A/N: A warm thank-you to everyone who has read and reviwed this story along with "Through Her Eyes". It is always greatly appreciated.

EPILOGUE

Winter's first snowfall fell deep and soft upon the city, covering it in a brilliant white blanket. Gabriella rubbed her hands together and held them above the roaring fire, the embers reflecting in her beautiful blue eyes, which she had inherited from her father.

She sighed happily and leaned back into Danny's chest, peering up at him. "I never get tired of hearing that story. It's so beautiful."

Danny kissed his daughter on the temple. "You only add to it, m'dear."

Gabriella's eyes twinkled mischievously in the firelight. Several years had passed since her mother had related her life story, and now she was at the tender age of 13. Everyone who knew her remarked that she looked exactly like them. She had her father's gorgeous smile, her mother's cute button nose, and both their humor and selflessness.

Lindsay walked into the family room, smiling at the sight of her husband and daughter resting by the fire. Once Gabriella turned into the double digits, they had moved into a bungalow not far from Central Park. Often they would take strolls down into the famous area, Danny and Lindsay holding hands as their daughter played with the Scamp, the family dog.

"Gabby love, your uncle will be here any minute. Go and finish packing."

The youngster scurried up off the floor, running over to Lindsay and wrapping her arms around her waist. She returned the gesture and tucked back a golden lock that had fallen in her daughter's face.

"Love you."

"Love you too Mom." She turned around to face Danny, who was still situated in front of the fire. "Love you Dad."

He saluted comically. "Right back at ya kiddo."

---

Gabriella wandered off, leaving Danny and Lindsay alone in the room. The former's eyes reflected the golden embers that flickered in the flames. "Care to join me?"

Lindsay chuckled; she needed no second bidding. She had taken five steps when Danny leapt up, gripping her around the hips and pulling her down. Lindsay emitted a yelp as she crashed into her husband's chest, striking the firm muscles that lay beneath his delicious green shirt. Arms still snaked around her petite form, Danny placed a loving kiss on his wife's head. Lindsay relaxed in his grasp, but not before punching him lightly on the arm.

Danny winced in mock pain. "Ouch! What was that for? Can't I have a little fun with my wife?"

Lindsay captured his lips before replying. "I wouldn't exactly call that fun." Seeing his face fall slightly, she winked cheerily. "I call it the Messer charm."

He rested his chin on her head, staring reflectively into the still-strong fire. "She's grown into a beautiful young woman; the splitting image of you."

Lindsay followed his gaze into the flames, its heat flowing through their veins like a great river. Outside, tiny snowflakes spiraled in the air, dotting the window with their intriguing mystery. She released a sigh of content, wishing she could just stay in her current position: melting into Danny with a roaring fire and the brilliant snow lining the window panels. A special time was nearing; a time when death and cruelty was replaced by hope and joy, when the season of giving and love watched over the city like a protective mother caring for her young. In all her life Lindsay had never felt such comfort, such safety, as she did being in Danny's grasp.

"I love you," his voice was as warm as the very embers in front of them.

"I love you too."

---

Louie opened his arms, grunting slightly as Gabriella ran into his embrace. "Hey there kid, ready to go?"

Her reply came back muffled in his coat. "Yeah, Dad just told me the story again."

Danny and Lindsay walked towards them, the former holding a hand out to his brother. "She practically begged me to retell it. You know kids these days."

Louie returned the handshake. Many a year had passed since his near-death experience, but he shared the same fiery spirit as Danny and managed to recover from the ordeal. He had a slight limp and talked a bit slower than others, but he was a loving uncle and man, having changed his ways as soon as he was released from the hospital. He had trasnformed into an entirely different man from the days of Tanglewood, and Danny couldn't be more proud of him.

Lindsay blushed as her brother-in-law kissed her fingers. "Go on, off with you both. You're more trouble that he is," she motioned towards Danny, who held up his hands in mock defense.

Louie laughed warmly. "We'll see you on Sunday. Take care of her, Danny. She's a keeper, that 'un."

Danny smiled as he wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulder. "Have a good time."

Gabriella eagerly jumped into the front seat of the car, waving goodbye through the open window and blowing kisses to her parents.

"Bye Mom an' Dad!"

They returned the gesture and watched as Louie pulled out of the driveway, honking the horn as a farewell and disappearing down the street. Both parents kept their gaze on the vehicle until it was a mere speck on the horizon.

Lindsay smiled as a snowflake landed on her nose. "She could be gone a day and I would still miss her."

Before she could protest, Danny swept her off her feet, grinning mischievously as her arms impulsively snaked around his neck. "She's a good kid, just like her mother."

She inhaled his sweet cologne. "True, but she gets her charm from her father."

They shared a passionate kiss, and as Danny carried her back into the house, he whispered lovingly into her ear.

"Merry Christmas Montana."

"Merry Christmas cowboy."