Page 156 of The Deadly Shallows

“It’s okay, boys,” he said through the glass. “We won’t be long.”

Her brows arched. “Won’t be long? Where are we going?”

He pulled her tighter into his embrace. “On our first date.”

“We’ve had plenty of dates,” she said.

He chuckled. “Stakeouts don’t count.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” He pressed his lips back to hers. He’d been right. This love was going to be quite the adventure.

Epilogue

CHRISTMAS EVE

“Stop it!” Kenzie said.

Noah looked across the table at her. “Stop what?”

“Bouncing your knee. You’re shaking the whole table.”

“Sorry.” He hadn’t even realized he was doing it—never did.

“I think it’s sweet,” Gabby said, pulling her cinnamon roll into pieces before taking a bite.

“Since when?” Kenzie asked, popping the last of her roll into her mouth.

Their mom made the best cinnamon rolls ever.

“He’s anxious for Mom to come back,” Gabby said.

It was annoying she knew him so well. She’d figured out why he’d come to breakfast sans Brooke for the first time in at least a month.

“Why?” Kenzie asked, narrowing her eyes, then her mouth slackened. “Is she . . . ? Are you . . . ?”

Noah exhaled. He might as well just tell her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t stop bugging him.

“Here you go,” his mom said, handing him the velvet bag.

“Is that what I think it is?” Kenzie asked, her eyes wide with delight.

“Grandma’s ring,” Noah said.

Kenzie’s face lit.

“But not a word,” he said.

She made the zip-my-lips sign with her fingers across her mouth.

“Okay. I better go.” He stood. “Thanks, Mom,” he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“You’re welcome.” She patted his cheek, tears glistening in her eyes.

He opened the front door to find Finn on the other side, his arm up, poised to knock.

“Hey,” Finn said.