Page 34 of Hitched

“No.” She shakes her head, ashamed. “She doesn’t even know that I’m gay. It was enough that she knew that I was into the drugs. I can’t break her heart.”

“I understand.” I nod, rubbing her back.

As I leave the house, after staying for the water heater repairman, and for cookies and dinner, I can’t help but feel very different about certain things. After today, I have a different perspective, and as much as it’s painful to learn about the troubles that some people are going through in their lives, it’s also beautiful to see.

The plane ride back to the states, after a week in Scotland, is odd. I feel torn between staying, so I can stay close to Gretchen, Peg, and to da, but I also feel myself gravitating back to Caleb. We’ve spoken briefly while I’ve been here, but he’s also been with someone, so it’s been a distant conversation. Sadly, I end up pulling a late night for work, from my home office, and with jetlag and pure exhaustion, I don’t have the energy to call Gretchen or Caleb. I wake up to a beep from my security system, alerting me that someone is here. When I look on my phone, I see that it’s a floral delivery van, and I raise a brow. Nobody ever sends me flowers, so my back is immediately up. I’ve heard of things like this, where thugs gain access by masquerading as good people.

“Who are the flowers from?” I ask, before even thinking about letting him in.

“Caleb Harris, ma’am. Shall I leave them by the gate?”

“No, that’s fine. You can bring them in.” I say, feeling the smile on my face.

The card says, ‘a million thank yous, Caleb’. They’re stunning. I’m not a fan of flowers, but these are an exception. I tip the man and send Caleb a text. “A million you’re welcomes.”

He calls. “You got them.”

“Yes. They’re gorgeous. And completely unnecessary.”

“No good deed should go unnoticed. Are you staying home?”

“Yes.”

“Are you up for company?”

I frown. “Sure.” Brandy is gone on an impromptu vacation to Aruba with her cousin Laurie. They left the day after she got over the stomach flu and hasn’t been back since. It was one of those last-minute deals and Laurie wouldn’t take no for an answer. I still haven’t told her about me and Caleb sleeping together again. In fact, I haven’t told her about Gretchen or Peg yet, either.

“Be there shortly.”

He’s never been to my house, but I don’t pretend that he needs the address. Ten minutes later, he’s here, and I let him inside. It’s weird, but I feel like I missed him. Like I’m happy to see him. And he looks like he missed me, too. In fact, he approaches and gives me a hug, and he tells me that he missed me.

I smile. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Damn, I wish I could have come with you back to Scotland. I miss Peg. I love that bairn.”

“I can see why. She’s great.”

He just smiles as I close the door behind him. He sees the flowers on the kitchen table. “Exactly as I ordered them. Good.”

“You mean you didn’t just pass the request on to your assistant?”

He shakes his head. “No, ma’am. I don’t let her do anything that needs a personal touch. I went down to the florist myself and the old, arthritic woman helped me put together this arrangement herself. I even wrote the damn card myself.”

I’m impressed. “Really.”

“Of course. That’s like having someone else choose a Christmas present. I’d never do that.”

I decide it’s time to change the subject. “Any advancements in the case?”

“No, not yet. It’s basically been radio silence since you’ve been away.”

“Any word from Chas or Beckett Ford?”

“I spoke to Beckett on the phone on a small financial matter, but otherwise radio silence there, too.”

“How’s your da? He giving you a break on marrying me?” I add, acting like it’s a running joke between us.

“Ah, he tore a strip out of me the other day, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

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