“I survived,” she announces, dropping her beach bag by the door. “The pool party, the bridesmaids, the vampire confrontation. All in one afternoon. I deserve a medal.”
“You deserve more than a medal.”
She crosses to me. Slides her arms around my waist. Presses her cheek against my chest—against the slow pulse where a human heart would race.
“I’m okay,” she says. “Really. A little shaky underneath, but okay.”
“You were extraordinary.”
“I was terrified.” She pulls back to look at me. “But I didn’t let him see it. That counts for something, right?”
“That counts for everything.”
She studies my face. I watch her expression shift as she reads something there—some shadow I couldn’t quite hide.
“What happened while I was gone?” she asks. “You have that look.”
“What look?”
“The one that says you’ve been planning something and you’re not sure how to tell me about it.”
She’s very perceptive. Too perceptive.
“We made plans for tomorrow,” I say carefully. “Marcus coordinated with Elena and Sofia via comms while they watched over you. Positioning for the reception. Contingencies.”
“And?”
“And there’s something else. Something I need to tell you.”
She goes still, then smiles. “You got someone pregnant, didn’t you?”
I chuckle. “No... At least, not that I’m aware of.”
We both know she’s taking things seriously, but she’s trying to let me know that she’s ready for whatever I’m about to throw at her.
“Well, then I’m sure it’s something we can get past.”
“But kids would have been the deal breaker?”
“Possibly... I guess we’ll never know. Now tell me whatever is bothering that old man brain of yours.”
“Hey!”
“Am I wrong?”
“Technically, no.”
“Deal breaker number two is out of the way.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m always right.”
I can’t help but smile.
“Got it.”
“Good,” she says as she leads me to the sofa.
