“And Mercy?”
“Tomorrow.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
“Inner water only if the weather turns.”
“Yes.”
“No heroic decisions.”
“Agreed.”
“No pretending you aren’t tired.”
“I took a break during my own wedding.”
Pride warmed his face.
“You did.”
“I’m good at recovery now.”
“You’re better.”
“Careful.”
He kissed me again.
We said goodbye beneath the dock lights.
Leah promised to call the next morning.
Marian promised not to call unless the yard burned down.
Owen promised to send a photograph proving Marlowe had been fed.
Talia promised nothing because she had reached the final month of pregnancy and believed all promises should be made to her.
Then Reid and I climbed into the station wagon.
His overnight bag waited behind the seats with mine.
My suit jacket came off before he started the engine.
The wedding bands caught light when he placed his hand over mine on the console.
“Husband,” he said.
His voice carried heat.
I looked at him.
“Yes?”
“I’ve been patient all day.”
