heres another one guys. again sorry it took me so long. there will be action coming soon i promise. i just wanted to get some of the sappy sutff out of the way first. and keep you on the edge of your seats. just kidding. same disclaimer as before. Enjoy and keep the reviews comin!

Chapter Five- Three days later

Christmas morning came bright and early as Danny was awaken by the sounds of footsteps and screams coming from the hallway. At first he had bolted up right; worried that something was happening. But then he looked at the date on the alarm clock beside the bed and laid back down with a grown. No matter how old his neices and nephews seemed to get they always had to wake everyone up at six on the big day. It had become an expected tradition in the last couple of years.

Rolling over he took a minute to watch Arianna as she slept. One arm tucked up under her head; the other resting on the bed; and her hair sprawled out on the pillow she looked like an angel. To say that he was happy she was here with him would be a lie. He was more then happy; he was complete. For the first time since he could remember Danny felt like he couldn't wait to wake up in the morning. Be able to see her smiling face or do what he was doing now. When she was like this; sound asleep; there was nothing for her to worry about. No one lurking; waiting to take her life because she upheld the laws that every citizen was given.

But when she was awake was the best because he could see her smile; hear her laugh. Everytime she flashed her mega watt smile his way he felt happy; felt like he could do anything. Her laugh was like music to his ears; something he could listen to again and again. Thinking of her made him think of forever; of what it would be like to never have to let her go. Four days ago he would've pushed those thoughts aside because he would tell hisself that he wasn't ready. Then last night he'd seen her playing with Randy's five year old daughter; surrounded by his family and it had all clicked. Things hadn't worked out with Lynsday and him because he was meant to me Arianna. Meant to make this wonderful, gorgeous. smart as a whip woman who could put him in his place part of his life. Meant to be there for her through everything that was happening. To be able to have the privalege of seeing that smile and hearing that laugh everyday of his life. Without her his life would be hallow; lonely beyond anything he'd ever felt before. It was like she had become a part of him. Even if he had to wait the rest of his life for her to see that and believe it it would be worth it. She would be worth it. Because without her there was no point in living.

As much as he wanted to let her sleep he thought it better that she have a warning about the kids. Reaching over he gently stroked her cheek with his fingers; watching as she stirred slightly. Her hand brushed his as she tried to swat it away before stretching and opening her eyes slightly.

"Morning." Arianna whispered.

"Mornin'. Merry Christmas" Danny answered.

Snuggling in close to him she laid her head on his broad chest. "Merry Christmas. What time is it?" Arianna wondered.

"A little after six." Danny told her.

"Are you freakin' kidding me?! Why'd you wake me up so early?" Arianna couldn't believe it.

"To warn ya." Danny sat up.

Her eyes flew open as she too sat up; fully awake and alert. "Warn me about what? Did something happen to you? Your family?"

Hands on her shoulders to still her Danny tried not to smile. "No; we're all fine."

"Then what is it?" Arianna huffed.

"The kids like to wake everyone up early by jumping on them and scaring the crap out of them. Thought you'd like to know before they made it here." Danny laughed at her expression.

"Definetly; thanks." Arianna grinned.

Placing a kiss on her forehead Danny laid back down with her still wrapped in his arms. They had both started to drift back off when he heard the door to their room slowly open. Which one of the kids it was he wasn't sure; but he did know that in about thirty seconds they were going to get dive bombed.

"Incoming." Arianna whispered.

Peering down at her through half open lids he could see a smile playing across her features; eyes still closed as she pretended to sleep. Trying to keep his own face nuetral to make it look like he too was fast asleep Danny concentrated on the footsteps that were approaching the bed; being as quite as a childs energy could allow them to be. By the sounds of the way they treaded he could narrow it down to one of the older kids; which meant it was Isabella or Brandon; his sister Sandra and her husband Kevin's kids.

"Time to wake up!" Isabella shouted just before dive bombing the bed.

Bolting up at just the right time Arianna caught the teenager in her arms; laughing all the while. Being around the kids had given her back a sense of joy that she had thought was lost. Gave her back a sense that hope wasn't completely lost; that there was still a generation out there that could turn it all around. Could help take care of all of the evil in the world.

Joining in on the fun Danny reached over and started to tickle the young girl; glad that she seemed to be in a better mood then when they'd shown up four days ago. No one had been able to figure out what had been going on with her; why she seemed to want to be a recluse; be all by herself on the back porch listening to the broadway music she loved so much. Then he and Arianna had come home from the mall and filled his family in on what had happened; at least the grown-ups anyway. Isabella had over heard them and stepped into the room; tears in her eyes; ranting and raving about how she hated the fact that everyone in her family had to be a cop. As soon as she'd run from the room her parents had gotten up to talk to her but Arianna had stopped them; asking if she could have a try. Reluctantly they'd agreed and the young ranger had gone after her. After that the young girl's mood had improved; she no longer wanted to be by herself but surrounded by her family; and she always seemed to be hanging out with Arianna. So far the older woman hadn't protested; had actually enjoyed spending so much time with her.

"Okay; okay. I give." Isabella got out between giggles.

"That's what you get for waking some one up at six in the morning." Arianna reprimanded; all the while supressing a grin.

"But it's a tradition!" Isabella insisted.

"It's true; at least the last couple of years anyway." Danny added at her raised eyebrow.

"Well in that case you're forgiven." Arianna winked at her. "Actually I'm gald it was you because I have something for you."

"Present's aren't until later." Isabella reminded.

"I know; but I wanted to give this one to you now." Arianna got out of bed and walked over to the closet.

"What is it?" Isabella asked Danny.

"Not sure kiddo." He admitted.

Of course at the moment he wasn't concentrating on figuring out what Arianna had gotten his neice. Desire coursed through him as he watched her walk; tan legs a mile long show cased in gray sweat shorts. The material of her baby blue long sleeve t-shirt hugged her flat stomach and breasts that he'd gotten so close to exploring a few times. What he wouldn't give to have her; to see her wriggle in ecstacy under his touch. To hear her scream out his name as he brought her to the edges of her desire again and again. When she bent down to retrieve something from her duffle and the fabric of her shorts strained against her nicely formed ass he felt hisself come to life. Cursing the fact that his neice was in the room with them right now and the rest of his family was downstairs he chose to stay under the covers instead of getting up as he had orginally planned.

Knowing all the while that Danny was watching her she tried not to blush. Heat radiated from his gaze even from this distance and she resisted the urge to check herself for flames. Men would stare at her all the time; for reasons she had yet to figure out but none of them had been able to evoke the kinds of feelings that the hard edged New Yorker who'd started to captiure her heart had. Of course she didn't want to jump the bones of every man who smiled at her like she did his. It was becoming harder and harder for her to keep her self control intacted. Especially when he'd find ways to make her all hot and bothered. Like when he would casually reach up under whatever shirt she happened to be wearing to rest his plam against her bare back. Or start gently stroking the back of her neck; his finger occasionaly tracing behind her ear. It drove her wild and he knew it.

Well two can play that game Messer, Arianna grinned to herself.

Slowly she stood up; making sure that he saw her stretch every inch of her body. Then trying to make her voice sound as casual as possible she turned to them. "Hum; it's not there. I must've put it in my bookbag. Hold on a sec."

Reaching for the top self; having to stand on her tip toes even as tall as she was; Arianna heard Danny groan as her shirt road up; exposing her back. She heard it again when her shorts road up and worked hard to surpress a fit of laughter. Acting as if she was looking for it when it had been in her hand all along she let him suffer for a couple of more minutes. Rocking back on her feet she pasted a triumphant smile on her face.

"Got it!" She walked back to the bed and sat down next to Danny; leaning against him.

Placing a hand on the nap of her neck he moved his head a fraction of an inch to whisper in her ear. "Do you have any idea how much I want you right now?" Voice husky with need.

"About as much as I want you." She murmured back; smirking all the while.

"These are the times that I really hate my family." Danny grumbled under his breath.

"Be nice." Arianna elbowed him in the ribs. Focusing her attention on Isabella she handed her the wrapped box. "Here ya go sweetie.'

The young girl just beamed at them as she tore into the paper; getting to the blue velvet box underneath. Opening it her eyes widened in surprise at what lay inside. "Is this really for me?"

"Of course." Arianna told her.

"What is it?" Danny was curious.

Taking the box from her his reaction mirrored his nieces as he started at the necklace inside. It was a thirteen inch white gold chain with five charms on it; all inlaid with diamonds. One was an NYPD badge, a Conneticut Sheriffs badge, a New Jersey Police Department badge, the Army Ranger's seal, and lastly the badge of a Texas Ranger. It had to be extremely expensive; but Arianna was acting as if it was no big deal. He was seriously tempted to say something but knew it wouldn't do any good. Isabella however wasn't aware of that fact.

"I can't except this; it's way too much." She argued.

"I figured you'd say that so I'm gonna let you know right now that I won't take no for an answer. I bought it because I wanted to." Arianna explained.

"But..." Isabella started.

Putting up a hand to silence her Arianna continued. "Do you remember the converstation we had the other day?" When the teenager nodded she spoke. "You said that you were worried about those in your family that are in law enforcement; and me. That you wished you had a way to keep them close to you without having to drag all those pictures around in your notebook. This was a perfect solution."

Isabella traced a hand over the necklace as Arianna spoke. It was beautiful; more expensive then anything she'd ever owned. Chewing her lip between her teeth she mulled over whether or not to keep it. One thing that the older woman never did was lie; that much she could tell upon first meeting her. If she didn't want her to keep it she wouldn't have gotten it in the first place.

"Okay; can you help me put it on?" Isabella asked.

Obliging the young girl Arianna sat back once she was done to observed the look of pure ecstasy on her face. She had known that getting something like this for her had been the perfect idea. To tell the truth she'd been unsure what to get her as a final gift; having gotten everyone else including Danny taken care of. Then they'd had a talk after she'd stormed out on them upon over hearing what had happened to her and Danny. The next day she'd gone back into the city and straight to Tiffanys. Asking if there was anyway they could have some speciality peieces made in the next twenty four hours and telling the sales woman as well as the craftsman that they'd get an extra tip for accomidating her she'd had the necklace safetly tucked in the signature blue box. It hadn't been easy to get her family to give up their badges or Louie to give up his hat once they'd found out what she wanted it for; knowing that it was going to be an expensive undertaking. A little persiuasion and an hour later she'd convinced them to go along with her plan.

"Looks good on you kid." Danny commented.

"Thanks! I'm gonna go show mom and dad." Isabella scooted off the bed. In her excitement she'd forgotten the most important thing of all. Turning back she ran back to the bed and jumped at Arianna; wrapping her arms around the older womans neck. "Thank you so much!" She whispered.

"You're welcome." Arianna smiled.

"Tell everyone we'll be down after we get showered and dressed." Danny called after his nieces retreating back.

Noticing that Arianna was making a move to get up he caught her arm in his grip. Curious eyes studied him as they sat there; staring at each other. She was the first to break the silence.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah; I'm fine. It's just that..." Danny trailed off.

"What?" Arianna chided.

"You're amazing. Do you know that? I've never met someone who would go to those kind of lengths for someone they barely know." Danny confessed.

Facing him completely she traced his jaw with her index finger. "It was nothing; really. Just a necklace. Besides; Isabella's a good kid with a big heart. Which it why she worries so much. I can relate to that. My dad's been a ranger since before I was born not to mention both of my sisters are. That's what families do; worry about each other." Arianna told him.

"It was more then just a necklace. It was the thought you put into it. The fact that you gave her hope that her family will come home safe at the end of everyday. That you were willing to listen to her; to give her a shoulder to lean on when she felt like she had no one else to turn to." Danny argued.

"I did it because I wanted to. Not because I had to." Arianna reminded.

"I know. I'm just a little amazed is all. Maybe even a little surprised." Danny confessed.

Taking his hand in hers she gave it a squeeze. "Don't be. I like your family." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Correction; I love your family. Like they're my own. Something I tried not to let happen and I failed miserably. But this is one faliure I don't regret."

Hearing those words come from her gave him a sense of hope. That the growing feelings between them weren't one sided. Then he would remember her words when they'd first arrived. Loving his family was different then loving him. Nodding his head in silent agreement Danny leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"I'm glad because they love you too. My mom can't stop gushing about you and as you can tell Isabella thinks you hung the moon." He chuckled.

"I wouldn't go that far." Arianna countered as she stood up once again. "Come on; we need to get moving before your family thinks we've gone missing."

Joining her at the closet he gave her his trade mark Messer grin. "Or knowing them getting very bad ideas about what we're up to."

Headed towards the bathroom with her stuff in hand Arianna turned just as she reached the door. "Believe me I think they already have some ideas."

With that statement and a wink she closed the door; leaving a stunned Danny to think over what she'd just said. Which was fine with her because it gave her some time to compose herself. She had come way too close to admitting something she wasn't sure she was ready to admit. When she'd told him that she loved his family it hadn't been a lie; but it hadn't been the complete truth either. For reasons beyond her comprehension she'd wanted to say that she loved him too. But not just that she loved him but that she was in love with him. Something she'd hadn't thought possible. Something she told herself she'd never let happen. Losing Gage had made that decision for her. No more dragging someone into her kind of lifestyle. A lifestyle that could get them killed when they hadn't even asked for it. Of course no one ever asks to die it; but the possibilty of it comes with the territory that was her life. Kind of a take it or leave it kind of thing. As much as she knew that Danny would gladly take all of it Arianna was going to have to force him to leave it one way or another because she wasn't about to take him from his famliy like she had Gage. Whether he fought her on it or agreed it was going to hurt like hell for the rest of her life. A price a Texas Ranger; a Walker; had to pay.

Opening presents was always organized choas with his family. Add Arianna into the mix and it made you laugh so much your sides ached. From the impressions she'd done with the hand puppet his six year old nephew had gotten to the air guitar she'd played with the new one his parents had gotten him she'd had them all rolling on the floor. Now it was time for the men to clean up all the wrapping paper and occupy the kids while the woman got dinner started. Though she'd been told she didn't have to Arianna had insisted on helping. He had to admit that her cookies a couple of days were pretty good so he decided not to bust her chops. But he did want to see how the present he'd gotten her was fairing. Again he'd been amazed at the thought she had put into everyones gifts. She'd remembered what they'd liked from the converstations she'd had with them; even asked for his input. When he'd opened his and found an exact replica of his favorite leather jacket that had been destoryed during a case about a weeek and a half ago he'd been at a lose for words. Danny Messer without something to say was a rare occurance; so when she'd done it to him twice that day everyone thought hell had frozen over. The second time had been after opening his second gift.

One of the things in the box had been a silver picture frame declaring Christmas 2007 on the bottom in cursive writing. Inside was a picture his mom had snapped of the two of them the day after they'd arrived. He was leaning against the long expanse of window in the back porch that gave a veiw of the rest of his parents land; snowing falling lightly outside. Arianna was standing in front of him; his arms wrapped around her waist. They were both laughing about something; what he couldn't remember at the moment. It was one of the simplest gifts ever but meant the world to him. Attatched to it had been a note; one that had gone straight to his heart and made it feel like someone had stabbed him. He could still remember the words because they were fresh in his mind;

Something to always remember me by.

Love,

Arianna

To most people those words would've made them smile. For him it took the breath from his lungs; made it feel like his heart had shriveled up and left him still alive. In that simple sentence she'd given him insight to what she was feeling at the moment. To her this was all going to be over with once Mandala was caught and she was headed back to Dallas and out of his life forever. Of course it'd been stupid of him in the first place to think that she'd be able to really and turly care about him after everything she'd been through. Then again there was a chance that she really and truly wasn't sure what she was going to do once this nightmare was over with. There was every possiblity that she did care for him in the same way but was too afraid because of what had happened to Gage.

The bottom line was the scientific part of his brain; the CSI in him; was making him over analyze everything. So he'd quickly put that line of thinking aside and moved on to the next part of the gift. Just as with the necklace she had given his neice Arianna had taken dog tags to match the one he already wore for his brother and put the badge that each memeber of his family that was in law enforcement wore; as well as hers; and had them etched into the tags. A note had accompained this one as well;

Everyone should carry those they love close to their hearts. Especially if they risk their lives everyday. Merry Christmas Danny.

Love,

Arianna

The chain felt a little heavier but he wouldn't have had it any other way. Secretly he worried about those he cared about who risked their lives everyday making the streets safe; and he knew in turn that they worried about him. They were constatly in his thoughts which could be dangerous in his line of work. Now he didn't have to worry about that because he'd always have them close.

Seeing that all of the kids were taken care of he decided to wander his way into the kitchen to see what they were all up to. Mostly to see Arianna and that smiling face of hers; something he'd never get tried of. Getting closer he sniffed and his mouth just about watered. Spices of all kinds assulated his nose and he turned the corner; talking was picked up by his ears as he walked into the kitchen. Walking over to the counter were she was in the process of cutting up apples to make a pie Danny wrapped and arm around her waist and brushed his lips lightly across her cheek; making her grin even wider.

"How's everything goin' " He wondered.

"Good. I offered to make a couple of pies for desert." Arianna gestured towards the pile of cut up apple in front of her. "Thank you again for the necklace by the way. It's beautiful." She whispered.

When she'd opened the box she had actually cried. Though he hadn't had a detailed description of the necklace he'd been able to get a match to the one she'd lost. Now it was clasped around her neck and she didn't feel like she was missing something anymore.

"You're welcome; I knew you'd like it." Danny grinned.

"I didn't have to teach her a thing either." Maria chimed in; referring to the pies; impression evident in her voice.

"Is there anything you can't do?" Melissa questioned the young ranger.

Thankfully Isabella walked in and the attention was turned to her. There were a lot of things that Arianna couldn't do; the list was a lot longer then most people thought. Having to recite said list was something she didn't like to do. It made her seem like she was trying to defend herself from being good at somethings that most people weren't. Not that the Messer family wasn't doing it on purpose they were just a curious bunch. Now they had some place else to direct that curiosity.

"Just the person I was getting ready to go look for." Sandra commented.

"And why would that be?" Isabella asked her mother.

"Because I wanted to know if you happen to have the CD Arianna got you on hand. Grandma wanted to have some music and I thought since we all liked The Phantom of the Opera and you were going to be helping us it'd work out perfect." Sandra explained.

"No wonder everyone says I'm so much like you." Isabella placed the CD in question on the island counter. "I was actually gonna ask grandma if we could play it."

Snatching up the case Arianna made her way over to the portable radio and popped the disc in. "Any requests?"

"All I Ask Of You. It's my favorite." Maria chimed.

"You should remember this one Danny." Melissa smirked.

Raising an eyebrow Arianna turned to the man in question to see his face turning red. "Why are you so embaressed Messer?"

"When Danny was a senior in high school his girlfreind at the time made him try out for the talent show with her; singing this song." Denise told her.

"And what happened?" Arianna was curious.

"Turns out they passed the audition. Of course we all knew they would. Danny's always been able to sing; he just doesn't think so." Maria finished.

"Too bad we can't get him to sing it again." Isabella hinted.

Walking over to her he ruffled his nieces hair." Not gonna happen kiddo. It's been a long time. Besides; there's no one to sing the female part." Danny pointed out.

"I could." Arianna spoke up.

"And I state again; is there anything you can't do?" Melissa said.

"The only reason I can do this is because I was roped into the same kind of situation. I had to take chorus in high school to fill an hour of required class time. For reasons unknown to me the teacher didn't like me so when it came time for the choral concert he chose me and one of my classmates to sing. He thought I'd sound awful and embrasses myself in front of everyone. Turns out he was wrong. Up until then I had no idea I could even carry a tune in a bucket." Arianna explained.

Isabella turned to her uncle; a pleading look on her face. "Please Uncle Danny? It is Christmas after all; a time to give. Why not give us a show?"

Contemplating it for a minute he sighed before giving in. When he got the puppy dog look from her; as well as the rest of the females in his family he couldn't say no. He was a sucker and he knew it. "Fine; but this is a one time only deal. So don't be goin' anywhere if you don't wanna miss it."

Pressing play Arianna walked back over to where she'd been standing before. They didn't need to be standing side by side; the kitchen would amplify their voices. Humming as the music started; leading into the first words she looked up and tried not to laugh as Danny's face turned red yet again. For a second she thought he was going to back out; but then the voice came over the speakers and he joined right in; loud enough for them to hear clearly.

"No more talk of darkness,
forget these wide-eyed fears;
I'm here, nothing can harm you,
my words will warm and calm you.
Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry your tears;
I'm here, with you, beside you,
to guard you and to guide you."

His smooth voice; all hints of his heavy Staten Island accent gone; floated over to her and straight to her heart. She stopped chopping and looked up at him again as the melody led to the female part; her voice coming out despite the fact that she felt speechless.

"Say you'll love me ev'ry waking moment;
turn my head with talk of summertime.
Say you need me with you now and always;
promise me that all you say is true,
that's all I ask of you."

Captured by her voice he felt hisself being pulled to her by nothing of his own accord as he walked around the island to stand in front of her. Somehow he felt this song was meant for them; for the situation they found themselves in by no choice of their own. By some imaginary guide alone he once again joined the male voice as it made it's way through the room.

"Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light;
you're safe, no one will find you,
your fears are far behind you."

Something in her desperately wanted to believe the words that Danny was singing to her right now; to wake up from this nightmare and know that it had all been make belive. That she would be able to let him do as the song stated. For a small moment she gave into the fantasy the song provided.

"All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night;
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me."

Every word she sang was a mirror to what he wanted and what she was going through. In her twelve years as a Texas Ranger she'd seen more darkness then anyone should have to. Once she'd had someone beside her to help her through it all. Then he'd tragically been taken away and now Danny felt the need to take up where Gage had left off. If only she would let him.

"Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime;
let me lead you from your solitude.
Say you want me with you, here beside you,
anywhere you go, let me go too,
that's all I ask of you."

How badly she wanted to tell him that she wished he wasn't signing those words to her because it was part of the song but because it was true. That she wanted to be with him; wanted to be able to love him with everything she had and be a part of his life long after this whole mess was gone. But in the end that was the whole reason why. This mess wasn't just the Mandala situation; but her life. Just because they got rid of him didn't mean that there wasn't going to be someone else there to take his place; someone more ruthless then the last. She had loved Gage more then anything and he'd been brutally taken from her. Sparring Danny of that meant he couldn't be a part of her life once she left New York.

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime."

Just as the last of the words left her lips Danny knew he would. In a heartbeat he'd tell her he loved her; more then he'd ever thought possible. That he'd give up everything to move down to Texas with her. Because no matter how things turned out in the end he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life.

"Say the word and I will follow you.
Share each day with me, each night, each morning."

Voices rising with the music both of them knew they were just waiting for the other to say the word. Waiting for them to let go of all their worries and insecurites. Both knowing there was a chance they could get their hearts broken but willing to take the risk because not doing so would be one of the biggest mistakes of their lives.

"Say you love me ..."

It was on the tip of his tounge; ready to come forth at any moment. Not just because of the intamcy of the song but because it was true. Danny didn't just love her; he was in love with her. Though it was just part of the song the last of the lyrics he sang was a close as he was going to get to telling Arianna how he felt. That was until she was ready. Reaching up he gently grazed her cheek with his knuckles.

"You know I do."

If only what he said was true. If only it wasn't because of the song. Even if it was there was no way she could let him speak the words. To hear them would tear her apart because she knew that in the end they would have to part ways; there was no other choice; no other options if she wanted to keep him alive and safe. For her the life of a Walker would be her only companion. Bringing someone else into the fold would only cause their death.

"Love me, that's all I ask of you ...

Love me, that's all I ask of you."

As the saying went; truer words were never spoken. However neither one of them believed it and as the music faded and the shuffle of feet was heard going towards the stereo they silently wished it was. No one moved as the pair looked into each others eyes; blue meeting blue. To every single person in that room they were meant for each other; there way no denying it.

Arianna's heart hurt so much it felt like it was going to explode. For in Danny's eyes she saw what she'd been hoping but at the same time fearing to see; love. All the while she could feel tears welling up in her own and desperately hoped they wouldn't fall. Since Gage's death this was something she'd been searching for her entire life. Someone to love her for her; baggage and all. And it couldn't have come at a worse time. If it had been another time; other circumstances she would've jumped for joy at the look he was giving her. A small part of her still wanted to; but it just couldn't be. Not when a threat she had thought dead and buried had come back again.

Mirrored in her eyes was what he felt; what he had known was between them all along. But the fear the accompained it out weighed everything else. To her it still couldn't be because of the kind of life she led. Because of the threat of one man who had brought so many painful memories rushing back. So instead of telling her what he desperatly brusted to say he settled for something close.

"When you think back on everything that's happened to you remember that song. Every word I sang was true. I'll be there to pull you from the dark; to help you get through the good times and the bad. I'm not giving up on us or you. No matter how much you fight it or how slow you want to take it." Danny whispered.

And with that he captured her lips; gentle at first as they ignored the appaluse around them; both from those that had been in the kitchen and the rest of his family that had heard the singing and came to investigate. As she had vowed before; and would continue to do so; she would enjoy what time she had with this wonderful man who had taught her to love again. Tuck away every memory and cocky grin of his for when she returned to Texas and a life she was forced to live without the man that she loved by her side. Cordell may have been able to overcome what some called the Walker curse; but she wasn't sure she could.