Danny had been shot. Again. And although it wasn’t a life threatening wound, Steve knew he would never hear the end of it. Mostly because he never heard the end of any wound Danny had incurred during their four year partnership. It didn’t really matter who was at fault, the blame always fell on Steve. He was okay with that, though. They had caught their suspect and were on their way to finding justice for the victim. Steve was okay with that and relieved that Danny was okay.

The only problem was that tonight was the annual Father/Daughter dance at Grace’s school and Danny had promised to be there just as he had done for the past three years without fail. But tonight, Danny was lying in a hospital bed recovering from a gunshot wound to his leg from the altercation earlier in the day.

Steve assured him that he would take care of everything. He would pick Grace up and “stand in” for Danny at this all important event in Grace’s life. He didn’t really know what to expect, but Danny had made him promise that he would 1) wear a suit and 2) treat his little girl to the time of her life that night.

Not one to disappoint, Steve had shown up at Rachel and Grace’s house as promised. He rang the doorbell, and as Rachel answered the door she was impressed to see Steve standing there in a suit and tie with flowers in hand.

“Hey Rachel. I’m here to pick up Gracie.” He smiled at Rachel.

Hearing her uncle Steve’s voice, Grace ran to Steve and threw her arms around him.

“Uncle Steve! I’m so glad you came!” she said.

“I wouldn’t have missed it!” Steve handed her the flowers, “These are for you.”

Then, held her back so he could look at her in the beautiful new dress she had bought for the occasion.

“You look beautiful, sweetie.”
Grace smiled sweetly up at Steve,

“Thank you. You look nice too. I hardly ever see you in a suit.”

“Well, I only dress up for special occasions and this is definitely one of those times. Listen, maybe after the dance I can take you by the hospital to see Danno if it’s okay with your Mom.”

He turned to Rachel who shook her head in agreement.

“She was supposed to stay with Danny tonight,” replied Rachel, “but given the circumstances, I can change our plans so you can bring her back here when you’re done.”

Steve looked down at the sweet girl standing with her arms around him and then looked back at Rachel.