Thanks for your patience, RL does interfere at times! I appreciate all your reviews and hope you enjoy this next chapter. AOE01

Chapter Eight

Driving to the park on Saturday, Jamie was distracted and couldn't keep his mind from wandering. Today was the first time he and Caitlin were driving to the park together instead of meeting there. He was incredibly happy with the changes in their relationship, and it felt like they were now a couple. He did miss the excitement and anticipation he used to feel as he drove to the park, but having Caitlin sitting beside him was worth it. Looking over to his right, Jamie smiled and picked up Caitlin's hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckles before lowering it. Rewarded with a radiant smile, he squeezed her hand, keeping it within his grasp as he drove.

Turning his attention back to the road ahead of him, his thoughts drifted back to the different conversations on Thanksgiving. He had spent most of the day after Thanksgiving in his apartment, alone, thinking about Caitlin and his family. His thoughts of Danny were especially troublesome. He loved his brother and knew he was the type of man to do whatever needed to be done to protect his family; however, Danny also had a hard time letting him live his own life. Sometimes it felt like Danny thought he was Jamie's father. This time, Jamie was determined not to back down.

Turning the car into the park, Jamie tried to force thoughts of Danny out of his head. This was his time with Caitlin and he refused to let thoughts of Danny ruin it.

After they parked and got out of the car, Caitlin was concerned with Jamie's pensiveness. It wasn't like him to be so quiet and preoccupied. Caitlin decided to wait and see if he wanted to talk about it.

Jamie motioned toward the coffee vendor and they walked over to get their customary cup of coffee before choosing a path. Caitlin wanted to walk down the path along the river, her favorite. As they walked, holding hands, in silence, Caitlin found she didn't enjoy the peace and quiet as she usually did. It bothered her knowing something was troubling Jamie.

It was getting colder and most of the trees had shed their leaves; snow was expected any day now. Seeing the bench up ahead, Jamie headed for it wanting to sit. He needed to gather his thoughts before talking to Caitlin.

Caitlin looked out at the magnificent view and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She loved the view here and she found she loved it even more with Jamie sitting beside her. Turning to look at him, she saw he was staring off into the distance, and she could tell he wasn't really seeing anything. He was trying to decide something and she would give him as much time as he needed.

"Want to talk about what's on your mind?" Caitlin asked, as she sipped her coffee. She remembered their day at The Cloister and wanted him to know she was there for him as he had been for her. She would listen if he needed her to and she was more than willing to help him with anything he needed. "It's ok if you don't," she added, letting him know she wasn't going to push him.

Jamie turned and smiled at her, but it wasn't his normal bright smile. She could see the stress and worry behind his eyes.

"Yeah, just been trying to figure out how to start," he admitted, as he picked up her hand again and entwined his fingers with hers.

Caitlin waited, allowing Jamie time to organize his thoughts.

"I told you about my family," Jamie started. At her encouraging nod, he continued, "Danny, my older brother, has been on my case a lot lately. He figured out I've been seeing someone new."

"We haven't been seeing each other very long; we've only had a couple of dates," Caitlin objected.

Jamie laughed, eyeing her mischievously, as he pointed out, "Well, now, that depends on your point of view." Taking a long drink of his coffee, Jamie continued, "I haven't dated anyone seriously for a couple of years. When I graduated from Law school, I was engaged."

Caitlin looked surprised, "What happened?"

Jamie shrugged, "We planned to get jobs in law firms here and get married, and then Joe died." Caitlin squeezed his hand in comfort. "It made me rethink a lot of things about my life; when I decided to become a cop, it was a big change for her. Sydney tried to support me, but she could never come to terms with being a cop's wife, I guess. She told me she took a job in London the night before her flight."

Caitlin squeezed his hand again. "I'm sorry."

Jamie smiled in response, "I used to be too, but now…" Reaching up and smoothing her hair, he said, "Now, I'm glad she did. It wouldn't have worked, we'd have been miserable; besides, I think I've found something that suits me better."

Caitlin smiled and looked away, shyly, blushing at the implied compliment.

Jamie continued, "Anyway, over the last couple of years, I never had dating high on my 'to-do' list. The family has been worrying about it, I guess. During Thanksgiving dinner, Danny and I argued," Jamie said, looking back out at the river, remembering the harsh words they had exchanged. "Afterwards, I had a long talk with my Dad and Grandpa. I'd really like you to meet them," he said as he turned back to face her.

"Your…your whole family?" Caitlin asked, sitting up straighter with a panicked tone in her voice. She knew they had dinner together every Sunday, but there were a lot of Reagans.

"No, not yet," Jamie quickly tried to reassure her and put her at ease. "Dad and I were thinking maybe just meeting him and Grandpa. We thought dinner one night next week at Dad's house, just the four of us." Jamie tried to make it sound as unthreatening as he could. He knew the whole family would be overwhelming for her. Hell, sometimes they were too much for him to handle.

Looking nervous, Caitlin thought for a moment. She had very little family left, but if her parents were still alive, she would want them to meet Jamie. Nodding her head, she asked, "When were you thinking?"

"Thursday night, if that works for you," Jamie was surprised she agreed so easily.

Thinking about her week, Caitlin said, carefully, "Thursday works if it can be late. I have a lesson until six."

Jamie chuckled, "Knowing Dad, the later the better. He often gets caught at work."

Now that everything was out in the open, and she had agreed to meet his father and grandfather, Jamie could now enjoy the rest of his time together with Caitlin. He reached over and took her hand, standing up, bringing her with him. After throwing away their coffee cups, they continued on their walk. He had missed these walks the last few weeks.

After walking for a few minutes, Caitlin leaned into Jamie and commented, neutrally, "You should call your brother."

Jamie decided it was time he did just that.

~Blue Bloods~

As he sat in his living room that same afternoon, Danny watched his sons as they played video games in front of the television together. Fond memories of playing with Joe came to mind, all the good times when they were young. Frowning, he tried to recall any such times with Jamie. A tightness in his chest spread as he came up short; he couldn't think of any. Of course, Jamie was much younger than Danny, but still, there should be some memories.

Thinking about his own boys, he realized they were close to each other. They fought once in a while, but for the most part they were best friends. He could only hope and pray that they continued to love and respect one another. He was proud of them, and he wished he and Jaime could be that close.

Danny sighed heavily, he didn't know how to change it and it bothered him. A voice inside his head told him it was too little too late, but in his heart he knew it wasn't. Hearing the phone ring pulled him away from his disturbing thoughts. Getting up to answer it, he realized Linda had gotten it upstairs. He hoped the hospital wasn't calling her in to work.

Linda came downstairs five minutes later. "Danny, I need to talk to you," she said as she looked over at the two boys playing.

"Sure, Lin, is something wrong?" Danny asked, he could tell it was something important by the way she was standing.

"That was Jamie on the phone," Linda said, troubled. She wanted the brothers to make up; the way things were wasn't good for the family.

Danny waited knowing Linda had something on her mind.

"He wants you to meet him at Malone's in an hour," she passed on the message Jamie had given her. She had tried to get Jamie to talk to Danny, but he flatly refused. He just wanted her to give Danny the message. Sometimes she wondered why she had to fall in love with a Reagan. Today, she was trying to figure out which one was more stubborn, her husband or his equally obstinate younger brother.

"Daddy?" Sean asked, interrupting his parent's conversation.

"What, Sean?" Danny asked distractedly.

"Do you hate Uncle Jamie?" Sean adored his uncle and was bothered by their fighting the last couple of times they had been together. Linda couldn't help the shocked look that passed over her face.

Danny whipped his head around to look at his youngest son, horrified by the question. He crouched down to talk to his young son on his level. "Of course I don't hate Uncle Jamie, Sean. He's my brother, I love him."

Sean looked at his father, unsure.

Danny looked at both his sons who were watching him closely. "Listen, boys, Uncle Jamie and I just had an argument. Sometimes brothers don't see things the same way and so they argue about it. It doesn't mean I hate him or he hates me. You boys argue over things, right?"

Jack and Sean nodded, thinking about their own squabbles.

Jack asked, "Are you and Uncle Jamie going to make up?"

Danny stood up. "I'm going to see him right now." He got his keys and grabbed his jacket, shaken by the questions his sons had asked him.

"Danny, wait," Linda called out. Walking over to him she zipped his coat up thinking about what she wanted to say, "Just…try to listen to him, okay? He's not like you; he's a more private person. If you go at him, demanding answers, he won't talk to you. Give him some time and respect and maybe he'll open up to you." She worried about how the two would bridge the distance between them now that Joe was gone, the one thing they had in common.

Danny listened to his wife; he wasn't sure she was right but then again he wasn't sure she was wrong either. "I'll try, Lin."

Smiling at him, she said, "I love you."

Danny grinned and replied, "Love you more."

Linda said, "Love you most."

The ritual finished, Danny kissed her on the cheek and left. Linda walked over and put her arms around the boys. "Okay, boys, let's turn off the video game and go do something fun.

~Blue Bloods~

Walking into Malone's, Danny wasn't sure what to expect. Jamie hadn't wanted to talk to him, opting to leave a message with his wife. He wasn't sure why his brother had called him, but hoped it was to make peace, and not to continue their argument. Danny wanted to patch things up with Jamie; he wasn't sure how to do it but he wanted to try.

Danny spotted his brother at a table in the back of the pub, idly playing with an empty beer bottle. He could tell Jamie had peeled the label off and was folding it over and over. It was a clear sign he had a lot on his mind. Making his way to the bar, Danny ordered two more and once he had them he made his way over to Jamie. Sitting down in front of his younger brother, he slid one of the beers over to him.

Jamie looked up at Danny, thoughtfully. He wasn't sure what to say or even how to say it.

"So what's going on, kid?" Danny said out of habit, storming ahead. He wanted answers and he was an impatient man.

Jamie abruptly stood up, "This was a bad idea." He snatched his coat off the chair and started to walk away.

"Jamie, wait..." Danny stood up quickly and took a few steps toward his brother. Contritely, he tried to coax Jamie to come back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…sit back down and have a beer with me."

Jamie turned and looked at his brother, surprised to hear an apology instead of a challenge. He still wanted to leave, unsure of how the rest of the meeting would go but he found himself taking a step and then another, responding to Danny's plea, as he warily returned to his seat and sat down.

Danny sat back down, relieved, and took a long pull on his beer, before saying, "Look, Jamie, I know I push you too much. You're the only brother I have left, and I just worry about you. I'm sorry if it comes across as intrusive."

Encouraged by Jamie's nod of acknowledgement, Danny continued, "I wish…I wish you felt you could talk to me, tell me what's going on in your life. I wish you trusted me like you trusted Joe." Danny refused to meet Jamie's eyes and took another drink.

Jamie took a drink, mulling over the change in Danny's attitude. "You were right, the other day. I have been seeing someone," Jamie confessed, tentatively.

Danny looked at Jamie, triumphant. "I knew it…" He broke off as the guarded expression returned to his brother's face.

Lowering his voice and trying again, Danny said, "I think that's great. Not sure why you don't tell everyone, but I'm happy for you."

"I just started seeing her and I'm taking it real slow," Jamie admitted.

"Because Sydney walked out on you?" Danny asked in his usual frank manner.

"I never said she walked out," Jamie objected, lifting the bottle of beer to his lips.

"You wouldn't, but that's what she did," Danny had been unhappy with the way Sydney left, though he thought Jamie had dodged a bullet.

"You never liked her," Jamie pointed out.

"That's not exactly true," Danny explained. "Look, I'm still not sure you should be a cop," Seeing Jamie start to open his mouth to defend himself, Danny held up his hand. "Just, listen for a minute." Jamie leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, waiting.

"I liked Sydney well enough, but I don't like someone who bails when her man makes a decision she doesn't like." Danny continued, showing his concern, "I get that she was thrown when you became a cop, but if she couldn't support you in that what would happen down the road when there's a mortgage to pay and sick kids at home? Marriage is great but it isn't all hearts and flowers, you know? What would she do during the hard times? Plus, I really didn't like that she hurt you."

Jamie uncrossed his arms, leaning forward, thinking about what Danny said. He'd never thought about it from Danny's point of view.

Seeing that Jamie was listening, Danny asked, curiously, "Where do you think you'd be now if she'd stayed?"

Answering honestly, Jamie replied, "Unhappily married."

"So, tell me about the new girl," Danny invited, determined to accept whatever Jamie was willing to offer.

"She's amazing," Jamie said, a genuine smile appearing on his face. "Caitlin's smart, talented…she has red hair and green eyes and this sexy southern accent…" Jamie stopped talking as he pictured her in his mind.

Danny looked at his brother and laughed at the goofy grin that was on his face. "So, it's like that is it?"

"Yeah, I guess it is," said Jamie, turning bright red. "Do me a favor, Danny?"

"What?" Danny asked curiously.

"Just…back off for a while." Jamie requested.

Danny looked questioningly at Jamie.

"Caitlin's very special and I want to take it slow. She's really quiet and reserved; if she gets overwhelmed…I can't lose her, Danny." Jamie was more honest than he intended to be and looked away, embarrassed.

Danny thought he understood some of what his brother was feeling. "You got a deal as long as I get to meet her eventually." Danny hesitated, continuing cautiously, not sure of his footing. "Can I offer a piece of advice?"

After Jamie's nod, Danny spoke his mind, carefully. "Don't make the mistake of confusing Sydney and…Caitlin, is it?" At Jamie's confirming nod, he went on, "I know Sydney hurt you. Going slow is good, but don't try to protect your heart because of how things ended with Sydney. If you can't open your heart to Caitlin completely, it won't end up where I think you want to go."

Seeing Jamie nod with understanding and feeling they were on better terms; Danny said, troubled, "Now, I need a favor from you."

Hearing Danny's serious tone, Jamie got worried, "What?"

"Come home with me and stay for dinner, unless you have a hot date or something," Danny asked.

"Why?" Jamie didn't have plans, but the request was unusual.

"Aw, before I left the house, Sean asked me if I hated you and then Jack asked if I was going to make up with you. I just want to show them that we did," Danny confessed, looking self-consciously at Jamie.

Jamie was stunned. "They asked…what? It was just an argument."

Danny nodded, "I know it was, but they adore you. I explained it to them, but you know how the boys are."

Jamie nodded, an idea coming to mind, "Hey, call Linda and let's pick up pizza on the way, my treat. You have beer, right?"

As they left the pub, both Jamie and Danny were smiling and laughing, looking forward to the evening together.