Love Leads The Way
Part Seven
By Pepper
"Hey Ray," said Danny as he let himself into Ray's small room at the church.
"Well hey Danny!" said Ray, rising to give his cousin a big hug. "Long time no see!"
"I know Ray, I'm sorry. Michelle and I have been so preoccupied lately."
"I understand Danny. So," said Ray, pausing to scrutinize his cousin. "What's wrong?"
Danny laughed. "You could always tell when something was up couldn't you?"
Ray laughed too. "Well, you are pretty easy to read when something serious is on your mind."
Danny sighed.
"I'm happy Ray. I'm more happy than I have ever been in my life. You know that."
Ray nodded. "Yes, but something is bothering you."
"You always did know me better than anyone, didn't you Ray."
Ray smiled at Danny and said, "Quit stalling Santos."
"Okay okay....geez. all right, today is, apparently something special to us, Michelle and I. I can't remember what it is, which is really irking me. But also, she's had me going around town, to see different people. Friends, family, and such."
Ray nodded again, encouraging Danny to go on.
"Well, each place, I was just expecting to pick up a few things for Michelle and all. But, at each house, they confronted me with their feelings and stuff. I just don't know what to make of it all!"
"What do you mean Danny?" asked Ray, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms, a look of confusion on his handsome (couldn't resist!) face.
"Each person I have been to see, Bill, Rick, Abby, and her Aunt Meta, and Drew, all of them...they, I don't know how to explain," said Danny. "They all tried to tell me how they felt about me now. They were all so NICE to me. It was weird Ray."
"How was it weird Danny? I saw all of you together at the Christmas party last month. They all seemed to really like you then Danny."
Danny sits thoughtfully for a moment.
"Maybe it's been there for a long time, I just didn't see it...or chose not too."
"See what?" Ray asked, attempting to help Danny figure it all out by himself.
"See...to see their acceptance of me. I never would have dreamed that they would come to embrace me as a member of the fold and as Michelle's husband. In fact, I always thought Rick perceived me as a threat to his sister."
"People change Danny, look at you. You've turned your life around, all because of Michelle. I'm sure they have all seen that."
"I suppose you are right Ray," Danny said, sighing. "What would I ever do without you?"
"You'd never figure out anything," said Ray grinning.
"Now if you could only help me figure out what day it is," Danny said.
"Oh, I think I can help there," said Ray, laughing at the look of surprise on Danny's face.
"You can?" he exclaimed.
"Danny, think. What day is it?"
"It's Saturday, I already KNOW that!"
"No Danny, what is the DATE."
Ray had to laugh as he saw the look of realization dawn on Danny's face.
"Oh my God Ray, how could I forget that! I have to go man, I'll talk to you later."
Ray was still laughing as Danny ran out the door.