Ch. 7: Danny's Not So Good Week
The following evening, and Danny and the boys were spending an evening at home. Jack and Sean had school assignments they were working on and after the stressful workday Danny had, the only thing he wanted to do was spend a quiet night in.
Jack was just on his way back upstairs after getting a glass of water when he heard the doorbell. Just as soon as he opened the door, however, he regretted it.
"Oh, it's you," Jack felt like slamming the door in Maria's face, but he knew that would only get him in trouble and decided on an alternate form of behavior and stepped aside.
"Hi Jack," Maria could tell he wasn't happy to see her at his house.
Jack didn't say anything, but he did manage to step aside to let her in.
"How was school?" Maria asked trying to make conversation. Knowing she needed to get to know her child's brother.
"Fine," was all Jack was willing to say. Despite the fact, he didn't want to say a word.
Maria nodded, still standing just inside the door where she stepped inside moments ago.
Jack stood silent a few feet away and looked everywhere but at her.
"Are you looking forward to having a brother or sister?" Maria had a feeling it wasn't a good question to ask but she couldn't stand the silence.
"If you knew how hectic it got around here, you wouldn't ask that question," Jack shook his head.
"Okay," Maria mouthed.
"Where's your dad?" She was willing to do anything to get away from the awkward silence. And she knew the only way that was going to happen was if Danny was there.
"Shower, his new PARTNER," Jack emphasized the word PARTNER. "Chased a perp into the harbor and he had to go in after them."
"It's freezing out," Maria looked shocked.
"I don't think he was cold," Jack shook his head. "He was steaming when he got home."
"Poor Ryder," Maria sounded apologetic.
"He'll get over it," Jack didn't sound concerned. "He's been mad before."
Maria wanted to say, just last Sunday after family dinner, but she refrained. Knowing the boy didn't like her as it was and reminding him of how much trouble he got into on her account wasn't wise. She was just about to ask how long he went around in wet clothes before he made it home when she heard Danny on the stairs.
"Maria," Danny was surprised when he came down the stairs and found her there, then again that didn't mean he wasn't pleased.
"Jack," he turned to his son. "Did you offer her something to drink?
"No," Jack said curtly.
"What's wrong with you boy? Your mother taught you better manners than that."
"You want something?" Jack grumbled.
"I'm fine thank you."
"Go do your homework," Danny wasn't thrilled with the boys' tone of voice and looking for a way to get him out of the room.
"When are we going to eat?"
"Later."
"But I'm hungry."
"I just got home after a very trying day. Don't push it."
Jack could tell his father wasn't in the mood for a debate and he gladly went up to his room. Thinking that as long as he was upstairs he wouldn't have to be with his fathers' so-called girlfriend.
"So I couldn't hear you very well when you called me earlier. I was at a crime scene at a construction site. Why didn't you come in today?"
"I went back to the doctor."
"Why?" Danny said concerned.
"I still wasn't feeling well. I know I'm supposed to be tired, but I'm exhausted."
"Why didn't you tell me? I would have gone with you." Danny's voice couldn't help but show aggravation.
"Danny, you can't go to every appointment. You have cases."
"I would have made time. What did the doctor say?"
"They want to do blood work at the next appointment."
"Good," Danny nodded in agreement. "Linda was never this sick with the boys. Hopefully, it will show if there are any major issues with you or the baby that we need to know about in advance."
Maria didn't say anything, but Danny could tell she was concerned.
"Everything's going to be fine," he assured her. "Your healthy and there's no reason you shouldn't be able to deliver a healthy baby. We'll take every precaution and there's no way I'm going to let anything happen to our child."
Maria sighed, but she did manage a small smile.
"I promise," he looked at her seriously.
"So how's it going with the babysitting?" Maria teased, changing the subject back to work.
"Terrible, she always wants to drive."
"Why not let her?"
"Funny," Danny said sarcastically. "I never let you drive."
"I know," Maria sounded annoyed. "Hopefully my new partner won't be as stubborn as you."
"You might end up with babysitting detail like me."
"How long do you think it will last?"
"Orders said until further notice," Danny sighed. "My old man has a wicked sense of humor. He knows I hate it."
"You think you got it bad. I still haven't gotten my final disciplinary order after the reprimand."
"That's because he's still trying to come up with something extra special," Danny teased.
"Thanks for the encouragement," Maria sneered. "I've never received disciplinary action from the commissioner himself. But you are probably right, the only reason I haven't gotten my orders yet is that he's still thinking of something malicious. I'm the one who threw up in his office."
"Think on the bright side," Danny grinned. "You're carrying his grandchild, so you got that going for you."
"Maybe that means I'll just get saddled with reviewing reports and conducting phone interviews."
"That's usually what light duty usually entails," Danny nodded. "But that's going to happen anyway since your pregnant, so it's not much of a punishment."
"Thanks for cheering me up. And I don't have to take light duty until later on in the pregnancy when the baby's bigger and I can't work the field."
"You're taking it now," Danny ordered.
"No, I'm not!" Maria crossed her arms in front of her chest, showing a level of defiance. "And don't tell me what to do!"
"Maria, you've already been so sick, you've ended up in the hospital! And I don't want anything to happen to you or my baby! That's one of the precautions I mentioned."
"Nothing's going to happen, Danny!"
"Maria," Danny tried to get her to see his point of view.
"I haven't even gotten my orders," Maria reminded him. "Let's just see what's going to happen, and we'll agree to abide by it."
"Don't think we'll have much of a choice," Danny knew that no one could change his fathers' mind once it was made up.
"Agreed," Maria nodded. "But if I get transferred to motor pool I'm going to kill you."
"Tell me something new," Danny muttered. "But if you killed me. I wouldn't be able to do this." Danny leaned into her so his lips could meet hers.
"I got to go," Maria wasn't sure how, but she somehow managed to pull herself away from him after only a short kiss.
"You don't have to," Danny wrapped his arms around her before pressing himself firmly against her.
Meanwhile upstairs, Sean was trying to hide his eyes and Jack was trying to keep from having a heart attack.
"Time to break this up," the two managed to get it together before practically tripping over one another to get downstairs.
"Dad! We're starving!" They announced simultaneously as they reached the bottom floor.
Danny didn't say anything, but he did turn his attention to the boys standing in front of him, giving them a look that promised a long and lengthy lecture.
"Stay for dinner?" He asked, turning back to Maria.
"You really think that's a good idea?" Maria didn't miss the look the boys gave her before Danny turned to them. "You know they were waiting for the right time to come down."
"I know," Danny hadn't spent the last several years as a detective to not know when he was being spied on. Even if it was by his own children.
"And I'll talk to them about it," he kept his voice low, for only she to hear. "In the meantime," he cleared his throat, returning his voice to normal pitch. "I'm going to get started on dinner."
"I'll do it," she was quick to volunteer. Not even bothering to wait for a reply before she headed for the kitchen.
Jack mumbled something under his breath causing Danny to pull him aside.
"Are you really going to have an attitude after Sunday?" He crossed his arms in front of his chest, giving off a warning look and tone.
"No," Jack muttered.
"You liked Maria before, and you are the very one that wanted her to cook when she was here after picking you up from school," Danny reminded him.
"That's different," he grumbled.
"The only thing that's different is she's going to have your brother or sister. Which should make you like her more, but you aren't. Don't you want to be a big brother again?"
"I don't know," Jack kicked his foot against the floor.
"I felt the same when your grandma and grandpa told me about Jamie."
"Really?" Jack took a seat on the bottom step.
"It was a big change, so I understand how you feel about the coming baby." Danny followed suit, taking a seat next to him.
"Don't seem like it?" Jack mumbled under his breath.
"That's because your behavior has caused me to be your father and lay down more discipline than I care to."
"Sorry."
"I understand you're not happy about everything, but you're a Reagan, and I can't tolerate
disrespect."
"I know," he nodded.
"But I promise," he pointed at him. "If you keep that down, things will get a lot better and I'll always be here if you want to talk."
"Yeah," he gave off a smile small.
"You know I love you right?" He placed an arm around his shoulder.
"Yeah," Jack returned the gesture. "And I love you too."
"But you're still in trouble."
Jack groaned but knew what he did was wrong. "It wasn't just me you know."
"I know," Danny understood. "And even though it's none of your business. He isn't out of the woods either. Now go set the table and see if you can help Maria."
Again Jack groaned and Danny raised a brow. "Remember what I said, son."
Jack nodded and Danny called to Maria that he was going upstairs to talk to Sean and to call him if she needed him. Jack started to follow his father up the stairs to go on to his own room when Danny stopped.
"Stay down here and help Detective Baez."
"What? No!"
"Jack," Danny started to say but was interrupted.
"Dad," Jack complained. "Can't she stay by herself?"
"This isn't her house and if she needs help I want one of us down here."
"Can't you talk to Sean later? He isn't going anywhere?"
"Jack," Danny repeated. "Go," he pointed down the stairs, his tone not giving any room for discussion.
Jack sighed but eventually returned down the stairs and begrudgingly made his way into the kitchen.
The boys sat sullenly during dinner. Neither of them very happy about their dinner guest and chose not to speak unless spoken too which was something Danny wasn't used to when it came to his sons.
The two woofed their dinner down in a matter of minutes and had just started to back away from their table when Danny stopped them short.
"You both have kitchen clean-up for eavesdropping."
Both boys moaned, but had already been told to expect punishment and knew that no amount of complaint would change his mind.
They had just started to clear the table when Sean set the dishes down to ask a question.
"How'd you know we were eavesdropping anyways?"
"We're detectives," Danny looked at them dumbfounded. "Not to mention your timing was way too coincidental."
"I told you we should have waited to come down," Sean shoved his brother.
"It's too late for that," Danny reminded them. "Now get to cleaning. You have school tomorrow and need to get to bed."
The kitchen cleanup didn't take long, there not being a very big mess, to begin with so it wasn't long before Jack and Sean were upstairs showering and getting ready for bed.
The two detectives sat together for a while after dinner, enjoying their time together to just talk without being on the job or surrounded by others.
Maria stretched and glanced at her watch.
"I better get going," she stood before heading for the door, Danny following her.
"Call me if you start feeling bad again," Danny said as he walked her outside.
"You know you can't do anything," Maria shook her head.
"I could come over and make things easier on you."
"How?" Maria didn't believe him.
"By taking care of you and my baby."
"We'll be fine," she assured him.
"Okay," he looked at her seriously. "But know that I will always be here to take care of my children. And that includes that one in there," he pointed at her belly. "Can't get rid of me that easy."
Maria couldn't help but be overtaken by his genuine nature and started to kiss him before they were once again interrupted. This time by Danny's youngest.
"Dad!" Sean rushed out the door in his pajamas. "I need," he started to say but was cut off.
"Boy!" Danny took a step forward. "You better get inside and leave me alone or I'm going to kill you."
"Augh," Danny moaned, resting his head against her own. "I'm going to kill them one of these days."
"Don't be too hard on them Danny."
"They were never this bad when Linda was here," Danny was still trying to figure out what had gotten into them.
"It's not their fault they don't like me," Maria shook her head.
"You haven't done anything to make them not like you," Danny said bluntly. "And even if you did, they know better than to act the way they have been. Linda raised them better than that."
"You raised them to Danny," Maria placed a reassuring hand on his forearm. Knowing that his sons' behavior was beginning to get to him.
"Yeah, but she was around more," he said running a hand through his hair.
"You can't blame them, Danny."
"The hell I can't."
"They are adjusting," Maria again tried to pick up for them. "They were just learning how to live with just you in their lives when we turn around and shove a baby in their faces."
"That baby is going to be their brother or sister."
"And I think that's why they've toned it down a bit."
"Toned it down?" Danny was surprised at her statement.
"We did have dinner together without them making me sick," Maria reminded him.
"I guess that's one thing," Danny ran a hand through his hair.
"They are trying to be protective of you," Maria said interpreting.
"What?" Danny wasn't reading that in their behavior at all.'
"Your their only parent left, and they don't want you hurt like you were when their mother passed. They need you and don't want anything to come between you and them. The three of you have formed a relationship over the last several months and they don't want anyone or anything to change that."
"Maybe your right," Danny leaned against her car. "Even if you did sound like my father when you said it," he smiled.
Maria smiled back at him before placing a quick kiss on his lips before stepping away and going around the car for the drivers' side door.
"See you in the morning," she said getting into the car and rolling the passenger window down.
"Not if I see you first," he said just before she pulled away from the curb.
XXXXXXXX
The following morning and Danny was quick to get inside the precinct. A storm came up early that morning, making the already brisk weather difficult to be out in.
Getting to his desk, he was surprised not to see Maria at her own desk, warming up with a cup of coffee.
After glancing around the precinct and not seeing the kid around, that he was supposed to be babysitting, at least that's what he referred to his new assignment as Danny slipped back out into the thunderstorm to make a quick call. He didn't really want to go back out in it, considering he had already gotten wet just running from the car, but he didn't think there would be anyplace else he would get any privacy.
After letting it ring for several minutes but not getting an answer, Danny left both a voicemail and a quick text before trying to decide what to do next. It was nearing 10:00 am so he knew there was no chance she was still sleeping, leaving him with only two options. Either she had received her disciplinary order and had been too busy dealing with that to get a chance to call him, or worst-case scenario and she passed out.
Deciding not to overthink the worst, at least not at first, Danny decided to place a call into someone who would know for sure if she was away for work reason.
"Dad," Danny said just as soon as his father picked up the phone. "Did Maria receive her disciplinary orders and get transferred?"
"What?" Frank was surprised by the question. "Danny, you know better than to ask something like that?"
"Dad, I've been trying to get ahold of her all morning and she won't answer the phone," Danny was obviously freaking out, and Frank could tell.
"It's still on my desk," Frank sighed giving in. "But that's all I'm telling you."
"What is it?" Danny, of course, being his usual self, couldn't help but ask anyway.
"You know I can't say," Frank held firm.
"Come on Dad, you know she's going to tell me."
"That's not the point Detective, this is official NYPD business and you know it. Now get back to work." He was about to hang up when he added. "Let me know how she is."
"Right," Danny hung up just as Ryder approached the steps of the 54.
"You ready to go Reagan?"
"Yeah," Danny responded, even if his mind was elsewhere.
"You okay?" She asked, getting the feeling something was wrong based simply on the fact he didn't say anything when she called him Reagan instead of detective-like he told her to do ever since the first time they met. Determined that he was going to show that she was a rookie and he was a third-grade detective with an endless amount of years of service under his belt.
"Yeah," Danny repeated.
"I'm driving?" She started to reach for the keys on his desk but he was too quick.
"Over my dead body."
"Why?" Ryder complained. Sounding more like one of Danny's kids than a grown police officer.
"You caused me to take an unwarranted bath in the harbor yesterday and you have the nerve to ask me why?" Danny looked at her dumbfounded.
"Are you going to hold that against me forever?"
"Yes!" Danny's expression had yet to change. "And if you throw up on me again or do something as stupid as chasing a perp into the water and unable to go after them, I swear I'll kill you."
"Oh come on Reagan, I'm not the first officer who's thrown up at a crime scene."
"You're the first one who's thrown up on me aside from family," Danny said clarifying. "And if you call me Reagan one more time I'll make you kiss the dead body."
"Luckily for me, you can't," Ryder gave him a smile of satisfaction. "That would be contaminating evidence."
"Try me," Danny didn't budge, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I've been doing this a long time. Seen crime scenes that will make you have nightmares. Dealt with not only sarcastic police officers who think they know it all, but I deal with it on the daily with my boys. I have two kids I'm raising on my own that take sarcastic to a whole other level. And if I can handle them, you can be damn sure I can handle you."
"Poor kids," she muttered under her breath.
The storm continued to rage the rest of the day and didn't show any signs of subsiding putting the already concerned detective in a treacherous mood. He was worried about Maria and as much as he tried to concentrate on the case he was working he had to admit he was finding it rather difficult. The rain had him nearly soaked to the skin after having to get out of the car multiple times that day to knock on doors.
Officer Ryder didn't say much that day and it was mid-afternoon by the time she gained the courage to question him regarding his comment earlier that morning.
"You said earlier that you were raising two kids on your own." She wanted to say more but she stopped herself.
"Yeah," Danny's voice was low.
"Why?" She asked carefully.
"She died," was all he was willing to say on the subject.
"Sorry," she gave him an apologetic look.
Danny didn't say anything but after glancing at the clock on the dash he turned the car around so they could make their way back to the precinct.
"Your boys are lucky to have you," she looked over at him.
Again Danny didn't say anything, but he did shrug as if he partially agreed.
"They are." Her voice and expression turned serious.
"What makes you say that?" Danny was startled by her change in demeanor.
"I was in their shoes not long ago." She remembered the night as if it was yesterday.
"What happened?"
"Long story," she sighed. Not wanting to say anything further.
"Can't be as long as mine."
"We'll see," she exhaled after a deep breath.
"My mom died when I was 13," she started at the beginning. "Six months later my dad decided he didn't want to be a parent anymore and left."
"What happened to you?"
"Orphanage," Ryder nodded. "After that, I did odd jobs till I was old enough to take the cop test and go to the academy."
"My boys have no idea what it would be like to go to an orphanage. If something happened to me there are at least four other Reagan's to look after them."
"That's why I said they were lucky."
XXXXXXXX
That evening and Danny had yet to hear from Marie. He was beyond worried and even though the storm seemed to be worsening instead of going home he found himself heading straight to Maria's. "Danny," Maria was surprised to see him dripping wet and standing in her doorway. "What are you doing out in this weather?"
"I wanted to check on you. I've called you three times, left voicemails and texts! Why haven't you called me back?!"
"Danny, the weather's terrible!" Maria stepped aside to let him in. "You don't need to be out in this!"
"Maria," Danny started to say but was ignored as she walked away.
"I'm getting you a towel!"
"Are you okay?" He followed her.
"I'm fine," she wasn't even trying to hide her aggravation with him.
"How are you feeling?"
"Where are the boys?" She ignored his question.
"They're at home."
"Shouldn't you be with them? Especially in this storm."
"They're fine."
"They're probably worried about you."
"They're fine," Danny repeated.
"Danny, you're their only parent. And you've been to countless car accidents from people out in bad weather."
"Maria, what am I going to do? Stop driving in a little thunderstorm?
"This is more than a thunderstorm Daniel Reagan!"
"Wow, slow down," Danny stopped her. "This is about more than me being out in the weather?"
"No, it just," she hesitated.
"Maria, talk to me," he placed a hand on each of her forearms, to keep her close.
"I don't want anything to happen to you," she weakened.
"Nothing's going to happen to me," he eyed her seriously.
"You promise?" She gave him a small smile.
"I promise," he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Now let's get back to the wedding," he said changing the subject to something he knew would get a rise out of her and hopefully make her feel better.
"What wedding?"
"Ours."
"Who says we're getting married?"
"Maria, we have a baby on the way. Don't you think a family life with a full-time mother and father would be best?"
"No," Maria started to say. "I mean," she stopped herself, completely unsure of how to respond. "I just don't know if I'm ready to get married."
Danny didn't respond, but he did nod in understanding.
"Are you?"
"I don't know," Danny shrugged. "Don't think we have a choice."
"But we do love each other?" She asked clarifying.
"I think that's safe enough to say."
"I just want to make sure we love each other enough to make it last. I don't want to get married and we start a life together with the kids and then put them and us through a divorce." She didn't tell Danny this. But there was more to her not wanting to marry him than what she had let on. There was the constant worry that people would think she was trying to trap the commissioners' son so soon after his wife died. At the same time, however, she had never been a parent before and she knew she didn't want to raise her baby alone and needed him. She wanted a family like the Reagan's. Perhaps they could be the close-knit family she never had.
"I respect your feelings. But I don't want to be a part-time parent," Danny said in all honesty.
"Neither do I," she was beginning to understand how he felt.
"Then we would have to make it work."
"I still don't know if I'm ready to get married," Maria knew she had to be honest with him.
"We would have to be. It's not about just us anymore."
Both detectives sighed and ran a hand over their faces simultaneously, knowing they were both willing to put it on hold. At least for the time being that is.
"Would you at least move in with me?" Danny suggested, asking carefully.
"I don't know Danny," Maria sounded reluctant. "We don't know how to live with each other."
"Does anyone?" Danny had a point. "But they still do it."
Maria didn't say anything at first, but she had to admit he was right.
"Are you sure about this?"
"No," Danny said truthfully. "But you've been sick and I think it would be the best thing for you and the baby."
"I still don't think it's a good idea," Maria shook her head. "We'd kill each other."
"No, we wouldn't. We've spent a lot of time together."
"That's different. And what about the boys? You know they don't like me."
"They'd adjust," he said firmly. "And this would give us a chance to get to know how things would go if we did get married."
"No," Maria gave what she thought was her final answer. At least until she started to walk away.
"Danny," her voice caught in her throat as she stopped abruptly.
"What is it?" He was by her side in a matter of seconds.
"I," Maria started to say again but felt of wave of dizziness.
"What's the matter?" Danny could tell there was something else bothering her, aside from him, the weather and so-called proposal.
"I'm dizzy," she said with closed eyes and a clenched jaw.
"Let's go lie down," he led her slowly down the hall and into her bedroom.
After making her as comfortable as he could, Danny laid down next to her.
"You know if you moved in with me I would be there to take care of you all the time."
Maria remained silent as she pondered his statement, this time taking his suggestion to heart. Knowing that she was pregnant and her sickness wasn't suddenly going to stop. And she knew he was right about needing to take her sickness seriously. At least for the sake of her child.
"Okay," she didn't lift her head off her pillow. But she did turn it enough to make eye contact with him. Wanting to show that she was serious despite the sickness she was still feeling.
"But you need to give me some time to pack after this passes," she said trying to remain still.
"I need some time to tell my boys anyways," he nodded.
"Augh," Maria moaned when he said boys, wondering if she should again reconsider. After all, she was still hesitant. Remembering that she knew very little about his relationship with his sons. "Your boys hate me."
"You let me handle the boys. They won't like it at first. But I can promise you, they will adjust."
Maria was still feeling some concerns, but she knew she didn't want her child to grow up as she did. And with her and Danny doing their best to create a family, she had a feeling that perhaps they just might make it work.
"It isn't going to be easy," Danny said truthfully.
"Since when do we do anything easy?" Maria thought of the past.
"I know that's right," Danny smirked.
"I'm just worried that we are moving too fast. We haven't been able to form a relationship as a couple."
"You mean other than a sexual one?"
"And we have a baby on the way," Maria added another uncertainty. "Along with two teenagers."
"Linda and I did wait a couple of years before Jack." Danny had to admit she was right.
"And none of us know how to live together."
"And you don't know how to live with two teenagers," Danny reminded her.
"Would you stop making it worse?" She groaned.
"Your right, I'm sorry," he scooted closer to her, where he placed a kiss on her cheek before running a hand up and down her leg.
"No Danny," Maria stopped him.
"Hey it can't be all work and no play," he grinned.
"Your such a guy," she shoved him playfully, almost wishing she could give in. "But not when I'm dizzy."
"How else are we going to get this thing to work. Unless we have a real relationship."
"And we will, I can assure you," She promised. "But later, after we adjust."
"You do know what happened last time we laid down together," Danny grinned at her.
"Not happening," she replied in an instant.
"Are you feeling well enough for me to head home and talk to the boys?"
"Yeah," Maria nodded. "I want to try and get up anyways."
"Do you think you are ready?"
"Only one way to find out," she slowly sat up before swinging her legs over the side of the mattress to work on standing. It took a few minutes, but eventually, Danny had Maria up and packing a few necessities. He recommended they wait until the next day for her to move in, but she insisted that if she didn't go that night, she would lose her nerve and set her mind against it.
"And just so you know," he said clarifying. "I had already been out before coming over here." He said reaching for the suitcases she kept under the bed. Worried that if she got down there, she wouldn't be able to get back up.
"What were you doing?" She still didn't like the idea that he was out in the kind of weather they were having.
"I was at the boss's house."
"You mean your dads?" She said sarcastic, obviously still aggravated with him.
"I guess it can be called that too."
"But still, couldn't you have just called him?"
"It wasn't a family matter," he relented.
"About what?" Maria asked curiously.
"I wasn't clear on my new assignment."
"Was I right?" She teased.
Danny sighed, but eventually gave in with an answer. Hating to admit that she had been right all along.
"Apparently when he met with Ryder she reminded him of myself."
"How so? You were never almost fired as a rookie."
"I didn't say in every way."
"It's the attitude, the rules, and a few other things. To make a long story short though. I'm one of the best detectives he has at closing cases and he thinks that in a few years with the right help. Granted she gets her head screwed on straight, she could be added to that list."
So I was right regarding your new assignment," Maria wasn't above rubbing in it.
"Guess you can say that too," Danny shrugged. "I'm still surprised he admitted I'm one of his best. Especially to my face. Must have had a hard day or temporary insanity."
"Danny," she slapped him.
"What?"
"Just go," Maria showed him the door. "I need to pack."
"I still don't like you leaving you alone like this," he hesitated.
"Just go," she repeated. "And be careful. I know how you drive."
"I'll be fine," Danny gave in to her request and continued with the original plan of him giving her some time alone while he went and made arrangements at home with his family. "But call me if," he didn't even get a chance to finish his sentence before Maria closed the door on him.
XXXXXXXX
Danny had a difficult evening ahead of him but he knew there was no way to avoid it. He and Maria made the decision now he did his part and tell his family about the changes that were occurring that night. He knew it was for Maria's own good and that's what was most important to him. Everyone else was just going to have to adjust. Then again, he guessed he was saying the same thing about himself.
He was about to tackle the first difficult job on the list and he wasn't by any means looking forward to it.
"Dad," Danny said just as soon as his father picked up the phone. "Are you at home?"
"Danny, you just left here an hour ago."
"Right," Danny remembered.
"Are you okay?" Frank knew it wasn't like him to be so absentminded.
"Yeah," was all Danny said. "Just got a lot on my mind."
"What's wrong Danny?" Frank had a feeling something changed rather rapidly in his sons' life within the hour to be exact and that's what was bringing about the loss of concentration.
"I need to tell you something, I don't think you are going to like it."
"What'd you do now?" Frank was almost afraid to ask. Especially considering the last time his son said something along those lines he found out he got his partner pregnant.
Danny took a breath but finally relented as to what was going on.
"I know it's kind of sudden, but I asked Maria to move in with me. Now before you start yelling," he was quick to add, already expecting it to come fast and furious.
"Maria passed out again and that's why I couldn't get ahold of her this morning."
"She okay?" Frank interrupted.
"Still having dizzy spells so the doctor wants to do blood work at her next appointment."
"That's good. I don't remember your mother having trouble like that."
"Linda either," Danny recalled. "Anyways, she's agreed to move in temporarily just to see how it goes and I think it's the best thing for both her and the baby."
"I think your right," Frank said the words that shocked Danny more than anything he had ever heard his father say in his entire life.
"What? Dad? Are you feeling okay?" Danny's worry was quick to increase.
"I've been hard on you Danny, I know that."
"Dad, it's fine," Danny was just ready to get this whole conversation over with, especially after how weird it seemed to be getting.
"I'm your father Danny, and I know when something's bothering you or when you're overwhelmed. And I have to say you've taken on quite a challenge with the job, raising the boys and being pulled back and forth from them to Maria's place to take care of her. And if this will help you focus your attention better on all of them then I'm proud of your decision."
"You mean you are supporting the idea? Because I'm really confused right now."
"We both know the stress isn't good for the baby. And as long as things continue to go as they are you aren't going to be able to fully concentrate on anything. And that's dangerous with each and everything you have going. With the boys running wild, Maria and the baby and especially your job."
"I'm on my home now to talk to the boys," Danny enlightened him. Looking for a bit more fatherly advice on how to handle that.
"You better get it together then," was the only advice Frank could offer. "Cause you're going to have a fight on your hands."
"I know," Danny said halfhearted. "I don't like to pull this on them so suddenly. But I don't know what else to do. I can't have Maria being sick all the time by herself."
"It's going to be stressful for Maria. Just try to make the transition as smooth as you can."
"I'm going to try."
XXXXXXXX
A short time later, Danny found both boys sitting on the sofa in the living their eyes glued to the screen Xbox controllers in their hands.
"Dad!" They dropped their controllers. Rushed him just as soon as he walked through the door.
Danny was surprised by their reaction, thinking that perhaps Maria was right. Maybe they were worried about him being out in the weather.
"You called over an hour ago," Sean's voice still showed worry.
"Maria didn't show up at work today so I stopped by to check on her."
"Oh," Jack grumbled, returning to the sofa.
"Have you eaten?"
"We were waiting for you?" Sean was still feeling a little clingy and had yet to leave Danny's side as he followed Jack.
"I thought you two were grounded," Danny turned their game off once he reached the living room a nod game console.
"Ugh yeah," Sean started trying to come up with an excuse to get them out of trouble. "We were worried about you and were trying to get our mind off it."
"Never mind," Danny didn't mind just this once. Especially considering he was expecting to get a rise out of both of them over the coming news.
"I'm glad you're both down here. We need to talk," Danny again gestured at the sofa for them to take a seat.
The last four words made Jack turn cautious. Remembering that the last time he said it and wanted them to take a seat, he told them about Maria being pregnant.
"Who'd you get pregnant this time?"
"Jack!" Danny said sharply. "Your mother would have washed your mouth out with soap for talking like that. And I'm about to pick up where she left off." He took him by the arm before jerking him up from the sofa.
"Dad no," Jack whined. "I didn't mean it."
"You said it didn't you?" Danny continued to pull him towards the kitchen.
"Yes but," Jack tried to get him to change his mind.
"Listen, Jack, your sarcastic, I understand that." Danny stopped about halfway. "You're a lot like me. But being disrespectful is entirely different."
"It's just slipped out dad, honest." Jack was doing his best to get him to reconsider.
Danny sighed but looked him firmly in the eye.
"I'll give you this one. But boy, I swear you are on my last nerve."
Jack nodded in understanding and Danny continued.
"Come here Sean I want you to listen to this too."
"I didn't say anything," Sean was quick to surrender and back away, experiencing the taste of that awful soap before and he wasn't in any hurry to get it again.
"No soap," Danny promised. "Come here."
"Now you two listen good," his voice was stern. "I don't want to go as far as I did Sunday to drive the point home. But I will if you don't straighten up. And you won't only get that promised spanking, but you'll be grounded for a month and I'll pull you out of hockey."
"But Dad," Jack complained. "I thought you liked us playing sports."
"I do," Danny admitted. "But I want well-behaved children more than I do sport playing children. And if removing hockey or soccer from your daily routine will do it then I will."
Jack and Sean nodded in understanding, getting the feeling he was waiting for an answer even if he didn't say it.
"Now I want to talk to you, let's go back and sit down."
"You're worrying me, Dad," Sean looked up at him, concern filling his eyes.
"Everything's fine son," Danny placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I just want to talk to you about Maria. She's been weak and dizzy for the past two days. And those are serious concerns for both her and your brother or sister. Which is why I suggested she move in with us." Danny stopped there, nervously awaiting their reaction.
"What?!" Jack was trying to keep the disrespect down to a minimum but that was easier said than done when you get the word he just got. "Dad, you can't be serious."
"It's the best thing for both of them. She's been close to passing out again and I can't leave her alone like that. That baby is my responsibility the same as you two. Do you understand?"
Sean nodded, but that didn't mean he was happy about it.
"Doesn't she have family that can take care of her?"
"Your grandpas already explained that to you. She doesn't have a family dynamic as we do. And I'm going to do everything I can to ensure she and the baby both come out of this healthy and happy."
"Now get your jackets, we're going to help Maria move some of her things."
"Can't we stay home," Sean complained. Not nearly as concerned about the weather now that their lives were about to change yet again with Maria moving in.
"No, I want you with me in case we lose power. And I'm going to need help loading the car. Maria isn't supposed to be doing any heavy lifting right now."
"How is she working the job?" Jack wondered.
"I'm not happy about it," Danny admitted.
"I still don't want to go," he said pulling on his jacket
"Life is full of things you don't want to do, but you don't have a choice. Now let's go."
The three ran to the car.
"Dad," Sean said just as soon they were in the car. "I'm hungry, can we pick up something to eat?"
XXXXXXXX
"You brought reinforcements," Maria smiled when saw the boys at the door.
"And food," Sean held up a half-eaten hamburger.
"They were starving as usual," Danny ushered them in so they could finish eating at the table.
"Brought you one," Jack dropped the sack onto the table.
"Thank you," she said as she and Danny took the vacant seats around the table.
There wasn't much of a conversation around the dinner table that evening. Jack and Sean weren't happy about being there in the first place and they were even more unhappy about her moving in with them. And Maria was even more on edge than they were if that was even possible. Going from living alone with the father of her child and his children was unchartered territory for her. Danny had to admit he was a bit apprehensive as well, knowing this was going to bring a whole new realm of changes to all of them. Part of him was certain he could handle it, yet on the other hand, he had his reservations. Especially when it came to his sons.
"Where do you want them to start?" Danny gestured at the boys when he noticed they were about done.
"Oh uh, I don't know," Maria wasn't sure what to say. "They can just watch tv while we pack." Maria didn't want to pressure them into helping out, knowing that would just make things worse between them.
"They're here to help," Danny overruled her. "And there grounded from electronics." He reminded the boys when they looked at him hopefully.
Their expressions dropped when he spoke and Jack grumbled under his breath while Sean revealed a pouting expression.
"What would you like them to do?" Danny ignored them.
"Well I," Maria looked around hesitantly. Trying to decide what all she needed to take with her.
"I have my bathroom stuff packed along with a few other things in my room that can be brought out," she suggested. "And I'd like to take my books along. They are in my nightstand and closet and still need to be packed."
Jack and Sean didn't say anything but they did begrudgingly make their way into the bedroom to do the job they were assigned.
Maria turned back to Danny and was about to say something when Danny interrupted.
"How are you feeling?" He asked now that they were alone.
"I'm scared to death," she admitted.
"You?" Danny sounded surprised. "You've faced serial killers with me, drug cartels, the mafia," Danny named a few.
"Danny, I don't know the first thing about taking care of a baby. Or how to live in a family."
"It'll be fine," Danny said reassuringly. "As for the baby, you have me and my family will help too."
"Will they?" Maria didn't know, showing complete uncertainty.
"Yes," Danny sounded certain. "I wouldn't have asked you to move in otherwise. Between me and the boys, everything will be fine."
"I doubt the boys will be much help," Maria said truthfully. "They don't like me."
"But they will. You just have to give them time. They're young and they'll adjust. They've always wanted a baby brother or sister and you are going to give them that."
"I'm pretty sure they wanted that from you and Linda, not you and me."
"As I said, they'll adjust. And when the time comes I doubt they'll care."
"You know them better than I do," she shrugged before moving on to the kitchen to pack a few of her favorite coffee mugs or travel thermoses.
"We can come back for your groceries later," Danny opened the pantry and refrigerator.
"I've been meaning to stock up," she mentioned. "Just haven't felt like it lately."
"What else do you want to take?" Danny knew he needed to get busy if he was going to get the boys home and to bed at a decent hour.
"There's not much," she said as she looked around the room.
"At least not till you move in permanently," he glanced at her.
"One day at a time Danny. We don't know how this is going to work."
"It's going to work fine," he tried assuring her. "We'll have our problems but nothing we can't work through."
"What did your dad say when you told him?" Maria was thinking of a potential problem. And she couldn't help but sound worried as she waited for his response.
"I'm still trying to figure that one out." Danny looked puzzled when he said it.
"What do you mean?" She looked at him her eyes wide with concern.
"He thought it was a good idea," Danny said taking her by surprise. "Nothing I ever do is a good idea."
"Well, your dad's straightforward and he always says what he means." Sure Maria didn't know him very well but she figured she knew him well enough to make that sort of an observation.
"I know, that's why I'm confused. I didn't think he would support this."
"But," Maria could tell he had more to say but hesitated.
"I think he's worried about me without really saying it."
"Do you worry about your boys?" She asked simply.
"Of course," he shrugged. "I'm their father and only parent."
"So is your father," Maria let it go at that.
"How come you always have to make sense?"
"One of us has to," she leaned into him for a kiss.
Their lips barely met before they were interrupted by scuffling on the bedroom floor. At first, they ignored it but it wasn't long before it grew louder.
"Boys!" Danny turned his head slightly away so he could yell. Knowing that the scuffling sounds on the floor meant they were fighting.
The clamor continued and Danny sighed.
"I swear, I'm going to kill them." His face was still just inches from hers.
"Danny," Maria placed a hand on his shoulder. "I live in an apartment. I have close neighbors."
"I didn't say I was going to shoot them." Danny reluctantly left her alone so he could go after his feuding children. When they were young, he didn't mind their scuffling. After all, he, Joe, and Jamie did it countless times. But now that they were older, he found himself having to pay a bit more attention. At least for now until Sean got a little older. He was only 12 and the last thing he wanted was an injury.
"Break it up!" Danny jerked them apart, despite the fact it appeared that Sean was holding his own.
"What is the matter with you?" He pulled them up on their feet.
"He started it," Sean was quick to pin the blame on his brother.
"I don't care who started it," Danny looked from one to the other.
"I thought you two had more sense than to get in a fight over here."
"We," Jack started to say but a raised hand silenced him.
"But after the past couple of days, I'm beginning to think neither one of you have much sense, to begin with."
"Danny!" Maria interrupted, calling from the other room.
Danny, who was still busy bawling the boys out barely heard her and didn't respond. Figuring she was just trying to pick up for them like she had been prone to do since her first interaction with them the past Sunday.
"Danny!" She finally called again. This time desperation showing in her voice.
"We're not done here," he glared at them before going after Maria where he found her leaning over the sofa her hand gripping it tight enough to turn her knuckles white.
"Danny," Maria gasped when she saw him.
Danny rushed her, wrapping an arm gently around her back to lead her to a seat before she fell to the floor.
"Boys!" Danny called, urgency showing in his voice.
Getting the feeling they were in enough trouble, they didn't find it wise to keep him waiting long.
"Jack, get some water." He said the second they approached.
"What's wrong?" Sean didn't mean for it to sound like he speaking to her, but she was the one that replied and he did want an answer.
"Lightheaded," her voice sounded almost wobbly. "Almost nauseous."
"I'm not doing that again." Jack practically bounded back remembering what he had to deal with the last time he was there and she got sick.
"Get the water Jack," Danny didn't want to have to tell him again.
"Can we call Aunt Erin to come get us?" This time it was Sean's turn to speak up, feeling a little out of place with his father busy with Maria and Jack on a level all his own that Sean wasn't sure he wanted to follow. At least not in its entirety.
"No, we're about to head home."
Maria sat still taking small sips of water while she waited for the feeling to pass. She had felt like this before and if she was careful it usually passed within a few minutes.
She looked around the room and noticed how standoffish the boys were. Whereas they weren't as bad as they had been at family dinner they weren't exactly showing concern.
"I think I'm okay," she said after several minutes. Feeling as if the three sets of eyes were boring holes into her as they watched her every move.
"Let's just take your clothes and things already packed now and we can come back later and do the rest," Danny suggested. Even if she did say she was fine and he was sure she was knowing these signs seemed to come and go periodically that didn't mean he wanted to push it. After all, she wasn't going to be settled in overnight.
"We're for that," Jack voted for both himself and Sean.
"Get her stuff and take it down to the car," Danny handed him his keys.
"We'll be right back!" The boys were in and out of the bedroom in a matter of seconds.
"That's the fastest they've moved since you got here," Maria laughed, pulling herself off the sofa with Danny's help.
"I know," he agreed. "Hopefully they'll be just as exuberant when we get home and it comes time to unload."
"I doubt it," Maria shook her head.
"You ready to go home?" Danny looked her in the eye, his tone gentle.
"Yeah," she nodded. Hesitation showed in her voice but she knew she couldn't keep living as she had been. And if that meant living with the Reagan's she would do what she had to."
XXXXXXXX
Maria stood just inside the door of the house when she arrived at her new home. She had been there several times in the past couple of weeks but that was when she was a visitor. And she was now going from a visitor to a resident.
"Where do you want your stuff?" Sean asked suitcase in hand.
"I uh," Maria wasn't entirely sure what to say. She had been worried about where she would be staying since she decided to move in concerned Danny was going to want her in the spare room. She knew she hadn't gone as far as saying she loved him and she worried that would affect his decision.
"Put them in my room," Danny answered for her once he finally managed to get her to inch away from the door. Worried that she was going to make a run for it.
Jack and Sean stared at him blankly but kept their comments to themselves. Not sure how to voice their apprehension.
"You ready to go up?" Danny took her by the hand.
"Can't stay down here forever." She allowed him to lead her up the stairs, relieved that he was taking her into his bedroom.
The two stood silently behind closed doors once they were alone in the bedroom.
"I want this to work," he looked at her intently.
"Me too."
"Are you tired?" He lifted her suitcase onto the bed so she could begin unpacking.
"I am," she started by removing her nightgown and other things she would need to get ready for bed.
"I'm going to go make sure the boys are getting ready for bed," Danny told her after showing her where the towels and other things were kept in the master bathroom.
Maria was surprised when she came out of the bathroom and found Danny putting sheets on the air mattress he had at the foot of the bed.
"What are you doing?"
"We decided we were going to take it slow," Danny reminded her. "And I didn't think you would be comfortable sharing a bed just yet."
"Oh Danny," Maria looked at him affectionately. "You are one of a kind."
"I just hope you remember this when I can't get up in the morning without being in pain," he teased her.
Thirty minutes later and the house was dark and silent. The only sound coming from the twin-size air mattress that was squeaking under the man's weight.
"Ugh Danny," Maria couldn't help but laugh as she watched him crawl onto the firm mattress that had its own moan and groans down.
"When was the last time you slept on an air mattress?"
"Years," Danny replied in one word as he tried to make himself comfortable. Finding it a lot more difficult than he originally thought it would be.
"Well if you change your mind I'll keep a side of the bed warm for you," she patted the place next to her.
"I promised I would give you time. And that's what I'm going to do."
"Are you ready for the lamp?" Maria leaned over to turn it off.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
An hour or so later and Maria was awoken by the sound of constant moaning and groaning followed by constant tossing and turning. It was so constant, that no matter how hard she tried she couldn't fall back to sleep and she spent the next better half of an hour trying to determine if he was sleeping.
"Danny," she spoke when there was a break in the constant complaints coming from the floor.
"Did you get up and let air out of this when I was asleep?" He sat up.
"You mean the five minutes you were asleep?" Maria said sarcastically.
"I slept longer than that."
"Okay, six minutes. And to answer your question no I didn't let air out of your mattress."
"It sure feels like it," he said tossing and turning once again.
"When was the last time you slept on one of those anyway?"
"Years," Danny tried fluffing his pillow, hoping it would do some good.
"You're a gentleman Danny and I respect that," Maria wanted to be sure and say. "But would you just get over here and sleep on the bed."
"Are you sure you're okay with that?" Danny wasn't by any means going to argue, after the pain, he was feeling in his back. And especially since she was the one suggesting it.
"I can't sleep with all your moaning and groaning."
"If you're sure?" Danny was already crawling off the mattress.
"Yes! Just let me sleep!"
The room was dark when Danny started to make his way around the side of the bed. Unfortunately, just as he was rounding the corner his bare toes met the solid frame of the footboard.
"Augh!" Danny dropped onto the bed in pain.
"What's wrong?" Maria placed an arm on his back.
"I stumped my toe." Danny moaned even louder the more he moved them.
Maria started to reach for the lamp but Danny stopped her.
"No," he reached out.
"Why not?"
"I don't want you to see my cry."
"Oh gosh Danny," Maria couldn't help but laugh out loud at his choice of words but also by his tone.
"It's been a rough week for you hasn't it?"
"You have no idea. And I have a feeling it's just beginning."
Hope you all enjoyed the update! Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews! JusticeStandsTRUE