A/N: Thanks to everyone who has left reviews, they mean a lot to me. As always, I thank my wonderful beta DanniMitchell85 for her tireless work and care. I hope you enjoy the next installment. The action will pick up soon, and don't worry the family will soon be in the picture too!

Chapter 3

One week later, Jamie again found himself driving up Riverside Drive toward the park. Turning down his radio so he wouldn't disturb the calm and serenity of the park, he searched for an open parking spot. Once parked and out of his car, he looked around for Caitlin but didn't see her. He briefly considered going back to the same place he found her last week. Even though she said it was her favorite place, he wasn't sure he would find her there overlooking the water.

Nervously, he jingled his keys before finally tucking them into his pocket. There were several walking paths so he meandered over to the park map. Glancing up at the large map, he spotted a marker. Stuck in the map along a different path, was a small enamel pin of a piano. Jamie couldn't help smiling; he knew without a doubt it had been placed there for him. Plucking it off the map, he slipped it into his pocket. It was a good sign that she had left him a hint of where she would be.

Heading down the indicated path, Jamie looked for Caitlin. It wasn't long before he spotted her on the path ahead of him. He quickened his pace, walking up to join her. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" Jamie commented, pleasantly.

"It is," she replied with a sideways glance and smile.

They walked side by side for a while, commenting occasionally on the scenery or the changing colors of the foliage. Jamie fought off the desire to reach out and take her hand; he sensed he needed to go slow. He didn't want to rush anything with her; she was worth it.

"I wasn't sure you would come," Caitlin said finally.

"Wouldn't miss it," Jamie said lightly.

They continued their walk, talking about inconsequential things such as movies, hobbies, and sports. Jamie admitted he was a typical guy who liked a good action movie, but also confessed he enjoyed the occasional 'chick flick.' Caitlin told him she wasn't much of a sports fan, but loved college football. They learned they both loved to hike and spend time outdoors. Jamie said he wasn't much of a cook, but then revealed he often helped with the preparation of Sunday dinner. Caitlin loved to cook and spent time in the garden whenever she could.

All too soon they reached the end of the path and they lingered there awkwardly. Jamie could see that Caitlin was ready to leave and as much as he wanted to come up with something more they could do to spend time together, he didn't want to push her.

"Hey, Caitlin?" he called out to her retreating form as an idea came to mind.

She turned and looked at him, expectantly.

"Do you drink coffee?" Jamie inquired. He waited with bated breath, not sure what he would say if she said no.

"Yes," she answered carefully, sending him a suspicious look.

He couldn't hold back the smile. "Next week, I'll bring the coffee," he offered.

"All right," she said after she considered the idea. Backing away she gave him a wave and a smile.

Thrilled that she accepted his suggestion, he called out, "It's a date!"

Caitlin stopped and turned to look at him. He stood tall, hands in his pockets looking at her with a twinkle in his eye and a charming smile on his face, almost as if he was daring her to correct him.

"Nice try," She replied with a laugh as she pointed her finger at him. She continued, "Black, no sugar," before turning and walking away. Before she was too far away she called out over her shoulder, "And, it's not a date."

Jamie chuckled all the way to his car.

~Blue Bloods~

As the warmth of September turned to the chill of October and the leaves turned their vibrant colors before falling to the ground, a pattern emerged. Every Saturday, Jamie would arrive at the park, grab two cups of hot, black coffee from a street vendor, and then approach the map. There he would find a small piano pin indicating where he would find Caitlin.

They would enjoy the coffee and share conversation. It was never more than a few hours and she still insisted it wasn't a date, only two people walking in the park at the same time. He didn't care what she called it; he loved the moments in the park with her and looked forward to them all week.

At some point each Saturday, he would ask her to have dinner with him and each time she declined. It stung every time she told him 'no' but he knew it would make it all the sweeter when she finally said 'yes.' In retrospect, he was glad they were taking the time to get to know each other. He thought when they did finally go out on that first official date they would know each other better than most and it wouldn't be the awkward first date people laughed about later.

Vinnie asked every Monday how his pursuit was going, but never pushed for more than Jamie was willing to share. He was just glad to see the kid wasn't brooding anymore and the two partners were back to their normal antics. They patrolled their sector and generally kept the peace. Vinnie knew how much Jamie looked forward to Saturdays in the park, and he silently wondered what his young partner would do when they inevitably pulled Saturday duty.

Sunday dinners at the Reagan house became more and more difficult each week. Jamie realized he was becoming more reserved and quiet than was his habit, and he knew it was only a matter of time before someone brought it up, probably Danny. He loved his family dearly, but they had a way of making everyone's business public. There was never any privacy when in the company of the Reagan clan. It worried him some. If things went the way he hoped, he would be bringing Caitlin home at some point.

During their walks, he had gotten to know her pretty well, and she was more than quiet. It wasn't only that she liked the quiet, but she also needed it to keep her balanced. She needed silence and solitude just as much as others needed community and companionship. The Reagans were never quiet and hardly ever calm. He wasn't sure what the solution was and he spent a lot of time thinking about it.

~Blue Bloods~

When Saturday rolled around once more, it was cold and rainy. It was now early November and Jamie looked out the window to see it was going to be a dark and dreary day. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the sky, and he realized the rain didn't look like it was going to let up anytime soon. No nice leisurely walk in the park today.

Driving to the park, he wasn't sure what to expect. The parking area was deserted and he didn't see the normal street vendor where he got the coffee. After checking the map and not finding the pin he was used to seeing, Jamie headed back to his warm car. He reached behind his seat for a towel and used it to dry off his head.

Towel round his neck, he tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel as he thought about the next course of action. Reaching over to his glove compartment, he took out a copy of the park map. He had grabbed the copy on his way back to his car a few weeks ago, hoping to study it.

It crossed his mind to think up a contingency plan should there be bad weather, but he never got around to discussing it with Caitlin. So, pouring rain and cold, where would she go? He thought as he looked over the map. He wanted to make sure he checked everywhere before he called it a day. There was a large building called the Cloister, he wasn't sure what it was, but it was possible she could be there. He recalled seeing it a few times on their walks, but never asked her about it.

Putting the map away, he drove over and saw her standing in the colonnade, waiting for him. He couldn't see her clearly due to the rain, but from what he could see, she looked tired and wet. Waving at her, he smiled as she waved back. He found a parking spot quickly not too far away and was cursing himself for not grabbing an umbrella. Getting out of the car, he ran for cover, hoping he didn't slip on the wet concrete.

Slowing down when he reached her, he grew concerned. Her normal smile wasn't as bright and the tiredness was more pronounced. Dark circles shadowed under her eyes, but it didn't take away from her overall beauty. Shaking the water off his coat and running his fingers through his hair, he closed the remaining distance.

"Hey, you ok?" He asked with concern.

Looking up at him, she nodded and responded wearily, "I'm ok, just tired. It's just been a really tough week."

"Want to talk about it?" Jamie looked at her sympathetically. Tough weeks weren't anything new to him.

"No, it's ok," she sighed deeply. "You don't want to hear about it. It's nowhere near what I'm sure a bad week is like for you," she said as she looked off into the distance, lost in thought.

"Hey," Jamie said, as he put his hand on her shoulder, interrupting her confused thoughts and drawing her attention back to him. "Yeah, my weeks can be pretty bad, but that doesn't mean yours aren't important," he said looking her in the eyes with concern. "Tell me about it," he urged.

Caitlin exhaled, "It's just that time of year. I'm trying to wind things up with classes before Thanksgiving. I have lots of lectures to give, papers and projects to grade, and private lessons to teach. I'm not getting much sleep…and then there are the videos."

Looking confused, Jamie asked, "Videos?"

"Yes…" Sighing, Caitlin realized the process was difficult for her to explain. "To be admitted to study at Juilliard you have to come to New York and play for a committee that listens and evaluates how you play and judges your ability. That happens in the spring. To be invited to come in the spring, you have to submit a video of you playing and I have to watch them all and decide who gets an invitation to come to New York. A quarter of all the music students are piano students so there are a lot of videos."

Jamie listened as she described the process. Confused by her explanation, he said, "It sounds like an audition."

Caitlin smoothly responded, "Yes, an audition."

"It also sounds like a lot of work and stress for you," Jamie commented.

"It is very time consuming." She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before looking at Jamie pleadingly, "If I have to listen to the Appassionata Sonata one more time…"

Surprised, Jamie asked, "You don't like the Appassionata Sonata?"

"I love Beethoven; I wrote my dissertation about him, but after the first twenty times it becomes so repetitive. It can't be played in the final…audition but can for the prescreening. I swear more than half of the videos I've viewed so far have played it." She replied. "I have also had no time to play myself and to top it off…" She trailed off, not completing the thought.

"No silence," Jamie completed the thought for her.

As Caitlin just stood there and nodded her head, a strong gust of cold air blew over them and her slight frame shook. Jamie looked at her and remembered she wasn't a native of New York and its cold weather. Deciding on a plan of action, he reached out and placed his hand on her lower back, urging her forward. He looked up at the imposing building, "Let's go inside. This is a museum of some kind, right?"

Softly, she replied, "It's a part of the Met. A museum dedicated to medieval art."

Jamie looked at her, "Really? I've been to the Met in Central Park; I never knew there was one up here. Ok, so we'll go in here and get you warm; with the rain I'm sure it won't be crowded and we can look around and find some quiet."

Caitlin walked with him, but, just before entering the building she stopped and said, "If it's too crowded?"

"We'll leave, I promise," Jamie could see she desperately needed some peace and quiet.

Entering the museum, they saw only a handful of other people walking about. They started to roam the galleries, enjoying the time together in silence. They viewed the sculptures, stained glass, and tapestries. Jamie could see her relaxing in the way she was walking and holding herself, the tension leaving her. However, her smile still wasn't as bright as he would like it.

Making their way to the upper floor, Jamie spotted the Gothic Chapel. It was perfect. Ushering her in, he knew they would find the silence she was yearning for. As she stood there in silent contemplation, Jamie was content to take in the beauty of the chapel. Stained glass, huge stone arches, intricate carvings and statues. After a while, Jamie led her to a bench.

They sat together without speaking. After a few minutes, she leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Jamie felt a warmth in his chest as he felt her relax next to him. He understood this was a big step for her, and wanted to cherish it. Reaching over, he took her hand into his. A smile graced his lips when he felt her squeeze his hand.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Jamie was willing to sit there all day; he would give her all the time she needed. It was a long while later that they got up and walked out. Caitlin was much more centered and he was glad to see some shine return to her smile. She reclaimed her hand, and as much as he didn't want to let go, he didn't want to push her either. Walking back the way they came, they saw the rain had yet to let up. Large, dark puddles covered the ground outside indicating the rain had been constant.

Standing there, Caitlin didn't know what to say, she was too busy trying to sort out her feelings. Something had happened in the chapel and she needed time to process what it could mean.

"Well, I better get going," she said finally.

"I'd feel better if you'd let me drive you home." Jamie was worried about her weariness though she looked better now.

Shaking her head, Caitlin once again refused.

"At least let me drive you to the subway," he offered, hopefully.

"It's only a few blocks, I'll be fine." Caitlin wanted to be alone with her confused thoughts.

Jamie didn't want the day to end, even though they hadn't spoken much. He sensed something had changed between them in the chapel. Not wanting to lose out on a golden opportunity, Jamie decided to try a different approach this time. "I wanted to ask you something," he said.

"What?" Caitlin was curious.

Jamie took a deep breath, "I was wondering if you would have lunch in the city with me and my partner next week?"

Narrowing her eyes, she asked carefully, "You and your partner?"

Jamie nodded, cajoling, "C'mon, broad daylight, public restaurant, me and my partner…It wouldn't be a date, exactly."

"No, it wouldn't," thinking about it, she gave in, "All right."

"All right?" Jamie tried not to act too triumphant but he couldn't keep the smile from appearing.

She repeated, "All right, call my office and let me know where…I think Wednesday would be the best day for me."

Jamie nodded and watched her go out into the rain. Stubborn woman, he thought. He turned and walked to his car this time not caring that he got soaked.

~Blue Bloods~

Monday morning, Jamie, uncharacteristically, slipped into roll call right on time. He was usually one of the few guys who showed up early in the locker room, dressed and ready to go.

Sgt. Renzulli, the shift sergeant, was already standing at the podium and watched as Jamie came in and took his place next to his partner. He looked over his glasses at Jamie and said, "Now that we're all here, let's get started."

Vinnie noticed that Jamie seemed antsy even though he paid attention to the bulletins and updates. They were barely out the door and down the hall before Jamie grabbed his arm, stopping him. "I need to talk to you," he said.

They quickly walked outside and located their sector car for the day and Vinnie asked, "What's up, Reagan?

Taking a deep breath, Jamie said, "I need a favor, man."

Looking at Jamie concerned, Vinnie asked, "You in trouble, kid?"

Shaking his head, Jamie continued, "No, I saw Caitlin on Saturday and I convinced her to let me take her to lunch this week."

Vinnie punched Jamie in the arm and said, "Way to go. So, you want me to disappear for meal break, huh?"

"Nope. I need you to come with." Jamie said with a serious look on his face.

"Huh?" Vinnie was confused.

Explaining quickly, he replied, "Look, I got her to agree to lunch with me AND my partner in a public restaurant in broad daylight."

Vinnie shook his head. He knew that he would have given up a long time ago and he admired Jamie's persistence. "Sure, I'll come if you think it'll help."

Jamie looked relieved as he said, "Thanks, brother."

They rode over to the Upper West side and checked out the neighborhood around Lincoln Center and found a diner across the street. That looked as good as anything else. Jamie pulled out his cell phone and called the number he had looked up for the piano studies department.

After being connected with a secretary he left a message with the time and place and now he had some new information. They had never exchanged last names. Dr. Caitlin McKenna. He liked the name. He had resisted the impulse to Google her or even look her up on the school's website. He wanted to hear it from her, not read it on the computer screen. Thinking about all those videos she still had to watch and evaluate, he left his number in case she couldn't make it after all.

~Blue Bloods~

On Wednesday, Jamie made sure he was early to work. He had taken special care with his uniform, making sure it was cleaned and pressed. He hoped he didn't have to chase anyone until after lunch; he wanted to impress her in his uniform.

Vinnie shook his head at Jamie's unusual behavior and knew he would get miles and miles of teasing out of the events of the day.

At noon, Vinnie drove their car towards Lincoln Center and found a parking place outside the restaurant. One of the perks about being a police officer was you had no problem finding a parking space. After radioing in to inform dispatch they were on meal break, Vinnie looked over at Jamie. He was drumming his fingers on the edge of the car door and looked nervous.

"Man, you got it bad," Vinnie commented.

Jamie turned red and admitted, "I guess so."

Getting out of the squad car, they headed in to the diner. Just before they opened the door, Jamie pulled his partner to the side and said, "Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it," Jamie said with gratitude. "But don't even think about making a play for her," he added in a calm yet firm voice. He trusted Vinnie with his life, but his partner was still male.

"Wouldn't dream of it, brother." Vinnie assured his partner.

They got a table and waited for Caitlin before ordering. After a few minutes she came in, hurriedly, and looked around. It wasn't hard to spot the two male police officers who stood up. She couldn't deny Jamie looked good in his uniform, much better than she thought he should.

Walking over she greeted Jamie warmly, taking note of the silver name plate that said 'Reagan'. Then she turned to look at Vinnie. Vinnie had heard Jamie describe Caitlin several times in the last couple of months but was amazed at the woman before him.

"Caitlin, this is my partner, Vinnie Cruz," Jamie made the introduction.

"Nice to meet you, Vinnie," Caitlin drawled.

"Uh, Yeah. Nice to meet you," Vinnie had trouble finding his voice. Jamie looked at him in sympathy; he remembered his inability to put two words together when he first met her too.

They all sat and ordered quickly since they didn't have a long time to eat. As they talked and laughed, Vinnie observed the two. He knew how Jamie felt and watched him inch his hand towards hers without trying to hold it. They never touched, but their eyes caressed each other in such a way that Vinnie almost felt like an intruder. He had taken Jamie's warning seriously, though he realized even if he wanted to make a play for her, she only had eyes for Jamie.

As they talked, Vinnie noticed she had a strange conversational style. Sometimes she would describe something instead of naming it. The first time it happened he looked at Jamie but since he didn't seem to notice or be bothered by it, Vinnie figured it was just something she did. Maybe it was a southern thing. He made a note to ask Jamie about it later.

Suddenly, a young woman came running up to their table and launched into a breathless stream of words, "Oh, Dr. McKenna, thank God I found you. I really need your help and I don't know what to do. I have this composition and I can't fix it and it's due soon and if I fail I'll just die!" Her words came to sudden halt when she noticed the police officers.

Caitlin put her fork down and looked at the young woman with concern. "Allison, calm down. It's ok; we're just having lunch." She held her hand out, "Give me your composition."

Allison reached into her bag and rifled through her many papers and found the one she needed, as papers spilled out onto the floor. She handed the one to Caitlin and stooped to pick up the others, jamming them back into her bag, flustered.

Caitlin took the composition without comment and handed it to Jamie before standing up. Putting her arm around the distressed student, she spoke soothingly, "Allison, here's what we're going to do. I want you to come to my office at six and we'll sit down and look at it together."

Allison stammered, "But..."

Caitlin repeated herself sternly, "Six o'clock, in my office. Until then, I want you to go and find a friend. As I recall, your friends hang out at Gianelli's. Go get a slice and then go do something fun. Window shop on Fifth Avenue, go to a movie, walk through central park…it doesn't matter, but have some FUN."

Allison started to object but seeing the determination in Caitlin's face, she quickly nodded her head and then left.

Jamie watched the interaction between Caitlin and her student. He was captivated with how she cared for the young girl. It didn't sound like the assignment was from Caitlin and he was impressed that she would help a student that wasn't necessarily hers. It was one more reason he was drawn to her.

Caitlin watched Allison leave until she was satisfied she was heading towards Gianelli's. Shaking her head slightly, she sat back down, smiling. She looked at the two men and said, "I don't miss that part about being a student. Projects due and exams looming and more stress than a young mind should have."

Jamie stretched his arm out across the booth and took a sip of his coffee. He remarked, mischievously, "I seem to recall something about videos and never wanting to hear the Appassionata ever again."

Caitlin froze and looked at him, astounded. She saw the twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face and she finally shook her head, smiled ruefully, and laughed. "You got me on that one."

Jamie handed her the composition and she glanced at it before frowning and said, "Oh, my."

"Is it bad?" Vinnie asked.

Caitlin sighed, "No, not bad, but needs work. The life of a professor. I really need to go. Thank you for lunch, I had a good time."

They all got up and Vinnie and Caitlin walked out while Jamie took care of the check. When Jamie came out and joined them, they were having a good natured argument about the merits of soccer versus football. Jamie rolled his eyes, Cruz and his devotion to soccer. He was glad to see them getting along. If things worked out, she and Vinnie would be meeting on a regular basis.

Before she left, Jamie had to tell her something. "Listen, I can't make it to the park on Saturday. We have a tour."

Caitlin looked at him and as she nodded her understanding, said, "Maybe next week. It was nice to meet you, Vinnie." She turned and walked up the street leaving two NYPD police officers staring after her.

After she passed out of sight, Jamie and Vinnie walked back and got into their patrol car, letting dispatch know they were back on duty.

Vinnie sat motionless in the driver's seat, quiet for a few moments not sure what to say, finally commenting, "You're a lucky man."

Jamie was surprised by his partner's comment, "Thought you weren't ready to settle down with only one honey."

Vinnie laughed and said, "I'm not but I might change my mind if someone looked at me the way she looks at you."

Vinnie put the car in gear and they drove away to continue their patrol.