Disclaimer: I earn no money from these characters! i own the story line,.. and nothing more :(

CHAPTER 8

"Danny? Get the door!" Lindsey called from the kitchen. "Danny!"
"Alright, alright..." Daanny heaved himself up from the couch, annd walked over to the door. "It had better not be any carol singer's!"
"Merry christmas!" Stella cried, throwing her arms around Danny. Hawkes, Flack and Mac were with her, Mac being the one loaded with a bottle of champagne.
"Hey hey! Come on in guys!" Danny replied, as he stepped aside to let them in. "The cook is in the kitchen, make ya selves at home!" Danny took the champagne bottle from Mac, and put it in the fridge.
"Hey guys, Merry christmas!" Lindsey shouted, as she emerged from the kitchen, taking off her apron.
"Oh wow, that turkey sure does smell good!" Hawkes sighed, sitting down.

"Yeah well all credit goes to Miss Monroe over there!" Flack joked " Mr Messer here aint no good with turkeys.. remember last year at thanksgiving! That poor turkey looked like it had been to hell and back!"

"yeah well, at least your mom had some left over!" Mac replied, as Danny handed out some beers.
Stella got up and walked into the kitchen, to chat with Lindsey
"So, what did the ever thoughtful Danny get you for - Oh my god that is beautiful...!" Stella started to say, but she was stopped short when she saw the sparkle's around Lindseys neck.

" Yeah its beautiful, isnt it? I wasnt expecting Danny to actually buy me anything, i mean- "

"Wat the hell is that?" Stella's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened at the sight of the rock on Lindsey's hand.

Lindsey smiled and moved her hand away from Stella's eyes.
"Its just a christmas present!" Lindsey replied.

"No way is that just a christmas present Lindsey!" Stella exclaimed, lowering her voice so the guys couldnt hear them.

Lindsey sighed, picked up her glass of wine and took a large mouthful, swallowing hard.
"Stella, don't say anything yet, ok? I think Danny wants to say something later to you guys."

"So? Is it?"

A big grin swept across Lindseys face and her eyes sparkled. "YES!" she replied. " Oh my god it was so beautiful Stella... " Lindsey sat at the table, joined by Stella.

"Well tell tell tell!"

"Now that is what i call a christmas dinner!" Mac exclaimed as they had finished lunch. "Where did you learn to cook like that Linds?"

"My mom and Grandma taught me everything i know."

"Ah, guys?" Danny said, standing up. "Can i jus say something?"
Stella looked over at Lindsey and winked at her. Everyone fell silent.

"Ok, as you guys know, me and Montana over there.. well, we been doin our thing and ya know, its that time of year when you need to have that someone in your life."
Danny cleared his throat and his eyes moved over to Lindsey's and caught her gaze.
"Aww Messer gettin all sentimental now huh?" Flack teased.

"Shut up flack! Cant ya see this is a special moment!" Stella replied, gently slapping him on the arm.

"I jus wanna thank you all for coming here today. We have all had a rough year, to put it lightly - what with Louie, and Aidan and then Mr hero sitting over there!" Danny exclaimed nodding in Flack's direction. " But the last few weeks have been the best few weeks i could have wanted. And i wanted you guys to be the first to know that this morning, Lindsey has done me proud - "

"You're going to be a dad!" Hawkes cried, making Lindsey spit out her wine.

"Huh? wat? No!" Danny replied "Lindsey has accepted a one time offer from me... we're engaged."
"Well done Danny!" Mac stood up and shook his hand, patted him on the back, and moved over to give his congratulations to Lindsey.

"Time for the champagne i think!" Lindsey exclaimed going to the kitchen.

8:07 PM

"Thanks again for coming over today, it was great!" See you at the lab!" Danny said seeing out Mac, Stella, Hawkes and Flack.

Danny flopped down on the couch, and Lindsey layed her head in his lap. He reached down with his right hand, and stroked her face as his left hand found hers.

"Are you happy, Danny?" Lindsey asked, softly, looking into his deep eyes.

"Never been more happier Montana... " he replied his voice trailing off. " You have no idea how happy you have made me."
"I think there are ways you can show me." she said sitting up to face him. " i mean... we could start with a bit of this..."

Lindsey leant forward, and her lips made contact with his. He groaned into the kiss, and bought a hand up to her face as the kissing turned more passionate.

"And.. maybe we.. can .. get rid... of this..." she said inbetween kisses. She undid half of the buttons on his shirt to reveal his wifebeater. She was stopped by the sound of his cell phone ringing.

"Hold that thought babe.. be right back." He smiled with frustration. He got up, grabbed his cell and flipped it open. "Messer. What? When? Ok, Ill be there as soon as i can."
"Whats wrong Danny?" Lindsey asked, touching his arm. She could see by the look in his eyes that something had happened. What it was, she didnt know. "Danny?"
"It's.. erm,... it's Louie." Danny replied pulling his jacket on. "I need to get to the hospital straight away."
"Ok, well im coming with you." Lindsey grabbed her coat and followed him out of the apartment.