Author's Note: I do not own Blue Bloods or any of its characters. Almost done with this series. Last chapter will be up soon! Enjoy!

Chapter 9: Healing and Hope

The days following Vega's capture brought a whirlwind of emotions for Maria. The immediate danger had passed, but the psychological scars remained. Vega had haunted her dreams, her every waking moment, for weeks. Now that he was behind bars, Maria found herself grappling with a mixture of relief, exhaustion, and the quiet realization that her life had been irrevocably changed.

Danny was with her every step of the way, offering his unwavering support. They spent more time together, not just as partners but as something more. It wasn't easy for either of them—Danny was still healing from the loss of Linda, and Maria had her own fears about letting someone in. But slowly, they were finding their way.

One evening, a few weeks after the ordeal with Vega, Maria found herself sitting at the Reagan family dinner table again. This time, it felt different. She wasn't just a guest or an outsider; she was part of this family now, part of something bigger than herself.

As the conversation and laughter flowed around her, Maria glanced at Danny, who was sitting beside her, his hand resting casually on her knee under the table. He caught her gaze and smiled, a look of contentment on his face.

In that moment, Maria knew that no matter what had happened in the past, she was no longer alone. She had found a place where she belonged—a place where she was loved.

And for the first time in a long time, Maria allowed herself to hope.

Maria sat back, listening to the familiar banter between Danny's family members. It was something she had come to treasure, the warmth of these family dinners where everyone could be themselves, where the strength of the Reagan family felt almost palpable. They had always welcomed her in, but now it felt different—like she was truly part of the circle, not just Danny's work partner but someone who mattered to all of them.

Frank Reagan, Danny's father, sat at the head of the table, quietly observing the conversation while contributing in his own understated way. Maria had always respected Frank for his leadership and his steady hand as police commissioner, but tonight she noticed the softer side of him. He would glance over at Maria and Danny from time to time, a subtle acknowledgment of their closeness, and she could tell he approved of the growing bond between them.

"More potatoes, Maria?" Henry Reagan asked from the other end of the table, his tone full of warmth. Henry was Danny's grandfather, and Maria had always been charmed by his humor and wisdom. She smiled at him and nodded.

"Thank you, Henry. These are amazing," Maria replied, holding out her plate.

"Family recipe," Henry said with a wink, spooning a generous helping onto her plate. "You'll have to get used to it if you keep sitting at this table."

The comment made Maria blush, but it also warmed her heart. She couldn't help but feel like she was truly being accepted, not just as a colleague, but as someone who belonged in their world.

Danny squeezed her knee under the table, leaning in to whisper, "You doing okay?"

Maria glanced at him, her heart swelling at the concern in his eyes. She had been through so much, and there were still days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. But here, with him, with his family, she was beginning to feel something she hadn't in a long time—peace.

"I'm doing okay," she whispered back, smiling softly. "Better than okay, actually."

Danny's hand lingered on hers, his thumb tracing small circles of comfort, and for a moment, the chaos of their world seemed far away.

The weeks went by, and Maria found herself growing more accustomed to the new rhythm of her life. Carlos Vega's trial was set to begin soon, and while the thought of seeing him again in court sent chills down her spine, Maria knew she had the strength to face him. With Danny's support, and with the strength she had discovered within herself, she was ready to take on whatever came next.

Their relationship had deepened in ways Maria hadn't expected. There were quiet moments—like early mornings when Danny would make her coffee before they headed into the precinct—or late nights when they sat on the couch, talking about everything and nothing, the weight of their shared experiences giving their conversations a sense of intimacy and understanding that neither had known before.

One afternoon, as they walked through Central Park during one of their rare days off, Maria turned to Danny, a question lingering on her mind.

"Do you ever wonder what Linda would think of us?" Maria asked softly, unsure of how to bring it up but feeling like it was something they needed to talk about.

Danny paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful. He didn't answer right away, and Maria felt a twinge of worry that she had crossed a line. But then, Danny stopped walking, turning to face her fully, his hands gently resting on her shoulders.

"I think about Linda every day," he admitted, his voice quiet but steady. "She was an incredible woman, and I'll always love her. But you… you've helped me find something I didn't think I could feel again."

Maria's heart clenched at his words, her eyes searching his. "Danny…"

"I think Linda would want me to be happy," Danny continued, his gaze never leaving hers. "And you make me happy, Maria. More than I ever thought I could be again. I know this hasn't been easy for either of us, but I don't have any doubts about what I feel for you."

Maria felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, a mixture of relief and love washing over her. She had always worried that Danny might feel torn between his past and his future, but now, standing here with him, she realized that they could build something together, something strong and lasting.

"I'm so grateful for you," Maria whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "For everything."

Danny smiled, pulling her into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "You don't have to thank me, Baez. We're in this together."

Maria rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was true—they were in this together, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them side by side.

A few days later, Maria found herself sitting in Frank Reagan's office at One Police Plaza. It wasn't unusual for her to be called in for meetings, especially after the case with Vega had gained so much attention. But today felt different. There was a personal edge to the conversation she could sense, even before Frank had spoken a word.

"Detective Baez," Frank began, leaning forward in his chair, his hands clasped together. "I wanted to have a conversation with you, not as your police commissioner, but as a father."

Maria shifted in her seat, feeling her pulse quicken. She hadn't expected this, but she nodded, staying quiet as Frank gathered his thoughts.

"I've always respected you as a detective," Frank continued, his voice steady. "And I've always been grateful for the partnership you and Danny have shared. You've been through a lot together, and I've seen how you've supported each other."

Maria swallowed, unsure of where this conversation was going but feeling the weight of Frank's words.

"I know that my son cares about you deeply," Frank said, his tone softening slightly. "And I can see that you care about him too. I don't say this to put pressure on either of you, but I want you to know that you have my blessing."

Maria's breath caught in her throat. Of all the things she had expected, this wasn't one of them. "Frank… I—"

"You're part of this family, Maria," Frank interrupted gently, his eyes kind. "You may not have the last name Reagan, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that you and Danny have found something good, and I want you to know that you're welcome here, always."

Tears welled up in Maria's eyes as she realized the depth of what Frank was saying. It wasn't just about her relationship with Danny—it was about being accepted, truly accepted, by this family she had admired for so long.

"Thank you," Maria whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "That means more than you know."

Frank nodded, his expression warm but resolute. "You've earned it."

Later that evening, Maria sat with Danny in his living room, the glow of the setting sun casting a warm light across the room. She hadn't told him about her conversation with Frank yet, but as she sat there, leaning against him, she felt a sense of peace and belonging that she hadn't felt in years.

"You've been quiet tonight," Danny said, his arm wrapped around her. "Everything okay?"

Maria smiled, turning to look up at him. "Yeah. Everything's more than okay."

Danny raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Something happen?"

"Your dad," Maria said softly. "He called me into his office today. Told me I had his blessing."

Danny's eyes softened as he leaned in, kissing her forehead. "I'm not surprised. He knows a good thing when he sees it."

Maria laughed softly, her heart full. "You think we're a good thing?"

Danny smiled, his gaze steady and full of affection. "I know we are."

And in that moment, Maria knew it too. They had been through hell and back—both individually and together—but they had found something worth fighting for. Something worth holding onto.

No matter what challenges lay ahead, Maria knew she had found her home—with Danny, with the Reagans, and most importantly, within herself.