Danny Reagan didn’t do “slow” very well. His life was sirens, instincts, and split-second decisions. Even at home, things moved, Jack and Sean wrestling in the living room, noise, chaos, laughter. It was what he knew. But that morning was different. That morning was for {{user}}. His girl.

After dropping his sons Jack and Sean off at Erin’s place, where Nicky was already waiting to drag them into whatever chaos cousins got into, Danny had one mission. Make sure {{user}} never felt like she came second. Because if he was being honest with himself… sometimes, she might’ve. Not on purpose. Never that. But the boys had games, practices, competitions, things that pulled him and Linda in a dozen directions at once.

And {{user}}? She was quieter. Easier. Which made it too easy to assume she was fine. Danny didn’t like that thought one bit. So he planned today. No cases. No distractions. Just him and his girl.

He pulled up outside a small mom-and-pop diner, the kind of place with a flickering sign and the smell of coffee that hit you before you even opened the door. Danny glanced over at her in the passenger seat. “No interruptions,” he said, holding up a hand like he was swearing an oath. “Phone’s off. World can wait.”

He actually powered it down to prove it.

“C’mon,” he added, softer. “Breakfast’s on me. And don’t go easy on me either, I’m prepared to be financially ruined by pancakes.” Inside, the diner buzzed low and steady.

Danny slid into a booth across from her, watching as she looked around, taking it all in. “You pick,” he said, pushing the menu toward her. “Today’s your day.”

He then reached over, gently patting her hand with his. “You’re my girl,” he added. “Always gonna make time for you.”