"I'm really sorry about tonight, Sonny."

"Hey. It's no problem," Sonny smiles at Will.

"It is a problem. I've barely been working here and you have been drawn into way too much of my drama. It's really not fair to you. And honestly, I can't believe I still have a job after tonight."

"Will," Sonny whispers as he places his hands on Will's shoulders. "It happens. Life is messy sometimes. Don't even worry about it. You are a good person and a great worker. Plus you have the most adorable daughter, who thinks I am awesome."

Sonny smiles at Will with a gleam in his eyes. They both look over at Ari, who is fast asleep on the couch. She is curled up with her favorite stuffed animal, an elephant, and covered with Sonny's apron.

"She really is adorable, isn't she?" Will asks with pride.

"Yeah. She is. But you can go home now. I can finish closing up tonight."

"No. It's honestly the least I can do after all that happened today. Plus Ari is sleeping, so there really is no reason for me not to finish helping close."

Sonny smiles at Will, "Well, I tried."

Ten minutes later, everything is cleaned up and put away. Sonny motions for Will to take a seat at one of the tables. Will walks over and sits down where he can still keep an eye on Ari.

"Can you help me understand all that has gone on the last couple of days with your boyfriend, daughter, and your daughter's mom?"

Will is a little surprised at Sonny's questions, but not completely shocked. "I really am sorry about tonight."

"Will, I don't care about tonight. Everything is fine. But I need to have a better understanding of what is going on. Because I really can't have these things occurring on a regular basis."

"Oh, Sonny. I understand. And it won't. I promise."

"I want to believe you. That is why I need to know a little more back story about what all has happened."

"Ok. Gabi is Arianna's mother. We were high school sweethearts. But we broke up when I truly realized I was gay. We remained best friends until she met her husband, Nick, who just happens to be my cousin. We had Ari when we were both 18. When Brian found out about Ari he broke up with me for a while. He wasn't ready for a family and to help raise a child. Not that I blame him. That's a lot of responsibility to take on. And I think he still isn't really ok with being in Ari's life. Brian isn't a fan of her being around and Ari isn't very comfortable around him. That's why I was surprised she took to you so well. Ari has known Brian for a while and she doesn't act like she does around you, around him."

"How could anyone not adore that little girl? I am honored that she likes me so much, because I really do think she is a doll."

"Thanks," Will smiles. "A lot happened with Nick, Gabi, Brian, and I. We almost lost Ari a year ago because of Nick. He's now in a mental institution and Gabi blames me for his coming undone, which makes Brian mad. Gabi doesn't think Brian is a good influence for our daughter. Brian can't stand the way Gabi blames me for everything. So, they don't get along. Which is beginning to really take a toll on me."

"Wow, Will. I'm really sorry." Sonny says, sadly.

"Thanks. I thought things were getting better, but then I took this job…." Will trails off.

"If this job is too much, you should quit. I would completely understand."

"Oh, it's not that. Brian has this really bad jealous streak. He hates that I can't dedicate all my time to him. It's kind of exhausting actually."

"Yeah. Neil can be the same way. I love the guy, but he is definitely clingy."

"If you don't mind me asking, how long have you guys been together?"

"6 months, I guess. We met at a party that a mutual friend was having. He was a drunken mistake that turned into a relationship."

"Oh, wow. Seems like it's worked out, though."

"Yeah. I guess." Sonny says, sadly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?" Will asks, concerned.

"Oh, no. It's just sometimes I think…." Sonny begins.

"Daaaaaddy?" Arianna yells out. "Daaaaaddy?"

Will immediately stands up and races over to his daughter. "I'm right here, baby girl. You are just having one of your nightmares."

Will picks up his trembling daughter and wipes the tears from her eyes. She curls into her father's body and sobs.

"Daddy," she whispers in a trembling voice. "Don't ever leave me. Please, daddy."

"Baby, I'm not going anywhere," Will whispers and places a soft kiss on her cheek.

Will turns around and sees Sonny standing right behind him. "Is everything ok?" Sonny asks.

"Yeah. She will be ok. She gets these nightmares everyone once in a while. I just have to hold her until she calms down. Usually takes a little bit of time."

"Sonny?" Ari lifts her tear-stained face up and looks into Sonny's eyes.

"Yes?"

Ari reaches out her arms to Sonny. Sonny looks at Will, who has a shocked look on his face. Will hands Ari over to Sonny, who takes her willingly.

"You protect me, Sonny?" Ari whispers.

Sonny looks at Will confused, then smiles at Ari. "Of course I will. Knight in shining armor, at your service."