It had been six weeks since Marshall sprained his ankle and was walking well enough to pass Mary's inspection. He was cleared to walk at four weeks, but she was still in protective mode.

They were about to start their friendship building bargain. He knew Mary was skeptical and leery about the choices he would come up with, but since he had free reign he wanted to broaden her horizons. With that in mind , he decided to interweave some things he knew for a fact that if given a chance she'd enjoy with ones that he knew she would be hesitant about. He didn't want to force her into anything he knew she'd hate, but there were a few things he wanted her to see that he thought she might change her mind after witnessing them.

Their first night hanging out, he took her to Henry's bar so they could hear stories from the man. Part one was a huge success. Mary actually listened to what Henry said while getting a kick out of Henry's old war stories and Marshall's anecdotes.

Mary sat with a smile on her face the entire night watching the two men talk. She could see why Henry and Marshall enjoyed each other's company. After several hours, they headed back to Marshall's place.

"Henry's a nice guy and very interesting. I see why you enjoy his company. Thanks for sharing him with me," Mary smiled at Marshall.

"It's more interesting to hear history from those that lived it. They tell you the things that the books can't or won't. It sad to know how quickly the WWII vets are dying off and what they know from the experiences they had can just disappear. I read somewhere most don't like to talk about it; I can't say I blame them. They have witnessed a lot at a young age. It sticks with them. They say most seem to talk about it when the end is near. Their stories are important. It's our history," Marshall shrugged.

Mary smiled at how passionate he was about the subject. Her smile grew as it was her turn for some questions.

"Alright, my turn to get answers to my questions," Mary raised her eyebrows, teasing.

"That was the deal. Be kind would you?" Marshall teased.

"Tonight will start easy, since you did that for me. I want to know more about your family. I met your dad, but I know next to nothing about your mom and brothers. What yarn projects does your mom do?"

Marshall smirked, "Well let's see, she started with scarves, moved to hats and mittens, blankets, purses, sweaters and now likes to do some toys for my nieces and nephews."

"How many of them do you have?"

"Four. Grant has the two boys and Aaron has the two girls. Grant is my oldest brother and Aaron is younger than me. We are all in law enforcement, much to mom's dismay. Grant is in the Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia and Aaron is part of the Fugitive Task Force in Seattle."

"Is that why Seth thought you weren't tough enough? I know he doesn't get WITSEC or you, for all that matters, but is it because you didn't follow suit? I know what he told me, but what is your take on the matter?"

"He used to think my emotions get in the way of my judgment or make me more vulnerable. I was the intellectual kid while my brothers were into football and wrestling. I preferred my books and playing cops and robbers with my brothers than roughhousing. I didn't hide my emotions when I hurt. My brothers did. He thought I wasn't tough enough for this line of work. Working with us seems to have changed that somewhat. We have a long ways to go, but maybe in the end we might get each other better."

"I hope so. I liked your dad. Not just the fact that he likes the sounds of cuffs like me either. He cares about you, that much I was able to figure out. I just don't think he knows how to relate to you," Mary stated, remembering the way he described Marshall when he was born.

They sat and talked for hours. Mary getting an idea of what Marshall's childhood and family were like. As she was driving home she realized three things. She was actually relaxed, happy and had a good time. It was something she hadn't done in a long time.

Every week there was something knew for them to explore. Marshall had taken her for a tour at the Gruet Winery, the zoo, a play, horseback riding along the Rio Grande, The Museum of Natural History and Science, the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens and they went to the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to eat at the High Finance Restaurant and Tavern.

A couple of times he dragged her along to some of the classes he was taking. The topics were interesting and she'd actually gotten something out of them. She wasn't ready to share that bit with him or she'd end up signed up in his classes also. Not that it would be bad, but she still had to be a little difficult or she'd probably freak him out.

Mary found herself completely surprised by how much fun she had with Marshall, especially doing the things she'd always given him crap for. She was seeing him in a new light that both excited and scared her. They were becoming inseparable, and the more she learned about Marshall the more she liked Marshall in a way she'd never thought of him before. She freely admitted that she liked to spend time with him before, but it was always as her best friend not this heart fluttering stupidity that came with it. It was like being in high school, but the feelings seemed to run deeper.

She had to admit some of her favorite parts of their exploration was asking Marshall her questions, and learning what he was like in high school, college, things he and his brothers did and the few times he managed to get into trouble with his parents. It was interesting and she regretted not having done it sooner. Her perfect son image was blown away by some of the stories he told her. He was a secret badass when he wanted to be. Apparently Marshall was able to get away with more because no one suspected he'd pull the pranks he did.

Tonight he was taking her out for dinner and dancing. Tonight felt more like a date and she couldn't ignore the fact that it excited her. Over the last few months she realized why Raph came up short. Why every man failed to compare to the image she created. It wasn't her father they couldn't measure up to, it was Marshall. She couldn't believe that she had been that blind. It may have taken her the last few months to figure it out, but she was blindsided by the truth, and she couldn't ignore it any longer.

Brandi looked up as Mary walked out of the bedroom. She was stunned to see her in a dress and heels.

"So what are you two up to tonight?" Brandi had found out what Mary and Marshall's arrangement was. She also had come to the same conclusion as Mary, but a whole lot sooner. Her sister was in love with her partner.

"Dinner and dancing apparently," Mary shrugged trying to play it down.

"Sounds like a date to me," Brandi teased, and was surprised when Mary blushed.

Mary didn't know how to reply and was relieved when the doorbell rang. She went to the door quickly. When she opened it she had to remember to breathe. Marshall was decked out in a nice suit without the signature western apparel she was used to. He looked down right edible and she hurriedly tried to put that idea on the backburner. She didn't want to get flustered and make a fool out of herself. It was disconcerting for her since this feeling was new. She had never had that problem with anyone else.

Marshall swallowed hard when he saw Mary in the red dress. She was more breathtaking then he'd remembered ever seeing her. Pulling himself together, he offered her an arm.

"Ready to go?"

"Oh yeah," Mary smiled widely.

Marshall smirked at her enthusiasm. He drove them to Damon's Fine Cuisine for their meal. They talked about everything and nothing and continued to open up to each other. They stayed at the restaurant longer than Marshall planned, but they had been lost in conversation. When they were done they headed out to go dancing.

Arriving at the dance club, they found a table and set their stuff down. After having a beer, Marshall held out his hand.

"Dance?"

"Thought you'd never ask," Mary teased and joined him on the dance floor.

Mary had been surprised that Marshall could dance to the upbeat songs without making her laugh. He was actually a really good dancer. She knew she shouldn't be surprised he was taking all those Mambo classes, but couldn't help it. She never pictured him doing anything except for ballroom dancing.

Marshall led her off the dance floor to take a break. Excusing himself, he headed off to the restroom. Mary remembered a song she heard Brandi playing the other day and it made her think of them. She knew how she felt about Marshall, but knew she sucked at admitting it. She thought about how much they went through lately and how much they grew together over the last several months. Tonight was the night to tell him. Thinking of the song she went up to the DJ and requested he play it. She told him the lyrics since she couldn't remember the title and smiled when he told her the name of it. Mary asked that he wait a little bit as the person she wanted to play it for would be back shortly. The DJ nodded and Mary went back to the table before Marshall returned.

The DJ had watched the woman walk back to the table and kept an eye out for her mystery man. He always had a soft spot for friends who became more. That is what he and his wife had been first. Seeing the tall lanky man join her he smiled when he saw the look the man had in his eyes. She had nothing to fear. The song he was playing was coming to an end so he grabbed the microphone.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen, we're going to slow things down just a little. Grab your loved one and get out on the dance floor," The DJ smiled as he saw the tall man sit down. He's in for a shock. The thought couldn't be stopped. He waited like the woman requested until they were on the dance floor before he finished his statement.

Mary had seen Marshall sit, she knew he figured she wouldn't want to slow dance with him. He was wrong; they'd been slow dancing around each other for years. She didn't want to wait any longer. She reached for his hand.

"Dance with me," she requested, not wanting to make it an order.

Marshall looked at her, confused. He definitely wanted to know what it was like to hold her close and dance, but he figured their earlier dancing was as close as he'd get.

Mary saw the bafflement and felt a pang in her heart. She had made him insecure over the years. He never expected her to feel the same.

"Please," she said softly.

Marshall nodded absently reaching for her hand. The DJ started to play the song when he pulled the microphone towards him.

"This song is a request from a special lady for her Doofus. Listen to the words and understand what she has a hard time saying." The DJ watched the two to see what happened.

"Mare?" Marshall asked questioningly.

"Come here, Doofus." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. Resting her head against his tense shoulder, she whispered softly, "Listen to the words and relax."

She felt him nod as the music filled the air. He closed his eyes as he rested his cheek on Mary's head as they began to sway to the music. Marshall listened intently, wondering what she was having a hard time telling him. The words of the song filled his ears as they moved together.

We've always been the best of friends
No secrets and no demands
But suddenly from somewhere out of the blue
I see a different light around you
One thing I haven't told you, I just want to hold you
And never let go, I need to know How do I get there from here
How do I make you see
How do I tell you what my heart's been tellin' me
Lost in you lovin' arms that's where I wanna be
You know I love you
How do I get there You've probably think I've lost my mind
Takin' this chance crossin' that line
But I promise to be truer than true
Dreaming every night with these arms around you
I can't wait any longer this feeling's gettin' stronger help me find a way How do I get there from here
How do I make you see
How do I tell you what my heart's been tellin' me
Lost in you lovin' arms that's where I wanna be
You know I love you
How do I get there I know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line
But I'll climb any mountain that you want me to climb
The perfect combination is your heart and mine
Darlin' won't you give me a sign How do I get there from here
How do I make you see
How do I tell you what my heart's been tellin' me
Lost in you lovin' arms that's where I wanna be
You know I love you
How do I get there

Marshall swallowed the lump in his throat when the song ended. She couldn't possibly feel this way about him. He always hoped, but never once thought it would happen. He pulled back to look into her eyes.

"Mare?"

"The song is called How Do I Get There From Here. Apparently, by a singer named Deana Carter."

"Mare?" Marshall tried again.

She reached for his face and pulled it close to hers before capturing his lips with hers. When they came up for air she smiled at him.

"Somewhere over the course of the last several months, I've finally realized how I feel about you. I don't know how I missed it, but I love you, Marshall. I think I have for a long time," Mary confessed.

Marshall stroked her cheek with his thumb, looking deeply into her eyes before leaning his forehead against hers.

Mary was getting nervous at his lack of response.

"Please say something, Marshall. I know I'm not the greatest catch out there, and you know full well what drama comes with me, but I do love you. It was why happy was buried with Raph. It wasn't true happiness. That's what you bring me."

"Mare, I loved you for so long, but always thought I would never have you. It's taking a little bit to absorb that you actually would love me. You're the best catch out there and the reason no woman was ever good enough for me. I tried. I really tried to find someone else. They failed miserably. I didn't know what I would do when you married Raph. I never thought you could love someone like me so I figured that I would just have to suffer through."

Mary didn't understand why he thought he wouldn't be loved by her.

"Explain please," she demanded, and then saw his confusion, "the 'someone like you' part."

"You were always into the physique or bad boy types. The needy ones came in there somewhere too. I'm the geeky sidekick. The trivia spouting, loony pajama pant, sit back and relax kind of guy. You never saw me as someone to date, much less fall in love with. I couldn't compete with the other guys. I was bound to always be your friend. I would take that compared to not having you in my life at all," Marshall shrugged.

"They were toys, something to be used and discarded later. I liked Raph. I loved him partially, but he was right when he said I didn't love him enough. I kept thinking I was comparing all my dates to measure up to my father, but I was wrong. They weren't you. That was where they failed. They didn't know me, they didn't accept me for me, know how to calm me down, make me laugh, teach me how to relax and they didn't offer anything remotely close to you. You've never asked me to change and I know you won't. You taught me so much over our partnership, and watching you these past few months I realized I love to watch you smile, the way your eyes light up when you learn or discover something new, you're my best friend and so much more. I love the way you look when you wake up in the morning, hair messed up; the way you look so peaceful when you sleep. There are so many qualities that I could name, but we might grow old here with me listing them. I love you for you." Mary hoped he got the message.

When his lips claimed hers she felt her heart swell, knowing she got the answer she'd hoped for.

"I love you, Mary Shannon," Marshall whispered huskily into her ear.

"About time you got it," she teased, before looking him in the eyes and whispering. "Take me back to your place and show me, Marshall."

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Mary woke up to the sunlight streaming into the bedroom and her body entangled with Marshall's. She smiled and watched him sleep. They had made love most of the night and Marshall didn't disappoint. It was everything she had ever dreamed about in her hidden dreams. Childhood dreams of love that would last. He had cherished her and shown her more love, compassion and desire then any of her previous lovers. She smiled again as she gently stroked his face. He was her lover, her best friend and the only man she couldn't live without.

There's hadn't been a simple journey, but in the end it had its rewards. Her father's revenge had led them to this path. It would be the only thing she'd ever be grateful to that man for. She snuggled into Marshall's chest and closed her eyes, drifting to sleep with the feeling of finally not being scared of love, or what forty-five years would feel like waking up next to Marshall. She was finally where she belonged.