Oh, wow. I just checked and even though this has only been posted for eight months I've been working on this, starting writing this, for exactly a year. Wow.

Anyway thanks jlmayer, monkeybaby, decadenceofmysoul, and ki4pak for the reviews. And the rest of you for the reading. Hope you enjoy.

After lunch, Jamie and Anna went back outside. "Okay, first things first we make a list of what we need," Jamie said.

"Anna!" Linda called from the front doorway.

"Yeah!" Anna called back, looking over at her.

"The garage. You're not getting all that grease and oil on the driveway," Linda said.

"Yes, ma'am," Anna answered. She rolled her eyes but moved the car into the garage. She popped the hood and joined Jamie in front of the car. "So?"

"Radiator cap," Jamie said, "Fan belt, antifreeze." Anna scrawled down everything on a piece of paper. He continued to look over every part of the engine and then he nodded. "Spark plugs. That's your idling problem. You have misfiring spark plugs."

"Oh, okay. Anything else?"

"I'll check the breaks and rotors in a minute, but we're looking good. Aside from that costing you nearly $200."

"Plus an additional $300 for the work you're doing?"

"The work is free if it means time with my niece and keeping her safe on the roads."

"That's not fair, Uncle Jamie. You can't do all the work and get nothing out of it."

"I already told you what I get out of it. Spending quality time with you."

"Okay, but it's still taking up your gas to get out here and what not. You live like, what, 20 miles from here."

"11 and my car gets approximately 22 miles to the gallon so at most, for the gas, you owe me like three bucks to come out here."

"Oh. I still think for all this work you're doing—"

"Anna, it's what family does. And I like spending time with you. If you really want to pay me back?" Jamie started. Anna nodded enthusiastically. "Then while we're out here working you tell me everything that's going on with you. No holding back."

"I do that anyway."

"No, you don't. Sometimes I hear you tell Nicky things you don't tell me and there are times when I can tell you're leaving something out or carefully wording something so you aren't technically lying to me."

"Everything?" Anna asked worriedly.

"Everything. It was your idea, Anna."

"Even if it's just something stupid about a boy I like or them not paying any attention to me?"

"Yeah. No judgements, nothing's stupid. I told you before that you can talk to me."

"Okay."

"Add wiper blades to that list."

"Oil too?" Anna asked.

Jamie checked the oil. "No, looks good." He checked the rest of the fluids then closed the hood. He walked her through jacking up the car then he slid under it. He looked under it and didn't see anything that concerned him. So while they had it jacked up he checked the brakes and rotors. "These look brand new so that's good and the tires aren't bad either." He went over the rest of the car and soon they had their list.

"So, can we go to the store and get these today?" Anna asked.

"Sorry, Anna, I have to go."

"But—But—"

"I'll come over later, I promise. I'll let you know okay? For now, just wash it and we'll go from there." Jamie felt bad but if he didn't go now he wouldn't be ready for his tour that night.

"Okay," Anna answered sadly. She back the car into the drive and washed it, then came the part that she hated the most; the waiting game. Being a beat cop meant that Jamie's tours were rarely the same and the more he had to chase down perps, the more tired he was at the end of tour, the less likely he'd be willing to come over and help her out.

"Your dad mentioned you spent some time together yesterday, Anna," Frank said at dinner that Sunday.

"If you call being a chauffeur, spending time together," Anna said lightly.

"And signing things," Danny said.

"That too," Anna shrugged.

"What did he sign?" Henry asked.

"Ownership papers, on a Camaro," Danny shrugged.

"A Camaro? Way to go, Uncle Danny. How'd you convince Aunt Linda of that?" Nicky asked.

"Aren't you a bit young for a mid-life crisis?" Erin asked.

"It was easy, Nicky, he just told her the car wasn't for him," Anna answered.

"Why would you sign ownership papers for a car that's not for you?" Erin asked, looking between the two of them.

"You bought Anna a car for her birthday? Best dad ever," Nicky said.

"Really, Danny?" Frank asked.

"No, Anna bought Anna a car for her birthday. He just signed the papers because I'm 15 and can't enter into a contract in New York State. And that way they can take the car anytime I screw up," Anna answered.

"Like father, like daughter," Frank said.

"How much did you pay for it?" Henry asked.

"3,450. Not a bad car either. Just needs a little work."

"All the best things do," Henry said.

Finally the following Thursday, Jamie came over and took her to the auto parts store to get what they needed to fix the car. They set to work and by the time he had to leave that day they had replaced the spark plugs and the antifreeze and the wiper blades.

Soon Anna's birthday rolled around and Beth invited her over. When Anna walked in everyone shouted "surprise" and Anna tried to pretend she was. Thankfully no one seemed suspicious that she knew. About halfway through the party she was talking to Derrek about the most recent Mets game when Jim walked up with a tall dark haired boy by his side. "Sorry to interrupt, Anna, this is my friend Kyle; he's on the football team at school. Kyle, this is my very best friend, almost like a sister, Anna. Anything happens to her, I will hunt you down like a dog," Jim said. He smiled then clapped his friend on the shoulder.

"Okay," Kyle said nervously. "It's nice to meet you, Anna."

"You too. Ignore him, he's being overprotective. This is our mutual friend Derrek," Anna said smiling to ease his nerves.

"Sup?" Derrek said. Kyle nodded.

"Derrek, a minute?" Jim suggested. Derrek eyed Anna and Kyle but stepped way with Jim.

"So uh, Kyle ... Yankees or Mets?" Anna asked.

"Yankees, can't help it if I'm old school."

"Jets or Giants?"

"Giants, don't mess with what works."

"Basketball or hockey?"

"Hockey and before you ask, Rangers."

"Action or comedy?'

"Action."

"Drama or sci-fi?"

"If drama has action, drama, but if not then sci-fi."

"Rom-com or horror?"

Kyle blushed a bit and looked down. "I prefer animation to both, just don't tell anyone."

"Really?" Anna asked. He nodded. "Secret's safe with me."

"So what about you?" Kyle asked.

"Mets, Giants, hockey also the Rangers, action, then comedy, then drama, not a big fan of sci-fi and I haven't seen a horror movie in months. What do you know about the party we're at?" Anna asked.

"Sweet 16 for a very special girl. She's very pretty according to some of my buddies. Jim invited me. Said he was looking to set a friend of his up. She hasn't been on a date in a while."

"You like her?"

"Seems like my kind of girl. Aside from baseball, we seem to have a lot in common," Kyle said. "Why'd you ask about all those sports' teams?"

"You can tell a lot about a person from their favorite teams." It was true. Anyone who was a die-hard fan of a team even though rotten seasons, was a very trustworthy person. And it showed her how much they had in common.

"Anna, Mom's got cake," Beth said, interrupting them.

"Cake," Anna grinned.

"Don't let me stop you," Kyle said, smiling.

"Make a wish," Beth said as they stopped in front of the cake. Anna opened her mouth to blow out the candles then stopped and thought about it for a moment. She blew out the candles and everyone cheered, then cake was served.

"So, he was cute," Sofie said, strolling up.

"Sofie!" Anna grinned, hugging her cousin. "I'm glad you could make it. Absolutely dashing to see you. You must tell me all about your glamorous lifestyle," she said in a fake, posh tone. Anna and Sofie both laughed.

"It's nothing you don't already know about. Today's about you though. So tell me about the boy," Sofie prompted.

"His name is Kyle and he's on the football team. He's a friend of Jim's. I've seen him around but I don't really know him."

"Would you like to?" Sofie asked in all seriousness.

"Sofie!" Anna squealed, ducking her head.

"What? He's cute; he seems to be into you. Give him a chance, it could be fun."

"Or it could lead to heartbreak."

"If you fail, at least you fail while daring greatly."

"Don't quote Teddy Roosevelt to me. My grampa does that enough," Anna said.

"You used to be more fun," Sofie pouted.

Anna huffed and shoved her cousin's shoulder. "Okay, okay. So what do I do? 'Cause the longer I stand next to you the less cute I look."

"First off, that's not true and second, be yourself. You'll attract the best people that way."

"You're telling a high school student to be herself. Do you realize what you're saying?"

"Trust me, Anna, I've been there."

Anna blinked at her cousin, thinking over what she was saying. "Okay, I trust you."

"Good, now go talk to him. Find out if he likes you."

"And if he does?"

"Just go with it. Nothing major is going to happen today. At most he'll just ask you to go out with him in a few days."

"Okay." Anna nodded and walked back over to Kyle. "Hey," Anna said, "Cake?" Anna offered him the other slice in her hand.

"Sure, thanks." Kyle took it and bit into it. "So who were you just talking to?"

"My cousin Sofie. We don't see each other in person a lot, but she tries to come out for special occasions."

"Sounds like she really cares."

"She does. So what position do you play?"

"Corner back."

"That's great. That makes you one of the go-to guys on defense."

"During passing plays. You know, usually that gets a "huh" or a "what's that" response. Not many people get what a corner back is."

"By the time I was four my dad put a football in my hand. By six I could throw the perfect spiral."

"Sounds like your family is big on football."

"They are, Jets' fans. Never miss a game."

They continued to talk and by the end of the party, Kyle had asked her to go out with him some time. She agreed on the condition it was a double date, which he agreed to. "Oh, and Anna, happy birthday," he said. Kyle kissed her cheek then left. Once most of the rest of her friends were gone, Anna turned to Beth.

"OMG!" Beth squealed. "How perfect is that? Cute guy asking you out? That like never happens. Well, I mean it does but he's a football player and a cute senior. I guess wishes do come true."

"Calm down, Beth, it's just one date. He is really cute though."

"You said to go out with him; it had to be a double date, so Derrek or Jim?" Beth answered.

"You think Derrek would go?" Anna asked.

"I think he'd be less overprotective than Jim. Half of Jim's attention would be on you and that wouldn't be fair to his date."

"Yeah, you're right." Anna nodded.

"On top of that, Derrek's known you longer than Jim. Oh, take these." Beth picked up some gift bags from the table and handed them to Anna. "They're from me, Becky, Sarah, Jen, the baseball team, and I think there's even one from Jim. Oh, before I forget, Jen wanted me to tell you the one she got you is authentic."

"Thanks, Beth. And thanks for the party."

"Maybe next time, we'll surprise you. Don't give me that look," Anna had been looking at her indignantly. "We knew you knew about this two weeks ago."

"Derrek has a big mouth. Even if he means well."

"That he does. I'll see you on Tuesday," Beth said.

"Yeah, see you," Anna said. When she got home, she sat the gifts on the coffee table and plopped down on the couch.

"So how was it?" Sean asked from next to her.

"I had fun." Anna smiled.

"What'd ya get?" he asked, looking at the gifts on the table.

"Don't know, haven't opened them yet."

"When are you going to?"

"Relax kiddo," Anna said, seeing how excited he looked. "One would think you're more excited for my birthday than I am." Sean looked away from his sister, slightly embarrassed. Anna instantly felt bad. He was just trying to be excited for her and not be selfish and she had shut him down. She wrapped him in a hug. "I'm excited too though," she whispered to him. Sean grinned and Anna opened her presents. Contained inside were a few books, some graphic t-shirts, a pair of batting gloves, and then came Jen's gift.

"Is that ...?" Jack asked, looking up from his book.

"An authentic replica of Tom Seaver's jersey? Yes," Anna answered.

"Tom Seaver is the best pitcher the Mets have ever had," Jack said.

"Quite possibly the best Met ever," Anna said.

"Hey, Dad, look what Anna got," Sean said as Danny walked in the door.

Anna held up the jersey, showing him the back of it. "Who got you that?" Danny asked.

"My friend Jen," Anna said.

"The same Jen that was robbed for her iPhone?" Danny asked.

"No, different Jen."

"What'd Jim get you?" Jack asked.

Anna dug through the presents to find Jim's. "Oh," Anna laughed as she pulled the paper off. "25 Best Scenic Road Trips in New York State," Anna read off the cover of the book. "It's the same book he got when he learned to drive," Anna said.

"Planning a road trip?" Danny asked.

"No, but Jim says it's the best way to get anywhere," Anna said. "He's planning one for spring break this year."

"Dinner," Linda said.

Dinner the next night was full of love and laughter. Anna loved every minute of it. Finally dinner came to an end and Nicky and Jamie cleared the table. "You guys excited for school to start?" Erin asked.

"Kinda," Jack said. Sean agreed.

"Not really," Anna said as Jamie sat back down after setting desert plates on the table. "I mean sure, I miss my friends but cold weather, home work, and college worries, definitely not."

"Well, before all that, enjoy this," Nicky said, setting a cake in front of Anna. Anna grinned then blew out the candles. After she did she realized the kind of cake it was.

"Chocolate cheesecake?" Anna asked, looking up at her cousin.

"Oh, don't look at me," Nicky said, stepping to the side a bit, both so she could see Anna and so that when Anna bolted up out of her chair, she wouldn't be in the way. "That was all Uncle Danny's idea."

Anna looked from her cousin to her dad slowly. Danny was watching her with a neutral face. His hands were clasped in front of his mouth, elbows resting on the table, making it harder to tell what he was thinking but she could tell he was watching her waiting for a reaction. She smiled and rushed around the table throwing her arms around Danny's shoulders. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," Anna said. Danny smiled as her face glowed with pure happiness. A happiness he hadn't had directed towards him in a good 9 to 10 months.

"You're welcome," Danny said, rubbing a hand along her arms.

"Score one for Dad," Jack said, causing the entire table to laugh.

"Are we going to eat this cake or just stare at it?" Sean asked. She looked at him and could tell he was nearly drooling over the cake. She smiled and went back to her seat as Jamie sliced the cake. As it passed around the table, Anna couldn't wait to see what the year would bring them. Had she known, she would have tried to freeze the year right there so it wouldn't happen.

"I was talking to Sofie today after church and she told me something interesting about the party last night, Anna," Nicky said.

"What party?" Jamie asked.

"Anna's friend threw her a surprise birthday party yesterday," Sean said.

"You went to a party and didn't tell me about it?" Jamie asked. "I thought I was the cool uncle."

"You are the cool uncle, but it was just a birthday party. 30 or so friends, Beth's mom, dad, and grandma. Not like a college party or so I've been told. Anyway, what did she tell you, Nicky?" Anna asked.

"About this cute boy Kyle that asked you out."

"Nick-y!" Anna whined as Danny, Henry, and Frank looked up on a high alert.

"Was I not supposed to mention that?" Nicky asked. She didn't look the least bit sorry for bringing it up.

"He's cute and yes, he did ask me out but that's it," Anna said.

"How old is this kid?" Danny asked.

"17 and he's on the football team. That's all you're going to get out of me. I'm 16 and maybe I will get my heartbroken but that's what makes me stronger. I know you have 35,000 cops at your beck and call but you both need to start trusting me or when I do go to college, it'll be on the other side of the country and I may never come back."

"Anna," Frank warned. Anna stared at him for a moment then shook her head and took her plate into the kitchen. Jamie stood and followed her.