Page 145 of Hidden Nature

“That’s right, but they brought him back. He’s up Farmington way, has his own little hardware business.”

“We took the last from Uniontown.”

“I know it’s close, but that’s why we wait awhile, and we got the van painted up. I haven’t heard anything about them looking for a white van either.”

“If he gets your feeling, babe, we’re heading for Farmington.”

They clinked beer bottles.

“The other’s a woman. About forty-six, I think. This one electrocutes herself. Not on purpose. She’s changing out a ceiling light for a fancier one. And didn’t she forget to turn off the power? I swear, it strikes me as meant to be.”

With a shake of her head, Clara scooped up some peas and carrots.

“Gets that bad shock and falls off the stepladder, knocked herself out. Her daughter was there, pregnant daughter at the time, and called nine-one-one, did CPR. She was gone for about four minutes before the EMTs got there and used the paddles. She’s outside Kingwood.”

“When she die, babe?”

“Last March—near a year now. And the man, he died in May.”

“After dinner, we’ll take a look at both. Maybe me being with you and back a hundred percent’ll help bring on your feeling.”

She sent him a slow smile. “I get all kinds of feelings when you’re with me.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “We’ll work on those after. I sure have missed making love to you, babe.”

“We’ll make up for lost time. For the mission, and for us. Sam, I swear, this steak’s done to a turn.”

“I rubbed a little something extra on it, let it sit awhile, before I fried it up. I knew we both could use it.”

“It’ll help get us back to full strength.” She ate another bite. “Plus, adds flavor.”

As Sloan debated coffee or Coke for her drive to work, someone hammered on her door. She wrenched it open to find Drea with a jacket thrown over pajamas.

“Who’s hurt? Are you hurt? Mom and Dad—”

“I’m fine, they’re fine. Everything’s fine. Everything’s amazing.”

“You’re in pj’s,” Sloan said as she shut the door.

“I couldn’t wait. What’s different?” Drea demanded. “Come on, come on, you see everything! What’s different?”

“Having you beat on my door in your pajamas to start. What’s—” Then she grabbed Drea’s left hand, stared at the ring. “Oh my God.”

“Isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t it perfect? I’m getting married!” She threw her arms around Sloan and bounced.

“Wait. Wow. Wait. Didn’t you meet him like five minutes ago?”

“Three months!” When she drew back, Drea’s eyes sparkled like the diamond. “And I know that’s fast, but I’m so in love with him. He’s in love with me. We’re looking at next fall for the wedding.

“Be happy for me!”

“I am.” A quick internal evaluation found that truth. “God, of course I am. You just knocked me back. Way back.”

Drea turned two circles.

“I had to work a little late yesterday, so he said he’d take care of dinner. I figured he’d pick up a pizza or whatever, but when I got home, he’dmadedinner.”

“He cooked?”

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