It was midafternoon on Saturday. The best detectives in the 5 4 had a great week including breaking up a group stealing very valuable watches. He daydreamed about how it felt to walk the streets of the city holding her hand. It fit perfectly and made his heart beat just a bit faster. He finished his normal tasks of laundry, cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, and taking clothes to the dry cleaner. Danny was looking at the outfit he'd worn when they busted the watch stealing crew. Then, he had a thought. He texted his partner.

'Are you busy? Do you still have the outfit from our little adventure with the watch thieves?'

'Just finished my normal Saturday things. Yes, still have the outfit, what are you thinking?'

'How about dinner and maybe hit a few clubs? Or is it too late to get a babysitter?'

'Elena is spending the weekend with her Abuela and Tia Ana. Dinner and dancing? Can you handle that?'

'I've got moves you've never seen. Pick you up about six?'

'How about six thirty? Then I'll be ready. Can't wait to see your moves!' Concluding the conversation Maria looked through her contacts.

"Hey, Diana, it's Maria, are you busy?" She listened for a few moments. "Remember the job you did on my hair the other day? Do you think you could do it up like that today? I've been invited out on a date and…" She listened for a few moments and smiled. "Yes, it's that guy who asked me out. I'll pay you; do you have time?" They talked for a few minutes and set up a time in an hour for her to come to Maria's home. They decided against doing the extensions with the braids but created a style that would withstand the dancing Maria was anticipating this evening.

Danny chuckled to himself. He was unsure if Sean would be home tonight, so he left a note on the refrigerator for his son. He busied himself with outdoor chores until it was time to get ready for his date. He went to shower and get ready for the night. After the shower he dressed and sat on the edge of his bed to put on his shoes and socks. Before he put his shoes on, he opened the night table drawer and wondered if he should take something with him. This would only be their second date, but he also wanted to be prepared. He got what he wanted and closed the drawer. Danny stood in the doorway contemplating what else he should bring. He was so nervous he almost forgot to put his shoes on. He hurried down the stairs, checked the trunk of his car to be sure his bag was there and had all the appropriate clothing he would need for the morning. Danny drove as fast as he dared, stopping just before he reached his destination to buy her some flowers.

Danny pulled up in front of Maria's new place and found a spot to park. He got out of the car and walked to the door. She must have been watching for him; the door opened before he could ring the bell. She looked just as gorgeous as she had that day when they captured the thieves. He stood still and admired the view. Her hair was a bit different but still the look was fabulous. He walked inside and asked her to get a vase for the flowers he was holding. She found something suitable and put some water in it, then brought it out to the table where Danny was waiting. He unwrapped the flowers and put them in the vase, being sure all the stems were in water.

"Thank you for the flowers, they're gorgeous, Danny."

"They can't hold a candle to you, Maria. Too bad you can't wear something like what you're wearing now when we question perps. They'd all confess just to get to spend a little time with you. I'll have to beat off the guys tonight. But I can't wait for the world to see how beautiful you are. Now, do you have to be home by any specific time? Do you need to check in with your mother and see how things are going?"

"No, she's taken care of Elena several times. When I was on leave, sometimes I wouldn't get much sleep and mom would take the baby so I could sleep or just get caught up on laundry and housework. She'll be fine."

"You know, you could have called me, I would have helped you…"

"I know but I'm stubborn and want to do things my way by myself. And I didn't want you to know that I needed some help." She stepped closer to him. "But I've learned my lesson and next time I find myself surrounded by piles of dirty clothes and the kitchen sink is full of dirty dishes and toys are all over the place I'll give you a call. For help." She reached out for his hand.

"And I'll be here in a flash." He stared into her eyes for a few moments. "I found a new place to eat, not too far from the action. If you're ready?"

"I'm ready, just let me get a wrap in case it gets chilly." She walked over to the sofa and picked up something that matched her outfit and walked back to Danny. "All set, shall we?" She handed him her keys; he held out his arm and they walked out. He locked the door, escorted Maria to his car and drove to the restaurant.

The food was very eclectic, but they followed the advice of the waiter who couldn't keep his eyes off Maria. They enjoyed everything except the sauce on the pork tenderloin. Maria found it to be too sweet while Danny felt it was too spicy. Danny paid the bill and they left and walked over to a nearby dance club. The music was a mix from the 1970's to current time with occasional romantic interludes. Danny and Maria showed their ID proving they weren't underage, and the hostess found them a table. They placed a drink order and the waitress bringing the drinks tried to hit on Danny until Maria reached out for his hand and caressed his fingers in a suggestive manner. They took a few sips of their drinks and then Danny suggested hitting the dance floor. After dancing to several modern songs, the pace slowed down and Danny took Maria in his arms. He thanked his mother for insisting he learn the more traditional dance steps including the waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, and quickstep. They were currently doing a slow foxtrot and to anyone watching, they might presume the couple to have been dancing together for a long time. There was a pause in the music; when it started again it was much faster. Danny took Maria's hand and led her back to the table. The drinks were still there and for a few moments they both slaked their thirst. They talked for a few minutes as best they could considering the elevated decibel level of the music. Then, they were ready to join the crowd on the dance floor. They continued dancing and enjoying their drinks for the next few hours. Finally, the dance floor wasn't as crowded, and Danny let loose with some spectacular moves and received applause from the other dancers. Danny gave them a bow and led Maria back to their table where fresh drinks waited for them.

"Danny, that was so nice. Reminds me of Jamie and Eddie's wedding. We danced so much that night, but you also danced with your sister and niece. It wasn't dancing like this, but it looked like it was almost effortless for you."

"Thank you but it's only because my dance partner is also talented. She makes dancing look easy. No one's watching me, they're watching you." He smiled at her, and she blushed. He reached out for her hand and held it tenderly. They both finished their drinks. "There are several other clubs in the area, would you like to try one or two? Stay here? Have another drink? What is your fondest wish?"

"Do you really want to know, Danny?"

"I want to be sure you're enjoying yourself. I know I enjoy being with you almost anywhere. What would you suggest?"

"We could go back to my place. There are cable channels that play music, all kinds. We could find something more…"

Danny raised her hand and kissed it. "You come up with the best plans." He waved for the waitress to come over and asked for the bill. She handed him the document and he handed her his credit card. She returned shortly with his receipt, and they left the building holding hands. They returned to his car and headed for his partner's home. He parked the car and jumped out to help his partner exit the vehicle. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the keys to her home, opened her car door and extended his hand to her. She moved closer to him, and he closed and locked his car. They walked up to the door, hand in hand, and Danny unlocked it. Stepping inside, Danny pulled out his weapon and badge and handed them to Maria to put into her gun safe.

He walked over to the kitchen, "Do you mind if I make a pot of coffee?"

"'Course not, Danny. I'll find some music for us." Maria picked up the TV remote and searched for the kind of music Danny wanted - slow, sensual dancing music. She found exactly what she wanted and waited for him to come into the room. She started to sway along with the music and Danny watched his partner and his desire for her just increased. He had recently paid a visit to the cemetery and talked to Linda for quite some time. He would always love her, but he needed someone by his side. Not only as a companion but to fill the gaping hole in his life. The coffee finished brewing and he went back into the kitchen, filled two mugs with the dark brew and brought them out to the living room. He put the mugs on the coffee table and reached out to pull his partner into his arms. They danced together for a few minutes; Danny resisted the urge to kiss the luscious lips of his partner; he needed to say a few things to her before he did anything else.

He stopped moving but continued to hold her in his arms. "Would you mind if we sat down for a few minutes? Before I lose my courage?" She looked at him and began to worry.

"Is something wrong? Did I do something…" Danny placed a finger against her lips and helped her sit on the sofa. When she was seated, he sat next to her and put his arm around her.

"Do you remember when you found your trainer dead on your lawn and his fiancée broke into your place and attacked you?" Maria nodded. "You had to get checked out in the local ER and I waited to bring you home. We both admitted that we had feelings for each other, but I wasn't ready at that time." Danny paused and looked down, trying to find the right words. "We've gotten closer the past few months and, if you still want to see if we have something… Maria reached up and pulled his face close to her face.

"Sometimes, Danny, you talk too much." She kissed him soundly using her tongue to try and deepen the kiss. Danny took the hint and responded eagerly. Finally, they both ran out of breath.

"Wow, I guess you want to see where we…"

Maria nodded, slipped out of the boots she had been wearing, then stood up. She put her hand out and Danny held it as he stood up. "Do you have a bag in your car?" He nodded. "Good, you'll need it in the morning. Come with me and let me show you just what I feel for you." She led him into her bedroom. He reached for her and kissed her, deeply, hoping she really meant what she said. Maria reached under the shirt Danny was wearing and began to run her fingers very lightly across his skin. She could feel the goose bumps everywhere she touched. She reached lower and began to push his pants down, but he stopped her.

He was running his hands along her outfit trying to find a way to remove it without damaging the garment. Maria reached down and pulled the top off. Danny just stared. Then she pulled on a zipper on her side and the pants slid off leaving her almost naked. Danny swiftly removed his shirt and pants while Maria pulled down the duvet and sheets. They climbed into the bed and explored each other's bodies for hours.

Next Morning

Their bodies were intertwined, and it almost looked like one body in the bed. The alarm on Danny's phone began to sound, very softly at first but gradually it became louder and louder. "Danny, turn the noise off. Please!"

It took him a few minutes for him to get his arm out and silence the phone. He lay back and pulled Maria back into his arms. "I think I'm going to need a nap after dinner. Who'd have thought that a guy as old as I am…" Maria pulled his head down to hers and kissed him. He began to enjoy himself and could feel things beginning to happen. He pulled back, "If I don't get moving, I'll be late for church as well as family dinner." He leaned down and locked lips again. "I wonder if they'll disown me if I don't show up," he thought. They kissed for several minutes before Maria realized the time.

"Your father is expecting me today and with the baby. We both need to get moving." She got out of bed and began picking up the items that were strewn around the room. Danny climbed out of bed as well and put the pants back on so he could go out to the car and collect his bag. When he returned, Maria showed him the second bathroom where he could shower and get ready for church. Maria used the other bathroom after making a fresh pot of coffee.

Once they were ready, Danny drove over to the apartment where Maria had grown up. He'd been there before when her brother, Javier, had been killed. He parked near the building and they walked inside and up the stairs. Maria knocked on the door and it was opened by Ana.

"Hey, Ana, how are you?"

"We're doing okay, c'mon in." She waved them into the home where her mother was feeding Elena a bit of scrambled egg. When Elena saw her mother, she became excited. She waved her arms and kicked her feet trying to get her mother's attention.

"Ana, Mami, I don't know if you remember this man. This is Danny Reagan and we've known each other for more years than…"

Mami stood up, "Yes, I remember him. He came when Javi died, and he never left your side except to help me or Ana. He did so much for us…" She stood up and walked over to Danny, holding out her hands to him. Danny reached out and held her hands. "I never was able to thank you for everything you and your family did for us when Javi was killed. Please tell your father that my daughters and I are grateful for everything that the police department did. The honors, the music, the special flag for his casket." She paused for a moment to wipe a few tears away. "What they did was to push away all the bad memories of my son and bring all the good memories back. He was a good son and now we can think back on his life with more pride than sorrow." Danny gave her a hug.

"Ma'am, thank you. Javier was a brave man, and the world can use every brave person there is."

Mami turned to Maria, "Are you still planning on taking the baby to church and dinner?" Maria nodded and Mami turned to the baby speaking to her in Spanish. She picked her up and walked into the bedroom. Maria turned to the highchair and picked up everything that was there. Ana brought over a cleaning cloth to wipe the tray while Maria checked the floor for any detritus. Just then Mami came out with Elena. She was wearing a dress that Maria had worn when she was a baby.

"Mami, is this…" She nodded to Maria who explained the significance of the dress to Danny.

He reached out for the baby. "If your mommy was even half as gorgeous when she was a baby as you are, she was absolutely stunning." He gave the baby a kiss on the cheek. Maria thanked her mother for the dress as well as for caring for the baby. She gathered up the baby's things and prepared to leave. They said their goodbyes and thank you's and headed out the door. Elena slept through most of the service but woke up in time to greet the monsignor on their way out of church.

Elena was the star of Family Dinner. She never started an argument, agreed with everything that was said and made everyone smile. "Maria, I know I've said it before but it's so great to have a baby here at the table. Reminds us of why we do what we do - for those who come after us. Hopefully, there will be more to come."

"Thank you, Henry. I'm not sure I'm ready for another one right now but maybe Jamie and Eddie?"

Everyone looked at the couple. "Uh, we're still deciding, thanks Maria," said Jamie. Everyone said goodbye and headed to their homes. Danny put Elena in her car seat and helped Maria into the front seat of his car. He headed for her home and thought about what to say all the way to their destination. As they walked up the walk to her home they spoke at the same time.

"Would you mind if I stayed for a bit tonight? I think we need to talk…"

"If you need to head home, I can take Elena and put her to bed."

Danny took his keys and unlocked her door. "How about you get us something to drink and I'm going to convince my best girlfriend that she needs to go to sleep."

"Are you sure? You don't need to head home to Sean?"

"No, he's heading for the dorm." He took the baby from Maria and headed to her bedroom. She could hear him talk to her over the baby monitor. She poured each of them a fresh cup of coffee and went out to the living room to wait for him. She put the mugs on the coffee table, sat down and waited.

He walked out of the bedroom and walked over to Maria. He sat down and took a sip of his coffee. "So, what do we do now, Danny?"

"Well, I think we need to spend time together here and at my place. See if what we seem to have works. I love you and I want to be with you. Every day and night. As my partner at work and at home. Is that what you want?"

"Yes, we've been dancing around things for a while but yeah, I don't want to lose you as my partner at work. But I love that you want to be here with me and the baby."

"So, to the world we'll be good friends and I'm helping you raise your child. Until she starts speaking, I think we'll be okay. Maybe by then, I'll put in my papers and either annoy my sister, the DA, and work for her office as an investigator or become a house husband. Maybe I could wear a frilly hat and apron and you could…" Maria leaned over and kissed him soundly.

"We'll just keep your 'maid's outfit' to ourselves, okay? Otherwise, that works for me." They settled back to watch a movie while they ate a light dinner. The movie ended and they cleaned up. Danny gathered his things and prepared to head home.

"I'll see you at your desk in the morning, but I'll be dreaming about last night." He leaned in to kiss her good night, but the kiss lasted for several seconds. "That's not fair, you're making it hard for me to leave and go home to the empty house. I'll miss you in my bed, but I'll call when I get home." He gently caressed her cheek. "I love you, see you in the morning."

"Love you, too. Drive safe. See you in the morning." He left and paused before getting into the car to wave once more. Living separate lives for now was going to be hard but necessary. Danny reminded Maria that when Jamie and Eddie became engaged, they each kept their apartment but would also spend their nights together. They could see if what they had was strong enough to become a lifelong relationship and face the changes that might be demanded by their bosses. Danny knew that whatever happened, they would be together. He thanked God for giving him another chance to have a special someone in his life and promised he would do his best to be the man Maria needed in her life - someone she knew would always have her back.