"Tim, honey, wake up. We're here," Mikayla said, shaking Tim gently so as not to startle him. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He peered out the window and almost gasped when he saw Mikayla's house. "I know, it's kinda--ostentatious, isn't it? But, in a good, breathtaking sort of way. It's rather embarrassing, to tell you the truth." Tim just stared in awe at the monolithic mansion appearing in the distance. As they drove up the long, curving driveway, Tim felt he'd been transported back in time to the 1800's. "Don't say I didn't warn you about it being straight out of Gone with the Wind."

"How many rooms does it have?" Tim was curious now.

"You really wanna know?" He nodded. "Okay, brace yourself. 'La Isla Bonita' has six bedrooms, a sitting room, a family room, a formal and informal dining room, a kitchen, a den, a game room, a library, a study, and I lost track of how many bathrooms. I know, it sounds like a lot of rooms for a family with only one child, but, like I said before, it's been in our family for generations. We didn't use most of the rooms, except for holidays, parties, and such. Are you still with me?"

Tim gulped. "Uh, yeah, it wasn't what I expected, though. I'm glad you gave me a warning."

"Don't worry, honey, I'll give you the grand tour and make you feel right at home," Mikayla said. She pulled the Jeep up to the garage and parked. The two of them grabbed a couple of suitcases (though Tim didn't think Mikayla should carry even one) and they made their way into the foyer of the house. "We can set these here and put them up when we decide where we're going to locate." Mikayla spent the next hour or so showing Tim around her place. Afterwards, when Tim went out to get the remaining luggage, Mikayla fixed them a picnic dinner. "Timmy, come on into the kitchen. Dinner's ready."

Tim, after some searching, found the kitchen again. "What are we having?"

"I made us some ham and cheese sandwiches. We've also got some chips and a special dessert." Tim looked puzzled. "You're probably wondering where the food came from, huh? There's an elderly couple, the Gentrys, who live on the property. They're sort of like the caretakers of the house. I called them to let them know we were coming. You can meet them later. They're like my adopted grandparents."

"Did you want me to set the table?"

"No, silly, we're going on a picnic. Why don't you grab the picnic basket?" Mikayla said, slapping his hand as he tried to get a glimpse of the contents. "No peeking. You'll find out the rest of the menu once we get there." She took his hand and led him out the back door and down the sidewalk to the stables. "I do have one question, though. You do know how to ride a horse, don't you?" "It's been a long time, but I've done it before," Tim replied.

"Our horses are tame, so you shouldn't have any problems. Here they are, Lady and Midnight. If you'd like, I'll carry the basket. Hold on, let me get in the saddle." Mikayla climbed onto Lady's back and Tim handed her the basket. He got onto Midnight and followed Mikayla. She kept Lady at a slow lope as she showed Tim around the grounds. She stopped when they arrived at a clearing in the woods. Tim climbed out of the saddle, took the basket from Mikayla, then helped her out of the saddle. He stood by as she opened up the basket and spread out a blanket. "Have a seat," Mikayla said as she began unloading the basket.

"Wine? What's the occasion?"

"Let's just call it an early celebration," Mikayla smiled, "and it's sparkling grape juice. I didn't want any alcohol to spoil our time together." She handed him a glass.

"What are we celebrating?"

"Two things, actually," she replied. "First, the newest turn in our relationship and, secondly," she smirked as she leaned over and gazed into Tim's eyes, "my Braves winning the Series." She giggled as she took a drink.

"Cutie pie, I hate to disappoint you, but that's not gonna happen," he said, taking the glass from Mikayla and setting it down next to his. He took her face in his hands and cupped his hands around it. He stroked her cheek and ran his fingers over her face as though he were blind and wanted to commit everything he felt to memory. He started to say something, but Mikayla placed a finger over his lips and shook her head. "Don't say anything." She placed her hands over his and held them there. Tim brought Mikayla's face to his and kissed her lips. She closed her eyes as he traced her lips with her tongue, then returned his kiss with one of her own as she fell into him. As they were exchanging kisses, a rustling was heard coming from the trees. Tim panicked and broke away. "What was that?" He exclaimed as he looked around furtively.

Mikayla laughed. "It's the horses, Timmy bear. They're munching on the leaves. Boy, can I tell you're from the city," she said as a fit of giggles came upon her and she doubled over and fell to the ground. "I'm sorry, Tim, I've just never seen anyone so jumpy. I swear if you had your gun, you would've pulled it out."

"Well, you can never be too careful. Could've been a--wild bear or something."

"And you were protecting me. How sweet," Mikayla leaned over and kissed him. "Now, why don't we eat before the coyotes make an appearance?" She continued chuckling as she took the sandwiches and chips out of the basket.

After a pause, he asked Mikayla, "So, did you always want to be an actress?"

She nodded. "For as long as I can remember. I grew up wondering what it would be like to be a different person and acting's the way I can accomplish that." She leaned back on her elbows and looked up at the black sky filled with sparkling stars. "I always wished I was built like Katharine Hepburn or Grace Kelly. Actresses who are built like that always got cast for the parts I wanted. Most casting agents think I can only handle comedic roles or just supporting roles. I've tried losing weight, but it didn't matter. I guess I just have the type of personality that makes people laugh, regardless of my size. I'm slowly learning to accept that, but I'd like to be given the opportunity to be taken seriously. My mom and dad were great supporters of me. I don't remember if I told you or not, but my mom was an opera singer with the Atlanta Opera. I guess I got my love of theatrics from her. Even though I now know my mom and dad weren't my birth parents, I still think I got a lot of my characteristics from them. I mean, I love the theater, sports, history, and music, just like Mama and Daddy." Now she was talking more to herself than to Tim. "Now I wonder who my birth parents are. You know, if they're still alive, what they're like, what their hobbies are, do I have any siblings?" She laid down flat and crossed her arms across her chest and began sobbing quietly.

Tim stretched out and propped his head up on his bent right arm. "What?"

"I know my parents loved me, but why didn't my real mama and daddy want me? I always had this feeling in the back of my mind like I didn't belong here, especially with my parents being slim and me being, well, me. My dad's grandparents were--husky people, so I just assumed I took after his side of the family."

Tim softly wiped away a tear running down Mikayla's cheek. "I'm sure there was a good reason, Mik. I see girls all the time who shouldn't be pregnant and I wonder what kind of a life the kids will have and I think; hopefully these kids will give their babies up so that both the mother and the child can have a chance at a decent life. Maybe that's what happened with your birth parents. I, for one, am glad that you were raised by Katherine and Robert Fitzgerald, cause if they hadn't been your parents, you might not have turned out to be the sexy lady who's next to me now." He leaned over and planted a kiss on the tip of her nose.

"You know," Mikayla mused, turning her head slightly towards Tim, "I wonder if my parents left behind any hints or clues as to who my birth parents are. I asked our attorney, Mr. Jamison, when I was down here last time. He said my parents didn't tell him anything. I guess we could look around while we're here and see if they left any indication. I mean, there is an excellent and outstanding detective on the premises." She flashed a small grin at Tim.

"Sure, why not? You can give me a more in-depth tour of the house." Tim sat up and put on his 'detective' face. "And, Miss Fitzgerald, where would you suggest we begin our search?"

Mikayla mentally walked herself through the house, picturing each room, trying to decide where would be the most logical hiding place. "Well, Detective Bayliss, I believe we should start in the study and go from there. Shall we start our search?" She asked as she stood up and brushed off her jeans. Tim agreed and they loaded the items back into the basket and rode back to the house. "Don't worry about the horses. Mr. Gentry will take care of them for us." Tim followed Mikayla as she led him back to the house, up the staircase and down the hall to the study. As Mikayla placed her hand on the door, a shiver went up her spine and she paused. "This is weird," she thought to herself, "I feel like I should knock before entering. It's gonna be really strange not seeing Daddy sitting behind his desk, going over his financial papers." She took a deep breath and opened the door. As Mikayla walked in, she could feel her father's presence, even after a year. "Daddy, help me find what I'm looking for. Help me to find the real me," she begged in her mind.

Tim stood in the doorway and watched as his girlfriend looked around, trying to figure out where to look first. He tried to put himself into her position; actually, he wished he could be in her position. Sure, he and his mother had an okay relationship, compared to he and his father. Of course, one couldn't actually call that a relationship. The only way they related was yelling, usually his dad yelling at him. When that happened, he just hopped on his bike and made a beeline for his cousin Jim's house. Tim thought about it and realized he'd spent the majority of his childhood at his cousin's house. He heard Mikayla calling his name, which brought him back to the present.

"Tim," Mikayla said, "here's some papers from my dad's safe." She went and sat down on the black leather couch as she rifled through the stack in her lap.

"Anything?" Tim asked as he sat down next to her.

"No, just financial stuff. Here," Mikayla asked, "you take a look and see if you can find anything." She handed him the papers, got up, and began pacing around the room, crossing her arms and running her hands up and down her arms as if she were cold.

Tim took a few minutes and scanned the papers. "You're right. There's nothing here related to your birth parents. Can you think of any other places?"

"I guess we could try the library. That was always mine and my mama's favorite room." Mikayla and Tim walked down the hall and came upon a set of French double doors. As Mikayla opened the doors, Tim gulped. He looked in and all he could see from floor to ceiling were books upon more books. "Books were another of our passions. My father was an avid book collector. He has many first editions. Thanks to him, I became an avid reader. I've been reading since I was two. (Side note--this is true…I--Michelle--did learn to read when I was two.) My favorites growing up were any type of mystery and biographies, but mainly mysteries." As Mikayla shared more of her childhood, she wandered around the bookshelves, running her fingers along some of the bindings. She stopped and pulled out one of the books. "Here's my all time favorite," she said, turning towards Tim and holding out a well-worn copy of Little Women. "This is one of the first editions my dad has. He bought it for me for my 16th birthday." She smiled at the memory of her dad making a big presentation of it. Most girls for their 16th birthday wanted a car, and her dad would've bought her a Porsche if she wanted it. However, she couldn't have been happier if her dad had bought her an entire car dealership. "After reading that for the first time is when I really cemented in my mind that I wanted to be an actress. Here, I'll show you that part of the book." The pair curled up in front of a fireplace and leaned up against a love seat. "This is where I always came when I wanted to escape life. I'd grab a book off the shelves and prop myself up on some pillows and lose myself in a story." Tim wrapped his arm around Mikayla's shoulders. She leaned against him as she opened the book. "I can just about close my eyes and turn to the exact page where the girls start acting and I got the idea." She opened up the book; as she did, a piece of paper fell out of the book and onto the Oriental rug. "Hmm, what's that?" Mikayla said as she picked up what turned out to be an envelope. 'To our precious Mikayla--to be opened after our death', the handwriting said. Mikayla's eyes were wide open as she stared at Tim. Her hands were shaking as she tried to open the envelope.

"Do you want me to open it, Mik?" Tim quietly asked. Mikayla nodded and handed the envelope to him. He opened it and handed her the note.

"Would you--read it, please?"

Tim unfolded the note and began reading in a calm, soothing voice. "Dear Mikayla. We want to start off by saying how much we love you and how proud we are of you. We know that you will accomplish whatever you set out to do. Your father and I will always be with you in spirit. We know that, since you're reading this, you've already found out that you were adopted. However, that does not make you any less of a Fitzgerald. I know we should've told you about that when we were still with you in person, and I'm sorry. I can't explain to you why we didn't. The only reason I can come up with is we know how emotional you are. In fact, it wouldn't surprise us if you have someone else reading this for you." Tim looked over at Mikayla, whose brown eyes were filled with tears.

"That's my parents. They always knew me better than I knew myself." She looked upward and mouthed a silent 'I love you', then smiled at Tim. "Go ahead. I'm calm."

Tim turned his attention back to the letter. "Here's the story, sweetums. You never knew this, but I had some medical problems at a young age, before I met your father, and I had to undergo emergency surgery, resulting in my inability to conceive. Your father knew this when he met me, but married me anyway, saying we could always adopt. About the time we were ready to adopt, my best friend became with child. Since she was unmarried at the time, she gave the baby over to us. Mikayla, that baby was you. Know that she loved you with all her heart, and she only wanted what was best for you. She'd been my best friend for many years and knew of my situation, which is why she decided to grant us the permission to adopt you and raise you. I hope you're sitting down, baby, because we're going to tell you who your real mother is. The father was never in the picture, so no need to worry about him. Anyway, your real mother is my best friend, Betty Carmichael…Stevens." Tim looked up. "Why does the name Stevens sound familiar?"

Mikayla was now openly weeping. "It's Felicia, my best friend! I'm actually her older sister!" The news was too much for Mikayla to take. She buried her head in Tim's shoulder.

Tim let her cry it out as he silently read the rest of the letter. When he finished, he patted Mikayla on the shoulder. "Mik, there's more. Are you ready?" Mikayla nodded her head, but didn't lift it up. Tim went back to the letter. "Mikayla, honey, I know this comes as a shock to you, but we believe you can handle it. We know you have a good support system with Tara, Penny and Felicia and, no, Felicia doesn't know. Betty and Joseph agreed not to tell her until you found out, then we're leaving it up to you as to whether or not you tell Licia. Just keep in mind, honey, we've always loved you and will always love you." It was signed "always, Mama and Daddy."

Mikayla composed herself and lifted up her head. "How ironic that my best friend turns out to be my sister, and my mom's best friend turns out to be my mother. I never in a million years could've imagined this scenario." She became quiet as she thought about the letter. "I have a sister," she said under her breath, then looked at Tim. "Here's the funny thing, Tim. Licia's mom was my 'other' mother and my mom was Licia's 'other' mother. Felicia and I grew up together, though she is a couple of years younger than I am. If she wasn't at my house, I was over at hers. Our parents didn't worry too much about us, especially when we were together. I'd always said if wasn't a Fitzgerald, I would've chosen to be a Stevens. Now, come to find out, I am a Stevens--by birth, anyway." She thought about how and if she was going to give the news to Felicia. That problem was put aside, however, when the doorbell rang. "Who could that be?" Mikayla wondered out loud. "I'll be right back, Tim. I'll go answer it."

Tim stood up, then helped Mikayla stand. "Wait a minute, cutie pie." She turned around and Tim whispered in her ear, "It's been too long since I told you I love you, whatever your name happens to be." 'Someday it'll be Mikayla Bayliss,' he thought to himself, but caught himself before he said that out loud.

Mikayla grinned and kissed Tim. "I love you, too, Timmy bear. Now, wait here. I'll be right back." She reluctantly left Tim in the library and went down to see who was at the door. Mikayla peered through the peephole and saw Felicia standing on the porch. Mikayla flung open the door. "Licia! I didn't know you were coming!" She hugged her and brought her into the house.

Felicia laughed as she returned Mik's hug. "I couldn't miss our boys in the Series, now could I? Besides, I have some news and I wanted you to be the first to share it with me." She beamed as she held out her left hand for Mikayla to see.

Mikayla grabbed her hand to take a closer look. "You're getting married? Who's the poor unfortunate soul? Do I know him?"

Felicia continued to grin. "I think so. Come here, honey." She said, motioning to the figure in the car.

"Wait a minute! I think I know that head of hair! Profaci!" Mikayla shrieked and ran toward the New York City detective. "You're marrying my Licia?" She exclaimed as she and Tony exchanged bear hugs.

"Well, Mik, you wouldn't marry me and I told ya I was gonna marry a Southern gal," Profaci grinned. "Felicia was the first one to say yes." Tony and Mikayla linked arms and made their way to the porch.

During this time, Tim came down to see what the excitement was all about. "What's the fuss?"

Mikayla exclaimed, "Felicia and Tony are engaged! Tim, you've met Tony Profaci, haven't you?"

Tim studied him for a minute, then replied, "Yeah, we met at The Caravan. Nice to see you again, and congratulations," he said as he shook Tony's hand.

"Thanks, Tim," Tony said, placing his arm around Felicia's slim waist.

"Felicia, I am so happy for you," Mikayla said. "Tony, can I borrow your fiancée for a bit? We need to talk about some girl things. Tim, can you find your way to the kitchen?"

"We're detectives, Mik," Tim joked. "I think we can find our way around." The two guys laughed as they headed for the kitchen.

"So, give me details, Licia, though I'm still not sure Profaci's good enough for my sis--best friend." Mikayla caught herself before blurting out the word 'sister'.

"Well, we've been dating ever since we met that night at The Caravan. He's been up to Boston to meet Mom and Dad, and I've been to New York to meet his. It was so sweet. He went so far as to ask Dad for his permission to ask for my hand in marriage. Anyway, it was so romantic, the way he proposed. He took me on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. When we were stopped under a street lamp, he turned to me and told me that he knew this was sudden, but he knew he couldn't spend the rest of his life without me in it. I, of course, immediately said yes."

"I'm so happy for you, Licia," Mikayla said, sitting down on the foot of her bed. "Have you set a date yet?"

"March 1st. We're getting married in Baltimore, then I'll try to get on with the department in NYC and he's going to try to get on here, so I'm not sure where we'll be living." Felicia looked at Mikayla. "I, of course, want you to be my maid of honor, and Tara and Penny as my bridesmaids. Will you do me the honor? It won't be the same without you."

Mikayla excitedly hugged Felicia. "Of course I will, honey. I can't believe my Licia's getting married. Just like in 'Little Women', Meg getting married before Jo does."

Felicia looked shocked. "What? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"No. I did, however, take a big step. I told him I loved him…after he told me he loved me," Mikayla said shakily.

"This must be serious, Mik. You've never told a man that before."

"I know, and I'm scared, Licia. I'm so afraid I'm gonna lose him, either by driving him away, or he'll get killed in the line of duty, or--"

Felicia quickly interrupted her friend. "Mikayla Fitzgerald, listen to me. You can't think like that. You don't think that hasn't crossed my mind with Tony? Of course it has, but I don't dwell on those thoughts. I just do my best to keep my attention on the here and now and worry about the wedding plans. Now that you know, you can help me worry and plan, okay?" Mikayla nodded. "Now, what else is new with you?

Mikayla decided to wait till they all returned to Baltimore to tell Felicia about her new discovery. "Nothing really, just waiting to see the Braves pound the Orioles. Y'all wanna ride with us to the game? By the way, where are y'all staying?"

"We have reservations at the Hilton."

"Forget that, y'all can stay here. It'll be like old times. You know, us up all night talking about our latest boyfriends," Mikayla smiled.

"Yeah, but this time they'll be here," Felicia grinned. "I'll see if it's okay with Tony."

"Sure, why not? That's awfully nice of you, Mik," Tony said in response to Mikayla's offer. "Course, you know this means we'll never see them," he said to Tim. "They'll be up gabbing all night."

Mik slapped his arm. "Right, like you guys don't talk. Give me a break, Tony. I know better than that. Now, run along and get your bags and I'll show you to your room." Mikayla gave Tony the abbreviated tour and as he was settling in, the girls went back to Mik's room and resumed their previous conversation about Felicia's upcoming wedding.

When Tony finished unpacking, he made his way down to the kitchen and found Tim sitting down eating a sandwich. "Mind if I join ya?" He asked. Tim nodded and motioned to a chair across the table. Tony pulled it out and straddled it, then grabbed one of the sandwiches.

"So, you knew Mikayla when she lived in NYC?" Tim asked after a long silence.

"Yeah, I met her through Pen, when they were roommates. She's a good kid, got a heart of gold."

"That she does," Tim replied. "So, have you two set a date for the wedding?"

"March 1st."

"How'd it go with her parents?" Tim asked.

"No prob. I won 'em over with my winning charm and personality," Tony laughed. "Actually, to tell you the truth, I was scared as hell. I think I'd rather face a reprimand from Lt. Van Buren than have to go through that again."

"I know what you mean. In my case, though, before our first date, I had to go through Mik's self-appointed guardian." Tony looked puzzled. "John Munch, Tara's uncle." Tim relayed the story of what he went through before his first date with Mikayla...

He was attracted to Mikayla from the first time he saw her picture. He still couldn't believe he didn't recognize her that night he met her in the bar. After finally building up the nerve to agree to let Penny set the two of them up, he was relieved when he realized he wouldn't have to face any parents. "Not so fast, Timmy, my boy," Munch bellowed from behind the bar at The Waterfront. "There's a few things we need to talk about before you take out my adopted niece. Here," he said, pointing to a barstool, "have a seat. We'll chat." He might as well have said 'I'll chat', because that's what it consisted of. "Tim, let me tell you about Mikayla Fitzgerald," he began as he paced back and forth behind the bar. "My adopted niece has a heart the size of the South and she wears it on her sleeve. She's flighty, but that's just her shield. You and I have our manmade shields, and she has her self-made shield. My little southern belle seems to be of the opinion that, even though she was a model, she still leaves a lot to be desired in the looks department. I've told her good things come in all shapes and sizes, but it hasn't quite sunk in yet. So, let me tell you this in all seriousness, Timothy Bayliss." Munch stopped in front of him and glared directly at him. "If I ever, ever find out that you hurt her in any way, shape, or form, I will hurt you so bad you'll think Freddy Krueger was Mr. Rogers' cousin.. Do I make myself clear?" Tim swallowed and nodded. He'd never had a lecture like that before, least of all one from Munch.

"Damn!" Profaci said after Tim finished his story. "I'm glad I didn't have to go through that. Mik and I went out a couple of times, but that was it. He described her to a tee, though, I have to say."

The girls appeared and Mikayla waltzed up to Tim. "Ready for the game, boys?" Tony looked up and whistled. Tim turned around to see what he was looking at, then he gave a whistle as well. Mikayla and Felicia were dressed in identical Braves jerseys and shorts, with Braves caps on their heads.

"You take this game seriously, don't you?" Tim asked.

"Darn right, honey. I take all my games seriously. Now, if you two gentlemen would like to escort us to the car, we can be on our way." The foursome piled into Mik's Honda and they made their way to Turner Field. About three hours later they made the trip back to Mik's house. "What a game!" Mikayla exclaimed. "I didn't think Smoltzie would pull it out, but he did. A complete game and a win! That's two down, two to go."

The second game in Atlanta, an afternoon affair, went the same as the previous evening's, with the Braves getting a complete game from Denny Neagle, who called Mikayla's house that evening. "Denny!" She shrieked into the phone. "Great game today! How's the family? They want me to what? Me? Are you sure? Of course I'll do it! Whose idea was it? Bobby's? Thank him for me, would ya? Darn right I'll be at the party tomorrow night! See ya tomorrow, Den." She hung up the phone and looked at the others with a shell-shocked look on her face.

"What was that all about, Mik?" Tim asked.

"I've been asked to sing the National Anthem at tomorrow night's game," she stuttered.

"Mik!" Felicia exclaimed. "This is a dream come true for you. You always said you would do that one day."

"I know. I just can't believe I'm going to sing the National Anthem during the World Series at an Atlanta Braves game." Mikayla leaned against the counter and took a sip of water.

"What's this about a party tomorrow night?" Profaci asked. "And are we invited?"

"Sure, you can come, if you don't mind putting up with a room full of Braves fanatics." She carried her glass over to the table and sat down. "The Braves throw a party after the last game every season for the season ticket holders. My parents have had tickets for decades, plus I used to be in a band that was the entertainment a few times."

"You were in a band?" Tim asked. "I'm just discovering new things about you every day."

"It wasn't as glamorous as it sounds. We just played at local clubs and assorted functions."

"Don't forget to tell them the name," Felicia said slyly.

"It had to be the corniest name for a band, so don't say I didn't warn you. We were The Belles and Beaux. Go ahead, feel free to laugh. We were pretty good, if I do say so myself."

"I think I still have some of the tapes you sent me," Felicia added.

"Come on, Mik. Give us a preview already, would ya?" Tony asked. After some begging and prodding, Mikayla led Tim, Felicia and Tony up to the music room. She searched for an accompaniment tape, looking for a specific one. When she found it, she put it in the machine and turned it on. "Okay, y'all, have a seat. I hope you enjoy it." Mikayla perched on a stool next to the stereo and began to sing.

"One fine day, you'll look at me And you will know our love was meant to be. One fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl.

The arms I long for will open wide And you'll be proud to have me right by your side. One fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl.

Though I know you're the kind of boy Who only wants to run around. I'll be waiting and, someday, darlin' You'll come to me when you want to settle down.

One fine day, we'll meet once more And you will want the love you threw away before. One fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl.

One fine day, you're gonna want me for your girl. One fine day… One fine day…"

As the music faded, Mikayla turned toward her small, but captivated audience. "And, thank you for the round of thundering applause. We also performed country songs, and music that spans from the fifties up through today's contemporary hits. Any requests?" Tim immediately thought of the song he'd heard on the radio on the trip down and asked if she knew that one. "I do, and it's one of my favorites. Hold on a sec, I'll be right back." She left the trio and returned carrying a guitar. "This was the first guitar I ever bought for myself. If you don't mind, I'll perform this one with just the guitar." She strummed a few notes, then began singing "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" She followed that up with another Bryan Adams song, "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)." She started tearing up, so, immediately after the song ended, she put down the guitar and ran down the hall to her room. Tony and Tim looked over at Felicia. "That was one of her parents' favorite songs. I don't think she's sang it since their deaths. I'll go up and check on her."

"Let me do that, Felicia," Tim offered. "You and Tony get settled. We'll see you in the morning." Tim said good night, then went up to Mik's room where he found her sprawled on the bed, crying her eyes out. He went and sat down on the bed next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Mik, sweetie, it's okay. Let it out." She cried even more, so Tim pulled her head to his chest and held it there until she calmed down. "Felicia said that was your parents' favorite song."

She looked up at him, mascara running down her cheeks. Mikayla sniffed and wiped her eyes. "It's not that. It has to do with Mark and Laura." She sat up and leaned against the headboard. "I met Laura Weston right after I moved to New York City, just before I started school. We became good friends. We were practically inseparable for about a year. During that time, I started dating Mark Edwards. He was a stockbroker with some big Wall Street firm. That song was our song, or so I thought. Anyway, one Friday night the band I was in had a gig at a local club. It was the same night as some big shindig at Mark's office. Since I couldn't go, I suggested he ask Laura."

"Had they ever met?"

"A couple of times. They went to the party and I went to the club. The band finished early, so I went home, changed clothes and went over to the company's penthouse suite." She bit her lip thinking about the pain she went through. "As soon as I walked in, I spotted them on a couch in an adjoining room. I rushed back out and did the first thing I thought of: I keyed his new BMW convertible. I know that was childish, but I just wanted to give him a taste of how much he hurt me. That was his prized possession, and he was the most important thing in my life at that moment." No wonder she's so insecure and has trouble trusting people," Tim thought. "But, that wasn't the hardest part. I could live with that. It was what happened later. Once they found out I'd discovered them, they both profusely apologized and said they never meant for anything to happen and, besides, I was the one that set them up. So, for once in my life, I stuffed my feelings and went along like nothing had happened. Suddenly, Laura never had time for me, she wouldn't return phone calls, it was like she was ducking me, and the same thing was happening with Mark. Through the grapevine, I found out she'd moved in with Mark. The reason it hurt so bad was because Laura and I had made a pact, that no guy would ever come between us and we'd never break a date with each other to go out with a guy. Needless to say, she broke both of those rules." She bit her lip to keep from crying again. "It took me a long time to learn to trust people again. I'm not where I used to be. I used to take everything everyone said at face value, but not after that incident. Thankfully, shortly thereafter, I met Tara, and then Penny, and they've really helped me. I was just climbing my way back up the ladder, so to speak, until my parents dropped their bombshell on me. But, I made it through that, and I'll make it through this, too." She let out a snicker.

"What?" Tim asked.

"You know the whole reason we moved to Baltimore, don't you?"

"I think so, but I'll let you refresh my memory."

"Penny was dating someone in the M.E.'s office and found him with another woman. I remember when he showed up at our apartment right before we moved here. Even though it had been several years since my breakup with Mark, I was still seething because I never got the chance to tell him how I felt. The minute Lance opened his mouth to try to get Penny back, I slapped him. I think I put all of my anger and hurt and betrayal in that one slap. It took both Tara and Penny restraining me to keep from strangling him. When he stood there pitifully trying to apologize, all I could see were Mark and Laura saying the same words. So help me, though, if I ever see any of those three again, I may have an even worse reaction."

"Mikayla," he said softly, lifting her head so he could look directly at her. "Believe it or not, I know where you're coming from. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say I've had my share of disappointments and betrayals in my life, but being a Homicide detective has taught me one thing."

"What's that?"

"That life is too precious to let the past get in the way of the future. We're all made up of everyone who's had a hand in shaping our lives, positively or negatively. It's then up to us to choose how we let them affect us. Hopefully, for the most part, we choose the former rather than the latter. But, we can still learn from those that have a bad impact on our life." Mikayla shook her head in disbelief and amazement. "Did that make any sense?"

"Perfect sense, Tim. For the first time in my life, a man has actually had a serious conversation with me. Thank you for caring. For once in my life, I'm speechless--and that's not an easy feat to accomplish, Mr. Bayliss."

"Good, because I've got more to say. I know what it feels like to have that trust stripped away from you. That's why I made a vow to never lie to anyone. I don't want anyone else to have to go through that kind of pain. I guess I sensed a kindred spirit in you the first time I met you and that's yet another attraction of yours. I have a hard time trusting people myself, but, I truly believe that with the strength of our relationship and with time, we'll make it."

"Tim, I've never had anyone understand me like you do. That just makes me love you all the more." They embraced and held each other until they fell asleep in each other's arms.

Back in Baltimore, everyone was gathering around the televisions at the precinct and The Waterfront. "I can't believe the Braves are gonna win," Lewis grumbled. "We're gonna have to listen to that damn chant for the next year."

"Be patient, my friend," Munch said from behind the bar, "football season's here and our fair city will avenge these losses."

"Can it, guys," Kay ordered, "National Anthem's about to happen."

"And, now, ladies and gentlemen," the stadium announcer's voice proclaimed, "would you please rise for the singing of our National Anthem. Performing it for us today is a native Georgian from Roswell. She's back in town after a few years away and graciously agreed to step in at the last moment. Let's give a warm Atlanta welcome to our Southern belle, Mikayla Fitzgerald."

"What?!" Lewis exclaimed in disbelief. "Mik's singing the Anthem? This is just too much for me to take. Quick, pour me another one, Munch!"

"Shhh!" Tara hissed. "We can't hear her!" Everyone listened intently as Mikayla belted out the song, then sat in awe as she left the field and the game began.

The phone rang at the bar and Munch answered it. "Waterfront, did you see my niece on television?" He couldn't have been more proud of her than if she were his own flesh and blood.

"Of course we did, John," Penny replied. "She did an outstanding job. You think you could interrupt the merriment over there and let me talk to my other roommate?"

"Sure thing, Pen." Munch put down the phone. "Tara!" He bellowed over the noise of the crowd. "Pen's on the phone!"

Tara came to the phone and had a quick conversation with Penny. She whispered something in her uncle's ear, then returned to the table she was sharing with Logan, Lewis and Kay. She relayed the message from Penny to them.

Needless to say, Meldrick's prediction was correct. The Braves won the game and, therefore, the Series, four games to one. The scene the next morning at the precinct was an interesting one. Mikayla had shown up before everyone and decorated the entire squadroom in Braves blue and orange and had brought back pennants for everyone. Lewis moaned upon entering work that morning. "There's no way I'm gonna work with that...thing on my desk! Get it outta here, now, Fitzgerald!"

"I'll remove it just as soon as I get my money, Meldrick. Remember the bet?" Mik sweetly asked, holding out her hand.

"Yeah, yeah, don't remind me. Damn!" He exclaimed, digging through his pockets. "I can't believe the Braves actually won!" Everyone else in the precinct, with the exception of Kay, had the same reaction. Mikayla and Howard had collected a tidy sum from their bets and decided to donate their winnings to charity.

"Mik," John Munch sauntered over to her desk at the end of the day.

"Yes, Uncle J?" She asked as she filed reports.

"Allow me to treat you to dinner at the best establishment in town to celebrate your victory."

"Let me guess...The Waterfront?" He nodded. "Okay, you're on. Let me get my coat and we can be on our way." Munch helped her with her coat and they left the department. "By the way, where's the rest of the squad?"

"Since it's not my day to keep up with them," he quipped, "I would venture to say they're either on their way home or out on cases." They made their way across the street and Munch opened the door for her. She stepped inside and saw Tim behind the bar and her face brightened. He and Frank had been out on calls all day, so Tim and Mikayla hadn't seen much of each other. "Hi, sweetie," she beamed.

"Hi, Mik," Tim smiled back.

"Tim, what do you have all over your face?" Munch asked. "It looks like you forgot to wash your face this morning."

"Oh, this?" Tim ran a hand across his chin. "It's a look I picked up in Atlanta. I kinda like it."

"Me, too," Mik said, running her hand across his newly grown goatee, "though I'm still trying to get used to the tickle of whiskers."

"Well, we'll just have to do something about that, won't we?" Tim replied, grabbing Mikayla by the waist and pulling her to him. Just then, the lights in the restaurant came on and everyone yelled, "Surprise!"

Mikayla almost jumped out of her skin. "What's all this about?"

"Well, my pretty little niece," Munch said. "This is our way of complimenting you on the outstanding job you did warbling our National Anthem."

"Damn straight!" Meldrick said. "It was the best part of the whole damn game."

"And also, we're trying to butter you up to see if you'd sing for us here," Munch continued.

"You don't have to ask me twice to sing," Mikayla gleefully answered. Brodie brought her a stool and a microphone and, along with Tara and Penny's help, held a mini-concert in the bar until no one could keep their eyes open any longer.