Lucien lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. He didn't initially notice a voice nearby until a hand gently placed on his chest brought him back to attention. He looked over and smiled at Jean, her light eyes peering at him in the dark.
"What are you so absorbed in? I thought that the case was over?"
Lucien turned over to face her.
"Oh it's not that. I was just thinking, do you know it's our five year anniversary?"
"We've only been married a year."
"The anniversary of our first date. It was five years ago this month."
Jean propped herself up on one elbow.
"We've never been on a date."
"What?"
Lucien looked affronted.
"What about the time you and I went to that revival meeting together, at that church after Bobby Lee was murdered?"
"You were interviewing a suspect. I just tagged along to keep you out of trouble."
"And the night we went to the Soldier's Hill Hotel?"
"What? We never!"
"Yes, remember I went to see Derek and you came with me."
"It was a murder investigation. You asked me to steal a key."
"We still went together."
"I snuck out the back. By the bins."
Lucien was too lost in memories now to notice the rising tone in Jean's voice. He propped himself up and leaned forward.
"What about the Begonia Festival?"
"The year you were a judge."
"Yes, see? We went to the awards ceremony together."
"You offered me a ride, that's all. No one ever told me it was a date. Besides a judge and a contestant could hardly go out, that would be a conflict of interest and entirely improper."
Lucien chuckled, "You're probably right."
After a moment's thought he poked a finger in the air as if he suddenly has an idea.
"The night Jacqueline Maddern came to town. I went the show with you!"
"Ugh!"
Jean rolled on to her back, slamming her head against the pillow.
"I was in the show Lucien, you didn't take me to it. And it doesn't count if your children are there. We have never been on a date."
Lucien sighed thoughtfully, "No I suppose not."
He rolled over towards Jean, nuzzling against her neck.
"Maybe it's time I took you out on the town, make up for lost time, eh?"
Jean tried and failed to suppress a smile.
"Well, if you insist."
They lay together in silence for a few minutes, content in each other's company. Eventually Lucien stirred, lifting his head so he could whisper in her ear.
"There was of course that time we drove half way to Bendigo to that farm when I was investigating the Carson murder. Remember the car broke down and we had to spend the night in that hay loft?"
Hovering over her, Lucien could feel the heat rise in Jean's cheeks. When she answered she sounded flustered.
"Yes, well, I suppose that does count as a date, technically speaking. But I think the less said about that the better."
With a breathless huff Jean rolled over and pulled the covers up to her chin.
"Now go to sleep, Lucien."
Lucien settled down next to her and pulled her close. He could not stop grinning.
