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It was still dark when Jim Frayne let himself back into his apartment. He had just finished his morning run and was ready for a hot shower. He needed to hurry and get to the office since he would be taking off early to go pick up his sister at the airport. Although he loved his work at the high school and put in long days as proof, he still considered his position as Assistant Principal as training for his real calling, operating a school for troubled boys. He had accepted the position thinking that he would stay there for five years before opening a school at Ten Acres.

While in the shower, Jim mentally listed all he needed to do that day. He had several things to complete at work so that he would have the entire weekend free. He was excited about seeing his sister. While they spoke and emailed each other regularly, he seldom saw her any more. Although he consciously accepted the difficulty in actually seeing each other regularly, he appreciated any opportunity to be with his adopted family. The idea of her moving even further away only strengthened his resolve to create a family with Aggie.

He allowed the hot water to run over him one last time. This would be a good weekend for certain.

x x x

Trixie sat at her desk looking at the old articles from the Sleepyside Sun one more time. An idea came to her. She picked up the phone.

"Good Morning. Sleepyside High School."

"May I speak to Jim Frayne, please? This is Trixie Belden." Trixie smiled at the formal tone used by Miss Short.

"Just one moment. I'll see if he's in."

"Trixie!" Jim answered the phone almost immediately. "There's not a problem is there? You're still coming this weekend aren't you?

"Hi Jim. There's no problem. I'll be driving up later today. I just have a favor to ask of you."

"Anything, Trixie. What is it?"

"Do they still keep all the old yearbooks in the school library?"

"As far as I know, they do."

"Even going back twenty years?"

"They should be there. All of them back to 1929! And, if not, they have a complete set in the yearbook staff room. Why?"

"I can't say much, but it's for a case I'm working on. I'd like to look at some old yearbooks while I'm up there. Could you arrange it?"

"No problem. I'll check and make sure they're available and I'll let you in the building sometime over the weekend. I know they're not allowed out of the building,even for the Assistant Principal. What year do you need?"

Trixie gave him several years she'd like to see.

"I'll take care of it for you, Trixie. When would you like to meet?"

"Why don't I call you tonight? Honey is staying at your place, isn't she?"

"Yeah. Im picking her up at Westchester Airport this afternoon."

"Okay. I'll talk to you this evening. Thanks so much, Jim."

"Anytime."

Old SHS yearbooks needed for a police case in New York City? Jim wondered as he hung up. Only Trixie would find a link like that.

x x x

Mart and Diana were sitting in the office waiting room of Dr. Kurtz. They had come separately, pulling into the parking lot at the same time and walking up to her office together. Mart had tried to start a conversation, but Diana seemed reluctant to talk, so he backed off. He could barely control himself sitting so close and not speaking to her.

Dr. Kurtz came out and took them back to her office. No sooner had they sat down than Di began talking. The words tumbled out. She couldn't express herself quickly enough. After several sessions with Dr. Kurtz alone that week, the doctor had convinced her that she needed to share her feelings, but this monologue surprised the doctor as well as Mart.

Mart listened. He was not surprised at any of Diana's revelations. He knew she was unhappy and he had a fairly good idea what had been the cause. What he hadn't realized was the depth of her unhappiness and frustration. He was especially surprised to learn that it went back before Katie's birth.

When Diana finally finished talking, Mart sat and stared at her with his mouth hanging open.

"I didn't say these things to hurt you, Mart."

"No. No Diana. I understand. I came here ready to tell you that I recognized those same feelings. The things you just said. I'm just upset with myself. I didn't realize just HOW unhappy you've been. I feel, I, I should have seen this."

Dr. Kurtz spoke up. She was pleased that their problems were in the open. Now they could focus on the problems themselves and not just their inability to communicate.

Mart did exactly what he had promised himself earlier. He refused to leave the doctors office until Di agreed to return to Ithaca with him on Sunday. The one-hour session went on for over two and ended then only because Di had to get home to feed Katie. But she had agreed earlier that they wouldn't make any further progress separated from each other. By the time they did leave, they had made many promises to each other, with specific plans so that they could keep those promises, and had an appointment with a counselor in Ithaca.

They thanked Dr. Kurtz for her help before leaving. They left the building and headed for their cars.

"Diana!" Mart called as she started to open her car door. She stopped and looked up at him. "I don't want to spend even one more night apart. I want to be together. As a family."

"I don't know." She looked away and shook her head.

"The sooner we start, the sooner we..." Mart walked over to her and grabbed her by the arms. "I want to be with you and Katie." He paused. "We don't have to..I'm not demanding you sleep with me."

"I don't think it's a good idea to stay at my parents."

"That's fine. There's Crabapple Farm."

"Your mom?"

"Moms would love to have us. You know that."

"I dont know." Di looked at her husband's face. His eyes were pleading. She knew he was miserable separated from Katie. And her. "Okay. Let me get Katie and our things. I'll meet you at your folks."

"I'll be waiting." Mart swallowed hard and wiped the tears away as he walked towards his car.

x x x

It was just starting to get dark when the plane landed at Westchester Airport. Honey Wheeler could see her brother waiting in the terminal as the plane taxied up to the gate. It was impossible to miss the tall handsome man with the head of bright red hair. She practically ran down the ramp from the plane into the airport. It had been weeks since she'd seen her brother and she had exciting news to share. She scanned the waiting area where she had just seen him. There! There he was!

"Jim!" She ran over to him and gave him a big hug. "Where's Aggie?" She looked around.

"She couldn't come. She's been getting out early almost every day with the Field Hockey Team." Jim gave his sister a kiss on the forehead. "But we're meeting her for dinner. Do you have any bags?"

Honey laughed. "You know me too well. Of course I had a bag to check." They headed towards the baggage pick-up area. "Why don't you go get the car? I'll take care of my bag."

"Can you handle it?" Jim asked.

"There's only one. I'll be fine and we'll save time."

Jim nodded. Anything to keep from having to wait around longer than necessary.

Honey got her bag and pulled it behind her to the passenger pick-up area. She was shocked when she saw her brother waiting in a Mercedes CLK convertible. He popped the trunk and jumped out when he saw her coming.

"When did you get this?" Honey asked as he helped her put her bag in the trunk.

"Like it?" He grinned like a little boy with a new toy.

"Isn't it a little? Jim. I don't know. It's just not you."

"I know it's a lot of money, but I rewarded myself for making Assistant Principal. I got it used. Or should I say 'pre-owned'?" He opened the passenger door for Honey and she climbed in.

"Not too used! It's okay, Jim. You don't have to make excuses to me. We both have enough in our trust funds to buy a different one for each day of the week." Honey joked as Jim got into the car.

Jim buckled up, and pulled away from the curb. "Mmm... Now that's not a bad idea."

"Jim!" Honey punched her brother in the arm. She turned serious. "It really can be a burden, can't it? The money?"

"I ignore that it's there most of the time. But it won't be a burden once I start my school. I'll need every dimeand then some. I figure Il'l appreciate it then."

"Don't ever give up that dream, Jim."

"Never. It's all I've lived for since I was a kid. And now, now its Aggie's dream too."

"I'm so glad you've found each other. She really is perfect for you. And I love her so much. She's, well she's the sister I've always wanted."

"Not Trixie?"

Honey looked at her brother. She was surprised he'd said that. All the years they had been growing up, Jim had dated Trixie and Honey had dated Trixie's brother, Brian. At one time, Honey and Brian had been formally engaged and Jim and Trixie had a serious relationship. Honey and Trixie had always talked about being double sisters-in-law, as well as best friends in their own right. The break-ups had not been pleasant and Jim still seldom talked about Trixie.

"Trixie's different. We've been like sisters forever."

Jim drove in silence for a few minutes. "So tell me all about Richmond."

"I thought you'd nehhhhver ask!" Honey laughed. "Well, let's see..."

Honey related all the details of the day. Her interview had gone well, she thought. She met first for about thirty minutes with the Director of the Institute in his office. They went directly from there into a conference room where she was grilled by a panel that included the State Medical Examiner, the State Director of Public Health and the Chairman of the Institute's Board, a famous Virginia author. That interview had lasted over an hour, but Honey felt she had given most if not all of the right answers.

Everyone she had met was familiar with a recently published series of articles she had written and had questions about her findings as well as made flattering comments. It was obvious to Honey that those articles had earned her the interview. She relayed this to Jim.

"I am so grateful you pushed me to get those articles published." She thanked her brother. Honey had her master's degree in Psychology, but Jim had a doctorate and had recognized the exceptional quality of her research. He had actively encouraged her to contact the editor of a professional journal that had published some of his own work.

"How long until you hear something?"

"They didn't say, but they did say they plan to have a second round of interviews and would like to fill the position by the end of January."

"Will that give you enough time in Albany? To give notice and everything?"

"It will have to be." Honey laughed. "IF they make an offer!"

"What about Albany? Do you want to leave?" Jim glanced over at his sister. He knew she had only moved there at Barry's insistence, but now had built a great career and life on her own.

"Oh, Jim, that's the only problem. I'm just not sure. I don't WANT to leave. I'm comfortable there. The pay is good. I love my job. And it's close to you and mother and father. But this is such an opportunity."

"Don't ever worry about being far from me. Your own happiness comes first. I don't think I'd worry about our parents either."

"I'm not. I know they'd hop on the corporate jet and fly down to Richmond whenever they wanted, but..."

"But what?"

"Then there's Barry."

Jim looked over at his sister in surprise. He almost ran off the side of the road.

"Don't look like that, Jim. We've started seeing each other, again."

"What does Barry think?" Jim was now concerned. Barry White was nice enough, but Jim had never been happy about his relationship with Honey. First there was the puritanical, big brotherly concern about the man he knew was well...was living with his sister. Jim could deal with that although he wanted something better for his little sister than just cohabitation. What Jim couldn't deal with was the way Barry had treated his sister. Their relationship had been continual broken dates, late appointments, and lame excuses that resulted in Honey's always being disappointed and always waiting. Waiting for him to come home, waiting for him to return calls, waiting for him to put her on a more equal footing with his job. A workaholic himself, Jim appreciated the time working for the Governor must demand, but Barry could have, no should have treated Honey with more respect. Jim had managed to do that for Aggie.

"Barry doesn't think anything. I mean, this is my decision to make on my own."

Good! Jim thought to himself. He turned to his sister. "Honey, I want you to be happy. Make sure you are."

"I am. And I will be. Promise." She held up her crossed fingers. Now, where are you taking me and your beautiful fiancée for dinner?"

x x x

As Trixie inched through the Friday evening traffic in her aging Honda Accord, she recognized a familiar slouching figure at the side entrance of the judicial office building. Dan was leaning against the side of the building in the same posture he'd used as a teen, but he had seemed to outgrow. Trixie laughed to herself as she realized he may be a successful Manhattan attorney, but he was still Dan. He had changed from his usual business suit and overcoat into jeans and a leather bomber jacket. The change of clothes seemed to change his entire demeanor. He almost looked relaxed. She watched as he picked up a duffel bag and brief case, and walked over to her car. He threw his bags into the back of the car before squeezing into the passenger seat beside Trixie. Several passing women looked first at Dan and then squinted into the car to see who was picking him up. Trixie knew they had to be envious, thinking she was going away for the weekend with this incredibly handsome man.

Whump. He slid the seat as far back as possible to make room for his long legs, and fastened his seat belt.

"Taking work with you?" Trixie asked pointing with her thumb to his briefcase.

"I might have a little time." He looked back onto the seat and smiled at Trixie. "Is that a stuffed satchel and box of files I see?"

"Guilty as charged, counselor." Trixie laughed. "I don't know how long it will take us to get home with this Friday traffic. Will you need to get something to eat or drink?" She pulled back out into the slow-moving traffic.

"I'm fine Trixie." Dan reclined his bucket seat back and pulled his jacket collar up. "Just wake me when we get there." He wriggled around trying to get comfortable. before finally dozing off. He felt drained of all energy and emotion. He had slept only a few hours in the past several days. Hopefully, a weekend spent with his friends would renew his spirit, but for now, he wanted one thing, sleep.

Trixie watched out of the corner of her eyes. She had been looking forward to conversing with her old friend during the slow and tedious drive, but she said nothing. She appreciated the stress he'd been experiencing recently and his need to relax. She turned the radio up just enough to hear the music, but not to disturb Dan, and focused on her driving.

After what seemed an eternity of creeping through packed city streets, Trixie turned onto the ramp from Willis Avenue to I-87 North. Straight shooting for a while, she thought to herself. Darn. I-87 was bumper-to-bumper too. How do people do this everyday? She wondered. She looked over at Dan. Out cold. Well he doesn't have to worry about traffic. She looked at him again. Asleep, he seemed years younger, reminding Trixie of the first time she saw him. Only now, the once-skinny boy was a tall, agile young man. She reflected on that morning over a decade ago, when the tough looking stranger in the black leather jacket got onto her school bus. Now he was no stranger, and the leather jacket he wore today softened his appearance rather than hardened it.

She continued to creep along in the traffic, wondering if there were an accident ahead? When she came to the next exit, she turned onto the exit ramp. Who knew how long this would take and she needed a restroom break. She pulled into a gas station and parked.

"Huh? Where are we?" Dan looked around, still not fully awake.

"Sorry, Dan. I need the restroom and we're not even to Route 9 yet. Do you want to go into the convenience store and get anything?" Trixie got out of the car and stuck her head back in. "This is the only stop I want to make."

"Yeah. Do you want something?" Dan opened his door and unfolded his legs onto the pavement.

"Get me a Diet Coke." Trixie said as she slammed her door and turned towards the building.

Dan stood up and stretched. "Diet?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm watching my figure!" She looked over her shoulder, wiggled her hips, and grinned.

Dan watched her jog across the parking lot. Yeah, Trixie, he thought. You and half the men in New York State are watching that figure. He shut the car door and followed her.

Ten minutes later Trixie headed back onto I-87 and inched into the slow-moving line of commuters. Dan opened her can of soda and handed it to her. "Thanks." She took a sip. "You were out cold. Do you feel any better?"

"Much. I've always been able to refresh myself with short naps. Has the traffic been like this the entire way?"

"Yeah. And they just said on the radio that an accident has closed down 9A. Guess we'll have to take 9. Moms is waiting dinner. Oh well, there's nothing I can do. Does Regan have dinner waiting?"

"He didn't say exactly, just that he'd be looking for me."

"Are things any better between you two?"

"I guess."

"What do you mean?" Trixie was never bothered about prying.

"He's been real good not to gloat, not to say I-told-you-so, but...I really screwed up." Dan was referring to the estrangement with his uncle that his relationship with Jen had caused. "I can never undo the past few years."

"No one knows better than I, how much he adores you, Dan. It'll all work out."

"I hope." Dan stared out the side of the car. It was completely dark now and he could see glimpses of suburban life as they passed by residential areas and over roadways. Funny, I'm so close I can almost touch them, but I'm not a part of it. I get to see quick snapshots of their lives, but I'm always the onlooker; always the outsider. Welcome to life, Dan. At least your life.

He looked over at Trixie. She was so lucky. A young, attractive woman with the career she's always wanted, loving parents, three brothers who adore her, a sister in Diana, and now the baby niece. And what is he? A man living alone but afraid of solitude; a man with great potential but afraid of dreams?

"So Di and Mart will be in Sleepyside this weekend?"

"Yeah, but I don't know how much we'll see of them." Trixie was hesitant to share anything about their problems. "But you have to see Katie. She has all this dark peach fuzz and her eyes... At first they were blue, but it's already obvious she'll have Di's violet eyes. In fact she's going to look exactly like Di. And she's the sweetest thing, all gurgly and soft." Trixie's tone changed entirely when she described her niece.

"Do I detect some wistfulness there?" Dan didn't know how committed Trixie was to staying single or if she might some day trade her badge for a baby.

Trixie glanced over at Dan. "You're kidding?" She hoped he was at least. "Someday maybe I'll have a child of my own, but not now... and not anytime soon!" She laughed.

Dan didn't answer. He was trying to picture Trixie holding a tiny baby. He looked over at her. Yes. It was possible.

Finally, they saw the Tarrytown sign. When Trixie turned onto U.S. 9, traffic was heavy but moving fairly smoothly. A short time later they were headed up Glen Road. She came to the entrance of the Manor House Estate and turned in through the open gates.

She headed the car up the drive. Straight ahead was the regal mansion, completely dark, silhouetted in the moonlight. At the top of the hill, she turned away from the circular drive and headed towards the stables complex. Dan's uncle, Bill Regan, lived in an apartment over the large stables building. Originally hired as the family groom and stable master, he continued to manage the Wheeler's private stable operation although it was significantly smaller than it had once been. However, he had developed a reputation for horse training and breeding and he now owned and managed his own operations on the estate property. There was significant demand for a Manor Estate bred or trained horse.

Trixie pulled up to the side of the large building. The state-of-the-art complex was nicer than most human homes. Heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer, it included an infirmary, physical therapy facilities, swimming pool, and other luxuries for the horses. Dan unbuckled his seat belt.

"You have to come up and see Uncle Bill for a few moments. He's expecting it."

Trixie cut off the engine. "I can't be long. I have dinner."

"I know Trixie, but he made me promise to bring you up." Dan unfolded himself out of the car once again. He got his bags and led Trixie up the stairs. He tapped on the door and went in. "Uncle Bill?"

Bill Regan came out of the kitchen, drying his hands on the front of his jeans. "DAN! TRIXIE!"

Trixie ran over to him and they hugged. Dan set down his bags and shut the door.

"I heard about your promotion. Detective! That's great!"

"A million dollars for one horse?"

"She's worth every penny. Who else is coming this weekend?"

"Does anyone ride here anymore?"

They both talked at once and asked questions they didn't expect to be answered. Finally, Trixie looked at her watch.

"I'm sorry, guys. Moms is probably frantic by now."

"Sure Trixie."

Trixie crossed the room back towards the door. When she stepped outside, Dan followed her. He grabbed her shoulder at the top the stairs. "Trixie? Thanks for the ride. And Trix?" She turned around and looked at him. "Thanks for everything." He pulled her towards him and kissed her on the lips.

Trixie was surprised at first, but after only a moment's hesitation, she stepped on tiptoes, took his face in her hands and kissed him back before turning around and running down the stairs.

"Tomorrow 7 a.m.!" She called back.

Bill Regan stood in his living room. He had seen the quick display of affection. He smiled as he went back into the kitchen. It's about time. He said to himself.

x x x

Trixie drove back down the drive, turned left onto Glen Road and made an almost immediate left turn into the Crabapple Farm driveway. She drove up to the side of the house and parked next to Mart's Taurus. Oh good. Mart's here! She thought. Then she saw Di's BMW. Di and Katie, too! She couldn't get her gear out of the back seat and run up to the house fast enough.

BANG! The door slammed behind her. She hurried across the service porch and opened the door into the kitchen.

"Moms?" She started to call when she saw Diana washing her hands at the kitchen sink and talking to her mother who was standing at the stove.

"Di!" She rushed into the kitchen and hugged her sister-in-law. The two young women jumped up and down in their excitement to be together.

"We were just about to give up on you," Mrs. Belden said. "Was the traffic bad?"

"Where is she?" Trixie looked from her mother to Diana. "Where's Katie?"

"Upstairs. Asleep." Diana pointed up the back stairs. Before she could say anything more, Trixie was up the steps, two at a time. Once she got to the head of the stairs she stopped abruptly and tiptoed up to the room that her two older brothers once had shared. The door was slightly ajar and softly lit from a night-light. She gently pushed the door open and took a few steps inside. There were still two single beds in the room, but now there was a crib crowded between them. A tiny pink bundle was in the center of the crib. Trixie tiptoed over. She looked at the angelic form and gasped.

"Oh Katie," she whispered. Her heart felt like it would burst. "You're so beautiful." Sensing movement behind her, she turned to see Diana and Mart standing in the doorway. Mart had his arm behind Diana with his hand resting on her shoulder. She smiled at her brother and his wife. "You're so lucky. She's so..." Tears rolled over her cheeks.

"I know, Trixie. We're both so lucky," Mart whispered and then put his finger to his lips. "Let's go eat."

He and Diana turned to go to dinner. Trixie looked at her niece one more time before following.

x x x

After the Beldens enjoyed a large dinner, everyone except Trixie crowded into the kitchen to help clean up. Trixie had gone into the study to call Jim and Honey. When she finally joined everyone else in the kitchen, Mart was explaining the details of his dissertation to his father who, as a banker, was the only family member who could understand any of Mart's research in Agricultural Economics.

"Your dissertation is almost finished, Mart?" Trixie asked her brother as she joined the crowd in the kitchen.

"I'm just proofing my figures now. The entire project includes a computer program I designed that compares several different models. Right now I'm testing it's operational accuracy to my work using more traditional software. If it works..."

"You're way over my head." Trixie laughed.

"Mine too." Diana added.

Mart looked at his wife. He wanted to tell her not to belittle herself, but knew she didn't need to hear that. "Diana has some news." He said instead.

"Di, what?"

"Mart, nothing's definite." Diana was hesitant to get too excited.

"Tell everyone. It's definite as far as I'm concerned."

"I've, I'm opening a studio."

"In Ithaca?"

"Yes. Primarily it will be a place where I can work, but I'll take private students and maybe, well, someday we'll have showings and, we'll just see what happens. But at least I'll have a place to work."

"Di! How fantastic. It sounds perfect for you. What will you do with Katie while you're working? Will she go with you?"

"It will only be for one or maybe two days a week, so I'll get someone to take care of her. Once she's old enough she can go with me. I don't want to leave her any more than I have to."

"Di is going to spend as much time with her work as she needs. Katie will be cared for." Mart added firmly.

Trixie was a little confused. She knew that Mart and Di were having financial problems. "How are you going to pay ah?" she caught herself. She didn't want to seem too nosey.

"How are we going to pay for it all?" Diana finished for her. "We're going to use my trust money. Well, not the trust, but some of the interest." She looked over at her husband.

Mart stood silently, holding a dishtowel in one hand and dripping pot in the other.

"We decided that it made no sense for it to be okay for me to contribute to our income by working at a job I hated, but it wasn't okay to use money I got elsewhere." Diana looked over at Mart again. "Even if it's not really earned, it is mine and mine to use."

Mart finally spoke up. "Di's going to use the money to rent a studio and pay for a sitter. Otherwise, we'll still live off my salary. I think that eventually she'll be making enough off her work to not need the trust interest."

"Or at least try." Diana added.

Trixie listened. This sounded so different from everything Mart and Di, especially Mart, had said in the past. But she knew it made sense. Trixie had been concerned for some time, recognizing that Di was an artist who needed a way to express herself. This made certain she could.

"I just want Di to be happy." Mart said.

Mr. and Mrs. Belden had been listening to the conversation, not wanting to interfere. They also knew how difficult this was for Diana and Mart. It took courage for Diana to admit she needed to get away from her new baby. Mart had tremendous pride, even if it could be misplaced, and had to humble himself to accept Diana's money. Mr. Belden now felt it necessary to reassure his son. "There's nothing wrong with accepting help when you need it, Mart, from wherever it may come. And we all need help at times."

"Thanks, Dad." Mart's face was bright red.

Trixie went over and hugged her brother. "You're the best, Mart. You are. The best brother, father, husband."

Mart's face turned even redder. He finished drying the pot in his hands, put it in the cupboard and choked out as he left the room, "Thanks Trixie."

x x x

Trixie turned off the alarm and rolled out of bed. 6:45. I must be insane. She thought. Brrr. The hardwood floors at Crabapple Farm always had been cold to bare feet. Moving robotically, she pulled on sweats, socks, and her running shoes. After brushing her teeth and pulling her hair back from her face she headed down the back stairs. She started to tiptoe across the kitchen when she realized someone was sitting at the table in the dark.

"Diana?"

"Trixie. I was, I was just up with Katie and couldn't get back to sleep."

"Are you okay, Di? Is everything okay with you and..."

"Did your mother tell you anything about what's been going on?" Trixie shook her head. "Mart and I are having some uh...problems. Don't worry. We're working on it."

"I wish I, Is there anything I can do? Is this what the trust money is about?"

"That's part of it. I've been at my parents for the past two weeks, to give us some time to think, but we're going back to Ithaca tomorrow. And I'm really excited about our plans."

"They sound great. I only wish you'd done something years ago. I know that job at the school was the pits. Mart can be so stubborn."

"It wasn't just Mart. I chose to stay there. I chose not to touch my trust fund. I chose to have Katie." Tears started rolling down her cheeks. "He tries so hard."

Trixie went over and hugged her sister-in-law. "You both do. You're so lucky to have each other. Every time I see you...Oh, I envy you so much, Di." Trixie squeezed her a little tighter.

"How could you envy me? You're talented and intelligent. You've got a terrific career. You're beautiful and successful. You..."

"But you have Mart.. and now Katie. Oh sure, my job is what I've always wanted. But I go home to an empty apartment, actually an empty room. every night. You share your home, your heart, your bed." Trixie didn't finish.

"You're right Trixie. I guess we both have things that we wish were different, but things we, things we cherish."

"Exactly." Trixie hugged her sister-in-law again. They sat silently in the dark for some time.

Trixie looked over at the clock. "I'm sorry Di, but I'm meeting Dan to run. Can we talk sister-to-sister later this morning?"

"Sure. Go enjoy your run."

Trixie went out the back door and headed over to the well-worn path leading up to Manor House. Diana got up and watched out the window until Trixie was out of sight. She turned and went back upstairs. She tiptoed into the bedroom. Katie was sound asleep for at least another hour. Mart was snoring lightly. She climbed under his covers and snuggled against him. His warm body was comforting to her.

"Mmm?" He stirred.

"When's the last time we slept in a single bed?" Diana whispered in his ear.

Mart opened his eyes. "Slept or?" He asked. Diana snuggled closer and put her arms around his waist.

"I love you Mr. Belden."

Mart pulled his wife even closer.

x x x

Trixie walked briskly up the hill. It was cold and she wanted to get her circulation moving. It was getting light as she cut across the wide lawn of the estate. She could see Dan waiting for her, jogging in place to keep warm.

"What took you?"

"Long story. Lets go." They were both warmed up enough that they could take off running.

Trixie ran towards one of the riding trails with Dan right behind. Luckily the trails were used just enough to be suitable for running as well as riding. Trixie knew that Dan was having difficulty finding time to run since taking his new job, while she was required to maintain certain physical requirements for hers and exercised almost daily. She decided to rub it in and took off as fast as she could.

The trail circled around for some distance and down the hill towards Glen Road. When she got to a fork she could tell that Dan was lagging just a little so she turned in the direction that would take them back uphill. She was having fun. The trail came out to the paved drive. She jogged in place, waiting for Dan to catch up. He came up behind, hurting and sweating a little but still not out of breath. She wondered if she should head back up the drive, towards where they had started or head out to Glen Road. Deciding he was okay she called out, "Let's go to town." She headed down the drive. When she got to the gated entrance Dan called her.

"Trixie! No! No more!"

She slowed down and, still jogging in place she turned and watched him come towards her. He caught up and gasped. "Sorry. I'm not in shape. Gasp! I'll never make it..."

Trixie stopped jogging. "You're in pretty good shape Dan. I'm just in better..." Trixie wiggled her hips and laughed.

Dan laughed. "Okay. You made your point."

"I need to cool down. You too." She started to walk away.

Just then, Dan noticed the old gatehouse back in the trees. "C'mon Trixie." He headed through the underbrush. "Can't find the trail anymore." Trixie followed.

"It has to have been years since I've been back here." Dan stopped at what appeared to be a small shed or tool house. Many years ago it had been the gatehouse at the entrance to the estate. After having been abandoned for years, it had been repaired and restored for use as a clubhouse by Trixie, Dan, and the other members of the Bob Whites of the Glen when they were teens. It now sat empty and unused.

Dan tried the door. "Hey Trixie, it's not locked." He went inside and tried the light switch.

"No electricity." He called to Trixie. She stepped in behind him. The building was practically empty. The walls were lined with shelves and cabinets that the teens had made and kept filled with sports equipment and supplies when it was their clubhouse. Now there was only dust on the shelves. The only real furniture they'd ever had was a long wooden table surrounded by straight back chairs. The chairs were gone, but the table remained in the center of the room. Dan and Trixie looked around. It was difficult to make anything out in the early morning shadows.

"Do you remember?" Dan turned to look at Trixie. She was standing only inches behind him and he bumped her.

"Remember what?" She asked.

"I dunno. My first. When I joined the Bob Whites?"

"Like yesterday."

Dan started to turn away. Instead, he pulled Trixie to him and kissed her. Trixie put her arms around his waist and snuggled even closer. He kissed her again. For the first time in months he didn't feel burdened. He felt alive. Really alive. He couldn't believe what he was feeling, emotionally and physically. And Trixie was responding. He took Trixie's chin in his hand and tilted her face up to him. Trixie's blue eyes widened as she looked up at him. He leaned down as if to kiss her again, but stopped suddenly. "My gaw." He started to say. What am I doing?

Dan pulled away. "I'm sorry, Trix. We need to get back." He headed out the door. "I'll tell Uncle Bill they need to find a key and lock this place."

Trixie watched him walk away, confused. It was just a kiss, a simple kiss, but the way it had made her feel! Why did he turn away so abruptly? Why was he so uncomfortable? Oh why, why did life have to be so complicated?

She stepped outside and pulled the door shut. Dan was headed back towards the drive.

"C'mon, Trix."

"I'll just head up Glen Road. It's shorter."

Dan stopped, turned and watched Trixie head towards Crabapple Farm.

x x x

After leaving Dan, Trixie did a slow, cool-down walk/run up Glen Road to Crabapple Farm. She showered, changed and went downstairs for breakfast. She went directly to the counter to pour a cup of coffee. Her father was sitting at the table and her mother was checking something in the oven.

"Where are Mart and Diana?" She asked as she filled her mug.

"Still asleep." Her father said from behind the morning paper.

"Aren't I ever going to see Katie awake?" Trixie moaned.

"According to Diana, she sleeps all day and stays up all night." Mrs. Belden quipped. "Just like another baby girl Belden I knew." She closed the oven door, turned around and leaned against the counter.

"Did I really, Moms?" Trixie plopped down in a chair at the table.

"It certainly seemed that way. I'm glad Mart and Diana can sleep in this morning. I got no rest with you and I had Brian and Mart to care for."

"I don't know how you did it, Moms." Trixie truly thought of her mother as Superwoman.

"I couldn't do it now, for sure. But I was young." She smiled at Mr. Belden. "And in love."

Trixie's Dad put down the paper. "I know I wasn't around much during the week but, as I recall, I let you sleep in a fair number of Saturdays."

"And that WAS the only way I got through, for sure." Her mother laughed. "I'm surprised the kids survived your cooking, though."

Trixie laughed too. She remembered some of her father's Saturday morning breakfasts.

Just then Mart walked in carrying Katie. She was wide-awake, cooing and giggling at the sounds being made by her Daddy. He was barefoot, wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt, and clearly unshaven and unshowered. Trixie jumped up.

"Freshly changed and fed. I think she wants to play." Mart said. "Good morning, everyone. Katie, can you say 'Good Morning'?"

"Can I hold her? Please Mart?" Mart handed Katie to Trixie and headed towards the coffeepot.

"Wahhhhhh!" Katie began screaming. She made it clear she wanted nothing to do with Trixie. She kicked and twisted. "Wahhhhhh!"

"It's okay, Katie. It's okay Sweetie." Trixie tried to soothe her niece.

"Wahhhhh!" Katie stiffened every muscle in her body. It was all Trixie could do to not drop her as she looked at her mother and brother in desperation.

Mart took a few quick sips of his coffee and reached for Katie. Trixie handed her over and she immediately stopped crying.

Everyone laughed except Trixie. She was truly disappointed. She certainly didn't want a baby full time, but she did want to spend as much time as possible with Katie. "What did I do wrong?"

"It's okay, Trixie." Mart tried to reassure his sister. "Why do you think Di is so reluctant to leave her? She's like this with almost everyone." He gently rocked his little girl. "But not Mommy and Daddy, right Pumpkin?" Katie smiled and gurgled at her daddy.

Mart turned to his parents. "If it's okay, I'm letting Di sleep in. She never gets more than a few hours at a time and I think Katie will be fine." He looked upstairs.

"I'll take her, Mart." Mrs. Belden offered her son. "So you can eat." She took the baby. Katie didn't have any problem at all with her grandmother holding her. "Diana can sleep as much as she needs."

"Thanks Moms." Mart went over to the stove and piled pancakes and sausage on his plate. "I'll probably get shot for saying this, Moms, but Di just can't make pancakes like you."

"Don't EVER say anything like that!" His father interrupted. "No one is a better cook than the woman you marry, unless you like going hungry." He laughed at his own joke.

Trixie sat and sipped her coffee. Was there any place more comfortable than your mother's kitchen?

x x x

An hour later, Trixie pulled into the visitor and staff parking area at the rear of Sleepyside High School. There was a Mercedes convertible already in the lot. She took her satchel off the passenger seat and headed towards the entrance.

Jim was waiting for her at the entrance. He held the door open. "Trixie! Great to see you!

"Is that yours?" Trixie pointed back to the Mercedes.

"Yep." Jim began to wish he'd never bought the car. It seemed to be the only thing anyone ever noticed anymore.

"Nice." Trixie gave Jim a one-armed hug. "Where are the yearbooks?"

"In the library." Trixie followed Jim down the hall to the library. She wondered how many times shed walked with him down this same hallway. Of course, in high school, she had been oblivious to almost everything else around her; aware only of how lucky she felt to be in the company of the handsome young teen. Now, he was a handsome young man, but they walked along as friends, comfortable in the fact that they had been each other's "first love" but would never be anything more than that. Jim unlocked the door and motioned Trixie through. "They're in the archives." He headed across the main room towards an area of the library where Trixie had never been.

"In here." He showed her into a separate room.

"Was this back here when we were in school?" Trixie asked.

"Yes." Jim laughed. "I guess the library wasn't your favorite place."

"Well, I liked it a lot better than the Math hall."

Jim laughed harder. "Here they are." He pointed to a row of shelves filled with large annuals.

"Gee, I'd love to look at some of them. Do you realize my Mom and Dad are in some of these? And Uncle Andrew and Uncle Harold? And the Lynches? But I only want to look at a couple. The years I gave you yesterday."

"They're here. I checked after you called."

Jim pulled three books off a shelf and handed them to Trixie. She opened one and started leafing through while Jim watched. She got to the Senior class section. Mmmm C...D...Daniels. There it is. 'Elizabeth Marie Daly'. Trixie read to herself. Pretty. Mmmm...'Lisa'. Drama Club. Honor Society. Girls' Service Club. Cheerleader. Homecoming Queen. Now, what was her boyfriends name? Trimmer. Andrew. 'Andy'. There he is. Gee. He was really nice looking, too. Football. Basketball. Baseball. Varsity Club. Honor Society. Homecoming King. Of course. Ambition: Law. Well, he got into law, just not the way he'd wanted. What was Lisa's life ambition?

Trixie sat down and began flipping back through the pages. Elementary School Teacher. Mrs. Andrew Trimmer. Trixie's stomach sank. Cheerleader and Football Player. Too cute. She started flipping through the pages for candid shots. Where are the pictures of Homecoming? There they were, Lisa and Andy, smiling broadly at the camera at halftime. Lisa in a tailored suit with corsage and crown. Andy in a soiled uniform, his crown about ready to fall off his head. Another picture. Dancing together. Lisa in a short gown. Andy wearing a suit and tie. Both wearing crowns. Trixie continued to flip through the pages. There just had to be something in there. There were a few other candid shots, all showing Lisa and Andy smiling at the camera. Trixie went back to the Senior Section. She looked at Lisa's portrait once again.

Daly? Where do I know that name? Trixie looked up. Jim was sitting across the table, watching her intently. "Jim, were there any Dalys who went to school with us?"

Jim thought for a few moments. "Not that I remember, Trixie. Do you want those years?" He started to get up to go back to the shelves.

"No Jim. Just wondering."

"Wait Trixie. There was a Daly family who lived on Baker Lane. I don't think they had kids our age. I think they moved or something long ago. And which spelling are you asking about?"

"Spelling?"

"Yes. There are several ways to spell that name, D-A-I-L-E-Y, D-A-L-E-Y, D-A-L-Y."

"D-A-L-Y, I guess."

"I think they were D-A-L-E-Y."

Trixie turned back to the yearbook. She looked at Lisa's picture again. Wait. Directly over her picture. Trixie read on. Edward Michael Daley. 'Ed.' Activities: Junior ROTC. Nothing else, but that wasn't unusual at a rural school. It was difficult for some kids to get to after school activities. Mmm. Ambition: U.S. Army.

Daley. Daley! Trixie pictured the name on the metal name tag. MSgt. E. Daley! No! It can't be. It's too. No way. But, there are no coincidences. Was this her connection?

Trixie could barely sit still. She was jumping up and down in her chair, all the time not saying one word to Jim.

"Jim, can I take these out?"

"Trixie. We have rules. I don't feel comfortable overriding the authority of my librarian."

"Copies. Can you copy pages for me?"

"Of course."

Trixie began a page-by-page search of the annual, marking any page that had a picture of Lisa Daly, Ed Daley or Andy Trimmer. She finally gave Jim the book.

"Could you copy those pages while I look through these others?" Trixie pointed to the other annuals on the table.

"Sure Trixie." Jim went back out into the main area of the library.

Trixie sat for an hour, marking pages in annuals and giving them to Jim to copy. When Jim had finished copying pages from the fifth book, he finally asked Trixie what she was doing.

"I have a case. It's really bad. And I think there's a link to a similar homicide in Sleepyside almost twenty years ago. I was in elementary school at the time and vaguely remember it. The victim was a Senior here, and her boyfriend was convicted of it."

"I've heard about that. A few of the current teachers were around then. It completely shocked the entire school. The entire town." Jim shook his head. "What's the connection?"

"I can't say Jim. Not yet anyway."

"But there is one?"

"That or I've wasted a lot of time."

Jim knew that Trixie's instincts were almost always right. And she always got her man. Always.

x x x

After thanking Jim profusely for all his help, Trixie left the school and drove directly to the Sleepyside Police Department. She was in luck. Chief Molinson was there.

Trixie parked and headed into the building. After greeting the desk clerk she strode confidently to the office in the rear.

"Chief?" Trixie hesitated at the open doorway for just a moment.

"Trixie! What brings you here?" He stood up. "Come in. Come in."

"I'm in Sleepyside to visit with Honey Wheeler," Trixie said as she came in, offering her hand.

"Honey's in town and hasn't come by? You tell her I'm disappointed with her." The Chief shook his head. "I've heard she's doing great things in Albany, and I'd sure like to congratulate her in person."

"I'll tell her that, Chief, and I'll tell her you want her to get by, although she's only here for a day or two. I guess you know why I came in." Trixie felt it best not to mention Honey might be leaving Albany.

I know, Trixie. Here have a seat." Chief Molinson pointed to the one empty chair in the office, all the others piled high with file folders. "What do you want to know? Just about anything I can tell you would be in those papers I sent." He sat back down in his chair.

Trixie sat down across the desk from the Chief. "Tell me about the girl. What do you remember about her or her family?"

Chief Molinson leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin. "Mmmmm...She was a beautiful person and not just to look at. She had an older brother who played football with me in high school, and he was a nice boy, too. Clean Gene we called him, like McCarthy. Always went to church. He never went out with the other players and partied." The Chief reflected for a few moments. "She was just as nice. Loved by everyone."

"Where'd they live?"

"Not in town. They lived in the Christian Church parsonage out on Croton Dam Road. Their father was a minister."

"Do they still live there?"

"Oh no, Trixie. After the, the murder, her father got an appointment at a church somewhere else in the state. I honestly don't know where. The church might have records."

"Her boyfriend. Andrew Trimmer. What about his family?"

"They were good people, too. Never stopped believing in their son. He was an only child. Both parents are gone now. They were good people." The Chief shook his head as if to rid himself of the bad memories."

"Chief, was anyone else ever considered a suspect. Anyone at all?"

"I know where you're headed, Trixie." He smiled. He knew Trixie well. "I was just a rookie patrolman then, so I don't know for sure. But, honestly, I don't think so. It's like I'm sure you've read. It was the last week of school, right before graduation. The kids had a big fight after school. Several people witnessed it. He drove off and left her... somewhere... I don't recall, maybe in front of Wimpy's? She walked home and spent the evening alone in her room. Sometime later she apparently snuck out her window to meet him in the woods behind her home. He beat her and left her to bleed to death there in the woods. Nothing was ever proven, but they figured she put him off, refused his advances, and he got angry. Kid drove home, went to bed and then went to school the next day like nothing had happened. They picked him up at baseball practice after school the next day."

"And they never found the weapon? Or his clothes?"

"No. That is bothersome to me, too. Where did he change?"

"Was there blood in his car?"

"That I don't know...I'll tell you one thing I do know, Trixie. He was one smart kid. Brilliant. He thought he was smarter than the police and, guess what? He wasn't. I'm afraid that's about all I can share."

"Sure Chief. Thanks." Trixie stood up.

"I told you, Trixie. Anytime. I wish I could be more help."

"Actually, Chief, you may have helped."

Trixie shook his hand again before turning to leave. Murder investigation or not, she was determined to have some quality time with Katie.

x x x

Once Jim returned from his meeting with Trixie at the high school, he, Aggie and Honey spent the entire afternoon visiting while Aggie prepared an elaborate dinner for all their friends. Six thirty, when everyone was due to arrive, came entirely too soon for Aggie. Honey Wheeler was in her brother's kitchen helping her make final touches to the meal.

"Do you want these arranged on a tray?" She was referring to some cold canapés Aggie had prepared earlier and refrigerated. "Sure, Honey. Look in the dining room, Jim has some in the hutch."

Honey found several and carried them back into the kitchen. She rinsed and dried them while Aggie was busy chopping vegetables.

"Is there anything else?" Honey asked when she was finished.

"Let's see, the table is set, the wine's chilled and the appetizers are ready. Everything else is warming. The only thing that's not done is steaming these vegetables." Aggie pointed to come cleaned and sliced vegetables draining in the sink. "And I want to wait until right before we eat to do that. Don't want them to steam too long."

"Mmm...It smells good in here." Jim Frayne came into the kitchen and hugged his fiancée from behind. "I finished vacuuming. Need anything else?"

"I think we have it all under control. I just want to freshen up." Aggie headed towards the bedroom. "Would you two just watch and make sure nothing burns?"

"Sure, Aggie." Jim watched as she shut the door.

"She's been in here all day, Jim." Honey leaned against the counter.

"I know. She wants everything to be perfect." Jim commented as he popped a cauliflower head into his mouth.

"We would have been just as happy to eat at a restaurant and save her all this work." Honey commented as she playfully swatted at her brother's hand.

"Honey, she WANTS to do this. She still feels, well she didn't grow up with us and all."

"I couldn't love her more if she did. I'm so happy for you."

"I'm so lucky, Honey." Jim looked towards the bedroom. "I never thought I could be this happy."

"So, when are you two getting married? THIS June, I hope."

Jim grinned guiltily at his sister. "Well..."

"You're not going to make me wait longer than that are you?"

"Well, Aggie and I agreed that we would tell you this weekend, but I want her out here."

"You want me here for what?" Aggie came back into the kitchen. She had freshened her make-up and brushed her hair.

"To share our plans with Honey."

Aggie put her arm around Jims waist. She looked at Honey. "You have to promise two things."

Honey was almost jumping up and down with impatience. "I promise. I promise. Just tell me!"

"First," Jim started. "You have to promise not to say anything to Mom and Dad." Honey nodded. "Second, you have to promise not to get upset with us or interfere."

"I won't. I won't. Just tell me."

"We've already set a date." Aggie added. "But it's not June. It's December."

"You guys are waiting a whole year?" Honey moaned.

Jim cleared his throat. "Ahhh, no, Honey. This December. The 24th to be exact."

"How?" Honey looked from Jim to Aggie and back to Jim. "That's only a few weeks. There are so many things to do and with the holidays..."

"Everything is taken care of. We've made all the plans."

Honey was a little confused. "I don't understand."

"Were going on a cruise. We're getting married in the Turks and Caicos Islands."

"Oh? Oh! How romantic!" Honey didn't know whether to be excited or disappointed. "I..."

Jim hugged his sister. "I know you're disappointed, Sis. I know you want to be there, but this is what Aggie and I want. No big hoopla, just the two of us--and the preacher of course."

"And palm trees, blue skies and white sand." Aggie added.

Honey hugged her brother back. Then she hugged Aggie. "Your secret is safe with me. I have to admit that I was looking forward to a nice wedding. But no one knows better than I what a pageant Mother would want and..."

"Thank you, Honey."

"If I keep the secret, I want you to promise ME one thing."

"What?" Jim and Aggie asked in unison.

"You'll let me give you a party when you get back."

Jim and Aggie looked at each other.

"No, don't worry. This would be a small party, just close friends. I won't let Mother within fifty miles of it, at least during the planning. We'll invite her only if you want."

"That sounds great Honey. Just keep it small. Aggie and I..."

Bzzzt. The first of the dinner guests had arrived.

Jim went to the door as Aggie checked the living and dining areas one last time. Everything was in order. The lighting was soft, the music relaxing and the bar stocked.

"Di! Mart! Trixie!" Jim turned back into the apartment. "Ladies! The Belden clan is here." Honey and Aggie came into the entryway and began hugging their friends. Everyone was talking at once.

"Honey! Your hair is stunning. I can't believe how good you look."

"Di. You look great."

"Tell me everything about Katie."

"Where's Dan? Is he coming separately?"

"Is it this semester or next you become Dr. Belden?"

"I heard you won the State Championship."

"Congratulations on your promotion."

Bzzzt. Everyone was still standing in the entryway. Trixie was closest to the door so she pulled it open.

"Dan! Jim! Mart! Dan! Diana! Dan! Honey! Dan!" Hugging and the cacophony of greetings began all over.

Finally everyone made their way into the living room.

"What can I get everyone to drink?" Jim asked as he headed for the small bar set up in the corner as everyone else settled onto the sofa and chairs. "We got some special wine just for you, Trix."

"Sounds fine," Trixie said.

"Now, how did I know Trixie would want wine?" Jim said as he pulled out a bottle. "This is something that my parents got in France, Trix. Anyone else?"

Everyone except Mart and Di agreed to wine.

"Di? Mart?"

"Water is fine. I have to be careful. I'm breastfeeding." Diana explained.

"I thought a little beer or wine was okay." Honey said.

"For some other baby, maybe, but not Katie!" Di said.

"And I don't want Di to feel left out." Mart added. "Although I might have a glass with dinner."

Jim poured water for Mart and Di, and wine for everyone else. "Ehem." He cleared his throat to get attention. "I'd like to propose a toast!" Everyone turned to him, holding their glasses up. "To old friends." Holding his own glass up, he swept his hand across the room. He turned to Aggie. "And lovers." Aggie tasted her wine and went into the kitchen. Honey followed her in.

"He didn't embarrass you, did he?" Honey asked.

"No. Oh no, Honey." Aggie laughed weakly as she handed her a tray. "Would you take these out, please?"

Aggie followed Honey out with another tray of appetizers. Everyone was talking excitedly, catching up. It had been months since Mart and Di had been out with their friends. It had been very uncomfortable for Di to travel the last few months of her pregnancy and, of course, they had not been out much since Katie's birth. Everyone except Dan had been to Ithaca at least once to see Katie, but the entire group of friends had not been together. There was a lot of news to catch up on. Everyone wanted details of Dan's and Trixie's new jobs. They wanted to know how Honey's job interview went. Jim and Aggie had lots of stories to share about Sleepyside High and Middle Schools, as well as town gossip. They seemed to know where everyone who'd grown up with the Bob Whites was living and working. Mart and Di shared their plans for Di's studio and Mart's progress on his doctoral dissertation. And, of course, there were plenty of photos and anecdotes about Katie.

At some point in the conversation, Trixie had managed to squeeze herself next to Dan on the sofa. "I want an explanation," She whispered into his ear. He looked at her blankly. "About this morning." She clarified.

He didn't know how or what to explain. Trixie was his friend, his pal, his little sister, and he was becoming uncontrollably attracted to her. She was staring straight into his eyes. He felt like she was trying to stare into his inner core.

"Well talk later." He whispered back.

Finally, Aggie excused herself to finish dinner. Honey, Trixie and Diana followed her. Rather than crowd into the small kitchen, they formed a bucket brigade of dishes to the dining room table while they talked.

"Aggie's great, Jim." Dan offered after the women had left the room. "If she weren't spoken for..." He raised his eyebrows teasingly.

"You keep your eyes off my woman." Jim pretended to puff up his chest.

Dan held his hands up. "Just kidding. Just kidding."

"Seriously, Dan. Are you seeing anyone? Since you broke up with Jen?"

"Im too busy with work, right now. And I need...My relationship with Jen kinda' burned me for awhile."

Jim nodded. "It's just that I see Mart and Diana settled down, and now Aggie and I are making plans. I want all my friends to be this happy."

"Yeah. I want all my friends to deal with four a.m. feedings, endless stacks of bills, wet panty hose hanging in the shower, PMS." Mart piped up.

"There's more to it than that." Jim defended himself. "Lots of extras."

"You're so right." Mart agreed.

Dan just sat back and listened, wondering if he would ever share their happiness.

"Dinner is served, gentlemen." Aggie was standing proudly in front of the dining table.

Everyone filed over and took a seat at the table.

"Aggie this is unbelievable."

"You outdid yourself, girl."

"I feel bad. All the work you went to!"

The friends didn't protest too long. There was too much food to enjoy.

Once they finished dinner, everyone did something to help; clear the table, stack the dishwasher or stow leftovers in the refrigerator. They managed to clean, dry, and put away most of the pots and pans too, but had to leave one soaking before heading back into the living room. Aggie followed behind them, carrying plates of cookies and pastries. Dan brought a tray of mugs and pot of coffee from the kitchen for her.

"Ohh...I'm too full." Mart moaned, as he rubbed his stomach.

"Mart Belden refuse food?" His sister teased.

Dan set the tray down on the coffee table. Honey and Trixie were seated on the sofa. Mart and Diana were sharing a large over-stuffed chair. Jim was sitting in a second matching chair. Dan sat down next to Trixie on the sofa.

Aggie began pouring coffee. "I know everyone has room for this." she offered a mug to Mart. "It's a special blend I buy at the shop on Highland Avenue." She poured mugs for everyone before sitting on the arm of Jim's chair. "And its decaf." They sat and sipped their coffee, agreeing that it was delicious. The conversation was less animated than earlier, everyone relishing the company of good friends. And they were all a little drowsy from the meal.

"I think we need to go." Diana finally broke the mood.

"Oh, Di. It's still early," Honey protested. "I don't know when I'll see you again."

"I have to get home to Katie." Diana explained. "Why don't you come by tomorrow morning? We won't be leaving until after lunch."

"You don't need to worry about Katie, Di," Mart said. "Moms is fully capable. And you left plenty of milk."

"I need to get to her." Di pleaded.

"I don't understand." Mart looked at his wife. She whispered something in his ear and he turned bright red.

Honey, Trixie and Aggie all laughed. They understood why Diana needed to leave. Jim and Dan looked puzzled.

"What's so funny?" Dan asked as Mart and Diana stood up.

Trixie whispered in his ear. Dan, who almost never blushed, turned bright red. He whispered something to Trixie and she laughed naughtily and gently slapped his shoulder.

Aggie and Jim stood and walked to the door with Mart and Di while Honey ran into the bedroom to get their jackets. As Mart held Di's jacket for her, he called to his sister. "Coming Trixie?"

Trixie was whispering in Dan's ear. He had stretched his arm across the back of the sofa and was grinning slyly. "I'll take her home." He said to Mart. Dan then whispered something to Trixie.

Honey looked at her friend sitting on the sofa, giggling and sharing a secret with a sexy young man. Something's going on, she thought to herself. She turned and hugged Di. "I'll be by in the morning, say 10:30 or 11:00?"

"Fine. We'll see you then."

Mart and Di left. Jim shut the door behind them and followed Aggie and Honey into the living room. The five remaining friends talked for a while longer before Dan stood up. It is late. I guess we should leave."

"Oh, no. It's early." Aggie protested.

Dan helped Trixie up from the sofa. "I've had a long day. I got up at dawn to run." Trixie protested.

"And in some moment of weakness I agreed to get up early tomorrow to run with two old friends." Dan added, pretending to stretch out an old aching body. He grinned at Jim.

"Let me get your things." Jim went into the bedroom. Trixie helped Honey and Aggie carry the dirty mugs and trays back into the kitchen. As they turned to leave the kitchen, Honey grabbed Trixie's arm.

"What is it with you and Dan?"

Trixie feigned shock. In all honesty she didn't have a clue as to what was going on and she wasn't going to try to explain her emotions now, even to her dearest friend. "Nothing, Honey. Absolutely nothing."

Trixie turned and went into the hallway. Dan already had on his jacket and Jim was holding hers. "I'm so glad you got down this weekend, Trixie." He said as she put it on. He turned and offered his hand to Dan. "Both of you."

"Thanks so much Jim. Especially for meeting me this morning." Trixie turned and hugged Aggie. "And thank YOU, for a wonderful meal, Aggie." She turned to Honey. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"You bet."

Dan and Trixie left the apartment and walked across the parking lot to Regan's truck. Dan went to unlock the passenger door. He turned to Trixie. "Would you like to go for coffee? I'd really rather not go home this early. Uncle Bill's...well, he has someone for dinner. Mary Adams. Do you know her?" Trixie looked up at him and nodded her head. "We can go to Wimpy's or would you like to go somewhere nicer?"

"Wimpy's is fine." Trixie said as Dan held open the door and offered his hand to help her up. The coffee's always hot and the company will be good." Dan paused as he got a whiff of peaches. Instead of helping Trixie into the truck cab, he grabbed her and pulled her close to him. He hesitated just a moment. Trixie reached up, pulled his face down to hers and kissed him.

"I've been wanting to do that all evening." She said. Dan couldn't believe the words she had just spoken.

"What???"

"I've wanted to kiss you all evening, Dan."

Dan found it difficult to speak. Never had he felt the way he did at that moment. Silently he helped Trixie into the truck and shut the door before walking around to the driver's side. He climbed in beside her and started the truck. He looked over at Trixie. He had been resisting the desire to kiss her all evening and now she had said that she had felt the same. Now, after one simple kiss, he was so shaken, he didn't know how he would be able to drive. He started to put the truck in gear when he looked over at her again. Simultaneously they reached for each other. He pulled Trixie across the bench seat and kissed her, hard this time. He could feel the warmth of her body through her jacket. He felt her tremble as she allowed him to deepen the kiss. Was this really happening? Was this real? She trembled again. He pushed her away.

"I'm sorry, Trix. I can't...It's not. It's not right." Sitting up straight, he put the truck in gear and backed out of the parking space.

Trixie tried to compose herself. She couldn't stop trembling. In one way she understood what he was trying to say, she also was confused about her emotions, her own awakening passion.

Dan drove through the complex and stopped at the entrance to make a left turn towards Sleepyside. Trixie slid across the seat and pulled him to her. She was shaking as she whispered. "Kiss me." Dan started to respond, but then pushed her away. "No Trix. No."

"I..." Trixie didn't understand. She had never offered herself that way and certainly never been rejected. "Dan?"

Dan pulled out onto the highway. Trixie scooted away and buckled her seatbelt. They rode in silence to Wimpy's. After taking the far back booth where the Bob Whites had always sat, Dan called to the waitress. "Two decafs!" He looked at Trixie. The hurt and confusion he read in her eyes made him want to hold her and tell her how confused he also was feeling.

But he couldn't. Trixie should never be involved with him. His only relationship with a woman was still in chaos. He couldn't drag her into such a mess. He would never be right for her. Or would he?

"Dan, I.."

"Trixie. Don't. I, I, you're."

"I'm what?"

Dan didn't reply. The waitress brought their coffees. "Would you like anything else? We have fresh blueberry pie."

"Nothing else, thank you." Dan mumbled, staring into the mug. He looked up at Trixie. Why did she have to be so... captivating, so...caring, so...exciting, so.... so damn beautiful?

"I don't know what's happening Dan, but I.. "

Dan stared back into his mug. He couldn't look at her. He didn't know what might happen if he did. He only knew that he was barely controlling his emotions.

"You said we'd talk."

Dan continued to stare into his mug.

"Can we go?" Trixie suddenly asked.

"Sure." Dan tossed a few dollar bills on the table. He followed Trixie out the door. As they got up to the truck, Trixie turned to him.

"You're not playing some kind of game with me are you, Dan?"

"It's no game, Trix. I don't play games."

"Then kiss me."

"I can't."

"Dan..dammit! Why can't you?" Trixie grabbed hold of his jacket.

"I can't." Dan could barely speak the words. He managed to unlock her door and walk around the truck.

The both got in and fastened their seat belts. They rode in silence to Crabapple Farm. Trixie felt humiliated. What was wrong? Could she have misunderstood what was happening all evening? Was she really that stupid? Was she that undesirable? The truck hadn't come to a complete stop when Trixie opened her door and jumped out. She slammed it shut and ran onto the service porch. DAMMIT! Dan heard her yell. She didn't have a key. She banged on the glass window of the door. It seemed an eternity before her father came to let her in. She went into the house without looking back.

Dan drove off. By the time he got to the stables he couldn't see to drive for the tears. He coasted up to the building the best he could and cut off the engine. He tried to make sense of his feelings for Trixie. They were unlike anything he had ever felt before. He had always loved her as a friend, but now there was something totally new...he was feeling a physical attraction. But it was more than physical. It was... Was this love? Was he capable of love? He sat alone in the truck cab until he was shivering from the fall air. He realized that Mary's car was gone so he went up to the apartment and to bed.

x x x

Dan's alarm clock went off at 6:00 a.m. He flipped it off and rolled out of bed. He'd hardly slept all night and now he was expected to keep up on his second long run in two days. He pulled on sweats and his running shoes and walked out into the living area.

"That you, Dan?" His uncle mumbled from his bedroom.

"Yeah, Uncle Bill. I'm going to run."

"Second morning in a row. Anything for a beautiful woman." Uncle Bill thought he was meeting Trixie again. Dan didn't reply. He looked out the window and saw a Mercedes heading up the drive. He ran down the stairs to greet Jim.

"Hey! I want to thank you for last night. I really enjoyed myself."

"We enjoyed having you Dan. You've been away too long."

Mart came jogging easily up the path from Crabapple Farm towards his friends. Dan and Jim began stretching to warm up. "C'mon sloths. I've been up for hours!"

"Okay. If you're so hot, I'll race you to the boat house." Jim took off towards the lake. Dan started to take off after him.

"Not so fast, Dan." Mart touched his shoulder to stop him. "I want to know what's going on between you and my sister."

Dan wasn't sure what he meant. Had Mart talked to Trixie after he'd dropped her off last night? He looked closely at his friend. "I uh, don't know what you mean."

"You know exactly what I mean." Dan tried to look innocent. "You two were making eyes at each other and whispering all last night. Then you offer to bring her home. Is there something I should know?"

"No. Mart. I haven't. I don't. We haven't. You know I think Trixie's special."

"Don't worry, Danno." Mart patted his friend on the back. Dan's embarrassment spoke volumes. While he'd never completely trust any man with his sister, Dan was like a brother to him. "You're my oldest and dearest friend. Just don't forget, Trixie IS special. You be sure you treat her that way." Mart took off across the grass. "AND REMEMBER, she has VERY protective three brothers!"

Dan never did catch up with Jim and Mart. When he got to the boathouse, they were waiting for him on the dock.

"I guess well have to throw you in." Jim said.

"Brrr. Not in this cold."

All three walked around to cool down. Eventually they stood shoulder to shoulder, silently looking out over the lake.

"Dan?" Mart turned to his friend. "Do you remember the last time we all swam here at the lake?"

"The week before your wedding? At the picnic?"

"Yep. I've never been back. Seems a lifetime ago, doesn't it?" Mart looked at his friends. "We were all so..."

Knowing the personal troubles Mart was having, Jim tried to lighten the mood. "That wasn't exactly the last time Dan was here." He corrected. "In fact, he came back that same day."

"What do you mean?" Mart asked.

Dan shook his head frantically at Jim, but if he noticed, Jim didn't understand. If Mart had just told him he trusted him with his sister, he certainly didn't want to remind him of his past affairs.

I overheard Tom Delanoy telling Celia. He saw Dan and Jennifer skinny-dipping later that day." He laughed and turned to Dan. "And you two might have been doing more. I couldn't hear everything he said, but it sure upset Celia." Jim laughed.

He saw Dan's horror-stricken face.

"I'm sorry, Dan." He apologized. "We all knew how hot and heavy you and Jen were then."

"It's okay, Jim. I, I'd just rather forget everything related to Jen." Dan quickly tried to change the subject. "I just remember how gaga Mart was that summer." He turned to Mart. "You had it so bad, buddy. Separated from Di all summer and..."

"Okay. Enough. Let's jog back to the stables." Mart took off at a slow pace.

Dan and Jim followed. Dan looked back at the lake. If only. But he knew he'd never again enjoy the innocence and passion of that summer. Especially the innocence.

x x x

It wasn't quite 11:00 when Honey drove Jim's Mercedes up the Crabapple Farm driveway and parked behind Mart's Taurus. She wondered if Mart would ever get a new car.

Trixie threw open the kitchen door just as she got out of the car. "You're in luck! Katie's awake!"

Honey followed Trixie through the kitchen and into the den. Mr. and Mrs. Belden and Diana were watching Mart on a blanket on the floor playing with his tiny daughter.

"Honey! Come in, dear!" Mrs. Belden said. "Can I get you something?"

"No thank you, Mrs. Belden." Honey sat down on the sofa besides Diana. "May I?" She offered her hands to Katie.

"Hello, little Miss Belden." She spoke softly as Mart handed her the baby. "How are you enjoying all this attention?" She cooed and cuddled Katie. She looked at Diana. "Di, I can't believe it. She has your eyes. She looks just like you."

"That's what everyone says."

"And I can't believe how big she's getting."

"It all happens so fast. She's sitting up now and talking."

"Talking?" Honey didn't know much about babies, but she thought Katie was a little young to be talking.

"Baby talk. You ought to hear her babble away. I know she's trying to tell me things."

"She's so smart!" Mart began to brag in the way only new fathers could. "When you're in the room she watches everything you do. Her eyes follow you everywhere. She babbles at you. And she loves opera."

"Opera?" Honey laughed. "Then I know what I'll buy for her six month birthday. Lessons from Pavarotti!"

Mart frowned. Katie really did respond when she heard the famous tenor sing.

"I'm teasing Mart."

Honey continued to hold and play with Katie, while conversing with all the Beldens until Katie started to cry and 'root'. Di looked at her watch. "I was hoping we'd make it until Noon, but looks like we won't." She stood up and reached to take Katie from Honey. "I'm afraid it's lunch time. Katie and I will be upstairs." She took Katie and headed for the stairway. "Come up before you leave, please."

"I will." Honey promised as she watched her friend with admiration and a bit of envy.

"Honey, you have to tell Moms and Dad about your job interview." Trixie insisted.

Honey jumped as if startled from a trance, "There's really not that much to tell."

"Not much? This is the opportunity of a lifetime and you say not much?" Trixie turned to her parents. "Honey just interviewed for a position with the Virginia Institute of Forensic Science."

The Beldens stared blankly. Neither of them knew what that was.

"Honey. Tell them." She turned to her parents again. "It's the only facility in the country dedicated to research and education in forensic science and medicine."

"Where is this, Honey?"

"Richmond. Richmond, Virginia. Trixie's right. It's the only one in the country and...well it's an honor just to be interviewed."

Trixie's parents expressed their excitement for Honey.

"Did you tell Honey that Brian is moving to Richmond?" Mr. Belden asked Trixie.

"Did you hear that, Honey? Brian might be in Richmond, too."

"Not might, dear, he accepted the position last week."

"What? You didn't tell me!" Trixie was surprised. "Did Joyce get the position she wanted, too?" Trixie was unaware of what was going on between Brian and Joyce.

"She's going down to Tennessee." Mr. Belden answered.

"You're kidding?! Does that mean they...did they split up?" Trixie was truly surprised. Although she'd never gotten to know Joyce well, she had always assumed that Brian and Joyce's relationship was permanent.

"I think so."

Honey remained silent once Brian's name was mentioned. Over five years had passed since he had broken their engagement and, while she no longer carried angry or bad feelings, the sting lingered just enough for her to feel uncomfortable when they were discussing his relationship with Joyce.

"Honey." Trixie turned to her best friend. "You'll have to look him up."

Honey shook her head. "I don't even know yet if I'm going to Virginia."

"Oh, you'll get the job. I'm sure."

x x x

After running, Dan showered and spread out papers from work over on the kitchen table. When his Uncle Bill got up he found Dan slumped over the table, sound asleep.

"Dan?"

"Mmm?" Dan lifted his head up sleepily.

"Why don't you go back to bed?" His uncle walked into the kitchen and headed towards the coffeepot.

"Oh! Sorry, Uncle Bill. I guess I..." Dan sat up straight and stretched.

"You look awful, Dan. Why don't you go back to bed for awhile?" His uncle was concerned. Dan had arrived Friday evening looking happier than he had in over a year, but this morning he looked tired and upset.

"I'm fine Uncle Bill." Dan walked over to the coffee maker and poured himself a fresh cup. "They always swamp new DA's with work."

"I understand, but..." Bill Regan knew his nephew well enough to know that there was something more than work making him look so haggard that morning. He busied himself making breakfast.

"Dan, Mary and I were thinking of going into the City next weekend. Would you like to meet us for dinner?" Dan looked surprised. "My treat, I want you to get to know Mary better. I'm, well I've asked her to marry me."

Dan got up from the table and slapped his uncle on the back. "Mary? Aunt Mary? I kinda' like the sound of that." He hugged his uncle. "You know I expect lots of little cousins to play with."

"Whoa! Lets not rush things. We haven't even set a date yet."

"But you've talked about it? Well, maybe I should meet you for dinner next week. But should it be my treat?"

"No Dan. I'll treat." Bill Regan carried his bagel and mug into the living room. "And bring Trixie, too!" He called.

"I, I don't think..." Dan started to call to his uncle, but he heard the outside door close. "Oh sure, Uncle Bill. Trixie will be delighted to have dinner with us." He sat and stared at his papers.

x x x

Honey realized that she needed to leave if she were to be on time for lunch with her parents, Jim and Aggie. She excused herself.

"I thought the Manor House was closed for the season." Mrs. Belden said.

"It is. We're meeting at the Club. Mother and Father just got back from London."

"They have such an exciting life. There aren't many places they haven't been, are there, dear?"

"I can't keep track of them all."

"Well, say hello to them for us, will you Honey?"

"Of course."

Honey ran up the stairs to say good-bye to Di. Trixie followed. Honey stopped suddenly at the top of the stairs and turned to Trixie. "Okay. Fess up. What's going on between you and Dan?"

Trixie looked defensive. "Nothing, Honey. Absolutely nothing."

"I saw you two last night, making eyes all night. Whispering and giggling."

"I don't giggle." Trixie was becoming slightly miffed.

"You were last night! And I also saw how much time passed between your leaving the apartment and driving out of the parking lot."

"We were talking." Trixie's face was bright red.

"Trixie Belden. You can't lie to me. Something happened in that truck last night."

"Nothing happened." Trixie was angry now. "NOTHING!"

Honey knew to back off. Something had happened that Trixie refused to discuss. And they always told each other everything. She'd find out eventually. She walked up the hall to say good-bye to Di. Trixie went into her own room to pack.

"What's wrong with Trixie?" Diana asked. She had heard the yelling.

"I don't know," Honey responded. "But I'll find out."

"Trixie!" Mrs. Belden called up the stairs. "Dan's on the phone."

"Okay, Moms."

Honey and Diana looked at each other. "That's what's going on," Honey whispered to Diana. "But why is she so defensive? Why not Trixie and Dan?"

They waited while Trixie took her call.

Trixie picked up the hall extension and took the cordless receiver into her bedroom. "I have it, Moms!" She called out. "Hello, Dan." she said after she heard her mother hang up.

"Hi, Trixie. I'm, I'm so sorry about last night. I guess you're pretty upset with me."

Trixie wasn't sure what to say.

"I'd understand if you don't want me to ride back to the City with you."

Trixie sat down on the side of her bed. "Actually, Dan, I want to ride back together, but only if you'll talk to me. We STILL need to talk. You promised me last night we'd talk, then...You have me, I've never, I'm really confused."

"I don't know what I can say. I'm, I don't want to upset you any more."

"Frankly, Dan, I can't imagine what would confuse or upset me more than I am right now."

"What time do you want to head back?"

"I have to get back. I have work to do. Could we leave around two?"

"I'll be ready at two. And Trix, again, I'm sorry." Dan practically whispered the last sentence.

"I'll pick you up."

Trixie hung up the phone and went down the hall to where Honey and Diana were sitting, trying to eavesdrop on her conversation.

"That was Dan."

Honey and Di waited.

"Geez, we set a time to head back to the City. What other reason could there be for him to call?"

"Trixie, we both saw how you were acting last night. Frankly I've never seen you act that way." Diana advised her friend.

"What way?" Trixie knew she was losing this game...she had been acting strangely, but she definitely didn't feel like trying to explain something she didn't understand herself.

"You were flirting." Honey and Di said in unison.

"I don't flirt."

"You do now."

Trixie stormed out of the room and went downstairs.

x x x

Mart, Diana and Katie had just left for Ithaca. It was a fairly long drive and would be even longer following each other in two cars. Trixie had gathered her things so she could head back to the City and was in the kitchen saying goodbye to her mother.

"You will try to get up while Brian's here? It's been a long time since he's seen you and even longer since we've all been together." Mrs. Belden was trying to get all her children home at the same time. Brian was taking a couple weeks off between jobs and had promised his parents he would spend at least part of that time with them.

"I'll be sure to get by sometime while Brian's here, if only for a day. I just can't promise a whole weekend."

"Of course, dear... But you have to promise you'll spend some time here while everyone is home over Christmas."

"THAT I can do. I promise, Moms."

Just then Trixie's Dad came into the kitchen from outside. "I checked your car and everything seems to be okay. The left rear tire might be a little low. Promise me that you'll keep a watch on it. Better yet, have it checked at Tom's Garage on the way out of town." When the Wheelers began spending only a few weeks each year in Sleepyside, Tom Delanoy had left their employ and opened a garage in Sleepyside. His wife Celia was kept busy raising their two young children, but still helped part-time at Manor House.

"I will Dad."

Trixie's mother gave her a stuffed grocery bag. "Here are some goodies to put in your freezer and microwave when you need them.

Trixie took the bag and hugged her mother. "Thank you, Moms. The Belden kids would all starve if not for our goody bags from you." She turned and hugged her father. "And thank you for checking my car, Dad."

"I still worry about you, Trixie. You are my only daughter."

"I have to go. Dan's waiting."

"Say hello to Dan and Regan for us."

"I will."

Trixie carried her suitcase and the grocery bag out to the car and placed the food in a small styrofoam cooler in her trunk. Her parents had provided a cooler for each of their children for that purpose. They never left home without something from their mother's garden or freezer.

Trixie got into the car. Her parents were standing in the service porch watching her leave. She waved and honked as she drove down the driveway. She went directly to the stables complex to pick up Dan. She was hoping he'd be waiting for her, but he was not, and he didn't come down when she beeped her horn. She turned off the motor and went up to the apartment over the stables.

When Trixie got to the door, she could see Dan and Regan standing in the living area talking. She saw Dan shake his head and his uncle hug him. Trixie knew how much Regan adored his nephew and how he was overwhelmed with pride in Dan's academic and professional accomplishments. She also knew how disappointed Regan was with some of the decisions Dan had made in his personal life. Nevertheless, their love for each other was unshakable. Trixie knew they were repairing their recent disagreements and waited a moment before knocking.

"Trixie, come in!" Regan called.

Trixie entered the apartment and immediately noticed Dan's reluctance to look at her. He quickly went into his bedroom to get his things. "Hi, Regan. I hope you two had a good visit."

"Of course, Trixie. How are your folks?"

"Same as always, just a little lost without all us kids around."

"I don't know if Dan's had a chance to extend my invitation to you for next weekend."

"Oh?" Trixie looked over at Dan who was coming back out of his room.

"I guess he hasn't. I was planning to bring Mary into the City and was hoping you and Dan would join us for dinner."

"Which evening?"

"I thought we'd work around your and Dan's schedules." Regan looked from Dan to Trixie.

"I'm working both Saturday and Sunday." Trixie hesitated. "But I should be free Friday evening."

"Great, I'll call Dan later this week and finalize plans for Friday." Regan was obviously pleased with himself. He wasn't going to force anything, but nothing would make him happier than to see his nephew spending time with Trixie.

"We need to go," Dan interjected. "We both have work." He picked up his bags.

Trixie went over and hugged Regan. "I guess we'll see you Friday. I can't wait to officially meet Mary. I've always heard great things about her." She followed Dan out the door and down the steps.

Dan put his things in the back seat and climbed in beside Trixie. She started up the car and headed down the drive. When she got to the bottom of the hill and out of sight of the apartment windows, she stopped the car and turned off the engine.

"Okay, Dan." She undid her seat belt and turned to him. "Time to talk." She placed her hands in her lap and clinched them with her knees so he couldn't see they were trembling.

"I don't know what to say, Trixie." Dan couldn't bring himself to look at her.

"Would you try? Please?"

"Trixie, you're." Dan paused between each word. It was obvious this was difficult for him. "Do you have any idea how much you mean to me? How much you've always meant? I've never felt closer to any woman than I have you. I've... you're my oldest, dearest friend." Dan paused. "I...I share something with you I've never shared with anyone! We've always understood each other. You've always known more about me than...maybe I know about myself. I've always, always considered you like a..." Dan shook his head, searching for the right words. "Like a sister."

He looked away, out the side of the car.

Sister? Trixie wasn't sure what to say. Sister? "Dan? Last night? I hope you don't think men are supposed to kiss their sisters that way."

"That's the....problem.... I'm so confused..." Dan turned and looked at her. "Dammit, Trixie, why did you have to become so attractive?"

Trixie's face reddened. She didn't know how to answer him.

"I'm sorry, Trixie. I...it's just...I...I guess I've always had these feelings and...Now I'm becoming so incredibly attracted to you...and I, I'm afraid I'll ruin what we have, what we've always had. I don't want to destroy one of the best things I've ever had and...I...I'm not sure I want to involve you in my screwed up life."

"I don't understand."

"I...I just...I think you deserve far better than I could ever offer."

Dan had hit a nerve and Trixie regained some composure... "Dan Mangan. How could you ever, EVER think that? You're...You're a wonderful person; kind and gentle and caring and honest and a brilliant lawyer with a...my gosh...you could be DA or a judge or Governor or something some day. You're my friend, my...you understand me." Trixie hesitated. "You've never judged me or criticized me. Never! How could I do better? And," She reached over and touched his face. "You're about the sexiest man I've ever seen."

It was Dan's turn to blush. "Are you saying what I think?"

"I don't know for sure, Dan. I just know I've never felt this way about anyone...and I know that I like it. I think I want something more with you than being friends...and I want you to feel the same way about me."

There wasn't much more for them to say. They had shared a friendship, respect and admiration for each other for most of their lives. Now, as adults, it shouldn't be surprising that it should grow into something more. Dan pulled Trixie over the console to him. Despite the cramped and uncomfortable quarters, they lost track of time kissing and whispering to each other.

"We need to get going," Trixie finally said. "Someone might find us here and wonder what we're doing." She pulled away and sat back in her seat.

"Trix, you might want to fix your hair and..." They both laughed nervously, not quite comfortable with what they had just admitted to each other. Trixie pulled a comb out of her purse and tried to fix her hair. She straightened her clothes and buckled her seatbelt as Dan wiped the steam from the inside of the windows with his jacket sleeve.

"You need this too." Trixie handed the comb to Dan. "And you need to wipe your face. There's lipstick..."

She started up the car and drove off. For some time they rode in silence. Dan got some napkins from the glove compartment and wiped his face. He then stretched his arm across her seat and sat back, just relishing her company. Several times he started to say something, but he was at a loss. His emotions were in turmoil, but he was certain of one thing. He wanted to pursue his relationship with Trixie.

Slowly they became able to converse. The drive back into the City wasn't nearly as long as the trip on Friday. As Trixie entered the City, she asked Dan if he wanted her to take him directly to his apartment or stop somewhere first.

Dan stroked her cheek. "I'd like to stop somewhere." Trixie looked over at him. "But I have work."

Trixie nodded.

"I.. Trix, I want to see you...I want to see alot of you...but I don't know how to manage it with the demands I have at work right now."

"We both are busy, Dan."

"The timing...if I weren't so new at work...but Morgenthau breaks in everyone in by burying them with work."

"Dan, we both have career demands. Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe we need to..."

"Not move so fast?" Dan finished for her.

"I don't know." Trixie stopped at a traffic light. She looked over at Dan. "I'm not...This is all new to me." She shook her head and looked straight ahead.

"Do you know how to get to my apartment building?" Dan asked. "You'll need to turn left at the next intersection."

The rest of the trip was spent with Dan's giving driving directions. They both felt somewhat awkward after making serious confessions about their feelings. Finally, Trixie pulled up to the main entrance of Dan's building.

"Gee, Dan, this is one fancy place."

"I'm subletting. And it's a tiny apartment with no furniture right now." Dan reached over to Trixie. "I have to say it is in a nicer neighborhood than your place." He kissed her on the cheek. "I'll call you. I don't want to wait until Friday to see you."

"You may have to."

Dan got out of the car. He reached into the back seat to get his bags. "I'll call."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: The Virginia Institute for Forensic Science and Medicine IS a quasi-public institution in Richmond and it IS the only one of its kind in the United States. It was started with an endowment from the author, Patricia Cornwell, who serves on it's governing board. Currently, it has a very small and highly skilled staff and there probably would be no position for someone with Honey's credentials....but after all she is a BWG and THEY can do anything... and who knows what the future may hold!