes become flooded, "Thea, what did he do to you?"

Her voice trembled when she remembered the pain and shock; her fingers grazed her cheek then neck, "He smacked me and uh…and then he tried choking me but we were in my kitchen so I grabbed a bowl then smashed it on his head. After he let me go he was disoriented so I kicked him out of my apartment."

His left hand balled into a fist at the sight of her recalling the traumatic incident and the horrific image of her being attacked. "Was that-was that the last time you saw him?"

She hesitated before shaking her head, "I was um, I was a rookie and it was my day off. He approached me outside of my apartment and apologized. He looked healthy and he said he had been sober for three months. It felt like the Bruce that I met on my first day of college was finally back. I even went to lunch with him, he covered the bill. As we walking in a park, he told me that he had a job interview coming up but he didn't have money for a suit. He promised to pay me back and I suggested that we go shopping together, like old times. It was one of our favorite things to do together. He became angry and told me that I should just trust him. I asked why we couldn't go shopping for the suit together and he was evasive instead of giving me a straight answer. When he started yelling at me, he caught the attention of two nearby patrol officers who worked at my precinct. That's when he calmed down and I convinced them that we were fine. I told him to never contact me ever again because now, he was dead to me. He tried three more times, he was arrested for possession and prostitution but I told the arresting officers that I didn't know him.

I changed my number but last month he was arrested for prostitution again but…I-I denied knowing him when I got the call from the uni who arrested him." She surrendered to her tears, "I know that if I get that call telling me that-that he's dead, I'm gonna be devastated, I still care about him…but I can't be around him because all I think about is him attacking me. I feel like a fraud because after he lost his grandparents I told him that I'd always be there for him but I haven't…I failed him, Bobby…"

Without thinking, he grasped her face and wiped away the warm tears from her soft face with his thumbs, "Thea, you didn't fail him because he has to earn your trust again and he hasn't. You are… you are the most loving and kindest person I've ever met. You are not a fraud because you choose to not be around someone who makes you feel unsafe, someone you don't trust. Don't feel guilty about that because you're doing the right thing by protecting yourself, OK?"

A long gasp escaped her mouth at the feel of his large warm comforting hands on her face. She looked into dark his eyes seeing sincerity and support, it matched his voice. Thea slowly nodded at him.

He remembered when he had touched her scars and her startled reaction. Bobby thought he was once again crossing a line. As he was about to pull his hands away she closed her eyes and pressed her face into his touch. Her hands were then on top of his. It had been years since he had touched a woman in such an intimate way; with her it felt right and natural.

Her eyes snapped open; she pulled away from him, "I'm-I'm sorry Bobby! I didn't mean to make you feel weird or…I'm sorry!"

A reassuring grin was on his face, "Don't be Thea. I'm fine. We're…we're friends. We can console each other."

The moment was interrupted by Bobby's mobile phone receiving a text. He looked down and smiled. "It's-it's your Christmas present, it's gonna be delivered to your place in an hour. We should get going; you'll need help setting it up."

"All right," she nodded as she followed his lead.

When they arrived at Thea's apartment, they were greeted by an excited Milo. Bobby picked up the scruffy canine after he removed his shoes and petted his head as he followed Thea.

"Would you like something to drink or eat?" She asked him as he and Milo settled on a sofa in the living room.

He shook his head, "Thanks for offering but I'm fine."

"OK, I'll just take this out." She removed Bobby's Christmas present from her messenger bag.

A few seconds later her Christmas present arrived, Bobby told Thea to stay in the living room. He and the delivery man carried the large package into the room. After he generously tipped the delivery man he returned to the living room where Thea was staring at the wrapped gift with large eyes and her hands cupped her mouth. He could tell that she had figured out what he had gotten her.

She removed her hands and said, "Bobby, if you spent a lot of money on this I can't in good conscience accept this from you."

He grinned at her thoughtfulness, "Don't worry, Thea. Like you, I can't afford Millie Kara's asking price. All I had to do was let her and her girlfriend drive around in my car and take a few pictures with it."

Her jaw went slack, "Bobby, you love that car and that does explain why it looks all shiny and new…you didn't have to do this for me."

He walked over to her, "I wanted to, Christmas is about giving. Now," he gestured to the present with his left hand, "please, open it!"

She carefully unwrapped the present and a happy hum left her lips as she marveled at the Batman and Catwoman painting. It was exactly what she had imagined. Her hands clutched her heart.

Seeing Thea's ecstatic reaction, it felt like Christmas morning for him.

"It's perfect, thanks so much Bobby!" She immediately wrapped her arms around him.

He slightly bent down gladly accepted her embrace. She was light, soft and warm. The pleasant smell of white chocolate and strawberry from her shampoo tickled his nose.

She slowly withdrew from him wearing a sweet smile then it faded, "Oh God, my present for you is terrible compared to what you got me!"

Thea tried to snatch the gift from the coffee table but he grabbed it first.

"Bobby! I'll get you something better just please give it back to me!" She tried to grasp at the present until he held it high above his head. Her arms folded against her chest as she pouted; "Well now you're just being a dick."

Laughing, he told her, "I'll love whatever you got me because I know that you put real thought and care into picking it out for me and that it comes from your heart. So, may I open it now?"

With a deep and annoyed sigh, she pointed at him, "Fine, but I kept the receipt just in case you change your mind."

"I won't but thanks for giving me that option." He tore away the gold ribbon and shiny red wrapping paper. Once he opened the box he found two items, one was another wrapped present. Bobby read the box's label, "Mystery of the Month?"

"It's a monthly murder mystery subscription box service where there's a new murder or crime that you have to solve before they give you next month's mystery. I got you a 6-month subscription but you've told me how exhausting work can be for you so if you want me cancel your subscription, I will." She looked down at her feet then back at him.

With kind eyes he said to her, "Thea, I deal with real murderers and monsters but this…this is fictional, there's no stakes, no injustices, no victims. It sounds really fun."

"You're not just saying that to spare my feelings?"

Shaking his head, "I love puzzles and I love this present. Thank you."

She nodded, "You're welcome and this next present, it's a loaner."

He removed the wrapping paper and read the novel's title, "Remnants of a Shattered Soul by Myla Adlon."

"Have you read it?"

"I have not..this is used-it's your favorite novel and your copy of it?"

"It is. I've read it...I've actually lost count."

He gave her a warm smile. "This is-this is really wonderful. Thank you."

"You're very welcome, Bobby."

"Myla Adlon, she's your generation's JD Salinger, right?"

"Pretty much. It's amazing that in the digital age she's been able to keep herself a mystery."

"For now at least. I promise that I'll…I'll get this back to you when I'm done reading it."

"I know you will Bobby because if you don't, you're a dead man." She playfully told him while bumping her shoulder against his towering frame.

He scoffed, "Oh I know; come on, I'll help you hang this up." He gestured to the painting.

After they finished hanging the masterpiece, her phone's alarm went off. "I have to start getting ready. I'm having an early dinner with my mom and Cragen at Preeti's Place."

"Yeah, I'm seeing a movie with Lewis tonight, after we have dinner. I hope you have a good time."

"Likewise. And since I won't see you on the day of…Merry Christmas, Bobby." Her smile was soft and wide.

He gripped her shoulder then gently pulled her into a hug, "Merry Christmas, Thea."

She closed her eyes and breathed in his sandalwood cologne; his embrace was strong, deep and tender.

Olivia had just finished putting on her red velvet lipstick when she received a text from Elliot. He was at her building's front door and asked her to buzz him in. Once she opened the door for him, his blue eyes grew enormous. She was wearing a form-fitting emerald colored satin dress with no sleeves and a scoop neck. Its hemline stopped just above her knees displaying her tanned and toned legs.

"Wow, am I interrupting something, Liv?" He asked her.

"No, I'm about to go to Kelly's holiday party. What brings you here?"

"I-uh, I came by to drop off your Christmas present."

She blinked then grinned, "El, you didn't have to do that, Christmas is in three days."

He shrugged, "I wanted to get an early start, here." He handed her a blue and silver gift bag.

She happily accepted the present, "Thanks and your gift along with Kathy's and the kids' are being delivered tomorrow. Come in, I'll put this under the tree."

"Thanks, we're gonna love your presents."

"You're welcome and here's hoping; would you like something to drink?"

"Thanks, I'm fine but can I use your bathroom real quick?"

"Go right ahead," she carefully placed his present underneath the tree.

After she put on her midnight blue trench coat and grabbed her black clutch purse off the kitchen counter, she heard the bathroom's sink turn on and off.

Elliot came out of the bathroom, "Thanks, I gotta get going too. Dickie and I are catching a special screening of Die Hard. He's meeting me at the theater in half an hour."

"Is this gonna be a new father and son Stabler tradition?"

"Here's hoping," he grinned at her, "it beats waking up at the crack of dawn to catch smelly fish and being eaten by mosquitoes."

She chuckled then looked down at her pinging mobile phone, "It's Kelly; she needs me to pick-up a bottle of wine."

"Ladies first." he gestured for her to lead the way.

"Thanks, I hope traffic isn't too bad." She walked down the narrow corridor towards the front door.

"Me too and Liv?"

"Yeah El?"

"You look absolutely gorgeous."

She paused then a radiant smile touched her lips. "Thanks."

Elliot grasped the door knob then let go; he cupped her beautiful face and lovingly captured her lips with his. At first he felt her stiffen until she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. He breathed in the floral aroma of her perfume and relished the taste of her lipstick and soft mouth. Her kiss invigorated every single fiber of his being.

She felt her skin tingle as he pulled her lithe body against his warm muscular build. The masculine and familiar scent of musk filled her nose while the feeling of his burly arms around her perfect figure made her feel safe, wanted and loved.

Note: Since this is the last chapter, I kindly ask that you please review! It's still technically the holiday season. I know people are reading this story and I thank you Mystic for placing this under your favorites. It means so much to me. I'd also love to know everyone's thoughts and this is a series, so there are going to be more stories in the future.