It was a beautiful Sunday morning in Philadelphia after receiving a last minute weekend off Kim decided to have a quick get away. Philly being one of her favorites cities especially since she is an east coaster. All she wanted to do was watch some baseball and enjoy some of her favorite restaurants. After flying in late Friday night she enjoyed the sights before heading to the game Saturday night which oddly enough was against the Cubs. She was in a particularly good mood after the Phillies won last night and a good night rest. Now she was at her favorite cafe sitting at the breakfast bar waiting to indulge in the house speciality. After ordering her coffee she heard a voice from behind her an unknown voice but was interested to see who it was.

"Is this seat taken?" He asks. Kim turns to the voice and recognized him right away. Never in person but from tv and from the ballpark. Never in a million years did she think this would happen to her. "No it's not. You are welcome to it Mr Ruzek". He blushes knowing that she knew who he was and hoping this wasn't going to be fan girl moment. "Thank you but please call me Adam. And you are?" Hoping to get to know the women sitting beside him. Clearly she is beautiful but she doesn't appear to be effected by him at all. "Kim, nice to meet you Adam." Just then the waitress returns with coffee and to take her order. "I will have chocolate chip cookie dough stuffed French toast with a side of chicken sausage." The waitress leaves and Adam looks amused. "What?" She asks. "Where do you plan on putting all that?" He says while chuckling. "I have a big appetite. It's always the small ones that eat the most". She says back also laughing. "So Kim what should I order? I have never been here before?" He asks seeing how he isn't from here and she seems to be. "Well you are going to need protein and carbs for later today seeing as how you have a game at 1pm so I recommend the kitchen sink." She answers with a smirk. He takes a chance to find out just how much she knows about him, maybe it's just a magazine cover or maybe she is a fan. He needs to find out. "How do you know I have a game later today?" He questions. She starts to smile and laugh while responding " well you do play left field for the Chicago Cubs and you did have a pretty decent game lady night although you lost. I do have to admit seeing you play in person was fun. But I must also admit I'm not a Cubs fan". Now he's shocked, surprised but also very intrigued. He was about to respond when the waitress returned with his coffee and to take his order, agreeing with Kim that the kitchen sink was a good choice. He decided it was time to get back to the conversation deciding he would do anything to get her number and to see her again. "So your not a fan of the Cubs but you appear to know who I am and what I do for a living. Does that mean your a fan of baseball or a fan girl?" He asks knowing he could be setting him up for an awkward situation but still hopeful. Again she smiles enjoying the conversation, still unsure where it's going but none the less enjoying the easy banter. "Definitely not a stalker if that's what you're asking. But yes a fan of baseball and the Phillies. I enjoy coming to the park anytime I'm in town" she answers and she sees this lopsided grin appear on his face. Like he's happy with her answer but know has an opening to turn the tables to find out more about her.

The easy conversation continues as he finds out that she is from his home town of Chicago, that she is going to the game today, her flight out is after the game due to work Monday morning. Soon he is shocked once again when she casually mentions that she is a detective in Chicago. He almost chokes out " you are a detective? What unit and district are you in?" She laughs knowing most people are surprised that she is a cop let alone a detective. It's almost normal to her at this point. She straightens up her posture as she responds to his questions "Well I am in the 21st district and I work in the Intelligence Unit. I have been there for three years now. " It's something she is very proud of, the blood, sweat and tears she has put in to be here today. She loves what she does and the difference it makes. After talking more about her job but keeping it lite since it was the first time they had met but he was determined to meet up with her again. "I know we just met and I wish we could talk all day but like you mentioned I do have a game today. So maybe I could call you and we could continue this?" He offers taking a shot in the dark that she might be interested in see him again. She nods, smiling wide as she hand him her business card. As she gets up to leave the cafe she kisses his cheek showing the feeling are definitely mutual and says " it was lovely meeting you. I really enjoyed myself. Call me and good luck today." With that she leaves. Leaving Adam happy and confident that this was going to go somewhere good and could only wait to see where they end up.

The afternoon continues they both make it to the ball park, separately of course. In between the innings he looks for her in the stands but doesn't see her at all. He thinks he can hear her cheering but he is sure it's his mind playing tricks on him. One thing he knows for sure is he hasn't stopped smiling since he met her. And everyone notices. But he doesn't care and doesn't let it distract him from the task at hand beating her beloved Phillies. It's nothing personal it's just business and he hopes she knows that. He can't and won't tank a game just for her. Even if she is all he is thinking about. Only time will tell whether they can work on whatever type of relationship they have started. He is pretty sure that he wants more than friendship with her but wondering how exactly that would work. He's on the road a lot and she's a cop, a detective really and he knows from his dad being a cop just how hard being a cop really is. The long hours, the tough cases, the blood and the real chance of being injured or worse. But there is something about her that makes him think about taking the chance. He knows they need to talk more especially since his last long term relationship didn't work out because he was on the road so much and her insecurities played doubts in her mind. He never cheated or even thought about it but she just couldn't handle the doubt. This definitely needs to be discussed soon just to make sure they both know what they are getting themselves into.

As Adams mind continues to think about Kim she is doing the exact same thing. Wondering if he is thinking of her, she knows this is an important game and he had already hit a homerun which caused it to be a close game. She really did try to focus on the game but all she could think about was Adam. His eyes, the way they light up when something is really funny. His smile, lopsided but boyish and somewhat smug. She thinks about her job and the long hours. The pain she carries after a tough case, the close calls and the injuries. Could he handle her being shot? Again? Her last boyfriend left after a close call and that was just a bullet to the vest. She knows it's a conversation that can't wait but she also wants to do it face to face. It's too heavy for a text or a call, where inflection can't be heard, where silence can be misinterpreted. Yes in person was necessary but will have to wait till they are both back in Chicago.

The game is over and the Cubs lose by one run. Kim is thrilled for her team and sad for Adam. But also excited that she got to watch him get a homerun. She wonders how that must feel, the excitement, the rush, the adrenaline. She knows she needs to ask but for now it's off to the airport. Kim's wants to stay longer but work cannot wait and neither do cases. So it's time to go home to her comfortable bed and her friends she loves like family. She would have texted Adam but she doesn't have his number. Guess only time will tell if she hears from him. She holds out hope as she boards the plane and turns her phone into airplane mode. It's a short flight so no nap is possible but it gives her time to catch up on the news. Once her plane lands Erin is waiting to drive her home and she can't help but notice that Kim looks happier, lighter. Erin knows better than to ask just yet but tomorrow Erin knows she will have to grill Kim to get the details. They have to be good for her to look this happy. But that is tomorrow's issue to deal with. They make small talk before Erin heads home to Jay.

It's been two weeks since they met at the cafe and they have spoken every day. Whether in text or phone call they made sure communication between them was a priority to them both. Adam had been very busy with a west coast road trip and Kim was busy in the IU. The cases never seemed to end, long nights and even earlier mornings but they still spoke daily. Adam would finally be home Wednesday night from California and they already agreed to have dinner together and nothing would keep them apart. They both knew this was the real test to see if this was just a friendship or an actual relationship. They also knew this was the night to talk about the insecurities they both felt, neither realizing they had the same fears. Having discussed previously to keep this relationship a secret for now till they figure out exactly what it's going to be. That way there would be less questions asked by friends and if it goes no where, no harm no foul. That is probably for the best since Kim knows she has to share a secret with Adam that she quiet frankly has no idea how to bring up. How do you tell someone who you like, who you want a relationship with that you have a son? A son who you love more than life itself. Would Adam run? Would he want to meet him? Lots of questions and lots of stress to think about. But tonight her questions will have answers, she can only hope it a positive one.

Finally today is the day. Tonight they will be reunited. Adam was set to land around noon and stated he would need a power nap before dinner. He was picking her up at 7pm. Kim kept watching the clock as the day dragged on. Lucky for her it was a paperwork day, no new cases which caused the time to creep by slowly. She couldn't wait to get home to get ready for her date. She also needed to insure the sitter had her son ready for his sleep over long before Adam showed up. That would be the worst way for him to find out.

They each pace around their apartments trying to decide what to wear, not wanting to come on too strong but show that they put in an effort to look good for the other. By 6:30 Kim is alone in her apartment putting on the finishing touches of her hair and makeup. She had received a message from Adam stating he was on his way to pick her up. The nerves were full force, she hadn't been this nervous since her first day one the beat. Adam was also nervous, tapping his hands on the wheel. Humming along to the radio trying to distract himself from the nerves. The nerves he felt were almost as strong as when he made his major league debut. She was worth it though. He knew it in his heart.

By 6:55 he was standing at her door ready to knock when a calming wave came over him. Having no idea where it came from he decided not to much thought into and knock. When she answered it took his breath away. "Wow! You look gorgeous! I got you some flowers though I didn't know what you like but roses seemed cliche so I went with forget me nots." He stated as she giggled at his ramblings. "Well I must say you look pretty handsome yourself. Come on in while I put these in some water." He follows her into her place, he notices the drawings on the fridge and picture of her with a little boy but doesn't ask. He assumes it's a nephew or something. "I hope you are hungry. I have special night all planned out. Good food, good music and even dessert. Are you ready to head out?" He asks offering his hand for her to take. Their hands intertwine and neither can help but notice the jolt of electricity that runs through them. Like it's fate if either believed in that. "Where is this special night happening?" She asks trying to gauge if she dressed appropriate or not. His answer comes with a sly smile and a hint of mischief in his eyes "It's a surprise. Just sit back and relax." Now her nerves are working overtime. Especially since they are headed away from downtown, the area seemed to be more residential. But she tried not to over think it.

They eventually pull up in front of a home and he opens the garage door. She realizes this is his home. He brought her to his place for their first date. A place away from the prying eyes, a place where they can speak in private. In essence this is perfect for two people who want all the privacy they can get, two people who want to stay away from the public eye. He seems nervous waiting for her reaction, she just smiles so bright. "Thank you. This is perfect. I appreciate you understanding my need to not be in the public eye. At least yet." He smiles back calmly now and he reply kind of amazes her "Well my dad is also a cop, 33rd district and I may have learned a few things about your unit and how you go undercover a lot and that you have undercover ids. Being on a magazine cover could hurt that." Kim couldn't believe how amazing this guy was so without thinking she moves across the console to give him a kiss on the lips before moving to get out of his car. Adam was surprised but quickly recovered and walked into the house. The dining room was all set up with flowers and candles. The smell of Italian food wafting through the air. This sweet, amazing man cooked her dinner? How did she get so lucky. He promptly serves them dinner and they get right down to the elephant in the room, their relationship whatever it was.

"So I feel like we need to talk about how this could work if this is what you want. I know I'm on the road a lot but at most it two weeks at a time. And I know that in the past my relationships haven't worked out because of insecurities. I will be honest my last serious relationship, Wendy, we were engaged but she couldn't handle the distance and then was constantly accusing me of cheating. Calling my business manager Kevin to find out where I was. I never cheated on her, never even thought about it but the constant accusations led to me pulling away. She claimed I changed and left one day. Came home from a road trip to a note and the ring. It hurt like hell but I know it was for the best, you know? I just want to make sure we are on the same page because I like you a lot Kim and I want there to be an us."

Kim sat there stunned. She hadn't expected him to be so honest and up front tonight but I guess that was what they both needed to do. Here goes nothing.

"Adam thank you for being so open and honest with me. And I will be totally honest as well. I really like you a lot too and yes I am worried about the distance but you have my trust till you lose it. Relationships haven't work out well for me either. My last serious relationship ended because he couldn't handle my job. A close call, a bullet to my vest, was the last straw for him. I have tried to date since but once they know I'm a cop they either try to use me to make parking tickets go away or they run out. Some don't make it through dinner. Yes my job is dangerous but I can't imagine doing anything else. I won't leave it for anybody. It's who I am and who I have also strived to be. Is that something you can handle? Me being shot at or worse shot? Because it had happened and I can't promise it won't happen again."

Now it's Adams turn to be stunned. Hearing she had been shot killed him inside. He wanted to protect her but he knew this was the trade off if he wanted to be with her.

"I grew up everyday knowing it was a possibility with my pops. And while I don't love the idea of you being shot I know I can live with it because it means we can be together. I honestly haven't been this happy in years. I would love to know more about your job but I feel like you have something else you want to tell me. I can see it in your eyes."

She's not sure how he did that but maybe having a cop for a dad helps with reading people.

"So I was shot my second year of patrol" trying to avoid the topic of her son just a little longer. "Some nut rigged a shotgun to a doorbell. I pressed the door bell and took the blast. I landed flat on my back hitting my head so I was unconscious. I remember bits and pieces of the ambo ride but not too much. They took pellets out of my face, neck, shoulder, chest and arm. Took two surgeries. But I was very lucky."

He can't believe she went through that and seemingly alone. Damn what a strong person she is. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. But thankful you are here today. Can I ask you a question? Just something I really wanted to ask all night and I have waited for you to bring it up and you haven't yet. Maybe your not ready but who's the little boy in the photo on your fridge?"

She looked at him wide eyed, terrified of his reaction. He doesn't seem angry but the bluntness is a bit shocking. Maybe he figured it out? She swallowed hard and took a large gulp of her wine to settle her nerves.

"Adam the answer to that question could change what we have or what we could have. I just haven't known how to bring it up. I'm not ashamed of him in any way but people tend to leave when they find out I have a son."

Adam didn't know what to say. He knew it was a possibility when he saw the photo but didn't want to make any assumptions. That's how rumors start, how insecurities fester. He knew he needed to snap out of it before she got the wrong idea.

"How old is he? What's his name? Who is his dad? I'm sorry I have lots of questions for you. I don't want to run out on you but I am a little surprised. I knew it was a possibility when I saw the photo on the fridge and his art work but I didn't want to assume anything. Does his father know we are having dinner tonight? Again lots of questions."

"First thank you for not running. Secondly it is all a long story probably best told on the couch." They move to the sofa and settle in. With room to touch each other but space so he can see her while she speaks. "The easy part is Jackson Alvin Burgess is three and the love of my life. The best thing I have ever done. The hard part it the whole story. It was my second year on patrol when I got a call from Sergeant Voight asking me and my parent to head to the M.E. office to get the cause of death for an infant girl found in a duffle bag by Lake Michigan in the freezing cold. We rushed over only to find out the baby was in the E.D. So we run up there where the nurse shows us to her room where the doctor and nurses are working on her. Stating that her body temp was so low that it preserved her life. They had to slower bring her back up to normal temperature and it was still not a guarantee that she would survive. We were then place on protective duty to watch her at all times, which meant watching her code out in front us but somehow she made it through. And was eventually reunited with her birth mother from whom she was taken from. That night we went to Molly's, it's a local bar owned by firefighters from firehouse 51, and we got super wasted. Ended up sleeping together. The next day we acted as though it never happened. A month later I found out I was pregnant and I decided I wanted to keep it and that we would co-parent our child. I told him right away in a conference room so no one else would hear and all he wanted to know was how much money I needed for the abortion." Adam grabs her hand and gives it a squeeze so she knows he is there for support. "I told him I planned to keep it and the whole rest of the day was awkward. Our desk sergeant knew something was up because she put us on parking ticket duty. Never in my life was I put on parking ticket duty but it was for the best. The next day he was gone, transferred to the 31st. The only contact we have had since was when my lawyer served him with termination of parental rights. He's not listed on the birth certificate and as far a I know he doesn't even know it was a boy. So now you know."

To say Adam was stunned would be an understatement. Raising a kid is hard enough but to do it alone? That's insane to him. And the father if you could even call him that, he just wanted to punch him in the face. What kind of person does that? All he can think to do is pull her into a hug while he tries to form the words to respond.

"You are so amazing you know that? I can't even begin to imagine who hard all of this has been for you. But I hope one day when you are ready I can maybe meet him. We could take him to a game or something. With you raising him he must be an amazing little boy. As for that case you mentioned, how do you deal with that kind of stuff? It must be difficult to get through the days."

She shrugs before responding "It's about having a good support system, people you can lean on, people who see the same things that I see on a daily basis. Like Molly's, it's all first responders, fire fighters, paramedics, police, doctors. We all come together to support each other as one big family. By the way if you ever go there check out my old vest it's hanging on the wall. The one I wore when I was shot. It's definitely the place to be for all of us. ".

"I'm glad you have a family to support you. I know my team gets me through my slumps and my bad days. Maybe not like my family but definitely a support group. I would say my business manager would be family though, Kevin saw me through the breakup and has gotten me to where I am now. I can't imagine doing this journey without him and hopefully with you by my side too." The sly smile is back but his eyes tell me he is telling the truth.

Suddenly he pulled away still with a sly smile and said "after all that heavy conversation I think we need dessert. What do you say to some cannolis?" She just laughed and followed him to the kitchen. They ate while continuing with small talk and then cleaned up the kitchen together. It seemed so domestic and yet so strange. This had never been the norm but they were bound to enjoy it. After the kitchen was cleaned and leftovers put away it was almost midnight and both were exhausted. "I know I picked you up and I know we are both exhausted. How about you stay here tonight and I will drop you off extra early tomorrow so you can get ready for work?" He offered. She thought about but was nervous to accept. Was this too quick? Would this be wrong? He could see the questions in her eyes so he simply stated "we sleep tonight that's all, I'm not going to rush you into anything. Having a kid makes you have reservations about new situations and that's fine. When you're ready you let me know." Kim's smile couldn't get any bigger as she leaned in to kiss him softly at first before it turned hungry and full of passion. They did eventually pump the breaks before retiring for the night. He gave you some clothes to sleep in and she fell asleep in his arms. Feeling it should always be that way.