Danny walked back into the house still thinking about Michelle. He hoped that he had done the right thing. He knew the game he was playing could have dire consequences but he couldn't stop himself.

Carmen, Bernard and Theresa met him at the door. "What was so important that you needed to discuss with Jimmy?" Carmen asked kissing her son's cheek.

"Nothing really. Just something I need him to check up for me is all."

Carmen was less then convinced. She was well aware of Drew Jacob's impending marriage and the fact that Michelle Bauer was due back in town any day now. To this day she still was angry that she had let Danny manipulate her into sparing that girl's life. But if this all worked out the way she had planned then they all would come out winners.

Danny poured himself a drink and settled in for what appeared to be a long night ahead of him. Theresa sat next to him doing her best to read his expression. She only wished she knew what was going through his head. She wanted him to be excited about this wedding as much as she was. There was greatness ahead of them if he would just see his way clear to letting it happen.

Danny sat there absently swirling his scotch thinking about Michelle. He could imagine the look on her face when Jimmy handed her those roses. He knew how much Michelle loved flowers. He had been disappointed though that the florist hadn't had any lavender. That's what he truly wanted to send to her. He wanted her to know that in all this time he hadn't forgotten. Hell he would have had lavender in every room of his house if Theresa wouldn't have found it strange.

"Daniel," Carmen's voice pierced his thoughts, "Daniel have you heard a word we have said?"

"What? I'm sorry." She was annoyed by his indifference. "I'm just really wiped out. Long day before my flight. I'm sorry now what were you saying?"

"We were discussing plans for the wedding." Theresa was upset to think that he was that unconcerned about things.

"Danny," Bernard's voice was firm and strong, "Danny, you understand how important this is to my little girl don't you? She wants her wedding to be perfect as do I. Am I making myself clear here?"

"Crystal," Danny said taking another sip of his drink. "Pull it together Santos. You're gonna blow this one right out of the water," he scolded himself. Danny walked to where Theresa was sitting and put his hands on her shoulders giving them a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, honey. I want this to be as perfect as you do." He kissed her cheek and tried to remember again why he was doing this.

Carmen had made reservations for them to have dinner at the country club that night. Father Thomas and Ray were to meet them there to discuss the ceremony.

Danny was relieved to see Ray when he entered the main dining room. Ray had now come to know all the reasons behind Danny's rush for an annulment. He still hadn't liked it but he understood why Danny had done it.

Danny wanted to set Michelle free. Wanted her to have the life she deserved. The life that she would have never been able to have with him. Carmen used Danny's obvious love for Michelle to force his hand. To force what she had wanted so many years ago. Michelle's life would remain untouched as long as Danny stepped forward and took his rightful place in the family and married Theresa. The way it had been meant to be.

Danny had fought her at first. Not so much about the business but marrying Theresa was the part of the bargain that he wasn't able to stomach. He countered her with another offer. He needed time to get to know Theresa again. They couldn't just be married. He wanted to ease into everything. Carmen had relented finally when Danny threatened to stop the annulment and bring Michelle back as his wife in every sense of the word.

Sitting there right now Danny had wished he had done just that all those years before. The conversation droned on well into dessert. Danny did his best to play the part of the happy groom to be but Ray knew that the act was wearing thin.

"Would you all mind if I stole my cousin away? It's been such a long time since we had a guys night." Ray asked the others at the table. Danny smiled with relief when no one objected.

Theresa kissed him fully on the lips before following everyone out the door.

"Thank you!" Danny said gratefully, "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"Looks like a lifetime, man," Ray stated.

"Don't remind me," Danny groaned. "It will be easier when we are back in Chicago."

"Too many ghosts here?" Ray knew the answer to that prior to him even asking it.

"They're not just ghosts anymore."

"What?" Ray hated when Danny talked in riddles. He had been doing that since they were kids.

"I saw Michelle."

"Michelle, where?" Ray knew all too well that this spelled trouble for not only Danny but it could prove to be deadly for Michelle.

"The airport. I ran into her. She's in town for Drew's wedding. Jimmy knew all about it and he let me come to town anyhow."

"Jimmy, always the matchmaker." Ray laughed, "Well you know he can't stand Theresa."

"Yeah I know but he knows that Carmen can't know that Michelle and I are in town together. Even if it was an accident."

"You don't think she already knows?" Ray found it hard to believe that she didn't have a tail on Michelle just as Danny did.

"I don't Ray. I hope not. I just need to get back to Chicago. Things will go back to normal then."

"Normal?" Ray said "Normal, what's that?"

"I did something really stupid Ray," Danny continued, "I had Jimmy take Michelle roses......."

"What? Are you nuts???"

"I know, I know. I couldn't help myself. Just seeing her again Ray it brought it all back. Every feeling that I have ever felt for her came crashing in on me like a tidal wave." Danny rubbed his hands across his face trying to get a grip on things.

"Danny, can you really go through with this marriage to Theresa?" Ray rested his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Can you really make everyone believe that you love this girl?"

"What choice do I have Ray? If I don't Michelle's as good as dead."

"Protect her like you always have," Ray countered knowing that sooner or later he would no longer be able to keep up this charade. "Danny you deserve to be happy. You deserve to have the woman you truly love, not a mere imitation."

"Ray, you don't get it. All bets are off. No matter what. No matter if I try to protect Michelle, mama will kill her. Then I would have no choice but to return fire. Are you ready for that kinda war?" Danny said with a stoic face. "This is the way it has to be."

Out of the corner of his eye Danny caught a glimpse of a figure running that he was sure had to Michelle. He knew if was her without getting a true look. "Wait here," he said to Ray without waiting for a response.

Danny stood motionless watching her through the glass of the heavy door. The moonlight illuminated her entire being. She was breathtaking. The wind whip through her hair revealing her slender neck. Danny remembered all the times that he had been close enough to touch it. He watched as she wrapped her arms around herself. He was certain that she must be chilled standing out in the night air. Instinctively he removed his leather jacket and headed to where she stood.

"Cold?" he whispered in her ear as he laid the jacket on her shoulders. He felt himself shudder at being so close to her again.

She spun to face him. Those doe eyes of hers starring at him. It took all his effort not to reach down and take her right there. It had been so long since he had felt this alive. This totally consumed by desire.

"Not anymore," she returned sweetly, "Thank you for the jacket and for the roses. They are amazing."

"I'm glad to hear that you liked them."

"You shouldn't have though," she said not really meaning it. She couldn't think. Their bodies were within inches of one another. She felt dizzy, overwhelmed and panicked all at once.

"Why?" he asked taking a step closer.

"I.....they....," she stammered trying to get a grip on her thoughts, "They well they were just so much."

"Nothing is too much for you."

Before he knew what he was doing, Danny took her in his arms. Pulling her tightly against his body. There was no hiding his desire. Michelle felt it as he pressed her closer to him. His kisses started lightly savoring the taste of her. Then as the excitement grew they deepened. She parted her lips for his tongue to enter her mouth. She had dreamed of this for so long she was afraid to open her eyes for fear of it being only that a dream. She felt his tongue exploring her mouth as hers was his. Danny rested his hands against the small of her back. Even through the fabric of her dress his touch set her on fire. Michelle ran her hands along his chest fueling her own desire. They found their way to the buttons and undid them effortlessly. Instinctively her fingers wound themselves through the hairs on his chest. She remembered always wanting to do that. Danny let out a gasp of air as her fingertips made contact with each of his nipples. He knew just how crazed this was but had no intention of stopping it. The world as he knew it, for right now was this and only this.

He brought his mouth away from hers and began trailing sweet kisses down her elegant neck. He pushed away the hairs and suckled her earlobe. She giggled with delight. She was amazed. Her body was filling with pleasure. She felt herself wanting more with each passing second. Danny brushed his hands long the fullness of her breasts. Michelle pushed them further into his hands. She needed him to touch her, wanted him to. Just as he was about to fulfill her wish they both heard footsteps and a voice.

"DANNY!" they both jumped.

Ray tried to see where Danny had gone. He had left in the midst of a sentence. His heart went out to his cousin. He knew that Danny was doing what he thought he had to do to keep Michelle safe, but Ray was certain that before long Danny wouldn't be able to keep up the deception.

His gut was telling him that good old Aunt Carmen would see through the act. Then he didn't know where this would all be headed. The one thing he was sure of was that Danny would readily give up his life for Michelle. In one sense he was already doing that but if Carmen really was hell bent on disposing of Michelle the way Danny had said Ray was afraid he may be presiding over a funeral rather than being a best man at the wedding.

Ray couldn't believe his eyes. He had decided to go find Danny himself. Something inside of him propelled him forward. At the sight he witnessed he was glad he had. There were Danny and Michelle standing on the terrace in a very compromising position as far as Ray was concerned.

"Danny," his voice cut through the silence of the night.

Both Danny and Michelle jumped at the intrusion yet neither moved away from the other.

"Ray," Danny returned a bit taken by surprise.

"Hi, Ray," Michelle looked like a kid who just had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Danny, I think it's time that we get back to the house. Before we are missed," Ray pointedly remarked.

"In a minute." He couldn't bare the thought of moving away from her. They still had so much unfinished business.

"Danny!" Ray couldn't help the anger rising in his voice. This was a risky thing that Danny was doing. Too chancy to let it continue. Ray was certain that Danny wasn't thinking clearly. He knew that he had to be the one with the clear mind here tonight.

"Give us a minute, Ray!" Danny returned with the same force as Ray had. Ray relented walking back inside the open door, but he remained close. The last thing he wanted right now was for Danny to get in over his head with all of this. Ray hated to admit it but more than likely he already was.

Danny turned back to look at Michelle. Her breathing was still quick and heavy. Neither one of them had realized just how hot and bothered they had actually gotten. Michelle smiled weakly at him. He once again brought his mouth to hers. Only this time he controlled the hunger coursing through him.

His head was repeating over and over again that this was wrong, that he was asking for trouble, that Pandora's box had just been opened, that it would put Michelle in jeopardy however his heart was crying out for the love he had lost when he walked away from her. His heart was telling him to forget this sham of a marriage and take this wonderful creature back into his arms. Make up for all the lost time that they had spent trying to vanquish one another for their souls.

Danny raised her eyes to meet his. She was imploring him to say all the things that his heart was bursting forth with. He let his lips brush hers for the last time. This had to end here and end now. If it didn't Danny knew that he would never be able to continue with the facade he was so desperately trying to create. That he needed to pull off.

"Danny, Ray's waiting," she said pointing to the door.

"I don't care. I don't know how to do this again," he returned surprised by his own honesty.

"Neither do I."

"We can't do this though. It's not what either of us want," He felt the dragger rip through his heart as he said that. The pained expression on her face caused him to turn away. He wasn't able to look her in the eye. He knew if he had it would have given away how he truly felt.

"What?" she said in a hoarse whisper. This wasn't making any sense. Only minutes ago they were so in sync with one another the world could have stopped and they wouldn't have noticed. Yet now he was telling her that this wasn't what either of them wanted. Michelle felt as if she had just been kicked in the chest.

"This was a mistake," he continued all the while still never looking at her. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He retreated before she was able to respond. He couldn't let her see the tears in his eyes. He couldn't let her know how much she was still a part of him. The biggest part of him.

Michelle stood there on the terrace until she could no longer see him. The cool night air whipped around her yet it didn't matter. She was too numb to even notice.

Michelle looked on as Danny walked away from her for the second time in her life. His words danced about her head. None of this made any sense. None of it. She was still able to feel his touch on her skin when she closed her eyes. Feel his mouth on hers. Absently she brought her hand to her face. His cologne was filled her nostrils.

What had just happened between them was anything but a mistake. It had been the most right thing that had happened in the last four years. How could she get him to see that? How could she make him understand that all she ever wanted was him?

"Michelle," Bill's voice pulled her from her trance.

"Huh?" suddenly she was very cold. He offered up his coat to her, "Thanks."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah.....yeah I'm fine," she lied. She was anything but fine.

"Pilar is really sorry about what happened inside."

"Sorry? Why?"

"She didn't really want to come tonight. She thought that it would be awkward for you having her here."

"Don't be silly. She's your girlfriend and my friend."

"That's what I told her but she's pretty upset with herself right now."

"Bill, where is she?"

"I'm pretty sure she went to the ladies room."

"Let me go talk to her."

"Are you sure? I know that this has to be overwhelming for you too. Being back here and all. The memories I mean."

"The memories follow me," she looked back at the door that Danny and just bolted through. Yes she was right about that one. The memories followed her everywhere. "It's not Pilar's fault. It's not anyone's fault really. It's really time for me to move forward." Michelle only hoped that she was sounding as convincing as she had wanted.

Bill and Michelle walked back inside the country club. Michelle's eyes wandered through the crowded room hoping to catch a glimpse of Danny. He was gone. She felt her heart sink deep in her chest. She handed Bill his sport coat as she entered the ladies room. "Tell Rick and Abby I'll be in in a minute."

"Thank you," Bill said knowing how difficult this was going to be for his friend.

Michelle found Pilar drying her eyes in front of the vanity mirror. She stood behind her tentatively placing her hands on her shoulders. Pilar looked back at her through the mirror. Both women said nothing for quite some time. Michelle broke the silence finally.

"Pilar," she said kneeling beside her, "Pilar, please there's no reason for you to be upset."

"I wished that I believed that," she returned.

"You can. Please nothing you said in there did anything to upset me."

"How can that be true? Everytime you look at me I'm sure you see Danny."

Michelle was unable to deny that was true, "Yes, yes I do. But I also see the beautiful women my best friend is head over heels in love with. I see a future Oscar...Academy Award winner sitting before me too. Most importantly I see my friend." Michelle took Pilar's hand in hers. "Pilar, I won't lie to you. Yes I still love your brother. I don't think that I will ever love another person the way that I love Danny. I'm trying though. I am trying to piece my life back together. But nothing you say or do can make me think about him any more then I already do. Being in Springfield again just makes it all the harder. It's not you really."

"Michelle, I'm so sorry."

"For what? You didn't force Danny to get the annulment. He wanted it. He wanted to have a life free of me." Michelle didn't believe a word she was saying, especially not after the encounter she had just had with him. She didn't give a damn what he said. The words the spilled from his mouth were not the words she knew were in his heart.

"I think you're wrong Michelle. Danny has never gotten over you. He hasn't been the same person not ever since he walked away from you. I wish he would just give you two a chance," Pilar was speaking her own wishes for the two of them.

"I don't think that's going to happen. I have to move forward. Actually I have," Michelle said trying to recall the man she had left back in New York. Yet after feeling Danny's presence again that was a troublesome task. "I met a wonderful man named Dylan Pierce and I am beginning a life with him. We share the same hopes...the same dreams." Michelle's words rang true but what she hadn't said was hitting her hard and heavy. That they may have shared the same dream but not the passion, not the fire that she and Danny had. She was sure the in Danny Santos she had found her soul mate. She also knew that the day he walked away he had taken hers with him.

"I'm glad for you. But I still wish things were different."

Michelle had wished they were too. She wanted to be back in Danny's arms, in his bed and more importantly back in his life.

The two joined the party again. Bill was glad to see them enter the room arm in arm. Pilar smiling her awesome smile. The evening continued on well into the night. Everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Michelle included but she wished that she was able to forget about Danny if only for a little while.

Danny forced himself not to look back at her. He couldn't let himself think about her anymore. But that was all he could do. He ran his hand through his hair as Ray stared him down.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?" Danny couldn't find the words. The words to explain his actions. Maybe because there were no words that Ray would understand. How could he explain that he was drawn to her. Drawn to her by some force that was bigger then himself. Even to Danny that sounded absurd but there wasn't any other way to describe it.

There had been so many times that he felt her. Felt her presence. He knew it was her before he had even gotten a look at her. His business brought him to New York now and again, each and every time he was there he made sure that he caught a glimpse of her. It tore at his heart but was unable to stop doing it.

"I'll tell you what you were thinking, YOU WEREN'T THINKING!" Ray's voice spat trying to grab Danny's attention. "Didn't you just get done telling me that you had to steer clear of Michelle? Then I find the two of you.....well you know what you were doing."

"I couldn't help myself Ray," was all Danny could think of to say.

"Danny, you are treading on some mighty thin ice if you ask me. If you don't watch you are going to fall through and take Michelle right along with you. Does she even know about you and Theresa?"

"No...no she doesn't. You have to promise me that she will never find out. It will crush her if she knew."

"Danny," Ray couldn't believe what he was hearing, "What are you doing here?" he asked again.

"Ray, I honestly don't know. I can't imagine letting her go again. Being here with her has stirred up everything all over again." Danny's tone was filled with angst.

"You know that you can't have it both ways," Ray was the ever present man of reason, "You can't marry Theresa to keep Michelle safe and have Michelle too."

"I KNOW!" Danny hadn't meant to yell but he had never the less.

Ray rested his hand on Danny's shoulder and noticed that he was trembling. Trying so hard to hold it all together. "Man, I want you to be happy. If Michelle makes you happy then I say to hell with the arrangement. Go to Michelle and take her back."

"I wish it was that simple."

"It is!" Ray was exasperated with Danny.

Danny hung his head as he walked away from his cousin. Even though Ray spoke the truth, Danny couldn't see the way clear to making it all come together and happen. How could he have his dream of being with Michelle, when his mother would be fighting him every step of the way and Bernard.......Danny was certain that he would not be as forgiving the second time around. So he would be putting Michelle in harms way by a family he had absolutely no control over.

The reality of what his life had to be hit him square in the face as he slid into the passenger seat of Ray's car. No matter how much it killed him, he had to stay away from her. He couldn't let his heart get the better of him. Michelle's life was at stake. He had to be the stronger one.

"Hey peanut," Danny was surprised to see his baby sister sitting alone in the expansive Santos living room.

"Danny," she jumped turning to look at her brother. "I didn't hear you come in."

"You weren't supposed to. I was trying to slip in unnoticed," Danny said with a sly smile.

"Hiding from Theresa I see."

"No...well kinda yeah. I'm not up to it tonight." Danny was exhausted both physically and mentally.

"Guess who I was with tonight?"

"Bill," Danny teased knowing the two were inseparable.

"Yes, but I was with someone else too. Michelle. She's back in town."

Danny wanted to shout it from the roof top that he knew that. That he had spent his time kissing her and wanting her but he couldn't, "Really? How is she?" he did his best to sound uninterested.

Pilar knew better. Her brother was like an open book to her. She read his body language. She was certain that he would have given anything to be with Michelle Bauer instead of Theresa Rivera.

"She seems fine on the outside. A lot like you I guess. Going through the motions. But underneath I would say she's pretty lonely. I would have to say that she's still very much in love with you Danny." Pilar waited for his reaction. Nothing. He sat still beside her.

"I highly doubt that," But he wasn't so sure. The way they had reacted to one another tonight...well right now he wasn't sure of anything.

"Danny, do you really love Theresa? I mean truly love her?"

"Yes I love her." Danny hoped his noncommittal tone didn't reveal his true feelings.

"The way that you loved Michelle?" Pilar pushed.

"I don't think you can love any two people the same, peanut," Danny said looking away from her. His eyes would have given away his truth had he let her see them.

"Danny, I think you are avoiding the question. For obvious reasons. What if I told you that Michelle still loves you and I know it for a fact."

"How?" Danny couldn't help but be intrigued.

"She told me. Tonight I thought that I had upset her by coming to her welcome home party. I thought that seeing me would remind her of you. She told me that everything reminds her of you. And that she still was very much in love with you. That she didn't think that she would ever love anyone else the way that she loved you, Danny." Pilar knew that she had betrayed her friend but Danny needed to know. He needed to know before he made a terrible mistake. His biggest mistake since letting Michelle go.

"Just think about that Danny," Pilar kissed his cheek as she head for her room.

Danny stood dumbfounded. It was one thing to think you knew something. It was a completely different story to hear it come out of a person's mouth. He poured himself a scotch and stared at the phone on the desk. He knew that what he was thinking was the wrong thing to do. He knew that he shouldn't but again he was unable to stop himself. Danny picked up the receiver and dialed the Bauer house.