“I need some time, Dan,” she said softly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t think when I’m around you. Please don’t call. I promise I will call you when I’ve had a chance to sort things out.” She leaned close to him, and raising to her tip-toes, she brushed his cheek with a soft kiss. Her eyes were sad as she entered the taxi and before Dan could blink, she was gone.

For the next two weeks, Dan tried to remain positive, hopeful that that Vicki would come around. After all, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to her that his job was dangerous. She’d known who he was, what he did.

By the time a second Saturday rolled around again, his belief was wearing thin. Dan and Ryan were quiet as they ate pancakes for breakfast. Ryan knew Dan was unhappy, but there was nothing he could say, so he concentrated on drowning his pancakes in syrup.

“Hey, buddy, enough syrup already,” Dan told him, finally noticing the puddle on Ryan’s plate.

Obediently, Ryan put the syrup bottle down. Dan glanced at him, thinking.

“How about we go up to Sleepyside after breakfast?” he finally asked.

Ryan nodded. “That’d be cool, Da ... Dan. Matt said next time we came that he and I could ride the new ponies his dad was getting.”

“Great!” Dan grinned, remembering some good times he’d had, riding with his friends, and with his uncle. “Eat up so we can wash dishes, then we’ll go”

Later that morning, Dan drove up the long Manor House driveway and pulled around by the stable. Regan came out to see who was there. He broke into a grin when he saw Dan and Ryan.

Dan got out of his truck and was immediately engulfed in a hug.

“Hi, Uncle Bill,” he said.

Ryan ran around the truck, to be caught up in a hug of his own.

“Ryan, why don’t you run up to the kitchen door, and ask Cook for some cookies?” Regan suggested. “I know she was baking earlier, and Matt is likely to be there already.”

When Ryan had scampered off, Regan turned to Dan. “What’s wrong?” he asked bluntly.

Dan gave him a crooked smile. “Now, what makes you think anything is wrong?”

“I know you, Danny, and you’ve got a black cloud hanging over you.”

Dan let the smile slip and shrugged. “Yeah. I really need to talk to you, Uncle Bill.”

Regan led the way up to his apartment over the stables. “Joan is out,” he explained, “so we can talk in private.”

Once seated at the kitchen table with fresh cups of coffee, Dan explained the situation with Vicki. “I don’t know what to do,” he finished. “I want to honor her request, and not call her, but the waiting is killing me.”

Regan sat fiddling with his coffee cup and thinking for a moment. Then a wicked gleam came into his eyes and he looked up at Dan with a smile at the corners of his mouth. “Have you tried anything traditional? Like showing up at her place with a bouquet of flowers?”

Dan smiled at the thought, but shook his head. “I know that technically wouldn’t be calling her, but I really don’t think she’d appreciate me trying to get around her like that.”

“Huh. You’re probably right,” Regan admitted. “So, what are you going to do about it?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking for a while,” Dan started.

“Uh-oh, now we’re in trouble,” Regan teased.

Dan smiled faintly, but otherwise didn’t acknowledge the comment. “Ever since you brought me here, to Sleepyside, and helped me become a better person.” He shook his head to stop Regan from commenting. “All I’ve ever wanted to do was go back to the city and be a police officer. But, when I was working with the kids in the gang while I was under cover, I started to wonder.”

“Wonder what?”

Dan paused, then took a deep breath and plunged in. “Wonder if maybe what I really should be doing is working with kids. As a counselor, or something.”

Regan stared at him, startled.

“I did minor in psychology at college, so I’m wouldn’t be completely out of my depth as a counselor.” He paused and sighed. “I’ve been thinking about it off and on since then, and even more since Vicki’s blow up, but I haven’t said anything to anyone until now. I’d really like your opinion, Uncle Bill.”

“First, you need to be sure you aren’t doing this just for Vicki - you need to make sure you’ll be happy with whatever you choose. Do it for yourself or you will not be happy with her.”

“Honestly, I did start thinking about this even before I met Vicki,” Dan assured him.

“Well, in that case ... I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Regan stated unequivocally.

Dan gaped at him. “Really?”

“Really. You’ve always been good with kids, right from when you first came here, and helped Trixie and Bobby against that catamount.” Regan paused for a shudder at the memory. “I’ve watched the way you are with Ryan, too. I think you really have a talent, and a feeling, for children.” Regan considered a moment, then continued. “I wonder if Jim might have an opening for you in his school?”

Dan merely stared at Regan, incredulous, while Regan stared calmly back. Dan sat back in his chair, considering.

“What would you think about moving to Sleepyside, buddy?” Dan said hesitantly.

“You mean, to live?”

“Yup.”

“Huh.” Ryan thought for a minute. “Could we live close enough, so I could see Matt and TJ?”

“I’m sure I could arrange something,” Dan said with a smile.

“What about school?”

“You’d still go to school, it would just be a different one.”

“Would it be the school Dr. Jim is opening?”

Dan glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. “I don’t know yet. What do you know about Dr. Jim’s school?”

“Oh, Matt’s been telling me all about it - Dr. Jim’s his brother, you know. He says that it’ll be a school for orphan boys or boys in trouble - he’s not sure which - and that there’ll be classes in the woods and everything.”

An amused grin tugged at the corners of Dan’s mouth, but he suppressed it. “Do you think you’d like that?”

“I dunno. Maybe. But I’m not an orphan anymore, am I? I mean, I have a father - I have you, right?”

“Right,” Dan told him firmly.

“But what about you?” Ryan asked. “What about your job.”

“I’ve been thinking about doing something different.”

Ryan gaped at him. “You mean, you’d stop being a policeman?”

“I was thinking about it. What do you think?”

“I think ...” Ryan hesitated.

“Go ahead, buddy. I really want to know.”

“I think that would be great!” Ryan said in rush. “I haven’t told you, or Miss Rachel, but every day, when you go to work, I’m afraid. I don’t want to be an orphan again.”

Dan reached across to squeeze Ryan’s shoulder. “Thank you for telling me, son. I will do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Dan ...” Ryan started, but stopped again before finishing his thought. Swallowing hard, he continued. “Can I ask you a question now?”

“Sure, buddy,” Dan answered with a smile. “You can ask me anything.”

Ryan took a deep breath. “Dan ... would it be okay, I mean, I understand if it’s not, but could I ... would it ... if I was to call you ... Dad?”

Dan’s breath caught in his chest and a happiness sharper than any he’d ever felt filled him. Tears made the road in front of them swim. He blinked hard and forced himself to breath before he answered. “Ryan,” he finally managed, “I would be honored, and very, very happy, if you would call me Dad.”

Ryan settled back in his seat, a happy and satisfied look on his face. Dan reached across the seat again to squeeze his shoulder, and left his hand there, making a warm connection to the boy.

It was late evening when they arrived home. They were both surprised to see someone waiting for them. Sitting on the floor in front of their door was Vicki. She stood as she saw them approach.

Dan walked up to her slowly, unsure what to do, or to say - or to feel. “Vicki?”

“Can we talk, Dan?” she asked quietly.

Dan nodded, and unlocked the apartment door. He ushered Ryan and Vicki in ahead of him.

“Why don’t you have a seat, Vicki, while I get Ryan to bed?” Dan said, waving at the sofa.

Vicki nodded silently. Ryan and Dan went on through to Ryan’s bedroom.

“Dad?”

“Yes, Ryan?”

“Do you still like Miss Vicki?”

“Yes, Ryan.” Dan answered very softly. “Very much.”

Ryan pulled on his pajamas and climbed into bed. Dan tucked him in and said good night, turning off the bedroom light on his way back out to the living room.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Dan asked, as a neutral way of trying to break the silence.

Vicki, who had been pacing instead of sitting on the sofa, stopped and turned to face Dan.

“No, thank you,” she said. She took a deep breath. “Dan, the past two weeks have been hell. I can’t accept the fact that you could be killed any day on your job. I know you’re a cop, I knew you were a cop, but that night at the theater really brought it home to me. I hate the thought that I could lose you just like that,” she snapped her fingers in demonstration. Dan opened his mouth to say something, but she held up her hand to stop him. “No, please don’t say anything. Let me finish.” She paused to take another deep breath, and slowly walked toward him. “I also can’t live without you. I love you. I need you. I’ve decided that I can’t let the thought of losing you because of your job keep us apart.” She stopped inches from him and looked up into his eyes, unshed tears pooling in hers. “Will you take me back, please, Dan?”

Dan took her hands in his and drew her into him, claiming her lips with a kiss. The kiss grew deep enough to consume them both.

“Vicki,” he said, looking deep in her eyes, “I know we haven’t know each other very long - just a few months, really. But I know that you are my other half - the other half of my soul, of my heart. You are the half that I can no longer live without.” He placed both her hands into his left hand, and reached into his breast pocket with his right hand, drawing out a small, black box. Flicking it open, he turned it so Vicki could see the diamond solitaire nestled in the satin interior. “Vicki, I love you with everything I am, everything I have. I would be honored and humbled if you would consent to be my wife.”

Vicki looked down at the ring, then back up into Dan’s face. Slowly, she searched it, memorizing the shape of his eyes, his mouth, his nose, and treasuring the look of absolute adoration in those wonderful eyes. “That is quite possibly the longest speech I’ve ever heard you make - and it is certainly the sweetest and most moving.” She slowly drew her left hand out of his grip, to extend her fingers toward him. “I am the one who is honored and humbled. I love you, Daniel Mangan. And I would love to be your wife.”

Joy exploded in Dan’s breast and glowed from his face. He quickly removed the ring from its nest and placed on her finger. He then recaptured both her hands with his, and stood to lean across the table and kiss her thoroughly.

The popping of a champagne cork brought the happy couple back to earth.

“Bravo! Bravo!” cried the host. “That was beautiful! I am so happy for you!” He poured champagne into two crystal goblets. “A celebration for you - on me!”

Laughing and thanking him, Dan tried to insist that he would pay for the champagne, but the host remained adamant.

“Please! You insult me if you refuse to allow this gift!” he said. Of course, Dan could do nothing but accept.

The next day, Sunday, Ryan rose to find Dan and Vicki sitting on the sofa, quietly talking, still in the clothes they had worn the night before.

“Morning, buddy!” Dan said as soon as he saw the boy.

“Morning, Dad. Morning, Miss Vicki,” Ryan answered, coming over to squeeze between them on the sofa.

Vicki laughed and gave him a hug. “Good morning, Ryan.”

“Say, Ryan,” Dan said, “how would you like to call Vicki ‘Mom’?”

Ryan looked up at Dan, then turned and looked up at Vicki. He saw the happiness that made their faces glow, but he was confused. “Mom? Why? I don’t understand.”

“Your Dad here has asked me to marry him, Ryan,” Vicki explained. “Which would mean that I would be your new Mom.”

“You would?” Ryan asked. “Are you sure you want to be?”

Vicki glanced quickly at Dan in surprise. “Of course I want to be! Why would you ask that, Ryan?”

Ryan shrugged. “I dunno.” He stood up again, to move away from the sofa, but before he could get far, Dan caught him, and turned him to look in his face.

“What is it, buddy? You know you can talk to us.”

Ryan shrugged again, but then he looked up into Dan’s face. “Well, you know, I guess, it’s just that my real mom didn’t even want to be my mom.”

Vicki moved closer to Dan, and gently turned Ryan’s face so she could look in his eyes. “I’m very sorry about that, Ryan. It’s really a shame, because you’re such a wonderful boy. I promise you that I do want to be your mom.” Ryan showed no sign of responding, so Vicki took a deep breath and continued. “I want to marry your Dad, with your permission. After that, we can work on being a real family. Is that okay with you?”

Ryan thought for a minute, then turned to Dan. “Will she sleep on the sofa, like Miss Trixie did that time?”

Dan laughed. “No, son, she’ll share my bed.”

Ryan turned to Vicki then. “Are you sure you want to do that? I’ve seen him sleeping - he takes up that whole bed by himself. There won’t be any room for you.”

Vicki grinned. “I think I can get him to move over.”

Ryan shrugged. “Well, then, I guess it’s okay.”

Vicki hugged him. “Thank you, Ryan.”

Ryan pulled away and headed for the kitchen. “What’s for breakfast?” he asked.

A deep voice answered quickly. “Hello?”

“Hey, Uncle Bill,” Dan said, smiling into Vicki’s hazel-green eyes.

“Danny boy!” Dan could hear the love and affection in his uncle’s voice. “So, how’s everything? How’s Ryan?”

“Ryan’s doing great,” Dan said. “His teacher is pleased with his progress - she thinks he’ll be at the top of the class before long.” The pride in Dan’s voice was unmistakable.

“That’s fantastic. You’ve really done a wonderful job with him.”

“Just passing it forward, Uncle Bill. I seem to remember someone doing the same for me.”

Silence reigned for a moment as both men were overcome with memories. Vicki stroked Dan’s face with one hand, bringing him back to the present. He grinned at her as he spoke into the phone again. “Anyway, that’s not really why I called.” Dan took a deep breath. “Uncle Bill, I’ve asked Vicki to marry me. And she said yes!”

“Whoa!! Congratulations, Dan!” Uncle Bill’s shout came through the phone loud and clear, causing both Dan and Vicki to break into laughter.

“She’s sitting there with you, I take it?” Uncle Bill asked. “Let me speak with her for moment.”

Dan handed the phone to Vicki with a wink.

“Hello?” she said into the receiver.

“I just wanted to tell you, no matter how much I may tease I really think a lot of Dan. You’re getting a good man.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Vicki told him.

“Just treat him well,” Uncle Bill continued. “He’s had enough of a rough life already.”

“I’ll do the best I can,” Vicki assured him.

“Well then, welcome to the family! You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into!”

Vicki laughed. “Thank you, Uncle Bill.” She handed the phone back to Dan.

“Hey, Uncle Bill,” Dan said.

“So, when’s the big day?”

“We haven’t really decided that yet,” Dan answered.

“Well, you’d better make it soon,” Uncle Bill advised. “You don’t want to give her a chance to have any second thoughts!”

Dan laughed. “Sure, Uncle Bill. Whatever you say. Listen, give Aunt Joan a hug and kiss for me, and make sure she gives them back. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye, Danny Boy. You take care! Love you!” Uncle Bill responded.

“Love you too,” Dan said. He hung up the phone and turned his full attention back to the warm and wonderful woman sitting beside him.

Word count: 3308

Thanks you, as always, to my editors, Malficient and TrishB!!! Any errors are my own, because I just can't stop fussing with the story.

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