McCoy hesitated, unsure of the answer. As much as he knew what he wanted the answer to be, the fact neither of them had brought up the future had not been lost on him. He knew they'd cleared an emotional hurdle the night before, but if they were both ready to take the next step...of that he wasn't as certain.

Through the passionate playfulness of their banter and love making, he was as sure of her love as he was of the love he felt for her, although neither had expressed their love for one another out right.

What he knew for certain was the connection they shared was stronger than ever. They had made through more than one rough patch intact. His cold feet had been warmed once again by her loving touch and quiet humor; her insecurities put to rest by his obvious desire for her and the safety of waking once more in his protective embrace.

"What it means is, you can stop worrying about your old man and enjoy what's left of your weekend," he replied as he heard Malinowski's cellphone snap shut.

"Sorry about that," the EADA added as she joined them. "Listen, Becky. I'm not proud of what happened..."

Rebecca shook her head as she held up her hand.

"Neither am I. But I don't think we should get into it now. I can see you two need some time to yourselves, so I'll just..."

"You don't have to go," the older woman said as she looked down at the half eaten omelet. "It's miserable out there. Finish your breakfast and keep your Dad company while I make a few phone calls. Maybe the three of us can catch a matinee or..."

"I need to get back home," Rebecca responded as moved towards the coat rack. "Besides, you've seen me act like a five year old not once, but twice, in twenty four hours. I know you're too polite to say it, but I'm sure you've reached your limit and to be honest, I'm sick of me too."

As the three of them chuckled, McCoy watched as the two women embraced and exchanged whispered words that ended in more embraces and finally kisses on each other's cheek. It had taken months before Rebecca the adolescent had allowed Claire Kincaid the honor of such an embrace.

McCoy smiled as he thought of the delight that moment had brought his young lover. He could still remember the look of pure joy on her face as she held his child for the first time. He remembered how sullen and withdrawn his daughter become when only weeks afterwards they watched his beloved's coffin as it was lowered into the ground…

"I love you, Dad," she said as she reached for McCoy. "I'll call you when I get back to Portland."

"Ilove you too, honey. You know, you could leave the car and take the train," McCoy offered as another bolt of lightning off set more thunder. "I could bring it up next weekend and..."

"The weather channel said the storm is centered around the city. If it's still bad when I get out of Manhattan, I'll stop somewhere and wait it out," she replied as she gave her father an appraising look.

"What?"

"Just…just …be happy Dad," she said as she impulsively kissed him once more, before disappearing out the door.

"Alone at last," McCoy began as he closed the door and turned to find his lover all ready opening her phone. "How bad is it?"

"Bad," Malinowski replied. "Burglary gone bad. Looks like the homeowners surprised the burglars late last night and got shot for their trouble. Apparently the security camera caught them fleeing the scene. They hijacked a cab almost six hours ago. Cab's been found. One of the two has been picked up and wants a deal. Get this: He wants a walk to give up his partner and lead the cops to the cabby. For a walk. Hello Michael, it's Brooke…"