A/N: See the intro for the usual stuff. I did pull dialogue directly from the ep 3.24 "Snow Day." You'll recognise it. Please R & R. It's cheap. It's easy. And it makes me happy.

I am so sorry this took so long to write. It was kinda hard. This chap ended up a little long. I hope it's worth it.

I just noticed that Don and Tess met three years ago last Sunday. (Well, a couple of days earlier.) That puts me way behind. Maybe by the time their kid is ready for college I'll have actually posted the birth. Anyhow... Tigers went down with a poof this year. Sigh. (A local radio station actually had the audacity to say we should root for the evil pinstripe empire.) At least hockey has started, although the Wings are not doing stellar.

On a CSI:NY related note...I am so tickled that the new season is running. I love seeing new stories every week. (Now if only I could offer the same.) I worry about our poor fellow though. He's hurting bad. Not even wearing suits. (Who would have thought I'd complain about that?) I expect him to grieve. But I'll know he's begun healing when the suits come back. At least he's shaving regularily. But is he letting his hair grow out? And was it just the light in last night's epi or is it getting grayish? OK, I'm being overly analytical. I'll quit now. Enjoy.

The alarm beeped loudly in the dark room. Don groaned rolled over and hit the clock. He rolled back and cuddled against Tess, rubbing his face in her hair. Maybe I should just… He pushed the thought from his mind and nudged Tess.

"I heard the alarm," she mumbled back.

"But yer not movin'," Don murmured in her ear.

"I'm tired. It's your fault."

"We've gotta go. It's the deal we made with Father Andrews and yer uncle. Unless ya don't wanna git married in a church?"

Tess rolled to her back and sighed heavily. "No. I've got to get married in a church." She propped herself up on her elbows. "This is the last Mass before anyhow. By next Sunday, we'll be married."

"Then there's the Christening."

"Back in Toledo." Tess flopped back. "Then we can go back to being nominally Catholic."

"Very funny." Don brushed her hair out of her eyes. "We're lucky they'd let us get married on such short notice. And without all of the usually rig-a-marole."

Tess rolled her eyes. "I know. But after the Christening we won't be doing penance any more and having to go to 7am Mass. And sitting prominently up front. We can go back to sliding in late at the back of church for Noon Mass." Tess turned on her side and faced Don. "Catholic schools?"

"Did I attend? My opinion? Are we sending the kid to one?"

"All of the above."

"Yes. I survived. Do we have a choice? You?"

"Yes. Ditto. Probably not. After all, the poor kid already has a strike against them." Tess grinned.

Don grinned back. "Shouldn't that be a mark against us as parents?"

"Us? We are already completely doomed. When's the last time you went to confession?"

"Let's see I graduated…"

Tess laughed. "Exactly. Doomed."

"That would be damned, Sweetheart." Tess just rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at him.

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The alarm beeped and Don reached over and quickly silenced it. He had been awake for a while. Anticipation had pulled him from sleep early and he stared silently at the ceiling. His eyes flickered toward the clock. No more time to lie here trying to forget about what was planned for today. He pushed his legs off the side of the bed. Tess shifted, searching for his warmth. Don sighed heavily. Just lie there and forget about the world. Sounds so good. Don stood up. He turned back to pull the covers straight and met Tess' eyes.

"I'm sorry."

Tess shook her head. "You didn't wake me. Not really. Do you have time for coffee?"

"Ya don't have ta git up."

"It's no big deal," shrugged Tess.

Don sat back down on the edge of the bed and picked up her hand. Stupid Danny. Openin' his big mouth last night at the bar. Good thing Lindsay kicked him, or I'd a punched him out. He held her hand, rubbing his thumb over Tess' knuckles. He tried to give her a cocky grin. "Ya don't have ta…"

"Don't sugar coat it for me, Don. I'm not stupid or naive."

Don nodded. "OK. But you can't freak out every time…"

"I don't." Tess leaned over and kissed him tenderly. "I'm just making you some coffee. Don't read anything into it."

"It's jus' a cuppa coffee."

"Yep."

Don shook his head. "Now who's sugar coatin'?"

Tess shrugged. "Let me live in a bubble sometimes. I promise not to go there too often." She touched his face and looked deep into his eyes. "I wouldn't trade any part of you for anything. Got it?"

"So you wouldn't want me ta be a preacher or somethin'?"

Tess frowned. "Since we're both Catholic wouldn't that make it a bigger mortal sin…?" Tess sat back, brows knit together. "Can you have a bigger mortal sin?"

Don chuckled. "I'd love ta debate theology wit ya, but I don't really have the time."

"But you do have time for me to make you coffee, right?"

"Is it that important ta ya?"

"Like Popeye and spinach."

Don squeezed her hand. "Then go ahead an' brew me a pot." Tess smiled weakly back.

"One pot of coffee coming up." She slid out of bed and padded to the kitchen.

He couldn't blame her for being worried. He was worried too. And excited. But you can't tell Tess that.

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Don took a deep breath as the started moving toward the iron work's door. The first cop went through the opening and all hell broke loose.

"Get down! Everybody get down on the ground!" The gang dropped the coke they were unloading, but instead of dropping to the ground they picked up their guns. The sounds of automatic weapons filled the air. Don worked his gun, reloading on the fly. The smell of powder burned in his nostrils. Sweat rolled down his face and soaked his shirt under the body armor. A puff of coke filled the air as the shipment was used as a barricade and filled with bullets.

We're all gonna pop after this one. The thought quickly burned through Don's mind and then he focused back on corralling gang members and avoiding bullets. The semi trailer burst into flames. Don glanced over to see someone jumping out of the burning rig. He used the distraction to sneak in behind the semi and flank the gang. He came around the back and took a bead on the man in front of him.

"Drop your weapon!" The man spun around. "Drop your weapon!" Adrenaline surged through Don's veins. "Drop it!" The man growled at Don and drew up his gun. "Drop it! Drop it! Drop it now!"

Time slowed down to a crawl. Each distinct heartbeat pounded in Don's ears. He could hear the blood rushing through his body. Thoughts erupted like flash-bangs through his mind. His parents. His sisters. Tess. The baby. Never holding his baby. Don squeezed the trigger and felt the kick of the shotgun. He watched the man fall. One more thought burst through. Did he have a wife and baby he'd never hold again? As the man hit the floor time sped up to normal again. Don almost panted as he fought to bring his heartbeat back under control.

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Hawks was photographing the body as Don approached.

"Any id?" he asked.

Don shook his head. "Nope. And the rest of the clan ain't talkin'. You'd do better with a swab of blood from that hole I put in his chest. It might git ya a hit in CODIS," he said a note of disgust in his voice.

Hawks glanced over at Don. "Hey. He was gonna kill you. You did what you had to do."

"Yeah. It's just not how I wanted to start my day." Don walked slowly away. Mac was just coming on scene.

"That's quite a score," Mac nodded towards the pallet of coke.

Don nodded. "A couple of months ago a CI tipped us off about it. I knew it was gonna be big. I just didn't know it was gonna be this big."

"Any of our guys get hurt?"

Don glanced out into space. "Sanchez took one in the shoulder. But he's on his way to Queen of Mercy.

"What about you?" Mac looked at Don thoughtfully.

"I'm not used to looking down the barrel of an AK-47, but I'll be alright," he shrugged.

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Tess ducked into the faculty lounge. The TV in the corner was running quietly. Usually it just scrolled announcements, but today a couple of teacher's had hijacked it. Tess ignored them and headed for the fridge. Her growling stomach put her on a mission. Tess dug into the fridge looking for her lunch bag. She found it and pulled out her yogurt. She slowly tore the top off the tube and squeezed a blob into her mouth. Tess closed her eyes savoring the cool, strawberry taste filling her mouth.

"Hey, Tess! You're just in time. Your guy's giving a press conference. He looks good." Krista grinned at Tess. She turned back to the TV.

"Does you husband know you keep lusting after my fiancée?"

"I dunno. Do you know I keep lusting after Tess' fiancée?" Krista asked the man sitting beside her. Tess suddenly realized that it was Joe Burke sitting next to Krista. Social studies. No wonder the TV was on. Current events junkie.

Tess wandered over to the TV frowning slightly. What was Krista going on about? Since when does a simple raid get a press conference? Tess looked at Don standing behind the table full of white bricks and the yogurt suddenly felt like a rock in her stomach. She made a small noise. Joe turned around.

"Are you OK? You don't look like you feel well."

Tess sank to a chair eyes glued on the TV. "Joe, I'm fine. I just need to…" Don did look good.

He was describing the raid. There was a sight catch in his voice when mentioning the causalities. The average person wouldn't have noticed it. But you're not the average person, are you? Don shot the guy. That's a lot of cocaine, or heroin or whatever. This was no simple raid. Tess tried to ignore the voice babbling in her head. The yogurt hung from her limp hand. Her hunger was momentarily overridden by concern for Don. She watched Don calmly answer questions. Her unease evaporated as she realized he seemed uninjured. It was over and he was safe. The news flash finished and they returned to Dr. Phil. The two teachers that had been watching the brief turned and looked at Tess expectantly. Tess shifted nervously.

"What?"

"That was unreal. Did you see the amount of drugs in front of your fiancée?" asked Krista.

"There were a lot," agreed Tess.

"I don't know how you do it. I couldn't handle it if my husband was a cop doing that kind of stuff." Krista shook her head.

"Good thing he's a teacher then." Tess smiled weakly. "Mostly his job is pretty routine."

"If that's routine, we're in trouble. Did you know about it?"

"I knew he had something going on this morning."

"Wow. I don't know how you do it, Tess." Krista shook her head and cleaned up the debris from her lunch. Krista leaned down and kissed Joe's temple. "I'll see you later." Tess sat there with a watery smile pasted on her face. Krista shook her head and left. Tess didn't move.

"Everything okay?"

Tess looked over at Joe. She nodded and schooled her features into a blank mask. "Really, I'm fine. That…that was just a little unexpected."

"I'm sorry."

"Not your fault." He nodded and wandered off. Tess had lost her appetite and was tempted to throw the yogurt away and shove her lunch back in the fridge. You need to eat, her inner voice scolded. Tess ate the rest of her yogurt even though the flavor was gone. She slid her cell phone out of her pocket, flipped it open and held down Don's speed dial key. It rang once and she flipped it shut. You saw. He's fine. He doesn't need you bugging him.

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Don was talking with some SWAT team members when he felt his phone vibrate. He excused himself and was about to answer when it went silent. Don unclipped it and brought up the missed call. Tess. Damn. He's been hoping she wouldn't get wind of this for a while yet. Gossiping teachers. He took a deep breath and dialed her back. Maybe she hadn't heard.

"Hiya, Sweetheart. Everythin' OK?" he rushed when she picked up.

"I might ask the same thing about you," she countered quietly.

Don released a heavy breath. "Someone saw the press conference?"

"I saw the press conference. Lunch period."

Don swore under his breath. Should have delayed a bit longer. "I'm fine really."

"I know. I saw. That's why I hung up. I figured I'd talk with you later…if you wanted to."

Don closed his eyes. She knew. He had no idea how she knew, but she did. "The city hires professionals for that, ya know," he tried to joke.

"I know. But they're not me."

Don closed his eyes briefly. "I'll see ya later." The reality of what had almost happened slammed him again. I came so close to widowing her before we even got married. Don took a ragged breath. "I love you."

"So I've heard." Tess pushed the sick feeling she still had down. "Good thing we went to Mass yesterday. You're all paid up."

"Yer forgettin' the whole 'livin' in sin' thing."

"You want me to have Uncle Stash call and take your confession?"

"I've already gotten Last Rites, ya know." He heard Tess' small gasp and cursed himself for pushing their gallows' humor too far. "I shouldn't have…"

"It's okay. You had better see me later, that's all. I'll whack you upside the head then."

"Oh, that makes me wanna come home."

"You know you like it, Don Flack."

Don smiled slightly and shook his head. "Don't switch gears so fast, Sweetheart. I'm not quite up for the change in direction."

"Maybe later then," she teased.

"Geeze, Tess." He closed his eyes. She was almost managing to distract him. "I gotta run. You gonna be OK?"

"I'd ask the same about you. I'm fine. I will see you later."

"Promise."

Tess sighed. "Don't. Okay? Don't promise. Under the circumstances it makes me nervous. Just do your best. Oh. And I love you too." Tess clicked off. Don clipped his phone to its holster and went back to the business at hand.

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There was a knock on the door. Tess ignored it and listened to the student speaking in front of the class. A second knock sounded and Tess held her hand up to pause the student. She walked to the door and opened it. She looked surprised to find the chair of her department there.

"Dr. Larry. How may I help you?" She motioned for Tess to come into hall. Tess looked at Takisha. "Miss West, please take my clipboard. Jake, please continue. I'll be right back." Tess briskly stepped out of the classroom and looked at her colleague expectantly. The other woman kept her expression blank.

"Dr. Pritchett would like you to come down to the office."

"Loretta, I'm in the middle…"

"It isn't a request. Can your intern handle the class if I'm in the classroom?"

"I suppose. What have I….?"

Loretta tried to give Tess a reassuring smile. "You aren't in trouble, Tess." Her face went serious. "I think it would be best if Dr. Pritchett explained."

"Should I take my…"

"You might want to get your purse at least."

"Just my purse, Loretta?"

"This isn't a dismissal or anything similar, Tess. But go ahead and get your purse."

Tess quietly opened the classroom door. The class looked up at her. Tess pasted on a smile.

"Miss West, I need you to take the class. Dr. Larry will be observing. I need to step out for a little while."

"Miss Nagy…?" Takisha's face was filled with confusion and concern.

"It's fine, Takisha. Go ahead," said Tess reassuringly. Tess retrieved her purse and headed into the hall. She glanced back at the classroom. Takisha had taken her place on the stool and Dr. Larry had settled into the back of the room. Tess apprehensively made her way down to the principal's office. She paused a moment before entering the administrative offices. She took a deep breath and went in.

"Tess. Dr. Pritchett will see you in his office. Go on in." Tess just nodded and slowly walked over to the office and opened the door. Mark Pritchett looked up.

"Hello, Tess. Come on in."

"Dr. Pritchett, what is this about? I was in the middle of class."

Mark nodded. "You know it's Mark." He smiled slightly.

"Not when you pull me out of my room." A sick feeling started to rise. Tess fought the need to sit. She didn't want to appear weak.

"Tess, this had nothing to do with your teaching."

"Then why…?"

"Krista Burke stopped by. She said your fiancée had been involved with a large raid this morning?"

"Yes, Krista and Joe had the press conference on in the lounge at lunch." She shook her head. "Don's fine though. I talked to him right after."

"Joe had the TV on again during 5th period. He recognized the warehouse from earlier."

"They were rerunning…"

"It wasn't from this morning. There's a hostage…"

"At that warehouse?" The nausea got worse and Tess did sink into the chair before she fell. Mark flipped on the television in his office. A live feed featuring the warehouse filled the screen. A reporter babbled the details as they knew them. Tess could see the building ringed with police. She couldn't see any of them clear enough for identification. Silently, eyes glued to the screen, Tess slid her phone out of her purse and dialed Don. While she waited for the call to go through, she read the scroll announcing the evacuation of the police offices including the lab. It went to Don's voicemail. Tess' breathing started to get shallow. She looked through her contacts for Danny's number. She dialed again. No ring this time. Straight to voicemail. Her mind ran through who to call next. Jess? Stella? Lindsay. Tess looked again and found Lindsay's number. She didn't answer either. Tess closed her eyes to keep from crying. It finally occurred to her that with all that was going on, no one was going to answer. She took several gulping breaths; bringing her emotions and physical reactions under control.

"Do you want to go home?'

Tess looked up and shook her head hard. "I…I can't do anything about any of this. Can I please just go back to my classes, Sir?"

"Do you think you're able…?"

Tess took a deep breath and stood up. "I need to teach. All going home will do for me is give me more time to worry. I'd rather be in class."

Mark nodded. "If you're sure you can handle your classes then head back."

"Thank you. Thank you, Mark." Tess nodded and walked back to her classroom. The bell rang and the hall filled with students. She welcomed the distraction that making her way through the crowded hallways brought. Takisha was just picking up her bag when Tess entered. She looked up at Tess, her face etched with deep concern.

"Is everything okay, Miss Nagy?"

"Don't worry, Takisha." Tess tried to dodge the question.

"I've got today's quizzes. I'll work on those tonight."

"Thanks. That leaves me only three other classes and essays from logic and comp."

"Do you want me to do the other quizzes?

Tess smiled. "No. You're only responsible for this class. You have other homework I'm sure."

"It wouldn't be any problem. Really, Miss Nagy."

"Fine. Thank you. It would be a help." Tess picked up the folders and passed them to Takisha. Krista rushed into the classroom, but stopped short when she saw Tess. Tess glanced at Krista, then back at Takisha. "You need to get to your last class. Thank you for the extra help."

"No problem, Miss Nagy." She headed out the door. Krista stared at Tess. Tess looked back.

"Your husband needs to stop sneaking news in between classes. He's got a problem."

"It isn't…?"

Tess looked away. "I don't know. Everyone I know is a little busy."

"Loretta asked me to take your last class."

"I'm not leaving." Tess shook her head. "There's nothing I can find out. I need to finish out my day. I'll have to figure things out after." Tess looked at Krista who was still standing there. "You said you didn't know how I did it. This is how I do it. I go forward and try not to worry."

"Do you want me to stay?"

"Up to you."

Krista searched Tess' face. "Catch me after school. If you need some company, I'm free."

"Thanks, Krista. I'll be fine."

"You sure?" Krista lingered in the doorway.

"Krista. This isn't you fault. Just because Joe's a news junkie, doesn't make any of this your fault." Students started filing into the classroom.

"If you need me to come in just give a shout."

"Thanks, Krista." Tess gathered her thoughts, pushed any about Don to the back of her mind and turned to face her class as the bell rang.

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Classes ended and Tess grabbed her messenger bag and headed out. As she hit 94th, she thought briefly about where to head. I'd just be in the way at the precinct. There's no way I'm headed down to Police Plaza and Don would skin me if I got anywhere near that warehouse. I can't just sit around the apartment, waiting. She decided Bette's might be the best choice. Bette had better be at home. Tess headed for the subway. She pulled out her phone.

"Hi. I'm at Bette and Peter's" She clicked off and tried in sequence Danny, Lindsay, Stella. No answer from any of them. Tess decided to try Don's desk. Someone had to be at the precinct. After several jammed calls, it finally rang through. After several rings someone picked up.

"34th Precinct. Detective Angell."

Tess tried not to sigh. Something about Jess Angell made her nervous. "Hi. This is Tess. Tess Nagy."

"Don's not here," she answered abruptly.

Tess growled slightly in frustration. "I know."

"Then you know we're a little busy. What can I do for you?" Before Tess could answer, Jess continued on. "He's not inside. He's on negotiations." Tess let out a sigh of relief. "Listen, we are busy and I shouldn't be telling you anything."

"I'm not going to be talking with reporters, Jess."

"Danny's one of the hostages."

Tess stopped in her tracks, oblivious to the people buffeting against her. "Oh...my...God."

"I really gotta go. I'll tell…"

"You don't have to. I already left him a voice mail. Don't let him know I was nagging people. Thanks… Jess." The phone went dead in Tess' ear before she finished the sentence.

Danny. They had all just been together the night before. Danny had been teasing her about being the guaranteed designated driver. He had left with Lindsay causing her and Don to speculate that maybe Lindsay was finally taking him seriously. Danny. Don's best friend. He was supposed to be the best man at their wedding. Stop it, interjected another voice. He will be the best man at your wedding. Don's going to get him out of there and everything is going to be fine. Helplessness engulfed Tess. Everything can change in an instant. She couldn't shake the feeling.

Tess numbly made her way to Bette and Peter's. She managed to get a seat on the subway, but just sat there staring straight ahead. She was almost to her stop when she felt her pocket buzzing. She fished out her phone and flipped it out without checking.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" Tess almost smiled at the concern behind Bette's rough inquiry.

"On my way to your place. I hope you don't mind."

"Peter turned on the TV. We never turn on the TV. But tonight he did."

"It's not Don."

"Thank the Lord."

"Either place?"

"What do you mean….Oh, Headquarters and the lab. No."

"Again, thank you God." The relief was evident in Bette's voice. Tess took a deep breath.

"It's Danny."

"Danny? Like Best Man Danny? He works at the crime lab? The one that got evacuated?"

"No. I mean yes he works at the lab. That Danny. But no not the evacuation." Tess could feel tears prickling her eyes and throat. "Danny… Danny's one of the hostages." The stop announcement came over the speakers. "I'm coming to the stop. I'll be…" Tess sighed as the call cut out. She stood up and worked her way out to the platform.

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Tess sat staring at the TV screen her knitting crumpled in her lap. She leaned forward and watched as Danny and Adam were bustled into waiting ambulances. Her heart squeezed as she caught a couple of glimpses of Don on scene. The report switched to the continuing drama at headquarters. Tess slumped backward.

"And you're sure you want to marry him?"

Tess looked over at Bette. "I don't have a lot of choice."

"You're not married yet."

Tess gave Bette a rueful smile and shook her head. "That doesn't matter. I'm in love with him. Even if we didn't get married, I'm still wrapped up in all of that." Tess stood up and rubbed her back. "Besides, I think we all were taught a pretty big lesson on not being in control."

Peter passed by and tugged on one of Bette's braids. "Leave her be, Bette. How many times do I have to tell you our Tessie was sunk the first time she cooked for him?"

"I just wanted to point out her options one more time."

"Bette, honey, not everyone wants to live in sin like you," teased Peter from the kitchen.

Tess narrowed her eyes. "You're not…"

Bette laughed loudly. "Peter, you had better stop. Tess keeps thinking we're having a baby too."

Peter came up behind Better and hugged her. "Not a chance. Even your glowing presence hasn't changed her mind on that." Peter grinned at Tess. "Although, it's not from a lack of trying."

Tess closed her eyes and shook her head. "And on that note of too much information, I've got to go home."

"Too bad it's not just a walk upstairs," chimed Bette.

"After the wedding. After school gets out. We'll move then." Tess rubbed her temples. "What do you want me to do? Sleep on the floor?"

"Shame to be paying for an empty apartment."

"Didn't have a lot of choice. We're both too busy to move right now. I've got a wedding on Saturday. Remember?"

"Yes." Bette rolled her eyes. "Like I was going to forget? You're getting married and then heading off on your glorious two day honeymoon in…Are you really going to the Catskills?"

"Yes."

"How romantic. Old people and worn out comedians."

Peter kissed Bette's temple. "Leave her be. We can go to Vegas for our honeymoon."

"Howabout we skip the wedding part and just go to Vegas?" Bette snuggled closer to Peter.

Tess rolled her eyes. "Okay. I've really got to leave. You two are getting way too comfortable."

Bette walked over and gave Tess a hug. "I'm glad everything's gonna be OK. You give him hell for what he put your through today. I hope Danny is really alright."

"Me too. I'll fill you in tomorrow when I talk to you."

"You don't haveta do that. We've got wedding stuff to deal with." Bette squeezed Tess' hand. "Getting nervous?"

"A little, but I'll be fine. It's still all a little unreal."

"You can still…"

Tess shook her head hard. "I don't have cold feet."

Peter tugged Bette back next to him. "Would you like me to muzzle her?"

"She's not going to talk me out of anything. Don't worry, Peter." Tess grinned.

"I think it's Don who has to worry about that."

"Don has nothing to worry about." Tess countered seriously. "I'm getting married on Saturday. Right now though, I'm going home, taking a warm shower and waiting for Don to come home. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Bette."

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Light spilled from the open bedroom door into the rest of the apartment. Don paused after shutting the door. The apartment was quiet. Don kicked off his shoes and headed for the bedroom. Tess was asleep; her glasses still perched on her nose and her hand under an open book. Don chuckled softly. He sighed as exhaustion gripped him. He left Tess alone and went through his coming home routine. After he had settled things in and showered, Don quietly raided the kitchen. He ate dinner sitting alone at the table. He put his plate in the sink and headed for the bedroom. Tess hadn't moved. He picked the book up and put it on the nightstand and did the same with her glasses. Don turned out the light and slid into bed. He pulled Tess against him. She stirred. Don kissed her hair and murmured for her to go back to sleep. Tess rolled over and blinked in the darkness at him. She ran a hand down his face and neck.

"All in one piece?"

"Me?" Tess felt him shrug. "Never any doubt."

"Liar."

"Yer callin' me a liar?"

"Yes. I can hear it in your voice."

Don rolled Tess over and tucked her body against him. "I don't want ta talk about it."

"How's Danny?" asked Tess, changing the subject slightly.

"He's gonna look like crap for the wedding photos."

Tess sighed heavily, her throat prickling. She forced the feelings away. She didn't want Don to know how terrified today had made her. "I'm just glad he'll be there."

"You an' me both, Sweetheart." Don squeezed Tess slightly and nuzzled her hair. "You can't begin ta know how good it is ta have ya here." He twined his legs through hers. "It's so good not ta come home to an empty apartment."

"On a day like today." Tess winced. She hand meant that to pop out. She felt Don stiffen.

"Every day, Tess. But yeah, especially today."

Tess decided she might as well push farther. "How close?"

Don groaned and turned to lie on his back. "Too close, OK?" he admitted.

Tess remained on her side. She curled slightly. Her stomach clenched. The tears that had been threatening all day spilled down her cheeks. "No. Not okay at all," she whimpered.

Don quickly gathered her back into his arms. He held her tight as she sobbed. Don kissed her hair and stroked his hands up and down Tess' back. It suddenly occurred to her that his body was shuddering too. Tess quickly propped herself up and looked down at Don. His face was wet. She looked at him incredulously, her heart pounding. Tess wiped her fingers across Don's cheeks. She held his face and kissed him tenderly.

"Shhhhh," she whispered against his lips. "You're here. I'm here. We're all okay." She kissed him again then slid down and rested her head against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

Tess propped herself up again and traced her fingers feather-light over his face. "For what? It doesn't make you weak, Don."

"Even when I was in that building. When I woke up from that coma. It didn't hit me. Not like today." Tess smiled slightly. It wasn't a happy smile. Don cupped her face. "What if…"

"And there's where you stop, Don. You can't think about the 'what ifs' The minute you start doing that you'd better find a different line of work." Tess turned her head and kissed his palm. "And I can't really see you doing anything else. You'd be miserable," she teased.

"Since when do ya have yer degree in psych?"

"I don't. I just know you." Tess settled in against him. "And on Saturday I'll get the little piece of paper and the token that announces it to the world."

"Well, guess what. I consider it a little more like a learner's permit."

"Haven't figured me out yet?"

Don gave her a squeeze and kissed her hair. "Nope. And I plan to take my whole life trying."

"I'll hold you to that," mumbled Tess and she closed her eyes.

"Promise, Sweetheart?"

"Saturday. I'll promise on Saturday. Go to sleep."

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