Chicago couldn't sleep that night. The day had passed so quietly without the boys. No yelling, no fighting, just civil behavior. She couldn't contain her boredom.

She sighed looking out the front window like a worried mother. Little Rock had long since gone to bed and Wichita was content to watch more adult movies downstairs. Chicago rested her head against the cool glass wondering if they were okay. Even more pressing in her mind was what they were talking about. Columbus was in such a bad spot; Tallahassee was probably beating him to a bloody pulp with his own problems.

The headlights were a welcome relief and as soon as she saw two people get out of the truck she crutched over to the couch and pretended to be asleep. Tallahassee and Columbus entered silently with just a few rustles of bags. She heard them say goodnight and then heard Columbus disappear down the stairs.

Tallahassee sat down in the recliner next to the couch and watched her for a moment before laughing. "You can stop pretending now."

"How'd you know?" she asked keeping her eyes shut.

"Because I knew you would worry about us," he replied.

"So why did you do it then?" she smiled.

"I did what you told me to," he replied easily. She opened her eyes. "I talked to him," Tallahassee said digging something out of his pocket.

"Did you? What did you say?" she asked humoring him.

"Man talk, can't tell you," he smirked.

"Really?" she asked cocking her head.

"Yes, but rest easy the little spit fuck is going to be fine," Tallahassee replied. She sighed and rested her head on the pillows as he got up and knelt beside the couch. "How's the leg?" he whispered.

"Much better," she replied taking his hat off.

"You know, I wanted to apologize for pushing the other night," he said softly.

"It's okay," she sighed turning the hat over and over in her hands. He handed her a ring box and as Chicago started to open it Tallahassee's hands closed around hers.

"Wait, this comes with some instructions. It took me hours to find the right one, but I knew it was the one the moment I saw it. I don't want to hurt you and I am so," he smiled looking away, "so bad this sort of thing."

"Tallahassee," she sighed.

"No. Let me finish," he said quickly. "When, I mean, if you wear it… I think it should mean… I don't know," he laughed getting up. She smiled sweetly when she saw that his hands were shaking.

"You want it to mean that I'm ready?" she asked. He looked at her seeming panicked.

"No! I didn't- I mean um… shit you really can read people like books can't you?" he asked. She nodded. He sat down next to the couch again and took a deep breath. "Not very romantic when you put it that way," he sighed.

"Not really, but it's sweet anyway," she sighed smiling at him again. "I know you don't want to hurt me, and I'm glad you're trying not to rush me. I wish the whole world was as honest as you actually." He looked at her.

"Why is that?" he asked.

"Because, if we did things this way… you know instead of guessing… well who knows? Could be a lot better," she shrugged looking at the velvet box in her hand.

"I still feel like an ass because this totally kills that romantic element of me… just knowing what to do to wow you," he sighed. She laughed out loud.

"I already know you can't read me," she said when she could speak again. He sighed.

"Unfair," he grumbled. She bit her lip and rubbed the back of his neck.

"But that doesn't mean you can't wow me…" she said slowly. He looked at her over his shoulder with a skeptical smile. "I just need a little while…"

"Yeah, of course…" he replied nodding. She leaned over and pecked him on the cheek.

"I think I've decided you're one of the good guys," she whispered.