Chapter 6: Forced Family

By the end of Saturday evening, things in the basement were progressing, and it was turning into more of a bedroom than a basement. Tayler was pleased with the space, that was turning into her own. And even though, she still found it exceptionally difficult to speak to any of them forwardly, aside from her half-brothers. She was beginning to find it uncomfortably necessary.

After Linda thanked Jamie for all his help by feeding him dinner. He went home for the night, saying he would see them in the morning for mass. Danny was left to clean up in the kitchen, while Linda helped Tayler put the finishing touches on her bedroom, by putting the new comforter on the bed.

"Your room is starting to come together," Linda stood back, so she could observe how much her basement had changed.

Tayler knew she needed to thank her mother and stepfather for everything they did for her, in the changing of their home, but she still had trouble forming the right words to speak to them. She had just started to unpack the clothes she had in her bag, when Linda thought of something she needed to remind her of.

"We have mass tomorrow morning, so be sure and pick out something nice to wear." Linda started to hang the clothes on the hangers that Jack had brought down.

"I don't think I'm going to go," Tayler managed to find her voice, when it came to being officious regarding something she didn't want to do.

"Tayler," Linda really hated to be stern with her, so soon into the relationship, they hadn't even managed to form yet. But when it came to mass, she knew she had no choice. "We go to mass every Sunday. And then we go over to Danny's Dads house for family dinner, it's tradition. And the high point of Frank's week."

"You go ahead," Tayler didn't appear as if she was going to give in easily. Which surprised her mother more than anything.

Linda wasn't used to any of her children being on the verge of impertinent, and part of her was tempted to call her down on it. After siding against it, thinking that now just before bed wasn't the perfect time for it.

"I've never been to church before, and I don't see why I should start now. Not to mention, I don't want to impose on the Reagans, so my answers no." Tayler's abrupt reply, was beginning to alter Linda's decision.

"Why not?" Linda had a feeling, there was a little more to what her daughter was saying, only she didn't want to let on, and reveal the truth. "I've just heard some things at my old school about stepparent's families, that make me want to remain separated," Tayler was trying to give her just enough information, in hopes it would convince her mother to drop the subject.

"Listen Tayler," Linda started again, hoping she could be as gentle, yet motherly at the same time.

"I didn't have a whole lot of friends at my old school," Tayler sighed, cutting her off. Figuring that the only way she would ever get the woman off her back, was by giving her a slight glimpse into her past. "Partly because I wasn't allowed to participate in after school activities, sports, or other things like that."

"I wish I would have known Tayler," Linda placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, beginning to feel guilty once more.

"That's not the point," Tayler brushed her hand off, trying to get back to the main point of her long-winded explanation. Knowing that if she stopped, she would never start up again. "I did have one friend though; her name was Mattie." Tayler revealed a small smile, when she said her friends name, sad that she had to leave her friend behind. "Anyways, Mattie had a stepfather. And she said her stepfather was nice to her. But his parents and siblings weren't. She said her stepdads parents didn't treat her like their other grandchildren, and it made her feel bad, when they pushed her aside. She said, she didn't mind at first. But after a while it started to hurt her feelings, because she couldn't help it." Tayler took a breath, hating that she had to say so much, especially to a stranger. But she figured if it would convince her mother, she figured she had no choice.

Linda appeared as if she was going to say something, but Tayler interrupted her. "Now before you start getting sentimental, and saying that won't happen, hear me out. You don't have to worry about me getting my feelings hurt though, because I completely understand why they would treat me differently, and not want me around. I'm not in any way part of their family, and instead just someone who will take up space."

"Frank and Henry aren't like that," Linda finally managed to get a word in. "In fact, none of the Reagans are. So, please give them a chance. You don't know them."

"Maybe not at first," Tayler shook her head. "But give it some time, and you'll see."

"No," Linda said firmly. Confident in her husband's family. "And I want you to give them a chance."

"I'm sorry Linda," Tayler really hated to be so impertinent. But she was willing to do what she had to, to get her way. "And I'm not going to church." Tayler placed her earbuds in her ears, obviously through talking.

Normally, Linda would have said something about her actions being disrespectful, by ending the conversation so rudely. Considering she was the parent, and she was the one who decided when a conversation was over. "You are a part of this family now Tayler," Linda sighed, deciding that now, no matter how much she didn't want to, was a time to be stern. "And you will participate when we do things." Linda made her way up the stairs, feeling terrible, with every step she took.

XXXXXXXX

"What's the matter?" Danny could see something in both his wife's face, and demeanor, that she was upset over something.

"Tayler is refusing to go to church," Linda sighed, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

It was obvious to her husband, that she was stressed, so Danny went over and placed his hands on her shoulders, while he talked.

"Refusing?" Danny thought it was odd that she was refusing. Considering, she didn't say much at all, aside from a few words.

"I know," Linda had to admit, she was just as surprised as he was.

"Well we do have a teenager in the house now," Danny figured that was part of the reason behind her attitude. "And I know when I was her age, I hated going to church, and I grew up going." Danny didn't want to go as far as picking up for the girl, but he did find himself remembering his own teenage years.

"But you went," Linda said pointedly.

"Yeah because my parents made me," Danny said on one hand of the conversation.

"I just had to do that with Tayler," Linda looked up at him, regret showing in her eyes.

"You knew it was bound to happen eventually," Danny tried to sound as sympathetic as possible.

"I know," Linda admitted. "She's just so much harder than the boys. I don't know if it's because she's a teenager. Or because she's my daughter, that I'm just now having to be a parent to."

"We both knew this was going to be hard," Danny reminded her of something she already knew.

"I know," Linda repeated. "I'm just dreading the talk were going to have to have with her about rules. Yet at the same time, I want her to understand that she will be treated, the same as our boys."

"I agree," Danny wasn't sure what else to say. "But has she given you any problems?"

"Not really," Linda said in all honesty. "Aside from me having to get stern with her about going to mass and family dinner."

"I can understand her not wanting to integrate into my family just yet," Danny admitted. "I mean, I had barely been her stepfather for not even twenty-four hours. When I had a brief encounter with her family, and I didn't like the way they treated her. So, I can understand, why she would be a little reserved regarding, meeting a family she doesn't know."

"I know, and I tried to explain to her, how different the family is. But," Linda paused.

"But, it's a family tradition, and since she's going to be a part of my family she's going to have to adjust." Danny finished her sentence.

"That's just it. Only I think she's afraid to become part of the family." Linda wasn't a hundred percent certain, and she didn't want to read something behind her daughter's words and behavior that wasn't there. But from where she stood, it looked like fear to her.

"Afraid?" Danny looked at her questioningly. "Why?"

"Something she told me earlier," Linda explained, everything her daughter told her just moments ago.

"That's a heavy load for a kid," Danny mentioned.

"It is," Linda couldn't help but feel bad for her. "But I feel that if we're going to get her integrated into the family, she understands everything it involves in being a Reagan, and that we are going to treat her as the same as the boys."

"So, when do you plan to enforce this life changing experience on the kid?" Danny wondered, sounding as if, he wasn't planning to have anything to do with it.

"Do you have to make it sound like that?" Linda had to admit she was nervous. "And you're going to be in there with me."

"Yeah, maybe you should do that on your own." Danny wasn't exactly afraid. But he knew that if the child hadn't even adjusted and learned to accept her mother. It wasn't likely she would accept him before she would her.

"I think we need to pose a united front," Linda said pointedly. "Showing her that the rules are not only my rules of the house, but yours as well."

"All right," Danny reluctantly agreed with her. "But let's do it, while we're helping her out in her room. So, she understands, that were not just trying to impose a new way of life onto her, but were also giving a little, in the means of the room."

"That's probably a good idea," Linda nodded.

"You know she doesn't seem like the type that will give us a lot of trouble," Danny followed her out of the kitchen, and over to the basement door.

"I sure hope not," Linda sighed, her hand on the doorknob. "And you know another conversation were going to have to have with her, is about this custody arrangement." Linda brought up another conversation she wasn't sure how to handle.

"That's going to be an interesting conversation," Danny admitted.

"And one I'm not ready to have," Linda admitted.

XXXXXXXX

Danny and Linda reached the bottom of the stairs, where they found Tayler shoving the now empty suitcase under the bed.

"Tayler," Linda was the first to speak.

Tayler basically ignored her, until Linda took a few steps closer.

"Tayler, please take the earbuds out of your ears."

Tayler didn't look happy about it, but she did obey.

"Your stepfather and would like to speak with you," Linda started to fold the pile of clothes, her daughter had piled up on the bed.

"About what?" Tayler had a feeling she wasn't going to like it. Considering the conversation, she had with her mother moments ago, didn't end well, and she was still being required to attend mass and dinner with the Reagans.

"About the rules we want you to follow," Linda was trying to keep her voice gentle. But she knew that if she didn't hold the correct tone, her daughter wouldn't pay attention, and go right at them as if it was the domino theory.

A disgruntled look crossed the girls face, causing Danny to step in. Knowing how easy it was for teenagers to turn things into tip of the iceberg moments, even though they weren't meant to turn out in that manner.

"You've got that deer in the headlights look kid," Danny pressed the button on the stereo before turning the volume down. He didn't want the music to hinder the discussion his wife was trying to have. But he did want to ease the tension the kid was showing. And music, seemed to be the way she shut things out, he was beginning to observe ever since the day he had to take her iPod away just, so he could get her to talk to him.

"Tayler," Linda started again. "Before we get started on the rundown of the rules. I want you to know, that these are the same rules we require your brothers to follow as well. Being a Reagan in New York City isn't easy. So that is the reason we have most of these in place."

"But I'm not a Reagan," Tayler reminded them. She wasn't exactly trying to make them feel bad. But it was the truth.

"It doesn't matter," Linda took a seat on the edge of the bed, hoping to make herself appear gentler, rather than an enforcer. "The family you are living with are Reagans. And that's what people will see."

"Why do Reagan's have to live so difficult?" Tayler wondered.

"I've been asking myself the same thing for years," Danny shook his head. "But I blame my grandfather for becoming the Commissioner, and then my father for following in his footsteps."

"Aren't you following in their footsteps by being a cop?" Tayler looked at him questioningly.

"Maybe so, but I'm not going to be the Commissioner," Danny's eyes were wide when he said it.

"Tayler," Linda said trying to get the conversation back on track, just so she could get it over with. "I understand, this may not be the best time to discuss this. But I feel it's important you understand something."

"What?" Tayler sounded nervous, her eyes returning to the deer in the headlights look again.

Linda hated to see her daughter so worried and enforce more change. Considering she had already been through so much change, just in the past couple of days. But she decided that now was as good a time as any, and there was no use in beating around the bush. "You may not technically, be a Reagan, but when Danny and I went to family services to pick you up, we changed a few things."

"Like?" Tayler was doing her best to understand everything her mother was saying. Even if she was having a little trouble. Which was the reason she was talking so much. Figuring that the only way she was going to find out what she was getting at, was by asking questions.

"Since your father had full custody, I had to sign a handful of papers in order to transfer custody into my name." Linda started to explain further, doing her best to put it in terms her daughter would understand. "Anyways, while we there, I thought it would be a good idea for Danny to share custody as well.

"Why?" Tayler's voice sounded plain.

"It would act as a means of protection for you," Linda nodded. "In the essence something would happen to me. You would still have a home and guardian."

"And you were okay with that?" Tayler turned to glance at Danny. Confusion mounting, with every second that went by.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Danny stopped what he was doing in the basement bathroom, where he was making sure everything was working properly. So, he could look at the girl who was staring at him blankly.

"You didn't even know me when you signed those papers," Tayler reminded him.

"What was there to know, you were my wife's daughter." Danny made it sound so simple, that she wasn't sure what else to say.

It wasn't like she knew either one of them. So even if they did get a divorce, it wasn't like she would have a preference. They were both strangers. Then again, her questioning of him, wasn't based on the fact that she really minded that she live with him in case something happened to Linda. She was already living with him. And even though she didn't know him. She didn't exactly dislike him. He wasn't her father, he never could be. She already had one of those, and she wasn't really interested in having another. But even with the answer he gave, that still didn't make her confused by his reasoning. She heard very little about stepparents. But what she had heard, it wasn't good.

Seeing as Tayler wasn't going to say anything, Linda proceeded. "Do you understand why we decided to do it that way?"

"Yes Mam," Tayler shook her head.

"Good," Linda smiled a small smile. Just glad the girl didn't perform the Reagan riot act like her husband's family did, when they got upset over something. Then again, she didn't really expect her too. Tayler was almost the complete opposite of the family. She was quiet and seemed to really dwell on things for several minutes before replying. At least when she wasn't too upset, like she did when she met the two detectives at her home. That on the other hand, was a complete other story.

"If we're going to have to discuss rules," Tayler voiced, literally dreading it. "Can we get it over with, so I can go to bed? I'm kind of tired."

"Of course," Linda had to admit she was dreading the talk just as much as her daughter was. But she was grateful she spoke up.

Tayler sighed, and took a seat on the edge of her bed. Thinking that she might as well grit and bear it, seeing as she wouldn't get out of the talk, even if she wanted to.

"Number one, we don't allow stealing. All your needs will be provided for. Number two, no lying. Lying is a sin, and we're Catholic." Linda had barely made it to number two, before Tayler voiced a complaint.

"Correction," Tayler held up a finger. "Your Catholic, I'm not."

"We will discussion religion at a later time honey," Linda wasn't prepared to explain to her that the only reason she didn't want to go to church, was because she had never been before.

"Unless you become a detective," Danny spoke up, for the first time in several minutes. "Then you can lie. I get paid to."

"Danny," Linda looked at her husband, shocked. Even if she herself, was trying not to laugh at his sudden bit of information, regarding a loop hole. "You're not helping."

"Maybe not, but it is funny," Tayler managed a smile.

"Now do you mind, if we get back to what we came down here for?" Linda looked at her husband sternly, but her eyes were sparking with fun. Thankful that Tayler wasn't feeling put out over the changes she was experiencing.

"Don't let me stop you," Danny shook his head.

"Thank you," Linda turned her attention, back to her daughter. "Now for starters,

you always let us know where you are, and if you ever go out with any friends your curfew is 7:00. Unless it's the weekend, and you have permission to stay out later."

"I never go anywhere," Tayler said honestly.

"But you might," Linda assured her. "I'd like for you to have a life here, with friends, and after school activities. The boys like soccer and hockey. Are there any school sports you might be interested in?"

"I don't know," Tayler's voice was low and timid. "I guess I never really thought about it. I mean, I had everything I needed at home. Like food and things to keep me busy. But I guess the real answer to your question would be, I didn't have anywhere to go. I didn't have a nice family to go to, and since I wasn't allowed to participate in after school activities, I didn't have a lot of friends."

"Did you ever ask your dad if you could do anything after school?" Linda wondered if Tayler enjoyed being secluded from everyone else, or if it was because Tim wouldn't allow it.

"I asked him if I could try out for volleyball," Tayler admitted. "He said he didn't want me hanging around anywhere. And that I either had to take the bus or walk home in the evenings. And there wouldn't be a bus running after I'd get out of practice."

"How far of a walk was it?" Linda was trying to keep her temper under control, considering she didn't know the answer just yet.

"It wasn't bad," Tayler didn't think a couple miles was all that bad. Especially when she was able to convince her dad to put her bicycle in the car when he dropped her off at school, so she could get home sooner. "And I took the bus most of the time. Except for when I needed to go to the store for something."

"I thought you said, he bought the groceries?" Just as Linda's anger was beginning to subside, it was beginning to peak again. "Why would you need to go to the store?"

"Sometimes he wouldn't think about me needing shampoo, soap, deodorant, and things like that." Tayler remembered going to the store with her bicycle and putting the small sack in the front basket attached to the front end of her bike. "Which I kind of preferred," she admitted. "Sometimes he'd get me the wrong thing."

"I understand that," Linda smiled, remembering a time or two, when she would ask Danny to pick something up for her, and how often he came home with the wrong thing. "We have noticed how exceptional your manners are most of the time," Linda admitted, trying to get back to the rules. Noticing how they kept getting sidetracked. Then again, she really didn't mind, thinking that at least her daughter was opening up a bit more. "Which is something we appreciate." Linda wanted to be sure and let her daughter know, how pleased she was, with the majority of her daughter's behavior. Aside from the few times that could have used a bit of work. Such as when she spoke to the detectives that showed up at her house at the beginning. As well as when she deliberately refused to go to church and the Reagan's for dinner.

"My Dad always used the highest form of manners when he spoke to most people, and he wanted me to do the same." Tayler gave her the reason why she acted in such a manner.

"That was good of him," Linda was beginning to think, that perhaps he did one thing right, over the past several years, he spent raising their daughter.

"Okay, I'm taking over," Danny spoke up for the first time in a while. "Or were going to be here all night."

Tayler didn't say anything, but she couldn't help but agree with him. More than ready to get the rules and regulations over with, so she could reflect, on the stressful changes she was feeling, as well as get some sleep, and be left alone.

"No lying, stealing, cheating and just about anything else that falls into those categories is not allowed." Danny knew how teenagers could read between the lines and try to argue why they shouldn't be punished by saying they didn't know it was wrong.

"You will also always do your homework and try your best at school." Linda picked up where Danny stopped.

"Is that everything?" Tayler asked nervously, when neither Danny or Linda said anything for a moment.

"I sure hope so," Danny stretched, tired after the long week of working not only as a detective, but also working as a father, for his new stepdaughter.

"Just one more thing," Linda spoke up. Causing both Danny and Tayler to exchange drained, side glances.

"You will be assigned a few weekly chores. But they won't be anything too obsessive." Linda was sure to add. "We want you to have plenty of time to focus on your school assignments and have time to do things you enjoy." Linda wasn't sure what kind of things those were, aside from watching TV and listening to music. Then again, from what she did know. It didn't sound like she did much, aside from staying in the house. Which was something Linda was hoping to change. She didn't want her daughter to have too much technology time, and she was hoping she would take on a hobby. Such as the boys did with hockey.

"I use to take care of the whole house by myself." Tayler didn't sound like the chore part of the conversation bothered her a bit. She was far too used to taking care of the home. Then again, when there was only two people living there, and with one of them hardly ever there, it wasn't like it got very messy. At least not compared to what she figured her new home would be like with five people living there. Yet at the same time, she wasn't sure how often they were all there. It seemed to her like Danny and Linda were both kept exceptionally busy with their jobs, and the boys with school and after school sports.

"Your dad didn't help you?" Linda wasn't exactly surprised. But she figured the chore was a bit excessive for a thirteen-year-old.

"Sometimes he would come home and cook dinner," Tayler figured she needed to give credit, where credit was do. So, her mother wouldn't think he was all bad. "It wasn't very often," she had to admit. "But when he did, it was nice. And then he would even clean the kitchen afterwards."

"What all did you clean?" Linda was trying to figure out what her daughter knew how to do. Not because she would assign those chores, but because she was trying to learn more about her past life.

"Mostly laundry and bathroom cleaning." Tayler nodded, remembering. "There were a few other things, but I didn't do those all the time."

"The boys would act like we were killing them if we made them clean the bathroom," Danny chuckled, thinking of their reaction. "The only thing Jack does, is take the garbage out occasionally when I can't do it, and Sean, I'm not even sure what he does."

"He helps me in the kitchen," Linda enlightened him. "By unloading the dishwasher. They also keep their clothes picked up off the floor and keep their rooms clean."

"Must have missed that," Danny shrugged. "I nearly broke Sean's toy robot when I kicked into it."

"We can talk more later," Linda knew she needed to put an end to the conversation, so she could get her children settled for the night. She wanted to hug her daughter, and tell her goodnight, but she refrained, knowing it was much too soon in their relationship for that. "But I need to go check on the boys now, and make sure they are getting ready for bed." Linda started to make her way up the stairs.

"Ask them how they've survived these rules?" Tayler voiced. Her voice wasn't sarcastic. She wasn't really that type of person. And silence was golden in her book. Aside from the occasional questions that seemed to be increasing with every day that passed. But she thought she needed to say something, so the poor woman wouldn't feel too put out. She wasn't sure why she cared, it wasn't like she knew the woman. But she knew she didn't completely dislike the woman either.

Danny was about to take his leave as well, but Tayler stopped him. "Can we talk serious now?" Tayler knew she was only thirteen, but even she could tell her mother was trying to sugarcoat everything.

"I prefer it," Danny wasn't sure what else to say. He was too caught off guard, that she wanted to talk to him at all.

"And you won't get mad at me for saying it?" Tayler asked clarifying.

"Why would I do that?" Danny was trying to figure out what would have made her think he would get upset with her for simply saying something.

"I mean with the rules I'm supposed to be following now." Tayler said seriously. She didn't think he would get mad at her for it, but she had to admit, she didn't want to take any chances. "Technically, I'm supposed to speak respectfully. But I really don't know how else to put it. But now that Linda's not down here to try to act like I'm going to burst into tears at any moment, or even try to run off, and pretend none of this ever happened. I need to say something."

"Go ahead," Danny walked away from the stairs, and stepped further into the room.

"I get that Linda's trying, and I can't fault her for it. But none of my past is her fault, and she acts like it is. I've tried to tell her that I didn't mind living the way I did. I learned a lot about myself, being left alone, and my dad wasn't by any means, mean to me, and occasionally we even got along." The previous statement wasn't what she initially wanted to talk to him about it, but it came out, and she found herself glad of it.

"Give her time Tayler, she has toned it down since the first day." Danny knew what the girl was saying was true, but he did have to pick up for his wife.

Tayler didn't respond, her mind was too focused on the real reason she wanted him to stay behind. Unfortunately, she had no idea how she wanted to say it, yet she was afraid that if she waited, she would lose the nerve.

Fortunately for her, Danny could tell she wanted to say something further, and he decided to take the first step. "Don't you think it's time you stopped doing the same thing you are accusing your mother of doing, by walking softly, and not wanting to say something, that I know you want to?" One would think, that speaking so abruptly, and in that manner to a kid that was supposed to be your stepdaughter was a little harsh. But that wasn't Danny, and he figured that, that was what Tayler needed.

Tayler had to admit he was right. But that didn't mean she was a hundred percent certain, she even wanted to say it to him, but she figured that since she had already said so much to them, over the past hour. It might as well be sink or swim, and she get it out of her system. "Earlier, when Linda brought up the custody papers. You didn't say much. Now how do you really feel about it?" Tayler said bluntly. "You don't have to be careful now that Linda isn't down here, and you can tell me the truth." Tayler continued, before he even had a chance to open his mouth. "It won't bother me, for you to say something derogatory, about being forced into it."

"You are just like your mother." Was Danny's reply, to his stepdaughters assured interpretation of him.

"What do you mean?" Tayler squinted, unsure if she should take it as a compliment or not.

"You used the word derogatory," Danny pointed out, not a bit put out by her statement. "And to answer your question honestly. It's because I don't mind, and I stand by what I originally said. Why wouldn't I want my wife's child to live with her and have a chance at life with a real family. Which is what I was born into."

"Yeah but Danny, look at it my way. All I am is the kid you got stuck with, because you married my mother. I mean you lucked out when you first got married, because she didn't have custody of me. But now, things have changed. For me, you, Linda, Jack, and Sean."

"Are you done?" Danny crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"As long as you aren't going to argue with me, like Linda did earlier before you came down here. Saying that I don't know what I'm talking about, and that you and the rest of the Reagan's aren't like that." Sure, Tayler figured she was saying a little more than she should. But she was tired of hearing the same song and dance, as if it was a broken record.

"No," Danny shook his head. "You have a point, we are all strangers." Danny paused. "But I can answer for me. And, whether you knew it or not. Your mother told me about you before we started dating again."

"Did you know she didn't see me much?" Tayler had to admit, she was confused by his steady reply.

"I did," Danny nodded. "I'm the one who wanted you to be allowed to spend more time with her."

"Why?" This time Tayler was even more confused by his answer, than she was before.

"Because I lost my mother September 14th, 2005. And I wish every day, that I would have had more time with her. Don't take this opportunity with your mother lightly." Danny left her alone, so she could get ready for bed.

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Tayler turned the light off, and crawled under the brand-new sheets and bedspread, that Linda helped her put on the bed. She laid in bed for a while, staring up at the ceiling. The music was still playing lightly on the stereo, and even though it helped relax her, she still couldn't sleep. She wasn't looking forward to the following day and figured that was the reason behind the inability to sleep. She was dreading the hour or, so she was going to have to spend in mass. But what she was dreading more than that, was the afternoon, she was going to be forced to spend with the Reagans. She knew her mother and stepfather had a point, she didn't know them. And it was only fair she give them a chance. But even that didn't help the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach go away. It was just too soon for her to meet people, that were supposed to turn into family in only a matter of days, and simply because her step father's name was now on her custody papers. Again, she had to admit, that she didn't specifically mind him or Linda. They had done a lot for her over the past few days, much more than her dads family ever did for her. Sure, Linda could be overbearing at times, and Danny could make entirely too much sense for her to understand. But even that didn't completely erase the fact that they were all still strangers, being forced to live together, and call each other family.

Hope everyone enjoyed the update... Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews... I am also pleased to announce that I have been asked to write a new story, and I hope to get it published very soon. It will be called 'Taken By Surprise.' And will be posted sometime next week. This one is centered after Linda's death. And would see an accidental relationship form between Danny and Maria, bringing about a baby...JusticeStandsTrue