"Just about the time the shadows call
I undress my mind and dare you to follow
Paint a portrait of my mystery
Only close my eyes and you are here with me…

…The earth that is the space between
I'd banish it from under me
To get to you
Your unexpected love provides
My solitary's suicide"

- Sara Bareilles ("One Sweet Love")

Danny senses the change in Lindsay's demeanor; he can see the anguish play across her delicate features, the light dimming slightly in her eyes, the slump of her shoulders. Of all of the nights to run into Rikki in the hallways… of course it is the night that Lindsay decides to let him back in. He hangs his head in remorse. An innocent greeting in the hallway, but he knows. He can tell that Lindsay now knows who he committed his crime with. The smell of Rikki's perfume is undeniable.

He opens to mouth to speak, to explain. He does not know where to begin, but he knows that what he did that night is inexcusable and unforgivable, no matter the reason or with whom it was with, even if they weren't exclusive at the time. If he could take back that night, if he could take away all of the pain it has caused, he would do it in a heartbeat. However, he cannot deny that even after everything that has transpired, Rikki has been a true friend to him, never blaming him, never judging him. Even after his drunken confession to her, she has been by his side, listening to him, encouraging him, cheering him on. He belongs with Lindsay. He needs to fight for her, show her what she means to him. He can do it, she knows that he can. It is Rikki's words that have brought him to where he is now with Lindsay.

But Lindsay cuts him off, shaking her head. She does not want to talk, she says. She is tired of talking about the past, it will not change anything; it will not solve their problem any more than it already has. If they are going to try again, if they are going to make it, if they are going to survive, they are going to have to move forward. To move past what has happened. What is done is done. Though there is still pain, though she is still sad and hurt that it was not her that he wanted in his time of need, she is slowly coming to terms. In a strange and perverted way, she is actually glad that he and Rikki were there for each other, that their two broken hearts could help one another heal. And in time, her own heart will heal as well.

He nods in acknowledgment. She kisses him on the cheek. It is late and she doesn't think she can stay awake any longer. Unlike he who has all of tomorrow off, she will be on call in the morning. He offers her his bed; he can sleep out here on the couch, there is no need for her to call a cab at this hour. She looks at him quizzically. How did he plan on holding her as she slept? Through telepathy? Not good enough, they've tried that for the last month. It doesn't work very well. He's coming to bed with her now. Is he coming or not? He cannot help but chuckle at her tirade. Yes, he'll be right behind her after he checks the door and shuts off the lights.

He licks his lips in desire when he sees her walking out of his bathroom wearing his favorite blue oxford. He quietly strips down to his boxer briefs before they climb into bed together. He turns off the light and pulls the covers over them. She patiently waits for him to get comfortable before she molds her body to his. She sighs contently as she throws a smooth leg over his, her fingers playing softly with the contours of his abs, her head lying on his bare torso. He runs his fingers gently through her hair, melting away any tension in her body and making her even sleepier. He could lie like this forever, he is sure of it. Unable to keep her eyes open any longer, Lindsay places a light kiss on his chest before kissing him sweetly on the lips. She mumbles goodnight as she snuggles back into his chest. He kisses the top of her head, wrapping his strong arms around her tighter and wishes her the same.

Danny stares at the ceiling of the darkened room as he strokes her back. The words she spoke about them, about their past, about their future, about Rikki roll over in his head like waves crashing over a beach. He counts his blessings and thanks his lucky stars for having Lindsay in his life, to have found someone as compassionate and graceful as her. He is determined not to let her down this time. He knows that it is by the grace of God that he is getting a second chance with his angel. Lindsay Monroe, his country girl, his Montana, is the only one he yearns for, the only one he needs, the only one he wants to be with. When he hears her snore softly, he whispers into her ear three words he has never uttered to any woman other than his mother.

I love you.