Now that the holidays were behind her, life once again settled into something like a normal routine. The kids were back in school, and Joanne was back volunteering at the church preschool three days a week. She found herself enjoying the work, bringing to mind the times before she was married, when she had considered going to college for a teaching degree.

That had never come to pass. As soon as Roy had returned from the service, they had gotten married, and Chris had come soon after. Joanne settled into her life and set the dream aside.

But now that the kids were a little older, that old dream was making itself known again. Roy had never exactly discouraged her, of course, but there was an understanding that it would simply be impossible for Joanne to be a wife, mother, and a college student. Besides, Roy's income was enough, and if Joanne had gotten that degree and gotten a teaching position, who would take care of the kids?

It no longer seemed so impossible now. Joanne just wasn't sure how to go about it. She would still need someone to watch the kids while she went to school. Never mind that her home responsibilities were still there. No one else was going to do those for her. And of course, she would have to find a way to pay for it all.

Perhaps she should wait until the kids were older. Perhaps just volunteering was enough.

She sighed to herself as she put away the toys the preschoolers had been playing with earlier.

"Those little ones will just wear you out, won't they?" Linda, one of the preschool teachers commented.

"Oh, yes. Yes." Joanne was startled out of her thoughts. "I do enjoy them, though. It reminds me of when mine were that age."

"Mary Ann told me you used to help out with the preschool program then." Linda replied.

"I did." Joanne nodded. "It was the closest thing I could get to teaching back then. I wanted to go to college, but I got married and got pregnant instead."

"Oh, it's hardly too late." Linda told her. "So many women these days are going back to college. You'd be in excellent company."

"I wouldn't know where to start." Joanne admitted. "It's so much extra work, and then there's the matter of paying for it and—"

Linda gently placed a hand on Joanne's shoulder, stopping her. "If you're interested in teaching preschool, there are several community colleges that offer early childhood education degrees. It's only a two-year program, and it would get your foot in the door somewhere."

Joanne had to admit two years didn't sound so bad. "Well, I suppose I'll have to wait until the fall, anyway. I have time to decide if I want to do it."

"Some of them offer summer classes." Linda replied.

"Oh, I couldn't do that." Joanne shook her head. "The kids will be out of school and Chris is sure to be playing baseball. That alone takes so much of my time."

"Well, then I suppose you do have time to think about it." Linda laughed. "And if you want, I can get you some information. I have friends who teach at Los Angeles Harbor College. Or if you decide you don't want to go there, you have plenty of other options. You can't swing a cat around here without hitting some kind of community college."

"I appreciate that, thank you." Joanne replied. "Goodness, I can't believe I'm even considering this."

"I think it's wonderful." Linda responded with a wide smile. "It's good for women to get an education. That way they're not left flat when…well."

"No, I understand." Joanne assured her. "I know that I'm quite fortunate. But, well, I suppose I have an unexpected opportunity to do something else with my life."

It struck Joanne how awful that sounded, and she put her hand over her mouth. Linda merely patted her shoulder. "Joanne. I'm sure this isn't the life you planned. But there's nothing wrong with turning it into an opportunity. Not at all."

"I suppose you're right." Joanne agreed. "And thank you. I'll think about it."

"Good." Linda beamed.

They finished cleaning up and left the preschool room, chatting briefly before going their separate ways. As Joanne climbed into the car, she started going over the checklist that she always seemed to have going in her mind. Jenny had dance class right after school today, so Joanne would have to pick both children up. Chris would be bored to death, but there was no other option, especially since Roy…

Joanne stopped at the thought. It was no surprise, she supposed, that those thoughts still cropped up from time to time. At least she didn't break down in tears anymore when they came up.

She lost herself in thought as she drove, doing all the ordinary errands that she would do on any other day. Learning to live without Roy was still hard in a lot of ways, but she was getting better. Having Johnny around was a huge help, of course, and he was always willing to pitch in wherever Joanne needed him, but she was slowly learning to manage so much of her life on her own as well.

It was hard to believe that the better part of a year had passed now, almost a year since she had gotten that terrible call, almost a year since she had fallen apart in Johnny's arms, wrapped up in his turnout coat.

Somehow they were all getting through it, but Joanne still wondered if Johnny was getting through as well as he appeared to be. At times, he seemed far away, lost in thought, even as he was as involved as ever with her and the children. But he waved off any expressions of concern with a quick smile.

Those smiles never quite seemed to reach his eyes, and Joanne couldn't help being concerned.

She tried to shake off the thought. She and Johnny had found themselves in some sort of strange in-between phase. It was the best way Joanne could describe it. No, they definitely weren't dating, but Johnny didn't seem to be in any great hurry to meet anyone else, either. For that matter, neither was Joanne. The thought of anyone else in her life on top of everything she was already taking care of was just too much.

Besides, if she were being honest with herself, there was something comforting about the odd arrangement she and Johnny had. Obviously, it couldn't last forever. Surely, at some point, Johnny would meet another woman, and things would go back to the way they were before.

She was jolted back into the present by the feeling of being thrown forward. It took her a moment to realize that someone had rear-ended the car. Well, that was just fine, wasn't it? Just what she needed.

Joanne sighed and put the car in park before turning on the hazard lights. Hopefully whoever had hit her hadn't done too much damage.

She looked around before climbing out of the car. The person behind her was already out and inspecting the damage. He looked up when he saw Joanne, an apologetic expression on his face.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am." He rose to his full height, brushing his hands together to knock off the dirt. "Are you hurt?"

"Oh, no." Joanne assured him as she took a look at the bumper. "And it appears my car isn't hurt, either."

"That's good." He smiled gently, extending his hand. "Alan Richardson."

"Joanne DeSoto." Joanne took the hand he offered. He certainly had a firm grip. Something fluttered in Joanne at the sensation, but she quickly shook it off. "Well, since it appears there's been no damage, I suppose we can both be on our way."

"Of course." Alan nodded. "No need to get the police involved, is there? Why don't I give you my insurance information and my phone number just in case?"

"Oh, that's not necessary." Joanne assured him.

Almost as soon as she had spoken the words, Joanne heard a siren in the distance. Alan let out a soft huff. "It appears someone already called the police on our behalf. How kind."

Joanne heard another siren not far behind. "And the fire department."

"Oh, for heaven's sake." Alan sounded exasperated. "How unnecessary."

The police car pulled up to the two cars, and the officer climbed out of the car, rounding the front end to approach both of them. "Afternoon, folks. Someone want to tell me what happened here?"

"It was my fault entirely, officer." Alan spoke up. "You see, I was completely engrossed in this story on the radio and wasn't paying attention. Next thing I know, I bumped into this lovely lady's car."

Joanne felt herself heat up at that. She spotted the rescue squad truck, followed by the fire engine. The two paramedics hopped out and started toward her and Alan.

"Hey, Vince." Johnny called out cheerfully. "What have we got?"

"Nothing major." Vince responded. "Just a little fender bender. I was just taking statements now."

Johnny nodded and started approaching Joanne before he suddenly stopped. "Oh, hey Jo. You okay?"

"I'm fine, Johnny." Joanne assured him.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'll check you over anyway." Johnny replied with that half-smile.

Alan was still giving Vince his statement while Reggie started to check him over. He quickly waved off the paramedic. "Young man, I assure you that I'm just fine. Why don't you check over the young lady?"

Reggie glanced over at Joanne with a slight smile. "My partner's taking care of her, sir. Why don't you have a seat on the hood there and I'll look you over."

Alan huffed again. "All this fuss is entirely unnecessary."

Johnny let out a low chuckle. "He giving you a hard time, Jo?"

"Not at all." Joanne replied as Johnny took her vitals. "He seems quite nice, actually. Very apologetic."

Johnny glanced over at Alan before returning to what he was doing. "As well he should be. He could have done major damage."

"I doubt that very much." Joanne told him. "So, how am I doing? Am I going to live?"

Johnny smiled at that. "I think so. I'm gonna call into Rampart, but I'm pretty sure you'll be free to go."

He turned his attention to the biophone just as Vince approached her. "If you don't mind, I'd like to get a statement from you."

"There isn't much to tell." Joanne answered. "I was…well, I suppose I was a little lost in thought myself. All of a sudden, I felt this bump from behind. Just enough to startle me, you understand."

"No injuries?"

"She's fine, Vince." Johnny spoke up. "Just gonna call Rampart to let them know."

"Thanks, Johnny." Vince nodded before turning back to Joanne. "Suppose we're all set here, then. You two can exchange insurance information, and I'll file the report."

"Thank you." Joanne replied.

"Johnny, no injuries to the male victim." Reggie had crossed over to where Johnny was kneeled down next to the biophone. "Vitals are all normal."

"Got it, thanks." Johnny answered before giving the information to the hospital.

Finally, Johnny closed the biophone and rose to his feet, giving Joanne's shoulder a quick squeeze. "Glad you're okay. I'll see you around."

"Goodbye, Johnny." Joanne responded, laying her hand over his.

Everyone left, leaving Joanne and Alan facing each other. Alan shook his head before producing a memo pad and a pen from his shirt pocket. "All that fuss for nothing. Here's my insurance information and my phone number should you need it."

"Thank you." Joanne took the piece of paper from Alan and folded it. "I'll go find my proof of insurance. Give me just a moment."

Joanne returned to the car and found the proof in the glove compartment before returning to Alan. "May I borrow your pen and note pad?"

"Of course."

Joanne took the items from Alan's hand and wrote the information down before handing both items back to Alan. "And there's my information."

Alan took both items back, sticking the pen back in his shirt pocket and looking down at the memo pad. "Thank you. I'll call you if anything comes up. Have a pleasant rest of your day, Joanne."

"You too, Alan."

They both returned to their vehicles, and Joanne glanced up at the rear-view mirror as Alan piloted his car around her. He honked and gave her a quick wave as he passed by, and then he was gone, blending into traffic.

Joanne put the car into gear and started driving again. There were other errands she needed to run before she picked up the children, and the little accident had put her behind.

The rest of the afternoon kept her busy, and by the time she and the children were home for the evening, Joanne had all but forgotten about the incident earlier in the day. She was busy preparing dinner when the phone rang. "DeSoto residence."

"Hello." The voice on the other end responded. "May I speak to Joanne, please?"

"This is Joanne." Joanne tucked the receiver between her ear and her shoulder.

"Joanne." There was a pause. "This is Alan. From the accident this afternoon?"

"Oh, hello." Joanne replied. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, no. Nothing's wrong." Alan answered. "I realize this may be a bit presumptuous, but I was wondering if perhaps you were available for dinner this weekend. I'd like to make up for hitting your car."

"Oh." Joanne was genuinely dumbstruck. She managed to stretch the phone cord enough so that she could reach the stove to stir the pot. "I'm terribly sorry. I'm in the middle of making dinner for me and my children. Can I call you back?"

"Of course." Alan replied smoothly. "I'll look forward to hearing from you."

"Okay, thank you." Joanne answered. "Goodbye."

With that, she hung up the phone and returned to the stove. She had no idea what to think. Was Alan trying to ask her out on a date?

It was rather bold on his part, Joanne thought. On the other hand, he was a nice-looking man, from what she recalled, and he'd been extraordinarily kind and contrite after the accident. Perhaps accepting a dinner invitation wouldn't be so bad. After all, it was just dinner. It wasn't a marriage proposal.

The rest of the evening was a flurry of dinner and clean up, helping with homework and getting them both off to bed. Once the house was quiet, Joanne debated with herself for a moment before finding the slip of paper with Alan's phone number on it, and debated with herself again before picking up the phone and dialing the number.

"Richardson residence." Alan's voice nearly made Joanne jump out of her skin.

"Hello, Alan." Joanne recovered enough to respond. "It's Joanne. Joanne DeSoto?"

"Yes, I recognize your voice now." Alan laughed softly. "I didn't think you were going to return my call. Understandable, of course."

"Oh, I had every intention of doing so." Joanne assured him. "I was just busy."

"Your children, yes." Alan responded. "I understand. I have a daughter myself. She keeps me very busy."

"Oh, that's lovely." Joanne told him. "How old is she?"

"She's ten." Alan answered. "Her mother…my wife died five years ago. It's been just the two of us ever since."

"I'm terribly sorry." Joanne replied softly. "My husband died, well, it hasn't quite been a year yet. He was a firefighter and paramedic with the county."

"So, not the young man who was helping you today?" Alan's voice had a teasing tone.

"Oh, no." Joanne felt herself flush. "That's Johnny. He was my husband's partner and close friend. He's still a very close friend of the family."

"I see." Alan's tone changed a little. "He won't object to you having dinner with me, will he?"

"I don't think so." Joanne replied, even as she was unsure. "After all, it's just dinner, isn't it? And he is a close friend, but still just a friend."

"Well then, how does Friday sound?" Alan suggested. "Assuming you can make arrangements for your children, that is."

Joanne took a deep breath and exhaled. "I'll see what I can do, and I'll let you know. How about that?"

"That sounds just fine, Joanne." Alan replied. "I'll look forward to hearing from you. Have a pleasant evening."

"Thank you. You too."

Joanne hung up the phone, scarcely believing what had just transpired. She wasn't sure how to feel about it.

And then there was Johnny. She should tell him. It was only right. Then again, perhaps this one dinner would go badly, and it wouldn't matter. Johnny was on duty this weekend anyway, so it wasn't as if they had any plans.

"It's just dinner." Joanne told herself out loud. "For crying out loud."

She picked up the phone again and dialed Eileen's number, waiting as it rang before her sister picked up the phone. "Thompson residence."

"Eileen." Joanne started.

"Jo, is everything okay?" Eileen sounded alarmed.

"Everything's fine." Joanne assured her. "I think. I don't know."

"Well, why don't you tell me about it?"

Joanne paused for a long moment. "I think I might have a date on Friday. If you're able to keep the children for the night, that is."

"Oh my God, are you and Johnny—"

"It's not with Johnny." Joanne cut her off. "It's such a ridiculous story."

Joanne told Eileen the whole story. "So, I've accepted an invitation to dinner with him. What is wrong with me?"

"Nothing's wrong with you." Eileen assured her. "He sounds like a very nice man. And of course I'll come pick up the kids."

Joanne breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. I owe you."

"You don't owe me a thing." Eileen told her. "You just have a nice time with this man. And remember, it's just dinner. It's not a marriage proposal."

"You're right. I know." Joanne replied. "I'll let the children know you're coming. And thanks again."

"Of course." Eileen responded. "Talk to you soon."

With that, they both hung up. Joanne started to dial Alan's number again, but paused, setting the receiver back in the cradle for a moment. Maybe she should wait to call him. What was the etiquette these days? Joanne had no idea.

This was silly. She wasn't a teenager, waiting by the phone for some boy to call her. She was an adult, and could do damn well call a man back if she wanted to.

She dialed Alan's number, waiting as it rang. "Richardson residence."

"Hello, Alan."

"Joanne." Alan's tone was instantly warm. "I didn't think I'd hear back from you so soon."

"Well, I spoke to my sister." Joanne replied, her nerves starting to get the better of her again. "She's coming to pick up the children on Friday evening, so I suppose I'm free for dinner."

"Wonderful!" Alan replied. "I'll set up a reservation and arrange to pick you up. How does that sound?"

The fluttering in her chest started again. "That sounds lovely, Alan. I'll see you Friday."

"I look forward to it, Joanne." Alan answered. "Enjoy the rest of your evening. I'm sure you're tired."

"Thank you." Joanne responded. "You as well."

She hung up the phone with a brief sigh. It was one night, one dinner. Perhaps nothing would come of it. Perhaps she'd just have a funny story to tell Eileen afterward.

The phone rang again, and it took a moment for Joanne to realize it was likely Johnny calling, as he often did when he was on shift. "DeSoto residence."

"Hey, Jo." Johnny responded casually. "Sorry to call so late. Ended up getting called out."

"Oh, that's okay." Joanne almost instantly felt guilty. "I was still awake."

"Good, good." Johnny replied. "So hey, everything go okay with that guy that hit you earlier?"

"It did." Joanne told him. "We exchanged insurance information, and a police report's going to be filed. I think that's probably the end of it."

She should tell him the rest of it, she knew that. But well, perhaps she should wait until afterward. After all, there was no point in causing trouble for no reason.

On the other hand, she should be honest with him. She would expect him to do the same for her. "Actually, Johnny, there's a little more. He called me tonight. We're going to have dinner on Friday."

"Oh." Johnny's tone changed, and there was a brief pause. "Well hey, that's great, Jo. I'm sure you guys will have a nice time."

"You're not upset?"

Another long pause. "No, I'm not upset. Why would I be? We're friends, right? Hell, family, even. It's fine. Have a great time. Hey, are the kids still up?"

"I'm afraid not." Joanne told him, somewhat grateful for the change in subject.

"Damn, guess it's later than I thought." Johnny answered quietly. "Anyway, guess I'd better let you go. Have a good night. I'll see you…soon. Night, Jo."

"Good night, Johnny."

With that, they both hung up, and Joanne finally turned out the lights and checked the locks before going to bed herself. She couldn't help feeling that she had somehow betrayed Johnny by accepting this dinner date, even though she knew she'd done the right thing telling him about it.

Well, she supposed once this date was behind her, she'd find a way to mend any fences with Johnny if she needed to. Maybe this would end up being good for both of them.