"Well you have to do something big, Danny. It's not just a regular birthday, she's turning 35."

"I don't think she wants to be reminded of that, Montana."

"Well, okay, but you should do something special anyway."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. How longs it been since the two of you went away together?"

"Italy. Our honeymoon."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah."

"Messer, you'd better do something about that."

"Why?"

"Because. Going away together is… well, it's just different than going away with the kids."

He gave her a look over the top of the casefile and she sighed, shaking her head.

"Well it's different and it's better and you'll enjoy it more, okay? So find somewhere to take her for a few days and leave the kids with us."

"Are you sure? Six kids?"

"They might be crazy but they're well behaved and you would do it for us, so what's the big deal?"

He sighed and tipped back in his chair.

"I don't know if we're the going away type."

"Afraid it's going to end in disaster?"

"She told you that story?"

"Of course she did. But seriously, Danny. She'd love it."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because I know her. And I know how much she loves you. And I know that no matter how much she loves the kids, time alone with their dad would be nice for her too. I mean, I'll still help you with what you've already thought of, but you should think about a little trip too. Just some womanly advice for ya."

"You're probably right. I'd have to surprise her with it though or she won't do it."

"Definitely need to surprise her. I mean, what we've already planned is kind of a big deal, but I think she needs something like this too."

"You're probably right."

"When am I not?"

"Now don't go playin' that game."

She grinned and went back to the casefile while Danny flipped a calendar open and started looking at it.

"When do the kids start school?"

"Two weeks."

"Would you rather have them when they're in school so you can at least have Isa and Colton gone most of the day?"

"It doesn't matter to me. Whatever works better for you guys."

"Tryin' think of where to take her."

"Honestly Danny, you could just get a hotel room for a week and she wouldn't mind."

"Nah, it's gotta be special."

"Maybe up to the lake then. I'm sure they've got cabins up there so she wouldn't have to rough it too much. It wouldn't be too terribly cold yet, you could still swim or fish if you wanted to."

"Maybe."

Lindsay snickered to herself as Danny opened up a webpage and started to search for getaway spots. She knew he wouldn't come up with anything good. He was a very smart man, but when it came to finding deals or really searching for something online, he was a lost case. He'd come up fruitless after a day or two and ask Adam to help him.

"What are you getting her?" he asked suddenly.

"Just taking her out to lunch like we always do."

"Can I ask… what do you even talk about for that long?"

"Everything."

"No, I mean really."

"Everything," she repeated, amused. "Women need that. No agenda. Just whatever."

"You turned my wife into a woman."

"I… don't even know what to say to that."

He shook his head.

"She wasn't like this before she met you. She used to just spit and swear and stuff."

"She still spits and swears."

"I know but ever since the two of you became joined at the hip she's gotten more like… uh… internal or something."

"What does that mean?"

"She talks about her feelings and stuff."

"Sorry?"

"Nah, it's good. It's just that sometimes I forget that you know her so well and that she tells you things she don't tell me. I'm not really used to havin' to share her with someone else."

"Hmm."

"What?"

"Nothing, just interesting."

"Why?"

She shrugged.

"I guess I just never thought of it that way."

"We're off on a tangent. You really think she'd like going away?"

"Yes, she would. Now, is everything else ready for the other thing?"

"Yeah. You guys have a babysitter?"

"Yeah, Faye's going to come over. Are you dropping your kids with your mom?"

"Yeah. Flack and Jess still have to find a sitter but they'll be there. And Mac said he'd come if he could."

"Oh don't worry. He'll be there. Jo's gonna drag him by his ear, she already promised me."

"And everyone knows not to spoil it?"

"I didn't tell Adam anything on account of he can hardly keep a secret, but everyone else knows to keep their mouths shut. She is going to freak out. I can't wait."

He nodded and chuckled.

"Always nice when you're able to pull strings. Thanks for helpin' me figure it all out."

"You're welcome. Austin's been suspicious of why you and I are always texting each other lately."

"I know, she keeps asking me what we're planning. She knows it's for her birthday, but she has enough restraint to not go through my phone and figure it out."

"Does she realize we've been planning this for three months?"

"Nah, but lets leave out that little detail."

The stadium was crowded with people, some casual fans, some rabid, but all of them looking forward to a game between their beloved Yankees and their rivals, the Red Sox. Danny hadn't just pulled a few strings, he'd pulled a lot, reserving a bank of seats behind the home team dug-out, about ten rows up. It was close enough that they could catch fly balls but far enough away that they could see the entire game.

Danny and Austin were decked out in all Yankees gear. Austin was wearing a blue and white bandana, and had even let Lindsay paint her toenails to match. Jo had shown up in a plain jersey but she already had a foam finger that she must have picked up years ago, judging by how faded it was.

"Where did Danny take Austin?" Adam asked as they all sat down.

"Oh, just down to the field."

"She's going to freak out."

"Yeah, she's also going to throw out the first pitch."

"Seriously? Does she know that?"

"Nope."

"Oh man."

"I know. I wouldn't be surprised if she started shaking and couldn't even throw a pitch."

"Don't jinx her!" Jo laughed.

"No Linds, please jinx her!" Flack begged. "It'll be great."

Jess punched his arm and he laughed, adjusting his hat against the sun. They all sat back and waited, Lindsay unable to control her giggles as they watched Austin take the field. She shot a look in their direction and they all whooped and hollered for her, even Mac who was normally so reserved in these situations. It wasn't the greatest pitch ever, but they all chalked it up to nerves as she professionally trotted off the field.

"Did anyone get a picture of that?" Lindsay asked suddenly, kicking herself for forgetting her own camera.

"Yeah, I got a few," Jess said with a nod. "Though, when has there ever been a flattering picture of someone pitching?"

"Well okay, that's going to be hilarious."

They all laughed together and sat back to watch the game for a few minutes before Austin and Danny joined them.

"I can't believe I just did that," Austin muttered as she sat down. "My heart is still pounding."

Lindsay chuckled and leaned over to hug her.

"You looked good."

"Did you know about this?"

"Maybe."

"You knew? How did you not say anything?"

"I just kept picturing you up there and I knew it would be way better if it was a surprise."

"You two spoil me," Austin sighed, giving Lindsay and Danny looks.

"We love you," they replied in unison.

"Yeah, yeah. Watch the game. And get me some nachos."

"Yes ma'am," Danny chuckled as she put her feet up on the unoccupied seat in front of her. He stood up and went in search of food, motioning for Adam and Flack to come with him.

"So, who are we rooting for?" Lindsay teased.

"I am not even going to react to that, Linds. Not even."

"No wait, who are we rooting for?" Jo asked. They weren't totally sure if she was joking or not, but they all threw their programs at her anyway.

"Wow, tough crowd," she fake pouted, leaning her head on Mac's shoulder. He leaned down and whispered something to her and she giggled.

"I like when he smiles like that," Lindsay noted softly, watching them out of the corner of her eye.

"Yeah. It's been a while."

Lindsay contemplated that tone of voice for a full minute before she spoke.

"She's not trying to replace Claire."

"I know. It's just… weird to see him with anyone else. After what happened, I thought… I don't know, I just didn't think he would ever fall in love again."

"Isn't it good that he has?"

"Yes. And I wouldn't change it for the world. It just takes a little getting used to."

"Do you think Jo and Claire would have been friends?"

"I don't think there is a soul on earth that wouldn't get along with either of them. They would have been very good friends."

"Not as good as us though right?"

"No one could be as good as us."

It was a few more minutes before the guys came back, laden down with hotdogs, pretzels, chicken wings and nachos. There was enough to feed a small army, which was good since they all practically were one.

"Babe, are we allowed to eat this stuff?" Adam asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

"We'd get thrown out if we didn't. We won't eat too much."

"Good because those hotdogs look disgustingly amazing."

"Split one?"

"Amen. I was going to stop and get us something from that farmers market in there, but I wasn't sure I could handle the ridicule."

"Probably not," she sighed, watching for his reaction out of the corner of her eye.

"You're supposed to reassure me that I can handle anything."

"You can. Except the ridicule of your peers."

He chuckled, leaning over and kissing her softly. They both loved their kids but it was really, really nice to just be adults, not have to be parents for a little while.

It was a long first half, both teams neck and neck, making for some exciting plays. At halftime everyone sat back down and stretched out a little, chattering amongst themselves and mostly ignoring the festivities on the field below. They flung popcorn, insulted each other, and basically acted like teenagers. Even Mac got in on it, stealing Jo's foam finger and starting a game of keep-away with it. They were all having a great time, that is until the kiss cam panned over them. They all froze, staring back at themselves on the big screen, then simultaneously sticking their tongues out. It was stupid, it was childish, but they all had a good laugh over it. And no one was even drunk.

The game got more intense as it was picked up again, the score so close that everyone was on the edge of their seats. Austin, Danny, and Flack were screaming at the top of their lungs, chanting as if their lives depended on it. It was the bottom of the ninth. The bases weren't loaded, but the score was tied and the Yankees were at bat. Austin was practically shaking with anticipation, having run out of curse words half an hour ago. She was just whooping and hollering nonsense instead, jumping up and down and everyone was pretty much watching her instead of the game.

"She looks like she's possessed," Adam said softly so only Lindsay could hear him.

"That or she's imbued with the spirit."

"Hallelujah!"

They laughed and he slipped his arm around her, kissing the top of her head as they watched the rest of the game and listened to Danny and Austin scream in joy when the Yankees won by one run.

"That was the best game. Ever."

"I think I have to agree with that."

"And the best birthday ever. You guys spoiled me rotten."

"Not over yet."

"Oh really?"

"Next weekend, you and me undisclosed location, sans children."

"Seriously?"

"Yep."

Austin giggled and nearly clapped her hands in joy.

"I am so far passed rotten."

"Yeah Aust. We know."

Five children were running laps around the house while one old greyhound chased them and one baby girl cheered with every pass.

"You sure you want our kids and our dog?" Austin asked, handing the kinds suitcases to Lindsay.

"Yes, of course I do. I have a thing for chaos you know."

"I've noticed. But really, four days is a long time-"

"We'll be fine and if we're not I'll take them up to Danny's mom. I swear Aust, it's going to be fine. You go have fun and don't worry about the kids."

"I'm not worried about them, I'm worried about you," Austin replied as the kids thundered passed them. "And your sanity."

"My sanity and I will be just fine. Get out of here and go have your man all to yourself."

"Hubba hubba."

Lindsay chuckled, fleetingly wishing she and Adam were the ones going away.

"Messers, front and center!"

All three Messer kids came running at the sound of their mother's voice, and she hugged and kissed them all as if she was going to be gone for a year.

"I love you guys. Be good okay? Lindsay's not afraid to stick you in a corner. Or in the pokey."

"Ma, we'll be good," Isa sighed. "Swear."

"Okay, okay. Give me one more kiss so I can go."

They all obliged and Isa dashed off, not one for goodbyes. Sarah wasn't quite sure what to do, but she clung to her mother as long as she could, then sighed and grabbed onto Lindsay's leg while Austin left the house.

"I'm gonna play!" Junior announced. "Hey Binyin!"

Lindsay and Sarah were left in the doorway, watching Danny and Austin drive away.

"Auntie?"

"Yeah sweetie?"

"I want my mommy and daddy."

Lindsay crouched down and took the little girl in her arms, hugging her tightly.

"I know sweetie. They'll be back before you know it. Do you want to help me make lunch?"

"Could I sit on a stool next to Avery?"

"Sure. Are you two going to be buddies for the next few days?"

"Yeah."

They were about to go into the kitchen when they heard a loud bang from upstairs and the sound of delighted child laughter.

It was going to be a long four days.