After nearly a year of dating Danny regularly and almost of month of living with him, Katie had learned that sometimes Danny needed space. Not necessarily physical space, because more often than not, he wanted to be as close to her possible when he was going through a tough time. What he needed was emotional space to sort things out. He had opened up to her the night after he'd discovered Martin was in trouble, but since then, he'd said very little about it. Sometimes he acted as though nothing was wrong at all, but Katie knew he was still struggling with it.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, just a couple of weeks after the incident, Katie noticed that Danny was doing his best impression of someone who didn't have a care in the world. Walking to the baseball field to meet Sylvia, Nicky, and baby Andrea, they were both looking forward to watching Nicky play in a little league baseball game.

Catching sight of Sylvia by the bleachers, Danny and Katie walked towards her.

Before they could even greet her, she said, "I can't thank you enough for this. I have to be at work in less than a half hour, and I didn't want Nicky to be here alone for his first game of the season."

"It's our pleasure," Danny said as he leaned down and kissed Sylvia on the cheek. "It's a great day for a baseball game, anyway."

"And a great day to spend some time with this little one," Katie said as she leaned down in front of Andrea, asleep in her stroller. "Any instructions?" she asked looking up at Sylvia.

"Um…everything she needs and a list of instructions is in her diaper bag. Nicky has the key to our apartment so he can let you in after the game. I'll be home after 8 – hopefully plenty of time for you guys to salvage your Saturday night," Sylvia replied in a slightly frantic tone.

"Are you kidding? This is the most excitement we've had on a weekend in a long time," Danny replied with a smile. "We've looked forward to it all week."

"Don't worry, Sylvia. Everything will be fine," Katie added.

"Thanks guys," she said as she kissed Andrea on the forehead, and then waved to Nicky as he practiced on the field, before hurrying toward the subway.

"Think you can handle the little one on your own?" Danny asked as he gave Nicky a wave. "I promised Nicky I'd help his coach out today. They're a little short-handed."

"I think I'll be okay," Katie replied, sitting down on the bleacher seat next to the stroller. "I really have been looking forward to this all week."

"Let's see how you feel eight hours from now. I'll see you in a bit," he said, giving her a quick kiss before heading over to the field.

While Andrea slept in the stroller next to her, Katie watched Danny help Nicky and his teammates get ready for the game. She smiled at how animated and into it he was. She hadn't seen him that genuinely happy and relaxed in weeks.

Right before the game was about to start, Katie noticed a woman approach Danny and start talking to him. Taking a closer look, she recognized the woman as Vivian Johnson, Danny's co-worker. They conversed with each other in a warm and friendly manner for a several moments before Danny finally pointed over to Katie and gave her a slight wave. Smiling in response, Katie waved back. She was happy, but a little nervous when Vivian started to walk her way after Danny jogged over to coach first base.

"Hi there," Vivian called out as she approached Katie. "It's good to see you again."

"You, too. These are much better circumstances. Is your son playing out here today?" Katie asked, thankful for the warmth in Vivian's tone and smile.

"Two fields over. My husband is helping him warm up. It's the start of another long season. I swear these kids today have more of a life than I ever did when I was young. I'm constantly coordinating my son's after school activities."

"I don't know how you do it. During the week, I'm lucky if Danny gets home at a decent hour twice a week."

"My husband and I have a system. He's a college professor, so he can schedule his classes so he's around more during the week. I pick up the slack most weekends so he can have time to prepare for classes."

"He's a professor? What does he teach?" Katie asked curiously.

"History and American Government. You're on the English track, right?"

"Yes. I'm trying. I'm just finishing my first year of doctoral work. I have a ways to go."

Before Vivian could respond, they were interrupted by the Andrea's cry.

"Who is this?" Viv asked as she kneeled next to the stroller.

"Andrea. Her mom had to go to work, so Danny and I are babysitting for the day."

"May I?" Vivian asked as she motioned toward the baby.

"Please. She may need changing. It's good you're here. I'm not the most experienced in that department."

"Oh, it's easy," Viv replied as she calmed the child in her arms. "She's beautiful."

"She really is. Danny and I have really enjoyed getting to know Rafi's family this past year. The circumstances are so unfortunate, but somehow because of it, Danny has found this family that he never had before."

"Any news on when Rafael will get out?"

"Not lately. We're hoping in the next few months, but it's hard to gauge since he's serving for his third offense. The parole board could decide to set an example."

"Hard to believe it's almost been a year since all of that happened," Vivian responded pensively as she smiled at the baby.

Katie knew Vivian was thinking about a lot more than just the search for Danny's brother that had occurred a year ago.

"How are you feeling?" Katie asked on impulse and then thought better of it. "I'm sorry. It's none of my business. Danny had been so concerned for you. I remember I felt helpless because I was out of the country at the time."

"That's okay. I'm feeling great. I have a new appreciation for taking advantage of every day. Days like today are a real blessing. I know how worried Danny was. He tried to put on a brave face, but I was truly touched by his and everyone's concern. Looking back on that time, I wonder how we all made it. I'm just thankful that Danny and Martin both made it through their ordeal. Life takes these unexpected turns. It's nice to be able to look back and say everyone is better from the journey of it," Viv responded in a wise tone.

Katie's mind flashed to Danny's concern for Martin. Clearly, Vivian had no idea. Yet another burden that Danny was carrying only on his shoulders.

"She does need a change," Vivian said, stirring Katie from her thoughts. With great expertise, Katie watched as Vivian laid down a blanket in the stroller and set Andrea down. Within seconds, she had the baby changed. Picking her up gently, she handed her to Katie.

"Sometimes I still missing doing that," Vivian said thoughtfully.

"I bet," Katie replied, taking the baby in her arms. "Spending time with Andrea makes me baby crazy. It makes Danny a little nervous." Katie wanted to ask Vivian if she ever thought about having another, but then decided against it. It was too personal a question, but wanting to ask it was a testament to how comfortable Vivian made her feel.

"Well, if it's any consolation, if that ever happens, Danny will be a great father. He's got a heart of gold."

This made Katie smile because she'd thought the same thing for a very long time. "I couldn't agree more."

"It's good to see him happy. He seems at peace, and I think that is thanks in large part to you."

"Thank you, Vivian."

"My pleasure," Viv replied with a smiled before adding, "You have the magic touch."

"Pardon me?" Katie asked, startled by the statement.

"She's fallen back asleep," Viv replied, motioning to the baby. "Maybe she'll make it through to the end of the game. She'll probably be starved when she wakes up," she said as she rose from her spot on the bleachers. "Reggie's game is starting. Tell Danny I'll see him on Monday."

"I will. Thanks for coming over. It was lovely talking to you."

You, too. Take care," Vivian said as she strolled away.

XXX

"So what were you guys talking about for so long?" Danny asked as he sat next to Katie on the floor of the bedroom. He'd gotten Nicky settled in the living room playing the latest Xbox game that Danny had bought him.

Katie, who was playing with the baby on a blanket, asked jokingly, "Who?"

"You and Viv. She was over there forever," he said in an exaggerated tone.

"I'm surprised you noticed. Has anyone ever told you that you take your sports a little too seriously?"

"No such thing. But I wasn't so focused that I missed your lengthy conversation."

Katie sighed heavily and smiled. "We talked about her son, her husband, the trials and tribulations of the last year, this beautiful little girl right here, and babies in general," she said as she playfully tugged on Andrea's legs.

"Babies in general?" Danny questioned.

Laughing, she responded, "That long list, and you focus on the baby part? Relax, Danny. She showed me how to change a diaper in less than five seconds. Vivian's multi-talented. I can see why you think so highly of her."

"She's pretty great," he agreed as he watched Katie with Andrea.

Katie hesitated for a moment before making her next statement. They'd had such a wonderful day. She didn't want to bring Danny down, but she decided to take chance. "I bet she'd be able to offer you some pretty solid guidance with the whole Martin thing."

The carefree expression that he'd had all day quickly etched into a frown. As soon as she saw the tension return to his face, Katie regretted bringing up the subject. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't—"

"It's okay. I know I need to deal with it. I've tried to keep an eye on him, you know? We haven't had any cases in the last couple of weeks where he'd actually put lives in danger, but I know I have to deal with it before it happens again. He hasn't said a word to me about it since that night. He's been avoiding me like the plague, but he seems okay. I don't know if that is because he's gotten help or if he's just gotten more pills. Every time I think about confronting him, I think of an excuse to put it off," he said, shaking his head.

"Maybe you should talk to Vivian," Katie said as she picked up the baby and put her in the playpen next to them.

"No," Danny replied, shaking his head. "If I tell anyone, it has to be Jack. Getting Vivian involved could possibly lead to covering it up, and I wouldn't want to put her in a position like that. Besides, I'm fairly certain I know what she'd say anyway."

"I just hate that you are dealing with this on your own," she said, her voice full of concern.

Danny shrugged. "I'm the best prepared to do it. I mean, part of being in AA and believing in those principals, this is what I'm supposed to do. I'm supposed to reach out to him." Taking a deep breath, he then whispered, "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

Katie's eyes filled with tears. "You'll find the strength, Danny. I know you will. I don't know Martin or what he's going through. As well as I know you, I'll never know what it's like for you to struggle with your addiction, but I am here for you. Whatever you need from me, I am here."

Danny smiled and opened his arms for her. Holding her tightly, he stroked her hair gently as she repeated softly, "Whatever you need from me, I'm here."