Ch 5
"I wanna take you out tomorrow night," Mike said as Abby watched him tie his tie.
"I have to work," Abby reminded him. "Remember?"
"No, you don't. Taking a night off once in a while is not going to kill you and the bar won't burn down without you here."
"Alright but not tonight. It's Friday. The place'll be a zoo and not tomorrow. Is Sunday alright with you?"
"Sunday it is," Mike smiled as he turned around to kiss Abby. "See you later, okay?"
"Okay."
"So, you didn't ask her yet, did you," Frankie asked her partner.
"What?" Mike looked up.
"Abby. You didn't ask her to marry you yet."
"And how do you know that?"
"Cause you are playing with the ring box in the hand that's under the desk. Either that or you're doing something I so don't need to know about."
"Very funny," Mike rolled his eyes. "And to answer your question, no I haven't asked her yet."
"Well, what are you waiting for? That ex you told me about to come around and try to win her back?"
"No. I don't want to just do it to get it over with. I want it to be special. But I'm nervous. I've never asked anyone to spend the rest of their life with me. It's a little daunting."
"Do you love her?"
"Loving Abby isn't the problem."
"Do you think she loves you?"
"God I hope so."
"So, ask her! What's the worst that could happen?"
"She could say no. She could laugh. She could start projectile vomiting across the table at me at the mere thought of marrying me."
Frankie bit her lip to keep a smile and laughter from coming forth. "Mike," she said once she'd gotten her reaction under control, "I think you are in need of more help than I can give you. Your old partner and captain were married right?"
"Lennie and Don? Yeah they've been married. Why?"
"Call them. They might have some advice." Frankie smiled and then opened her case file.
"I'll think about it."
"Call them," Frankie ordered.
"I sincerely doubt projectile vomiting will make an appearance if you ask Abby to marry you," Don Cragen shook his head. Mike always did have a flair for the dramatic.
"Donny, when you asked Marge to marry you, were you nervous?"
"Of course. It's a serious proposition. But Mike, it could also be the best thing that ever happens to you."
"If you're lucky," Lennie pointed out. "Me? I didn't get lucky."
"Not all marriages end like yours Lennie," Don pointed out. "Mike, you want my advice? Ask her. Abby coming into your life is the best thing that could have happened to you. Don't let her get away."
"I agree with Don, Mikey. And this is coming from a man who struck out twice. If I were a few years younger, I'd go after Abby and if she looked at me the way she looks at you, I'd marry her."
"Hands off, Lennie."
"Why? You don't deserve her," Lennie grinned.
"I know, but I love her."
"Then ask her to marry you," Don said. "Look, let me explain this to you in a mathematical way. You are a known factor, the fact that you want to marry Abby is a known factor. Abby is the x in the equation. Now, and this is the important part so pay attention, in order to solve for x you have to ask Abby to marry you."
"And if math isn't your strong suit, I have another way to put it," Lennie said. "Ask her, you dunderheaded nincompoop!"
"Thanks Lennie."
"Thin Blue Line," Abby answered the phone.
"Hey stranger."
"Susan, hi. What's up?"
"Just wondering if you asked him yet or if you're still waiting for him to ask you."
"Just tell me you're not at work, okay?"
"I'm home, you're safe. So?"
"So, how's work?"
"Abby," Susan groaned. "Why won't you ask him?"
"It's hard to explain," Abby said as she sat down. "Mike was the first guy I ever wanted to marry. The first one I saw a future with beyond a movie date on a Saturday night. What if he says no?"
"Abby, that man is not going to say no. He is so in love with you I'm surprised he hasn't asked you yet."
"And that's another thing. If he is so in love with me, why hasn't he asked?"
"He's probably as scared as you are."
"What if that's not it? What if he just doesn't want to get married? What if he's perfectly happy spending the rest of our lives living together?"
"Abby, I say this as a friend and someone who loves you. Ask him or I'm going to kill you."
Abby rolled her eyes, "I'll think about it."
"No. Don't think. Do."
"Fine Susan."
"Excuse me, miss, I'm looking for my girlfriend. I was wondering if you'd seen her," Mike teased a very busy Abby as she stopped by his table later on that night.
Abby smiled and played along, "Well, if you tell me what she looks like, I might be able to help."
"Brown hair, brown eyes, about five foot, three, and very beautiful," Mike smiled.
"Hmm, I think I know who she is, but unfortunately, I don't know where she is. Sorry."
"Oh well. Are you free?"
Abby laughed, "Maybe later. In the meantime, you guys want a refill?"
"I'm good."
Abby nodded and then to Mike's companion, "Detective?"
"Now, how did you know I was a cop? We've never met," the man said.
"Well, you're in a suit for one and I know that you're not a uniform cause they wouldn't be wearing one. Medics and firemen usually stake out the tables closest to the pool tables and jukebox and they don't wear suits either. Besides, you may not know me but I have seen you before."
"Oh, yeah? Where?"
"Picture in the office. Dad liked you, Rey."
Mike smiled. He'd seen Abby's dad's collection of photos. "Ab, we really have to hang some of those up."
"I agree. So, Rey, beer?"
"I'm okay for now."
"Right. Just let me know."
"I will."
Abby went back to the bar.
Rey leaned over to Mike, "Logan, we don't know each other well, but we do have a common bond. He's sitting over there with Lt. Van Buren and Ed. So, I'm gonna give you the advice I know he's given you. Marry her before someone else realizes what a good woman she is and steals her away."
Mike nodded, "I plan to."