At the end of the episode:

Danny thanked Maggie for insisting he join her at the karaoke joint. He did enjoy himself and the applause he got when he finished his song. They finished their drinks and Danny drove them back to Maggie's place. She could feel his conflict but had to wait for him to say something. They arrived at her place and she invited him in for a cup of coffee. He agreed and they walked into her home. She invited him to have a seat while she busied herself making and serving the coffee. She finally sat down next to him on the sofa and waited for him to do something. She knew they would be friends but nothing more.

"Maggie, thank you for getting me to go out and have some fun. I really haven't done anything like that in years. When Linda died, a part of me died, too. But you've shown me that I can move on. No one else has done that for me. I don't know how to thank you but, as much as…" Maggie touched his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Danny, I think I know what you're trying to say. We'll be friends and when you need my help of course I'll be there. But you have someone else you need and she needs you. Right now she's waiting for you and has been. She's determined to allow you to make the first move but trust me, she loves you and Linda says you should talk to her soon. Now, what do you think of my coffee?" asked Maggie.

"It's much better than the swill we drink in the office. And I meant what I said, thank you for what you did." He finished what he had in his cup. "How about I introduce you to someone I know. He's helped me and maybe you two could help each other."

"Maybe, let me think about it. I think you need to get ready for what you need to do as soon as you can." She stood up and he joined her. She took his empty cup and put it in the sink. "Thank you for joining me tonight and best wishes for a brighter tomorrow. Why don't you call me and let me know how it goes. Don't lose hope, and don't chicken out. She's waiting and I think you will make a great couple. She loves your sons as much as you do.

Monday Morning

Danny sat at his desk moving folders around but not accomplishing anything except to drive his partner to distraction. He had been very quiet all day, speaking only when spoken to and his behavior was getting on her nerves. Finally, she had to speak up.

"Danny, what are you doing? Are you finished with all those cases or are you just moving them back and forth so you can say that you have touched them?"

"Huh, what do you mean?" He couldn't even look at her; was that guilt he was feeling? "I've got a lot on my mind, I guess." He paused, wanting to talk to her but unable to say the words. "Do you have dinner plans for tonight?" he asked.

"Other than a date with Ben and Jerry, no. What did you have in mind?"

"If you're done, how about we leave at a reasonable hour for once. We can go have a nice dinner. I need to tell you about something and I'd rather not do it here. Are you…"

"What's wrong? Something with the boys? C'mon, you're scaring me." She began to clean off her desk and gathered her things. "Did you drive in today?"

"Yeah…"

"Good, then you can drive. Let's go." She headed out of the building and Danny had to run to catch up. Once she was outside Maria had to wait for Danny. He finally came out and directed her to his car. They climbed into the vehicle and headed toward the Hudson River. Danny drove into the Lincoln Tunnel and kept going west. Finally he pulled off the highway into an area of shops and restaurants. He drove down one road looking for something and finally found what he wanted. He found the parking garage and led the way to a restaurant. They were seated quickly and ordered drinks. Maria grew more and more frantic. "Would you please tell me why we had to drive to New Jersey so you can tell me whatever is going on?"

"Remember the case we had last week, the kid who was shot and died? I talked to Maggie, the medium, about the case and when we solved the case I went back and told her what had happened. She told me that I needed to get out and have some fun. She told me that she goes to a karaoke place when she needs to have fun so I took her there. Guess you could say I took her out on a date." He paused to take a large swallow of his wine. He still hadn't looked his partner in the eye.

"Okay, so you behaved like a single man taking a single woman out to a public place and you had a good time. Danny, you're allowed to have fun. I still don't understand why…"

"Because the entire time we were out I was wishing that I was with you and not her. She's a nice person but I don't have those kinds of feelings for her." His next remark was so soft she almost didn't hear it. "I only have feelings for you."

"I'm sorry, did I hear you right? Why didn't you say anything?"

"I wasn't sure if you felt the same way. I'm sorry but I need to know - do you feel.." He was finally looking at her. She reached out and took his hand.

"Danny, I was waiting for you to say something. I know you miss Linda and that takes time. Yes, I have feelings for you." She reached over and took his other hand and held on to it. "Now, how about we order some food and see where this goes."

Danny finally looked at his partner. "I like that idea. Suddenly, I'm really hungry. Wonder how long we can sit here before they throw us out."

They perused the menu and placed their orders. And talked until the restaurant was about to close. Danny paid the bill and they walked back to his car hand in hand. He helped Maria into the car and then went around the car to get into the driver's seat. They decided to drive to a diner that was open twenty four hours and continue their conversation. They sat in a booth both on the same side and talked until the sun came up. They decided to continue seeing each other but in the office and working they would be partners as they had been for the past eight years.

Two weeks later

"Glad you're still going, I'll see you there." Danny hung up the phone and prepared to leave for the day. He wanted to go home and change before picking up his partner and taking her to a special place. He had been rehearsing for the past week and decided he was ready for his last performance in public. He had also invited his friend, Maggie, to help bolster him. This could be a life changing event for him and he needed all the help he could get.

He drove to Maria's home and picked her up for their date. She had no idea where they were going but had dressed as Danny suggested - slightly dressy casual - whatever that was. He was obviously nervous but pleased that she was beside him in the car. Finally, they arrived at their destination. She had never heard of the place but was eager to see what was so special. They walked in and Danny looked around finding the person he wanted to see. They walked over to the table where she was sitting and joined her.

"Maria, you remember Maggie? Maggie, this is my date for tonight, Maria Baez. We've known each other almost forever. She's also my partner at work." The women shook hands.

Maria began, "Yes, I remember you. You've helped us on a couple of cases. Just recently you helped us find the killer of a little boy. A real tragedy where a father killed his son by accident. I don't know if Danny updated you but he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter and has been sent to a psych facility. Hopefully he can be helped. I can't imagine how much pain he must be in now. But, thanks to you the case is closed. I hope Danny remembered to thank you."

"Yes, he did. And I introduced him to this place. When I need to lift myself I come here. Mostly, I listen but I have sung a few times and whoever was here seemed to enjoy it."

"Ladies, I did invite another person to join us," said Danny. "He did say he would be here and I think I see him at the door. Excuse me for a moment?" Danny stood up and walked over to a tall man standing at the doorway. He recognized Danny and smiled. The two men chatted for a moment and then walked back to the table where the ladies were waiting.

"Maggie, Maria, I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Alex Dawson. Alex, I'd like to introduce you to my partner, Maria Baez, and Maggie Peterson. Maggie's a medium and has helped us solve a few cases including one two weeks ago where a child was shot and killed." Alex shook hands with both ladies and sat down. The waitress came over and took their drink orders and they chatted for a bit while waiting for their drinks.

"Danny tells me that you brought him here one night right after that tragic case. And it must have helped. I can't remember seeing him smile so much. Usually, all I see from him is a frown, " said Alex.

"We all need something positive in our lives and this place has been great for me. I can forget about real life for a while and enjoy the performances of everyone that participates. It kind of resets my sadness meter and I can continue to do my work. I hope you two get to enjoy the music as much as I do," said Maggie.

"I love music," said Maria, "but I don't sing when anyone else can hear. Kind of can't hold a tune, if you know what I mean. I'm really looking forward to the evening."

Danny just grinned knowing he had something special planned for his turn. His song was an older one but seemed to express the feelings he'd been unable to say to his partner. Finally, it was Danny's turn and the manager introduced him.

"Tonight, my song is for a very special person in my life. I hope you enjoy a little bit of Elvis." The music started and Danny waited for the intro to finish before singing "Falling in Love With You". At the end of the song, the place exploded with applause. Danny took a bow and walked back to the table.

"Danny, that was great! I didn't realize you were that old, you must have grown up singing his music," said Maggie.

"Danny, that was impressive. And it seems like everyone here appreciated your talents. Have you considered singing as a new career?" asked Alex.

Danny acknowledged their comments but only had eyes for Maria. She was smiling even though her eyes brimmed with tears. "Thank you," she whispered. Danny sat down next to Maria and gave her a hug.

"I meant every word, I have fallen in love with you," Danny whispered into Maria's ear. Some instrumental music was playing and people were beginning to dance. "Would you care to dance with me," asked Danny. He held his hand out to Maria. She took his hand and stood up next to him.

"I would love to dance with you." They headed for the dance floor and stayed there till it was time for more singing. They walked hand in hand back to their table but found it empty. Their waitress handed Danny a note. He read it and gave it to Maria.

Danny and Maria,

Thank you for inviting me tonight. Danny, your song was wonderful. I may have to give

you a run for your money someday soon. For now, I'm going to take Maggie over to a coffee

house near here so I can get to know her better. Don't worry, I'll be a gentleman.

Alex

PS - I've already paid the bill, enjoy the rest of your evening.

"What would you like to do now? More singing?" asked Danny.

"How about some coffee and talk? I think we have a lot to talk about. Your place or mine?" asked Maria. They decided her place would be better and left the bar. Once in the car Danny held Maria's hand as often as traffic permitted. Once they arrived, Maria started a pot of coffee and brought it into the living room. They sat together on the sofa and talked most of the night. As dawn approached he decided to head home before they started something they were not quite ready for.