“And you almost fainted.”
“Is that normal?Feeling it right away?”
“No.Then again, we’re not normal, sweetheart.”
“You know, every time I saw you after that, even as Sheriff,the tingling would return.Now I think they were trying to talk to me… or you.”
“Maybe.That night I came to you as Sheriff, and you saidyou had a secret, is that what you were going to tell me?”
“Yeah, but you ran off before I could.”
“We got a tip on Stone and had to hurry before we lost him.We did, though, so”—I shrug—“didn’t really matter.”
And then, I realize something.Shit.I should have known.“Oh, fuck.”
“What is it?”
“You said you had a weird feeling when I came around.WheneverI was with you, I would sense this other presence but could never figure outwho it was.Now I know.It was our babies.”
She doesn’t respond, just lays her head on my shoulder inquiet contemplation.I can’t believe I didn’t figure it out until now.I’m suchan idiot.We sit there for God knows how long before she nudges me.
“We should go, or we’ll be late.”
“You’re right.But first, I have something for you.”
I remove the small box from my jacket pocket, containingmatching earrings to the necklace I’d given her the night of the fundraiser.
“You’ve given me more than enough today.”
“Indulge me.”
She opens the box and stares down at its contents in amazement.
“They’re beautiful.Thank you.”
“They go with this.”
I remove the necklace from my pocket and clasp it around herneck.Then, I help her with the earrings.
“I’m all sparkly.”She smiles up at me.
“You sparkle more than any jewel in this world.”
“Aren’t you just full of compliments tonight?”
“I still can’t believe that you’re mine,” I say as I strokeher cheek.
“Well, I am.So get used to it, Sheriff.”
***Casey***
We arrive at the restaurant, and it’s quiet.There are nosounds of people dining, staff moving about—nothing.
“Why is it so quiet?”
He just gives me his all knowing smile and winks.We’regreeted by a hostess who tells us to follow her.When we enter the dining area,I see why it’s so quiet—the room is empty.Rolling my eyes, I turn to him.
“The entire restaurant, Ethan?Really?”
