The next morning, Callie woke up with her cheek against Morris's chest. She didn't care to move. She didn't have to get up that morning - Morris wasn't going to let her out of the house.
"Good morning," he said, when he felt her stir.
"Morning," she said, slightly pulling away from him. He was still in his clothes from the night before. "Sorry…I didn't realize I fell asleep on you."
"It's okay," he said, running his hand through her hair. She looked down - he'd fallen asleep on top of the covers, holding her.
"I'm gonna go to jail, aren't I," she sighed.
"Probably," he said softly. He wasn't about to sugar coat it for her. That wasn't his style. "But you'll still have me."
Callie shook her head and looked up at him. "You'll need to move on," she said. "Find someone who makes you happy."
"You make me happy."
Callie cocked an eyebrow at him and smirked. "You're happy when we're bickering at each other?"
"No," said Morris. "But I'd rather spend the rest of my life bickering with you than at peace with anyone else.."
"What if I'm in jail for the rest of my life?"
"You won't."
"I could be."
"Then I'll come visit you every week for the rest of your life."
"Don't make promises you won't keep."
Morris brought his hand up and took her hand. "I intend on keeping this one."
Callie propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at Morris. She had written him off as a lot of things in the time she'd known him, but when it all came down to it - he was the man who loved her. Probably the only one who ever would.
There was a knock on the door later that night and Morris stood and opened it as Callie finished their dishes from dinner.
"Mr. Clark," said Morris. "Come on in." He opened the door a little wider and let the lawyer into the apartment.
Callie turned around and wiped her hands on a towel.
"Good evening," he said. "I'm sorry, I meant to get here sooner, but I was caught up."
"Not a problem," said Morris. "Can I offer you a drink?"
"No thank you," said Mr. Clark, holding up a hand. "Miss Stamos, I met with the district attorney."
Callie swallowed as she walked over to stand next to Morris. "And?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"Seven years on Blackwell's Island."
Callie closed her eyes. Morris put his arm around her and guided her to sit down.
"That's…that's not as bad as I was thinking," said Morris, putting his hands on Callie's shoulders.
"The maximum for manslaughter is twelve and a half," said Mr. Clark. "And they could send her upstate. If we went to trial, I could argue for self-defense, but juries aren't inclined to let a woman go so easily. They'd likely convict and, depending on the judge, she could get an additional sentence. I think seven years is the best you're gonna get."
Callie opened her eyes and nodded. "I can do seven years," she said, though her voice was shaking. Morris gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Mr. Clark nodded. "Very well," he said. "The wagon will be here to collect you first thing in the morning. I have made personal assurances that you won't disappear in the mean time."
"I won't," she said. As tempting as it would be to hop a train as soon as Mr. Clark left, Callie wasn't about to let Morris lose all that money he'd put up for her.
Mr. Clark nodded. "I'll be here as well to ride with you and see you don't suffer any abuses on the way there."
"We appreciate that," said Morris.
With handshakes and farewells, Mr. Clark left. As Morris turned around after closing the door, he saw Callie sitting, tears running down her face.
He stepped over and squatted in front of her, taking her hands in his. "You can do this, Callie," he said.
"I'll be twenty-five when I get out," she said.
"And I'll be twenty-seven," Morris shrugged. "Big deal."
"I'll be an old maid."
Morris chuckled. "Now when have you ever been concerned about that?"
Callie gave a tiny smile.
Morris took her hands in his. "You have me, Callie," he said. "You always will. I'll be right there when they take you away, and when they let you go, I'll be on Blackwell's to greet you."
Callie looked up at him. "Promise?"
Morris nodded. "Promise."
Callie leaned in and kissed him.
The next morning at eight o'clock sharp, there was a knock on Morris' door.
Callie and Morris shared a look, knowing it was time.
"Just a minute," Morris called, wanting a few more moments of privacy with her.
"If you find someone else, just write me," she said. "So I don't look for you when I get out."
Morris shook his head. "That won't happen," he said, putting his arms around her. "You're it for me, kid."
"Even though I'll be twenty-five when I get out?"
"Mm-hmm," said Morris, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm gonna love you 'til we're both old and gray."
The knock came again.
They shared one last lingering kiss before Morris took her hand and opened the door.
"Ready?" asked Mr. Clark.
Morris looked down at Callie, who nodded. "Ready."