“Couch,” I said.
“Bed?”
“Couch first.”
We settled beneath the navy blanket.
I lay against Reid’s chest with my ring between us. Marlowe found the smallest available space and occupied most of it.
Reid touched my hand every few minutes, as though checking the band remained.
“It’s not leaving,” I murmured.
“I know.”
“You keep touching it.”
“I waited a long time.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
His voice became firm.
“No apology for the road that brought you here.”
I closed my eye.
“Tell me what happens next.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“You fall asleep.”
“Likely.”
“I carry you to bed.”
“Unnecessary.”
“Enjoyable.”
“Then?”
“Tomorrow, you complain about mornings. Marian reorganizes something I thought was already organized. Owen breaks a stool racing Caleb. We order your ring for me.”
“And after?”
“Work. Appointments. Dinner.”
“More.”
“Mercy in the basin. Canada someday. Leah’s girls getting older. Caleb’s baby arriving.”
“More.”
