Best Mistake I Ever Made

by JusticeStandsTRUE

One minute he was soaring through life as an NYPD officer, on the fast track of becoming a detective. Until his world came to a sudden stop. When an ex-girlfriend drops a baby off at his doorstep, claiming its his. Danny Reagan is thrust into fatherhood, as a single parent raising a little girl. His life was no longer his own, he was a Daddy. 1st story in No Longer His Own Series

5. Chapter 5

CH. 5: No Rest For Daddy

I'm changing Devon's age to a two-week old. So it will make things a little more interesting.

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Danny wasn't sure what time it was, all he knew was that it was in the middle of the night, and his newborn wasn't interested in sleeping that night. He had already

gotten up with her four times to give her a bottle since he had gone to bed, and each time she woke up, it seemed to take even longer to get her to go back to sleep.

She was screaming for him once again, and Danny knew she was wanting another bottle. "Devon, it's okay, Daddy's coming," Danny moaned, throwing his covers

back on his bed, so he could get to her before her screams increased, and she woke the whole house. Noticing the clock read, 4:00 am, Danny moaned again. "Let's

go baby," Danny picked her up. He was just starting for the stairs, when he felt her bottom half. The diaper was soiled, and had leaked through her onesie. "But first

we have to get you cleaned up," Danny carried her into the nursery, where he could get her cleaned up. Danny was just about to lay her down so he could clean her

up when he remembered the way she cried anytime he changed her diaper. "Maybe we should do this downstairs, and away from the sleeping members of the

family," Danny picked up a few wipes, hoping he could clean her up with just those, rather than give her another bath. That would for sure wake everyone in the

house. "On second thought, a bath may be necessary," Danny said when he realized the leak went a bit higher, and the front of her little purple pjs were also wet.

"You really did it this time?" Danny said when he started undressing her, after running a little warm water in the sink. Holding the diaper in his hand, Danny realized

something. He was so tired, he forgot to change her when he gave her, her last bottle a couple hours ago. "Sorry, this one's Daddy's fault, I should pay better

attention to you. Just don't tell Grandma, she might ground Daddy." Danny was trying to keep talking to her, hoping she wouldn't get upset by being laid in the

kitchen sink again. Surprisingly, Davon wasn't fussing nearly as much during her bath, and instead seemed rather content. "Are you enjoying the attention, or are you

just relishing in the fact that Grandma can still make Daddy's life miserable?" Devon squirmed, and Danny smirked. "It's the latter isn't it," Danny nodded, picking the

slippery child up out of the tub, and wrapping her in a towel. After diapering and dressing the infant, Danny placed her in the downstairs pack n play so he could make

her a bottle. Devon started to fuss, and Danny ran into the kitchen. "I'll be right baby, I promise," Danny threw some formula into a bottle of warm water, shaking it,

as he walked through the room, and back to his fussing daughter. "This being a weekend night, I'm willing to overlook this fussiness. But you have to remember that

Daddy is going to have to go back to work eventually, and is going to need his sleep. Uncle Jamie has to go to school and Grandpa will have to go back to work

Monday." Danny took a seat in Franks favorite chair, just before positioning the little girl up on his arm, so he could feed her. Devon only took an ounce of the two

ounce bottle her father made, and just as she started to fall asleep, she woke herself up again. "Devon please baby, Daddy's tired," Danny wasn't above begging at

this particular moment in time. "I've been up all day taking care of all your new stuff." Devon yawned, and her eyes fluttered a bit, but there was no falling asleep.

Danny wasn't sure, but he was almost certain that she stayed awake longer, each and every time she woke up for a feeding. He was also beginning to think that

somebody lied to him, about how much newborns were supposed to sleep. The only time this one of his slept comfortably, was during the day. "You know I don't want

to sound conceited or anything, but Daddy has managed to keep you alive for a week. So, don't you think you could do something for me and let me get a little sleep?

Daddy has plans to play poker tomorrow with Grandpa. Which means, you are going to get to spend the day with great-grandma Betty, and I know we would both

prefer you to be happy for her." Devon continued to squirm and Danny sighed. "How about we make a deal? I'll sit up in this chair and hold you all night, if you just

promise to go to sleep and sleep for more than an hour?" Danny knew that his mother would have something to say about him holding her all night, saying something

about spoiling her, but at this time of night, he could care less. Devon yawned again, and Danny smiled. "I'll take that as a yes." Danny placed her comfortably on his

chest, and leaned back in the chair. It only took a minute for him to get comfortable, and he was asleep in no time.

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It was early Saturday morning, and Frank and Mary were just descending the stairs. "Looks like somebody had another sleepless night." Frank whispered, pointed at

his sleeping son and granddaughter. "I remember you doing the same with him," Mary smiled, thinking of how many times she had woken up in the morning to find

the place in the bed next to her empty, as well as the crib. "That's because the boy wouldn't sleep through the night unless he had physical contact with one of us, and

on top of that, he had his days and nights mixed up, which made things even harder," Frank was tired just thinking but it. "You remember," Mary kissed him. "Kind of

hard to forget," Frank admitted. "I was up many a night with him, either reading to him, or learning how to sleep standing up, or in a chair. Coffee was quickly

becoming my best friend," Frank gestured at the coffee pot. "Better make it strong, Danny's going to need it," Mary handed him the canister of coffee. "No other way

to make it," Frank poured the water into the coffee maker. "Do you know who's all coming today?" Mary asked getting started on breakfast. "From what I overheard,"

Frank said carefully. "Our oldest was trying to help our youngest with his grounding sentence, by suggesting they con Joe and Pop into coming over and playing

poker." "You were ease dropping on our children?" Mary crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Not intentionally," Frank shrugged. "I was just kind of stuck on the

fact that Danny was trying to help Jamie out with a punishment." "Danny's grown up significantly," Mary nodded. "And he's only been a father for a week." "His child's

only been on the earth for two weeks," Frank mentioned. "It's crazy to think of how much things can change in only a week." "Joe moves out, Danny moves back in,

along with a newborn baby. Our house gets turned upside down with baby stuff, and all four of our children are here a lot more often." "The kids are certainly getting

closer," Mary thought of the past several days. "Danny and Erin have actually managed to get along and go to the store together. And with Danny being here every

day, it seems like he and Jamie may slowly begin to seal the rift that occurred between them when Danny left for the marines." "And it took an infant that has no

knowledge of anything aside from her wants to do it," Frank shook his head. "That's one special little girl," Mary went back to fixing breakfast, knowing that her boys

would wake up hungry. As if like clockwork, Devon was stirring atop her father's chest, looking for breakfast. Danny felt the infant squirm, and he slowly opened his

eyes. "Looks like somebody's up early, so they can eat and go back to sleep again, and keep Daddy up again all night," Danny gave her a half smile. After changing

her diaper, Danny joined his parents in the kitchen. "Morning son," Mary kissed his cheek. "There's coffee ready." "I know I could use it," Danny shifted Devon so he

could get a cup out of the cabinet. "Give me my granddaughter," Frank took the little girl from him. Remembering the many morning's, he felt the exact same way his

son was feeling, and he knew that coffee at this time of the morning, or anytime of the day that is, coffee was a must. "Thanks," Danny yawned, filling his coffee cup.

"Long night son," Mary patted his back. "Very long night," Danny nodded, breathing in the aroma. "Devon, were you being hard on Daddy?" Mary leaned over so she

could look at her granddaughter's face. "She woke me up about four times last night to eat and to have her diaper changed. And you know how she is, when you

change her diaper, making things even worse. And on top of that, every time she woke up, it seemed to take even longer to get her to go back to sleep." Danny was

barely getting to the tip of the iceberg. "Anyways, I was so tired, that on the third time, I forgot to change her diaper. And when she woke me up the last time, her

diaper was soaked, and it leaked all on her pajamas. This led to another bath, and finally another bottle. Instead of going to sleep during her bottle, like I would like

her to. She thinks it's time to stay awake and look around." "How did you finally get her to go to sleep?" Mary asked curiously. "By sitting up in the chair and holding

her the rest of the night," Danny took a seat in one of the vacant kitchen chairs. "Danny, you can't just give in to her every whim, or you will be sitting up with her till

she's two." Sure, Mary had said since the very beginning that she was going to let Danny be the one to raise her, but at times, she couldn't help but offer a little

advice here and there. "If I wouldn't hold her, Dad would be walking into a very dangerous job half asleep, and Jamie would fall asleep in his math book," Danny

explained. "I understand that son, but you have to start training her now," Mary just couldn't help it. "Not now Mom please. I was awake more time than I was asleep

last night," Danny was struggling with the urge to lay his head on the table. "She's two weeks old, and I'm pretty sure my daughter hates me." "She doesn't hate

you," Frank pointed at him. "You did the exact same thing to us when you were her age." "Sorry about that," Danny was beginning to feel a little guilty. "You were a

newborn, and she's a newborn, it comes with the territory," Frank shrugged. "How long does it last?" Danny moaned. "Till you train her to stop having her days and

nights mixed up," Mary felt bad not to be able to offer anymore advice. "Ugh," all Danny could do was groan. As if on cue, Devon picked up on her father's groan, and

she herself started to whine. "What's wrong with Grandpa's girl?" Frank ran a finger gently down her cheek. "She's probably hungry, she hasn't eaten since 4:00,"

Danny got up to make her a bottle. "You mean, you didn't wake her before now to eat?" Mary was going into full mother mode. "Are you kidding me, she was actually

sleeping when she was supposed to?" Danny tried picking up for himself. "She's a newborn Daniel, she's supposed to eat every three hours until she gets back up to

her birth weight. She's also only two weeks old, and her stomach is the size of a walnut." Mary was beginning to feel as if she was raising another child. "Mom, I was

just trying to let us both get some sleep okay," Danny handed his father the bottle. "And I kind of figured, she would start screaming at me when she wanted

something." Mary sighed, and took a seat across her son, so she could look at him directly, before starting her teaching explanation. "You need to start paying

attention to your daughter's expressions. Infants have a way of showing signs of needs, if you watch and learn what each one means. If she starts opening her mouth,

and turning her head from side to side. Or doing some sort of licking and sucking motion. Another way is if she starts clenching her fists, or starts kicking her legs.

Crying is usually an infant's last resort, at least if you're lucky it is." "Mom, Devon cries when she's hungry, Devon cries when I give her a bath, Devon cries when I

change her diaper. On second thought, Devon cries when I do just about anything, except when I hold her." Danny thought about it. "That's because she loves you,

and wants your attention," Mary smiled. "I love her too, but she would certainly make things easier on me, if she would sleep when I wanted her too," Danny went

over to the sink so he could splash some water on his face to help him wake up. "Maybe you should postpone your poker game for another day, when you're a little

more rested," Mary suggested. "Can't," Danny wiped his shirt over his face. "Promised Jamie," he said walking out of the room and up the stairs to wake his brother

up. "He's a great big brother," Mary smiled at her husband. "Hopefully his daughter will give him a little break, and let him play today." "I guess we'll see," Frank

placed his little granddaughter on her shoulder, hoping to get her to burp.

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"What time is Joe coming over?" Mary asked stopping by her son's bedroom, later that morning after breakfast. "Not till later, he said he had a few things he needed

to do this morning," Danny shoving his wallet in his back pocket. "Okay," Mary started to walk out. "Hey Mom, would you and Dad mind watching Devon for an hour or

so, while I run to the store and pick up a few things for her?" Danny asked looking for his jacket. "I don't think you'd be able to get her away from your father," Mary

replied. "He still holding her?" Danny looked surprised. "He's trying to keep her awake, so you can get her on a schedule," Mary enlightened him. "Great thanks,"

Danny hurried out of the room. "Hey where you going?" Jamie asked walking out of the bathroom, and meeting his brother at the foot of the stairs. "To pick up a few

things for Devon," Danny kept going. "Cool, can I come?" Jamie asked, following him down the stairs. "Since when do you think it's cool to go to the store and buy

things for a baby?" Danny looked at him questioningly. "Since I'm grounded and have no life," Jamie shrugged. "And what makes you think, that Dad will even let you

go, since you are grounded?" "Technically he only said I couldn't leave the house to go out with friends, you're my brother," Jamie said pointedly. "As much as I love

your way of a loophole. You still better clear it with Dad," Danny suggested. "Okay," Jamie ran into the living room looking for his father. "Hey Dad, can I go to the

store with Danny?" "Your grounded," Frank reminded him. "Please Dad, I'm just going to the store with my brother, who happens to be a cop. How much trouble,

could I possibly get into?" Frank was just about to answer, when Danny walked in. "Let the squirt go Dad, I promise not to let him out of my sight. And he might even

learn something about kids. And who better to teach him, then his cool big brother. I had to learn how to shop for a kid, from Erin. He'd be lucking out." Danny figured

that the best way to get his parents to let his kid brother do anything, would be by mentioning that he would learn something. "As long as, you promise to stay out of

trouble then yes," Frank pointed at Jamie. "Awesome thanks Dad," Jamie ran out of the house, and out to his brother's car. "Keep an eye on him," Frank said, this

time pointing at Danny. "If I can keep my newborn alive for a week, I think I can handle my kid brother," Danny told Devon to be good for her grandparents, before

running outside to catch up with Jamie. "Can't believe that Dad actually said yes," Jamie glanced at Danny. "Devon's making him soft," Danny started the ignition, and

headed for the store.

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"So, what are we here to pick up?" Jamie asked following his brother down one of the aisles. "Things for my baby," Danny stopped when he reached the aisle with the

portable heaters. "What would a two-week old possible do with a heater," Jamie wondered aloud? "I told Devon I would buy her a heater today, to help get the chill

out of the room when I give her a bath," Danny answered, looking through his options. "Sounds like Daddy Danny is turning into a softy like Dad," Jamie teased.

"She's two weeks old, what am I going to do?" Danny shrugged, handing Jamie the heater. "Why do I have to carry it?" Jamie huffed. "Because I convinced Dad to let

you come along, that's why," Danny grabbed him by the shirt and drug him along. Danny had just started looking through the bath soaps and lotions, when Erin came

up behind her two brothers. "Well if it isn't my dear brothers," Erin spoke up startling the two of them. "Hi Erin," Danny glanced over his shoulder. "What are you

doing here?" Jamie asked, kind of bored with the baby aisle. "I have a one year old, if you've forgotten," Erin reminded him, grabbing a pack of diapers. "Where is

Nicki anyways?" "With her father," Erin tossed the diapers into the cart, before moving on to the diaper rash ointment. "My husband left our daughter with a dirty

diaper yesterday when I went out, and now she has a terrible diaper rash," Erin sounded annoyed. "Devon hasn't had any dirty diapers," Danny sounded grateful. "But

I do know that she hates being wet, and she hates to have her diaper changed. Kind of confusing if you think about it," Danny shrugged, going back to the bath

things. "Hey Danny. Is it cool, if I go check out the movies?" There was only so much baby stuff, Jamie could handle, and considering he lived with a two-week old, he

was almost surrounded. "Yah, just don't leave the entertainment section," Danny glanced at him. "The last thing I need is for you to get into trouble. Because if you

get in trouble, Dad is going to were me out, because he told me to keep you out of trouble." "It's the entertainment section Danny," Jamie looked at Danny confused.

"What could possibly happen." "Well if it would be Danny over there, he'd probably blow the speakers on one of the stereos," Erin shrugged. "Haha very funny, I've

matured since then," Danny went back to his shopping, while Jamie ran off before Danny had a chance to change his mind. "What are you looking for?" Erin asked

trying to help. "My kid is bound and determined to either spit up all over herself, or her diaper leaks, and then sometimes her bottle leaks, needless to say, she's

always having to, have a bath. Making me run out of baby soap in a week. And with every bath she takes, the only thing that does is make her skin dry out, and mom

gripes at me if I don't cover her with baby lotion. So, I'm stocking up," Danny interpreted. Erin grabbed the bath soap and baby lotion, and handed it to her brother.

"What else do you need?" Erin could tell, that Danny still hadn't gotten the hang of the whole baby shopping thing. "Diapers," Danny mumbled. "She goes through a

box a week." "I thought you said, she hasn't had any dirty diapers yet?" Erin asked clarifying. "There's more than one way to dirty diaper, and Devon knows it," Danny

said pointedly. "Do you still need the same size?" Erin laughed going back to the diapers. Danny didn't reply, he was too busy examining another product. "Erin, do

people really use cloth diapers on their kids?" Danny was losing focus, just thinking about how traumatized he would be. "Some do," Erin nodded. "There is no possible

way I'd even consider trying to dump the contents of my child's diaper. I already know I'd get it on me, and then I'd be puking all over the place," Danny shook his

head trying to get the image out of his brain. "Most people use them for burp cloths," Erin admitted. "One more question," Danny held a finger up. "What now?" "What

the heck is this," Danny pointed at a rectangular package on one of the shelves. That's a wipe warmer," Erin explained. Danny's mouth dropped, "there's going to be a

lot worse things in life than a cold wipe being wiped across her butt." Erin shrugged, "some babies do cry and squirm a lot when you change their diaper, regardless of

a warm wipe." "That's Devon," Danny said with a smile. "Hi Mom, Hi Dad," Joe couldn't resist but tease his two older siblings, when he saw them on the baby aisle

together. "Why do you keep calling me that?" Danny glared at him. "Thinking of you two as parents, is just so entertaining," Joe grinned mischievously. "Don't you

have something to do before we play poker this evening?" Danny was trying to get rid of him. He was getting to close to wanting to strangle his brother, and if he was

going to do that, he figured it would be best to wait until they were in the privacy of their own home. Then again, knowing his parents, they would spoil it, by

separating them. So much for getting even with his brother, now that he was living in his parent's house. "As a matter of fact, I do, I need to change the oil in my

car," Joe smiled, thinking of how much he loved the car he bought from his father. "Then leave, before I use you as a free babysitter," Erin threatened. "Got to go,"

Joe was gone in a matter of seconds. "Now do you require any more of my services, or can I go check on my kid?" Erin was a little worried about leaving Nicki with

Jack for too long a time, he wasn't very good with diaper changes. "I'm done," Danny was more than grateful to be leaving the baby aisle. "I've got to go find Jamie

anyways, before he gets into trouble, and Dad blames me," Danny said running off. Danny was just rounding the corner, when he saw Jamie pick up one of the

stereos. "Jamie lets go," Danny caught him by surprise, the stereo slipping from his hands and crashing to the floor. Jamie turned and looked at his brother, his eyes

wide. "Jamie!" Danny was frustrated. "Are you trying to get us killed?" "Let's run. Nobody will ever see us, and it won't get back to Dad," Jamie suggested, looking for

the quickest exit. Danny grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him back, "yeah that's not going to happen." "Why not? It's a lot safer than asking Dad for the money to

replace it," Jamie sounded worried. "Why did you take it off the shelf, to begin with?" Danny pestered him for an answer. "I was just looking at it," Jamie picked up for

himself. "You're going to have to pay for it. Because there's no way, were going to run." "Why not?" Jamie argued. "Jamie, I'm an NYPD police officer, and if didn't do

anything about it. Someone would find out, and that would only get me an IA investigation, which would get me in trouble with the Commissioner, who just so

happens to be my grandfather. And that doesn't even begin to cover what Dad would say. Which isn't going to really matter, I'm going to be in trouble with Dad, no

matter how you look at it. Only being in trouble for not watching you, is ten times better than being in trouble with him for running," Danny said trying to explain his

reasoning. "Danny, it's over a hundred dollars. Where am I going to get a hundred and fifty dollars?" Jamie knew he didn't have that kind of money. "You're going to

have to tell dad," Danny sighed. "Are you kidding?! Do you know what Dads going to do to me when he finds out about this?!" "Probably the same thing, he's going to

do to me, when he finds out, I let you out of my sight," Danny ran a hand through his hair. "Unless you paid for it, and then let me pay you a little at a time," Jamie

looked at his brother hopefully. "I don't have that kind of money just laying around Jamie. I have a kid now," Danny reminded him. "You're missing the point big

brother," Jamie started to explain. "Neither one of us will have to face Dad." Danny let out a long breath, as if considering his options. "If we do this, you're staying

grounded another week." "What? Why?" Jamie protested. "For one, you shouldn't have been messing with it to begin with, and two, if you stay grounded, you may

actually take this serious, and be a bit more willing to pay me back," Danny had a point. "Come on Danny, be serious. You can't ground me." "Technically I can, I'm

your older brother," Danny enlightened him. "And three, if we tell Dad, you're liable to get a lot more than just grounded," Danny let the hint drop. "Fine," Jamie

grumbled, following Danny to the front counter.

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Minutes after Danny walked through the door, Frank handed him his baby. "Grandpa needs a break before he's ready to teach your Daddy and Uncles a lesson in

poker." "Whatever happened to supporting your kids in all aspects?" Danny looked at him questioningly. "I've supported you through the marines, the NYPD, and with

Devon. I think I've done my part," Frank smiled, now looking forward to the game more than ever. "Ugh Dad, they said all aspects, not just some aspects," Danny felt

compelled to point out. "Care to tell me where your brother is?" Frank pressed, crossing his arms in front of his chest, when he noticed he had yet to see his youngest

son. "He's unloading the car Dad," Danny said. "He didn't run off with friends, and he's still in one peace." "And your mother and I are grateful," Frank said walking

away. "Were you good for Grandma and Grandpa?" Danny asked, following his father into the living room. "We had moments of tears," Mary said coming down the

stairs, with an armful of laundry. "That wasn't very nice Devon Leigh," Danny looked down at the infant. "She's just having a few problems adjusting to a new

schedule," Mary didn't sound bothered by it. "So is Daddy," Danny nodded. "Daddy's not used to staying up at night." "Where do you want all this big brother?" Jamie

said coming into the room, overloaded with a heater, diapers, baby soap and lotion. "Nursery thanks Jamie," Danny said glancing at him over his shoulder. "Just call

me a slave to a baby and her Daddy," Jamie started for the stairs. "Why is he being so willing to help you?" Frank and May both looked at Danny questioningly. "No

reason," Danny shrugged taking Devon upstairs, to unload the stuff he bought from the store. "There up to something," Mary looked at her husband. "Oh yeah," Frank

nodded. "But as long as it's nothing illegal, I'm not too concerned." "Yeah right," Mary made her way into the kitchen, knowing that her mother and father in law

would be there soon. "Hi Mom," Joe said walking through the kitchen door. "Hi baby," Mary kissed his cheek. "Dad here?" "He won't be, when he sees you with that in

your hand," Mary gestured at the oil. "I'll take my chances," Joe went in search of his father. "Hey Dad, you busy?" Joe said walking into his father's office. "Just

getting ready for our poker game," Frank said taking the set down from one of the shelves. "You feel like helping me out with an oil change in your old car?" Joe said

with a half-smile. "Right now? Your brothers will be ready to get the game started as soon as your grandpa gets here." Joe was just about to reply, when Jamie walked

in. "Hey Joe, you ready to play?" "Well I was kind of hoping to get Dad to help me change the oil in my car," Joe admitted. "Can't you do it tomorrow after church?

Grandpas about to be here," Jamie was beginning to sound a lot younger than a teenager. "I'll even help you," Jamie figured if that didn't work, then nothing would.

"If you insist," Joe shook his head. "Great, I'm going to go get Danny," Jamie ran out of the room and up the stairs. "What's gotten into the squirt?" Joe looked at

Frank confused. "He's grounded," Frank nodded. "That explains it," Joe went looking for his little niece, while they waited for Henry and Betty to get there.

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"Where's my great grandbaby?" Betty said the second she walked through the door of her son's home. "Upstairs with her Daddy," Mary said from where she was

making a fresh pot of coffee. Mary was on a mission, as she ran through the kitchen and directly into her son. Frank caught her, just as she was on the brink of falling

backwards. "Oh Francis," Betty hugged him. "Looks like someone's in a hurry to see the newest addition to the family," Frank teased. "Leave me alone Francis, she's

just so cute," Betty couldn't help it, as she hurried past. "Where's Pop?" Frank followed her. "He's bringing in the gifts," Betty said her usual statement, anytime she

came over. "I should have guessed," Frank shook his head. The Reagan boys were just about to get started on their game, when Erin, Jack and Nicki came in. "There's

my big girl," Mary said with her arms open to her eldest grandchild. Nicki ran to her, and Mary carried her into the dining room, followed shortly by her daughter and

son in law. "Deal me in," Jack pulled up a chair next to Henry. "And how's Devon doing?" Erin asked looking down at her sleeping niece in Bettys arms. "Trying to get

a little zzz's in before her next bottle," Betty just adored holding her sleeping great grandbaby. "Were supposed to be trying to keep her awake," Frank said,

overhearing the conversation. "But it's proved to be easier said than done." "She's got her days and nights mixed up, and she's making it almost impossible for her

Daddy to get any sleep." Mary gave Betty the run down from the night before. They were on the second hand, and Nicki wasn't exactly playing, but she was perfectly

content to make her rounds, in sitting with her uncles. "You know when this kid learns her numbers, she will be a great asset to have around," Danny joked, when

Nicki moved from sitting with her Uncle Joe to her Uncle Danny. "You can help Uncle Danny win," Danny tickled her. "She will be all mine then," Jamie said looking

down at his cards, beginning to think he could use all the help he could get. "I don't know what you guys are talking about, we all know she's an Uncle Joes girl," Joe

made a face, making the little girl laugh. Like clockwork, Nicki jumped up and moved on to her youngest uncle. Just as soon as Danny traded Nicki out, Devon started

to cry again, and refused to calm, regardless of what Mary, Betty or Erin did. "I think you're going to have to take her son," Mary said, knowing that sometimes babies

cried, and refused to calm until they go what they wanted. "Do you want Daddy, baby?" Danny took her from his grandmother. The second Devon realized who was

holding her, it was like magic, as she immediately calmed and settled comfortably in her father's arms, taking only mere seconds for her to drift off to sleep. After

waiting several minutes, Danny figured it safe enough to hand the sleeping baby, back to her great grandmother. Sure, he wasn't thrilled that she was sleeping, but

he was kind of giving up on her sleeping for him at night anyways. Thinking he would get to spend another long night with a little one that was content to scream at

him, if he wasn't holding her. Part of him was hoping that she would eventually outgrow it, but with the way his luck was running, he had a feeling he would be sitting

up with her, for the next three years. Unfortunately for Danny, the length of time he held her, wasn't quite long enough, and the second Devon lost the level of

comfort she knew as her father, she once again started to voice her disproval. "Sorry Grandma," Danny sighed, taking her back. "Looks like someone's gotten used to

Daddy's voice and smell," Betty mentioned. "I doubt that Grandma," Danny shook his head. "She's only two-week old, I wasn't around when Jenny was pregnant with

her, and I've only had her for a period of 7 days." "It doesn't take long, obviously," Betty pointed out. "Especially considering you have spent so many hours with her,

and her primarily means of care." "Maybe so, but I still wish she would let you hold her," Danny shrugged, quickly learning how to play with one hand.

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That night, and it was just as Danny predicted. The rest of the Reagans were fast asleep, all but he and Devon that is. "Why won't you sleep?" Danny whimpered,

picking his little girl up from her crib, shortly after he laid down. He had only been asleep for an hour when the wails and tears came from the crib next to his bed. "I

fed you, I changed you, I don't think you're sick," Danny named the few at the top of his head. She settled down enough just to let out a few whimpers as soon as

Danny placed her against him, but it certainly didn't appear that she was anywhere close to falling back to sleep. "You know Daddy's never been a big reader, but now

that I have to stay up with you all night, I'm beginning to consider it," Danny took a seat on the edge of his bed trying to figure out something to do while he sat up

with his daughter. Danny leaned again his headboard, and closed his eyes. But it took merely seconds for her to cry again. "Back to grandpa's chair again," Danny

groaned, settling on watching a little TV, in hopes she would eventually fall asleep, so he could do the same.

XXXXXXXX

The following Sunday morning, and Frank and Mary found their son and granddaughter in the same similar place they did the night before. "He sure hasn't gotten

much sleep lately," Mary felt bad. "It'll pass," Frank made his way into the kitchen to get the coffee started, so he would have time for a cup or two before getting

ready for church. Minutes later, and Danny trudged sleepily into the kitchen. "How much sleep did she let you get last night," Mary asked? "Couple hours or so,"

Danny slumped into the kitchen chair nearest the coffee pot. "I'll take her for you after dinner, so you can get a nap in," Mary volunteered. "Wish I could," Danny

stretched. "But I promised Joe that I would help him do a little work with his car." "Not anymore," Mary cancelled his plans. "Between your father and brothers, I'm

sure they can handle it." Mary laid her sons afternoon plans out for him. Danny would have argued with her, but he was too tired, and he didn't feel like doing much of

anything at this particular moment, aside from sleep. "Now I'm going to go wake your brother, so he can start getting ready for mass," Mary walked out of the

kitchen. Danny sighed and looked over at his father. "What just happened?" "Sounds like your mother just changed your plans," Frank handed him a cup of coffee.

"I'd tell her something too, but I value my life too much," Danny was trying to figure out how his mother could enact such fear into a U.S. Marine and NYPD Officer.

"Smart decision," was all Frank could think to say. Interrupting their conversation, was a grumbling Jamie, who came down for a bowl of cereal. "What's wrong with

you?" Danny looked noticed his kid brother's behavior. "I don't want to go to Mass this morning," Jamie mumbled. "Don't ever join the marines little brother, there are

tons of things you have to do, that you don't want to," Danny remembered. "Are you going to church?" Jamie ignored his brothers comment. Not this time," Danny

shook his head. "Then why do I have to go," Jamie protested. This was about all Frank could take, feeling compelled to put an end to his sons complaining. "Your

brother has a two-week old child, and hasn't gotten much sleep. You do not, so stop the complaining, or you will be staying in your room all afternoon." "Yes Sir,"

Jamie said quickly. He had plans with Joe that afternoon, and there was no way he wanted to have those cancelled. Frank excused himself a few minutes later to get

ready for church, leaving the two brothers, and infant alone. "Devon still treating you kind of rough?" Jamie asked. "I haven't slept in a week, and I've only had her for

a week," Danny had his eyes closed. "What's going to happen when you have to go back to work?" "I have no idea," Danny yawned. "Hopefully she will be over this by

then," he could only hope. "Good luck," Jamie hurried out of the kitchen to start getting ready, not wanting to get into any more trouble that day. "Thanks a lot,"

Danny made his way into the living room, looking for a bit more comfortable place to sit. He was surprised to find Devon awake, since she spent so much time awake

that night. "Since your awake, I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you this," Danny thought about it. "You know, there's no way, were going to be able to skip

out of every church service. At least not in the Reagan household." The infant didn't do anything but stare up at him, and Danny shook his head. "You have no idea

what I'm saying do you? You know if you love Daddy just a little bit, would you please stay up some today?" Devon blinked several times and stretched out in her

daddy's lap, before drifting away to sleep.

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Hope you all enjoyed the update... I really enjoy writing about Devon and the rest of the Reagans... Thanks for all the follows, favorites, and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE