Here ya go guys; another chapter. Sorry its been taking me so long i've been working like a mad woman lately. I promised the good stuff is coming; it's just taking me a little longer to get there then i thought. Again I own nothing dealing with CSI NY or Walker, Texas Ranger. All other characters belong to me. Thanks for reading and keep the reveiws coming! Enjoy!

Thanks to all these people for the postive encouragement!

Aphina- Hey, I can not believe that this is your first fanfiction. It was of really high quality. Your char was very likeable and the spin you put on Danny was well done. You also ventured into unexplored territory with the break up with Lindsey and Danny. i really enjoyed this.

mabelreid- I like how long your chapters are. So she is Cordell's daughter. That's cool.
I think Danny's falling in love again, she seems to be good for him.

LaLa-036- I absolutely loved it! Your OC is really developed and I adore her. I've always been a fan of Danny/OC fics, I dont hate Danny and Lindsay together, I just dont love them. Update soon, I'm hooked!

Chapter Eleven

Traffic in New York City as Arianna had thought a couple of days before; was ridiculous. What seemed like hours later but was only about forty five minutes they finally pulled up to the entrance of the Grandview Regency. Functions like these where a person had to get all dolled up to attend was something that she had done on a regular basis back home. So when she stepped out of the car with Danny's help she surprised herself by becoming speechless.

The marble archway and entrance was lined with shrubbery covered in twinkling lights. A burgandy canopy overhead that declared the hotels name was decorated with hundreds of snowflakes and blue and silver disco balls. As their feet was confetti of the same color declaring Happy New Year scattered along the wine colored carpet. Everything was festive and bright; chasing away the chill from the December evening. Valets as well as the doorman had hats with the same saying as the confetti proudly displayed on their heads. People were in a celebrating mood and it was contagious; making her forget; if only temporarily; what might possibly lay ahead for her.

"Hey; you okay baby?" Danny asked from next to her.

Turning to see the concern etched in his strong features she gave a huge smile. "Yeah. It's just so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you." Danny gently rubbed his thumb over her cheek.

"You're such a sweet talker." Arianna grinned.

"That's one of the reasons why you love me so much." Danny informed.

"One of many." Arianna brushed her lips across his.

"Okay you two; you're holding up the line." Hawkes cholrated.

Waving him off Danny grabbed her hand in his; the other gripping the handle of her black duffle. Studying the hallway they were now heading down; where all the rooms and exits were Arianna prayed she wouldn't have to use what was hidden inside it. As much as she was praying and hoping he would make a move; tonight was not the best night. There were too many lives involved; too many civilians that had no idea they were at risk of celebrating their last New Years. In all she counted a total of five doors in the hall; two on one side; three on the other. The two on the left were clearly marked as men and womans bathrooms. She would guess that the others were supply closets of some kind. Of all the hotels she'd been in this was the first one that you had to go down a short hallway before actually entering the lobby.

Once again her breath was taken away as she stepped foot inside the room. Cathedral ceilings painted a cream color with dark, solid oak beams going all the way down gave it a very open feel. Walls the same color had a contrast of gold paint sponged onto it to give it a textured look. Carpet the same muted gold as the walls covered the expanse of floor; kept emaculate by the cleaning staff no doubt. The same oak from the beams made up the grand reception desk as well as structures for the coffee tables and many sofas as well as chairs placed throughout the room. Chandilers hung from several points above them; mixing with the old world wall scones to give it a warm glow. Decorations much like the ones outside were placed throughout.

To the left was a set of double french doors that opened onto a balcony that was about twenty by fifteen feet. On the right was several sets of gold plated elevators. A sign welcoming everyone to the NYPD New Years Eve party was placed in the middle; an arrow pointing people in the right direction at the bottom.

"What do you want me to do with this?" Danny held up the bag.

"Ask the receptionist if you can keep it behind the desk." Arianna stated.

"Do you really think you're gonna need it?" Danny asked, concerned.

"Honestly; I hope not. But I have a strange feeling all that wishing is for nothing." Arianna sighed.

Giving her hand a squeeze Danny left her with the rest of the group while he went to talk to the brunette standing behind the laquered desk. He knew that not knowing if something was going to happen was killing her. Arianna was use to being in control of the situation. Since the minute Mandala had come back into her life the control had shifted from her hands and she hated it with a passion.

Once that was done he rejoined the rest of the group who had made it to the entrance of the grand ballroom. The Grandview Regency was a place he would never think to come; could never afford on his salary anyway. Nor was he one for parties where you had to get all gussied up just to attend. However he would admit that he was extremely impressed with the room they were currently standing in. At least three city blocks wide it was one of the biggest rooms Danny had ever seen. Walls, drapries, and tiles; all in cream and light browns; meant to be soothing; were decked out with white Christmas lights. Blue, silver, and black decorations declaring the New Year were hanging from the ceiling. Tables were placed around the dance floor; decorated in much the same way. At the very back was a stage where a live five piece band was finishing setting up. To the left of that was a dj; music already coming from his turn tables. Directly opposite that was a podium where he had no doubt some high ranking NYPD officals would make boring speeches that he would end up falling asleep during.

Securing a table near the band and right off the dance floor their group proceeded to get themselves settled; knowing that the commisoner was going to give a short intro to the festivites before they got into full swing. After about five minutes they got sick of sitting and started to break off into their own little groups. Mac and Stella had decided to hit the dance floor. Adien and Flack had seen a couple of cops they wanted to catch up with and Hawkes date had seen some freinds she wanted to introduce him to.

Noticing that Arianna was slightly on edge; not quite sitting completely back in her chair; Danny placed a hand on the back of her neck trying to ease the tension. Though it was only a small gesture that he knew probably wasn't going to help the look of gratitude on her face as she turned to him was enough. Hidden behind that was pure; unadulterated fear and it hurt his heart to see someone who was usually so strong fighting the urge to break down; to run and hide from what she knew was going to happen.

"Everythings gonna be fine. We'll catch this guy." Danny reassured.

"I wish I had your confidence." Arianna admitted.

Turning her chair to face him he gently took her chin between his thumb and forefinger; blue eyes locking with blue eyes.

"Believe me; I'm just as scared as you are. But I also have a huge amount of faith in you. Your one of the strongest people I know; if anyone can beat this guy it's you." Danny praised.

As much as the young ranger wanted to believe him whole heardtly she couldn't. Beating Mandala once was one thing; but trying to do it twice was testing her both emotionally and mentally. The physical part was yet to come; the part that would most surely get her killed. She had only fought him once. That had been almost three years ago and even then she had barely escaped with her life. Not to mention that he had more then likely studied her moves during that time as well as when he had been incarcerated. So that in it's self threw in the possibility that he knew her fighting style; as diverse as it was; and would know what to expect. However that was not good because it meant that he would have an advantage; the upper hand and she couldn't afford that.

As it was he had one up on her by knowing when and where this little show of Russian Roulette he had planned was going to be. Personally that didn't sit very well with her; with any of them for that matter. If it was only her life on the line Arianna wouldn't be so on edge. But the fact that the people she had come to call her second family; the man she had fallen more in love with then she'd thought possible. Not to mention the hundreds of innocent people roaming the ballroom could be put in the line of fire was what had her more nervous then normal.

The clinking of metal against glass brought her attention back to reality and the podium where a rather paunchy man in a black tux was waiting for everyone to quite down before he spoke. Though she had never met the commisoner she would bet any money that the man with the graying, balding head and not quite but almost handle bar mustache was him.

"First off I'd like to thank everyone for coming to help us celebrate this grand occasion." The Commisoner started. "As you well know this has been a very eventful year for the NYPD; with both high and low points." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Now I won't drag this out because I know that everyone's anxious to get this party started so here's to a new year full of only high points and good memories. Enjoy!"

With a round of appluase; the clinking of glasses together and a round of "here, here!" the party was under way. The dj was now taking a break as the band took over; starting out with a high energy jazz number. Everyone was in the best possible mood; like there wasn't a care in the world except for deciding whether they wanted to get completely blitzed and spend an outrageous amount for a room for the night; or take an easy so they could drive home once the shindig was done.

If only that was all I had to worry about I'd be doin' good, Danny thought as he took a sip of his beer.

As much as he didn't want to bring everyone's spirits down when they were trying so hard to keep appearnces up for Arianna's sake he couldn't help but run all the what if's through his head. What if Mandala did decide to strike tonight; how many people would get hurt? What if Arianna didn't make it out of this alive? What if none of them did? Adien must've picked up on his negative train of thought and on the fear that both he and Arianna had tried to hide all night because when the band stopped and the dj started she was on her feet; dragging Flack with her.

"Come guys; this is suppose to be a party. Let's dance!" She cheered.

"I'm not much of a dancer..." Mac started to say.

"That's not gonna fly tonight there buddy. If I have to endure the torture you all do." Flack grabbed ahold of both Mac and Hawkes; pulling them to their feet.

"Besides; who says we don't wanna dance?" Stella chimed in.

"Yeah." Katie agreed; arms crossed over her chest.

"Thanks a lot Flack." The two men said in unison.

"Hey; I'm just trying to spread the love." The Italian man grinned.

"Come here and I'll give you some love." Mac grabbed the taller man in a choke hold.

Laughing at the two men as they grappled Arianna felt herself start to feel a lot better. Started to feel the negative feelings lift off her mind; at least for a little while. Even if there was the possibility that Mandala could show up and decided to end her life and those of hundreds of people she wasn't going to let that get her down. If this was gonna be the last time she had a chance to have any fun she was goning to live it up as much as possible. Pushing back her chair she stood; grasping Danny's hand as she did so.

"What's wrong?" He wondered.

"Nothing." Arianna smiled. "You really didn't think you were gonna get out of this did you?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"No; but I was still holding out hope that it was possible." Danny admitted.

"Well you might as well give it up because no such luck pal." Arianna grinned.

"Are you sure about this?" Danny questioned as he stood.

"Absolutely. I may not know if and when Mandala is going to decide to show up but if this is going to be the last time I get a chance to kick up my heels with the people I care about and the man I love then I'm not going to let anybody or anything ruin that." Arianna told him.

Grabbing a hold of her wrist to stop her from following everyone out onto the polished wood floor Danny turned her so she was facing him again. "This isn't going to be the last time you're going to do this." He started.

"Danny..." Arianna tried to interupt.

"No; I'm not going to let you go into this situation thinking that." He spoke over her. "We're going to get through this. You're going to kick Mandala's ass to the moon and back again; give him exactly what he desreves. Then I'm getting a transfer to Texas so that I can be with you. And after that I'm going to try to convince you to marry me."

The protest that had been on her lips died the instant those words left his mouth. There was no way he was being serious right now. Not knowing the outcome of tonight he was already making plans for their future? Provided they had a future if she; or any of them survived tonight. Words couldn't describe what she was feeling at that particualr moment. Happy sad, elated, indifferent, scared as all hell. All of those ran through her head but not one of them fit the senstation that was running through her body.

"Wha...What did you say?" Arianna had to know if she had heard him right.

That wasn't exactly how he had planned to bring up the particular subject but now that the words were out there was no taking them back. Of course there was no time like the present to talk it over with her; knowing in the back of his head that this might be there last moments together; his words earlier a contradiction to his thoughts.

"I think we should skip the dancing. We need to talk." Danny told her.

Nodding her head in agreement she allowed him to steer her through the crowad of people to the patio they had passed earlier. This whole line of thinking was a complete and total shock to her. Over the course of the time at his parents house he had given not one inkling that the idea of marriage was on his mind. Honestly she had just barely worked through her own issues concerning even letting him in her life as she had. She wasn't sure what she would do if he got down on one knee right now and proposed to her. It wasn't that she didn't want to; that it wasn't something she herself hadn't given a thought to here and there over the course of the last couple of weeks.

Stopping in the farthest corner away from the ballroom he turned to her; not sure how to start. Being suave with the ladies was something he had always been good at; something he had been known for. But then Lynsday had come along and that had changed slightly. And then there was Arianna. The woman who could make him speechless with just a smile. Who could light him on fire with one single touch. How did you explain to someone who constatnly left you speechless; what you were feeling. What they meant to you.

"Danny are you okay?" Arianna questioned.

"Yeah; I'm fine." Danny finally answered. While he still figured out how to start this particualr line of converstation something his ma had once said came to him.

"Being yourself and speaking from your heart is always the best in the end."

"If you don't feel up to talking about this right now we can wait until we get back to your parents house." Arianna offered.

"It's okay." Danny assured. "I wanna do this now I'm just not sure how to start." He confessed.

"Take your time. We have all night." Arianna smiled.

Inside she was shaking. Wondering what he was going to say; what he was going to ask. And how she was going to respond. Getting married again after losing Gage had crossed her mind but was never given any serious thought until she had met the man standing before her; nervous as all hell. Thinking about it and acutally doing it however were two completely different things. A giant leap from one to the other that she wasn't sure she was ready to take.

"I know that this wasn't the kind of discussion you were expecting to have so soon after the step our relationship just took." Danny started. "But I've learned that life; the time you spend with the people you love; can be precious. And that it shouldn't be filled with things left unsaid. Louie being part of the military drilled that into me a long time ago. Being with you had nailed it home for me though. After Lynsday broke my heart I was afraid to date again; afraid to put my heart out on the line. I thought that my dreams of having a wife and kids; a family to come home to at the end of everyday had gone up in flames. That despite the fact that I came from a good family I would never be good enough for anyone because I was rough around the edges. Not suave or sophisacated enough for them. That the next woman I tried to date would leave me just like she had."

"Baby I'm so sorry. No one should have to feel that way. Least of all you; your so much better then that." Arianna gently touched his cheek.

"Deep down I've always known that; but getting your heart broken tends to have a pretty bad effect on a person. Makes them cautious about letting their feelings known; about putting everything on the line again. " Danny laid his hand over hers; smiling. "Then a certain Texas Ranger walked into my life; drop dead gorgeous with a sexy southren drawl; embrassed by the fact that she had gotten lost. Though I didn't realize it until the day I had seen you with my little neice; the way you interacted with my family; your vow to keep them safe; that I had loved you from the minute I saw you. I knew that you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. But I was still nervous so I kept everything to myself."

"What made you change your mind?" Arianna questioned.

"Honestly I couldn't tell you. Everything I guess. The more time I spent with you; the more I saw you interact with everyone. The way you handled the victims we came across; like each one deserved the best possible treatment I knew there was something different about you. That despite everything you'd been through you were still as sweet as could be. Were still able to see the good in the world; in the people around you. Most cops lose that over time. And even though you were skeptic like I was about getting back into a relationship you were willing to give it a shot; willing to put it all on the line to see what would happen." Danny confessed.

"It wasn't easy for me." Arianna admitted. "My life is full of so much more danger then I could've thought possible when I joined the rangers. One roller coaster ride after another; a surprise around every corner. When I first met Gage it was the same way. I felt like all of that was my burden to bear and no one elses. Then he slowly brought me to realize that that didn't have to be the case. I allowed my self to start leaning on him; to start letting him in my life and eventually I fell in love. " She paused breifly before continuing. "After he was taken from me I reverted to my old ways; not allowing anyone to get too close. I had even close myself off to my family to a certain point. Once the pain of losing him had healed I was still that way; as you could see when I first showed up. But then a certain New Yorker with a Staten Island accent made me realize that I couldn't live my life that way. That allowing myself a chance to find love again wasn't such a bad thing."

"Believe me when I heard those words come out of your mouth I wanted to jump up and down for joy." Danny confessed; chuckling.

"I could've jumped for joy myself." Arianna agreed. " I had made a major break through and it was all because of you. Honestly I never thought I could love someone as much as I love you after I had lost Gage. That I would be able to find someone who could deal with the fact that no matter what Gage would always have a small place in my heart."

"And I wouldn't have it any other way. Good memories are meant to be kept and cherished for the rest of our lives; no matter whether they were with the person we choose to marry or someone that was tragically lost to us for reasons out of our control." Danny agreed. "Which brings me to why I brought you out here."

Letting go of her hand he reached inside his tuxedo jacket; pulling out a small. blue square box. She could see his hands shaking and wanted to grab ahold of them to stop it but was afraid her hands were shaking just as bad. Her heart felt like it was going to burst right out of her chest it was thudding so fast.

"I think I might faint." Arianna whispered.

"Please don't because then I will and that won't be good." Danny told her.

"I can't make any promises." Arianna smiled.

"Neither can I. At least on that." Danny agreed. "But I can promise you that I will love you unconditionally for the rest of my life and long after. That I'll be there for you no matter what. Through the good times and bad; through all the rough cases and three am wake up calls."

"Even if another Mandala crops up?" Arianna had to know.

"Even if another Mandala crops up." Danny repeated. " I know that your life is more dangerous then most cops I've know. Actually more so then any cop I've known. But I'm willing to deal with that to be a part of it. I've been here for you through it all and I'll be there for you again and again."

"But I put you and your family through so much. Went back and forth about letting you in. That couldn't have been easy for you." Arianna reminded.

"I won't lie and say that it wasn't because I could never do that to you; but it was all worth it in the end. To see that smiling face of yours when I woke up. To see the joy in your eyes when you were with my family; when you were with me. All of that was more then enough." Danny assured.

"You're gonna make me cry." Arianna tried to hold them back.

"You might wanna wait until I'm finished before you start that." Danny warned.

Getting down on one knee he took a deep breath before opening the box in his hand; revealing a white gold three stone princess cut diamond ring. It was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen and despite her best efforts the water works started.

"Oh my god." Arianna breathed.

"Arianna Marie Walker; I love you more then I thought possible. When you came into my life I felt complete for the first time ever. I love seeing your smile when talk to someone. To hear your laugh when someone says something funny. Your strength and faith are some of your best quailites; though the full list is endless." Danny paused. " I planned on giving this to you as a promise ring and when you were ready turning it into an engagement ring but over the last week; when I almost lost you twice; I realized that I couldn't do that. I know that most people would think I'm crazy because we've only know each other a month; but I say to hell with them. The first day I met you was long enough for me to know that I'm willing to give up my life. my job here to move to Texas with you. I can be a CSI any where; but you can only be a Texas Ranger in Texas. And not having you in my life isn't an option. I want to wake up next to you every morning. Be there when you get home from work so that you can vent all your frustrations. To one day see our kids running around the backyard chasing a dog; looking as beautiful and elegant as their mother."

"Will you just ask her already?" Mac's voice break the moment.

Turning both of them saw the entire team standing in the doorway. Having seen them come out here none of them could help but follow; wanting to know what was going on. Something had been stirring in Danny's mind for a while but he'd kept it tightly under wraps; not wanting to jinx it as he had said.

Neither one could help but laugh a little as the group looked on in anticipation. Attention focused back on Arianna he realized that he needed to get this over with before he lost his nerve.

"Ranger Walker; will you make me one of the happiest men in the world and do me the honor of marrying me?" Danny asked.

Despite the fact that she had known it was coming Arianna still felt like the blow she recieved from his words could knock her to her knees if they weren't already locked to keep her from fainting. Looking into his blue depths that mirrored her own so much in color she knew instantly what she wanted. Love was something she had thought she was never going to be able to have. That what some people called the Walker curse was going to make her end up alone; with only the life of a Texas Ranger to keep her company. Then she had met Danny and wondered it that could all change. The internal war she had waged since realizing that she had feelings for Danny had come to an end when she had told him she wanted to give them a chance. It was after that that she had realized how much she loved him and that after her time here was done; after Mandala was taken care of and she was headed back to Texas she wasn't sure if she could. Wasn't sure if she could leave it all behind. Leave him behind. Now she knew that she couldn't. He was offering to quite his job; leave his family and freinds behind to move to Texas because he wanted to be with her. Even after everything he'd seen; everything that had happened between them he still wanted her. Still wanted a life with her; kids and a home they could call their own.

Heart soaring like she had never thought possible Arianna took a deep breath before answering; tears rolling down her face.

"Yes." Was all she said.

"You might wanna say that again just to make sure I'm not hearing things." Danny choked out.

"I said yes. I want to be Mrs. Daniel James Messer." Arianna repeated.

Cheers came from the direction of the team but Danny didn't hear them as he took the ring out of the box and slipped it on her finger. Tossing it aside he stood and wrapped her in his arms; kissing her senseless. He'd never been more scared in his life then he had been kneeling on the ground; praying she'd say yes. When the need for oxygen pulled them apart he took one look in her eyes and knew that he had done the right thing. That he was one of the luckiest men in the world.

"I love you so much." He breathed.

"I love you too." Arianna grinned from ear to ear.

However their happiness was to be short lived when an explosion rocked the ball room to it's core; the patio shaking beneath their feet. The last thought Danny had as he made a grab for his fiancee was that he hoped this wasn't the end a life they hadn't even begun yet.