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“When we get home, I want to finish the nursery,” she said, ready for a change of topic. The nursery was safe. “I love what you are doing in there.”
“It’s becoming a hobby,” he said. “I have so many ideas.”
“Well, that’s wonderful,” she excitedly. “Another of your talents. I’m learning more and more about you every day.”
“I talked to my brother about it and he’s doing their baby’s room, too. We Googled and found out they see primary colors. I like what we have so far, but it needs something bright, too, like yellow polka dots.”
“Um, I’m not sure,” she said, laughing. “But I guess since you’ve been researching, you must know. It seems kind of bright.”
“I think the more we can stimulate him, the better.”
“Okay, well, it’s in your hands.”
The captain announced they were getting ready to land, so they did everything they were instructed to do and held hands, waiting until they were on the ground.
The experience was different, Dave would tell his brother on a phone call. It was not Cypress Cove. He didn’t feel like a hick, but he wondered if Katrina’s colleagues looked upon him as one when they heard he was a sheriff in a rural, Southern Louisiana parish. Observing her in that milieu gave him increased respect for Katrina. It was a company on a serious life and death mission and the powers that be wanted the brightest young talent in the highest positions.
“I hope they don’t ask her to move to San Francisco, though, because I don’t like it here. Everyone is about at the same level in the cove. You can be a doctor or a fisherman, yet you don’t live that differently. Here, it’s so obvious, you have the richest and the poorest and never the twain shall meet.”
“We don’t really have a big unemployment problem in Cypress Cove,” Justin said.
“Ah, I’m not so sure. But I see the lineup at the liquor store on Friday night, paychecks cashed, money they need to last a week burning a hole in their pocket.”
“Yeah,” Dave said. “At the cocktail party they had in Katrina’s honor last night—not a baby shower like they said it would be—everyone dressed in suits and there I was in jeans and cowboy boots.”
“Did Katrina ask you to dress a certain way?”
“No. She told me to bring jeans and white shirts, that she liked me in a white shirt. She hung on to my arm all night so it wasn’t like she was trying to distance herself. As a matter of fact, she told me to stay away from all women, young or old, and I was happy to oblige.”
They laughed out loud, comparing their jealous women.
“You’ll be home Monday night?” Justin asked.
“Yep. Today we’re doing the tourist thing, going sightseeing. I want to see Alcatraz.”
“Of course, you do,” Justin said, laughing. “Have fun, brother.”
Saying goodbye, Dave felt slightly melancholy, missing his brother, homesick for Cypress Cove and the cottage, even with Katrina by his side.
“When we get home, you’ll be a stay-at-home mom,” Dave said, kissing her hand. “How does that sound?”
“Um, well, I’ll still work, but not outside of the house. You knew I’d be working, right? What would I do with myself all day if I didn’t work?” She looked around the hotel room. “Dave, would you mind if I tried to change our flight? I’m ready to get home today.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, trying not to jump for joy. “Once you get home, that’s supposed to be it. No more travel.”
“I’m sure. Are you okay with if we leave early?”
“Yes, let’s get home.”
Returning to the cottage that night was magical; she immediately sensed the oppression of dread lift when she walked over the threshold.
“Do you feel it?” Dave asked. “All the tension that had built up over the trip just left my body like a big fart.”
Katrina laughed out loud.
“Yes! I can take a deep breath but maybe I’d better not.”
“I meant metaphorically speaking,” he quickly added.
