9. A Day On The Life

Saturday, September 5
9:51 AM.
Kim's slumber was brought to an end by the feather softness of Angel brushing back and forth past her upper arm, bending her head to massage it against her hand, all the while purring with intent. She awoke with a sckngk when the boa-like tail of the kitten slid under her nose, and she immediately reached for the white fluff, embracing her in her arms. "Is this your idea of letting me sleep in late?" she smiled to Angel, who was still responding with a constant purr.

Kim trailed her curled fingers along the kitten's tail, watching her pad to the foot of the bed. She then rolled over to give her husband a kiss as just another reiteration of her thanks for the furry companion. She found instead a note on his pillow. She reached and unfolded it, rolling back onto her back to read; "K - had to go pick up some essential items for today - hope to be home by about 11. Kiss yourself for me. Love - W"

It wasn't until she was reading over the note a second time, studying William's business-like block-letter printing, that Kim found herself lightly pressing the back of her hand to her lips. She exhaled a silent giggle at herself - then rose and went to the dresser, picking out a pair of silver sweatpants made of a thin slick material, and a t-shirt in robin's-egg blue with the familiar Intel circle logo, modified to read "baby inside" - something she had made on a whim during a trip to the Bound Dreams bookstore. After choosing fresh undergarments, she draped the clothes over her arm and made her way to the shower.

In the weeks following the discovery that a baby was coming, Kim and William's lives jumped to another level of activity. Two days after the news, on July 1st, Kim returned to her training class to resume her work orientation - the same day that the launch of the restructuring was announced - the consolidation of Claims and Rec, Fulfillment, Customer Service and Customer Finance into a single, mammoth, streamlined entity to be known as Processing.

Kim actually received two rounds of applause on that day. On the day she rested, Kim spent most of the day phoning and emailing friends and colleagues in both her new workplace and the Celler environment, telling them of her wondrous news learned only after her harrowing episode in the lunchroom. Only knowing her sister's email address, she contacted Tina through Mary and sent her a short message to read to the class in her absence. Meanwhile, William coordinated with Carla to assemble a short syllabus to catch Kim up on the company software and procedures. That morning when Kim walked into the Claims and Rec department, all the way through the door to class, she was swarmed with applause and congratulations.

The second round occured just a couple of hours later, when everyone in the building was called to assemble outside on the south grounds, where a small stage had been erected to make the announcement of the restructuring to the nearly 800 workers. When the Board of Regents announced William to spearhead and oversee the project, the loudest cheer came from the workers of Claims and Rec, who knew and had worked with him, and were confident at that point that they, along with their coworkers, were in capable hands. Marcy then took that time to add that William had received even more good news in his life with his new wife being with child.

From that time forward, Kim and William both dove into their careers. William's work days would sometimes run 14 to 16 hours, and even with the extensive pre-planning he had worked on, there would still be a small chink here or there in the logistic armor that would eat up his free time, even into the weekends.

Kim was not left completely alone at home, however. She and Marcy spent time together during the week, joining a backgammon club which met every other Monday evening, and continuing Kim's driving lessons on the weekends, culminating in Kim taking and passing the test for her license in mid-August. Kim also started an impromptu typing class for many children of Meridian employees on another night of the week, funded and held by the company in the Claims and Rec department during the hour after work. On Thursday evenings Kim, Marcy, Tina and Donna would have a "girls' night out," perhaps meeting for dinner and a movie one time, and perusing the shops in Brookings Market Square or the Eastgate Mall on another.

No matter what tasks their work or extracirricular activities would bring, Kim and William had taken extra measures to make sure that Sundays were reserved for them and them alone - whether to take in a movie and dinner, a walk in the park or to just spend the entire day curled up in each others' arms at home, they made sure that this one day of the week would be left to spending that time away from anything that was not each other.

This sunny first Saturday in September was a planned exception, however. They had worked to clear both of their schedules to enjoy an entire weekend together - and to highlight this day with a quiet picnic in the lush rolling hills overlooking a nature site near the Susquehanna River.

They had gone to great lengths to make sure they were both unavailable for this day.

11:06 AM.
Kim had just gotten a glass of water and a handful of wheat crackers from a box on top of the fridge, and sat on the couch to watch the rest of an airing of "Bueno Nacho" when her cell phone rang. She reached to the end table to pick it up - "Hello?" - then - "AIIEEEEEEE! How did you get the number!?!??...no-WAY! I told him never to give it out! HAHAHAHAHAHA! What up?? Well YEAH I got it on! Doi!"

11:22 AM.
"'...excuse me...I have to go make a scene.'...Hmmm-hm-hm-hm-hmmm," Kim recited a line from the episode, then leaned over onto the cushions of the couch, uttering a closed-mouth giggle into the phone.

The deadbolt on the front door turned and William entered, giving his wife a nod as she waved her fingers. His hands were full and Kim rose to help, slipping him a kiss while still talking on the phone. "Yep, it's him...he's got a load of stuff...ooOOOoo, check this out...a 'Knick Knack Chick Shack Pick-Nick Pack'...my fave...yep, hot, juicy, crispy fried chickennn...hm-hm-hm..." She then noticed the double-handle wicker picnic basket in William's other hand as he went to the kitchen and set it on the table.

Kim followed with the rather large paper sack of food, setting it beside the basket. "Hang on a sec," she said into the phone, "I must load the pic-a-nic basket." she finished with a snicker and handed William the phone. "Talk," she smiled sweetly at her husband, "It's someone you know," and turned to delve into the sack, pulling out items.

"Marcy lent us the basket," William said as he took the phone. "She packed a little something for you in there." He then brought the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

"Is this William?" a sultry voice asked. "Kimmie's better half?"

William turned slowly to look at Kim and spoke into the phone. "Yes, this is William...but why would you say I'm the better half?" Kim turned quickly to hide a snicker, slipping her face into the sack as if searching in the bottom for something.

"Well, her I know...you, I'm giving the benefit of the doubt," the light voice came over the phone. "How are you? I've waited quite a while to hear your voice. Kimmie is rather...stingy."

William tapped Kim on the shoulder and pointed to the phone, raising an eyebrow. "Kim said you're...someone I know. You'll forgive me, but...I'm afraid I don't recognize the voice."

"You doooonnnnn't?" the phone cooed. "And here Kimmie told me you were a real fan of the show. I think I should be hurt. Don't you even want to hazard a guess?"

"I suppose I could," replied William, "...but if I were to guess wrong, I might offend you even further." Kim's face went back into the sack, which then buzzed with a muffled "hm-hm-hmmmm."

"How about a little hint?" the voice purred. "A line from the show, perhaps?" William was about to agree, when the receiver erupted with "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT LISTENING TO YOU IS LIKE!?? IT IS SOOOO BORING!!"

William held the phone away from his ear. The sack Kim had her face in was now puffing out a bit as she could no longer hold her laughter. William took aim and gave her a light but smart smack on the backside, and her laughter was mixed with a playful "Ow." She then sat in one of the chairs with a silly grin on her face. William once again put the phone to his ear, looking at his wife in mock exasperation. "Hello, Shego," he said. "I guess I didn't recognize you without that evil edge to your voice."

"Uh-huh," the green-skinned vixen said sarcastically. "I suppose you also think I'm really a blonde?"

"Yes," said William, smiling, "Kim told me all about the Cher wig." Kim, who was wiping her eye from laughing, erupted again.

"Heh," Shego replied. "Well, I guess you two have a day planned, so I won't keep you any longer...just wanted to find out who Kimmie had gotten mixed up with. Give me back to her for a sec. And hey," she added with a snicker, "enjoy your further backgammon losses. I taught her, you know."

"Yes, I believe she mentioned that," William returned, beginning to smirk. "Okay, here's Kim again." He started to motion the phone to his wife, then brought it back quickly. "Oh hey - give your mentor Bonnie a big hug for me."

Kim cracked up again as William handed the phone to her with a trimphant grin on his face. "Trained him good, haven't I? HAHAHAHAHA! Okay...sure, anytime...but I won't have it with me , later Sheg...bu'bye." She closed the phone and jumped up to give William a kiss, still chuckling. "Good shot."

"Well, she started it...picking on my lack of backgammon skills. I was backed into a corner and had to strike back," William snickered. He then drew down the handles on the basket and undid the string holding the lid. Kim stood to peer in as he opened it. Inside was a pair of paper plate holders, also made of a form of wicker, and a large red-and-white checkered cloth.

William lifted the cloth to reveal a large clasp envelope labeled "Kim". He handed it to his wife, who opened it and pulled out a large white scarf and white-framed "cat's eye" sunglasses. She gave him a strange look. "The sunglasses are cool, but...what's the scarf for?"

"To keep your hair in place," William replied.

Kim looked through the sliding glass door into the back yard. The trees were motionless. "There's no wind today...and if it's too windy in the car, I'll just roll up the window," she said.

"Heh," chuckled William. "I'm afraid that won't help today." Kim gave her husband a puzzled look. "Help me load the basket and I'll show you," he said grinning, and started to place items from the sack into the basket.

Kim looked at William for another second, then went to the cupboard for some paper plates and a small stack of napkins. She placed them on top of the cloth William had folded to nestle the food, and he brought the lid down, wrapping the string around the catch a few times to secure it. He then took one handle of the basket, motioning Kim to take the other, and they walked to the door. William indicated that the keys were still in the lock. Kim used her free hand to swing the door open, and they walked onto the stoop, with William using his free hand to pull the door closed and locked it.

Kim took a step toward the street - and stopped. "William?"

"Yes, hon?"

"Uhhh...where's the car?"

"It's on the street, just beyond the bushes."

They continued down the walk - and Kim stopped again. Instead of the Camry she expected to see, the only car parked on the street was a small cream-colored convertible. She looked back at her husband quizzically. William motioned toward the small sports car. "What did you do?" she asked, a smile starting to spread over her face.

"Remember Michael Hawkins?" said William. "He's the Chairman of the Board at Meridian. He proposed the toast at our wedding." Kim nodded. "Well, he collects cars. Marcy knew about us planning this day for ourselves...and I guess she talked with him. He lent me this for the day. Marcy said it was his way of thanking me for the hard work and commitment so far on the restructuring."

Kim looked again at the convertible. "Sweet!" she exclaimed. Remind me to give Marcy an extra big hug next time I see her."

"Now you see why Marcy sent along the scarf," he grinned.

Kim nodded. "This is going to be neat."

"It's a two-seater," William remarked, "so this will have to go in the trunk." They approached the car - then were halted with their arms outstretched, the basket between them as they started for opposite ends of the car. "Where were you going?" he asked with a smirk.

"Ummm," she stuttered, "I was going toward the trunk?"

"Not in this car," he grinned. Kim followed him to the front of the car as he lifted the lid. They set the basket inside and William secured it with an elastic strap and closed the lid.

He then led his wife to the passenger side and opened the door, holding out his hand to cradle hers as she settled into the tan leather seat. Kim studied the interior as William crossed to the driver's side and slid into the seat. She immediately noticed how simple and spartan it was compared to the automobiles she had ridden in to date. The instruments were few, and there were nearly no indicator lights, much less a climate control system. A simple AM/FM radio hung below the flat metal dash panel. She also noticed that, unlike any other car she had been in, there were three pedals emerging from the floor under the steering wheel instead of two.

"This...is kind of an old car, isn't it," Kim queried as William placed a key into a hole on the dash.

"Well..." William paused, "yes and no. It's a replica of a very old car with all new and rebuilt parts. It's patterned after a Porsche Speedster from the 1950's...but the running gear is from a Volkswagen Beetle."

Kim then pointed to the floor. "What's the extra pedal for?"

"It's the clutch," replied William. "This has a manual transmission. You have to change gears manually."

"You never told me you could drive one of those," Kim cocked her head and smiled.

"You never asked," he smirked in reply. "Actually, I learned in a manual. My aunt had a Beetle." William then depressed the clutch pedal and turned the key, tapping on the gas. The small four-cylinder jumped to life behind them, causing Kim to jump just a bit. It settled to a gentle putt-putt-putt, idling. "Time for that scarf," said William. Kim pulled that and the sunglasses from her pocket, fluffing it out and wrapping it around her head, tying it under her chin. She then slipped on the sunglasses. "I want a picture of that," smiled William, looking at the image of Kim in the vintage headgear. "It goes so well with the car." He then put on a pair of his own sunglasses he had on the sun visor, moved the shifter over and up to first gear, and pulled slowly into traffic.

They made their way out of town to the southwest, where the moderate congestion of the interstate soon gave way to a sweeping two-lane highway rolling through lazy dips and swells, and curving patches of forest lined with tall oaks, white pines, hemlocks and pitch pine. William had found an "oldies" station on FM that played mostly rock hits from the 60's and 70's. As they left the city, the song "Ramblin' Man" by the Allman Brothers came from the radio. The mix of sensations - the breath-taking rural scenery unfolding before them; the open air playing, teasing them; the pleasing, mood-lifting tunes from the stereo - everything melded and merged them into a simplistic, care-free ambiance which seemed to further remove them from their workaday rigors.

Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area, near Lake Frederic
1:22 PM.
William slowed around a curve and pulled off the road into a small clearing at the bottom of a small rise. "I think the river is just past these trees," he said, shutting off the engine and setting the hand brake. He was immediately set upon by Kim, smothering him with kisses. "Hee hee, what's this for?" he chuckled.

"For a perfect day, Mr. Hodge," she smiled into his eyes and kissed the end of his nose.

"Well, the day is barely half over yet...shouldn't you leave room for me to err?"

"Sooo not," Kim cooed. "You've already provided the perfect atmosphere...the perfect mood..." She started to exit the car, pulling off her scarf and shaking out her hair. "Now let's find the perfect picnic spot so I can dig into all that perfect food with my perfect spouse."

"Sounds perfect to me," replied William, also getting out of the car. "The river should be just beyond the rise." They went to the front compartment, retrieved the basket and started up the small hill. They reached the crest - and they both had to set the basket down to fully take in the sight before them - a massive expanse of green. They were at the top of the tallest hill in the area, giving them a panoramic view of the entire valley. The hill rolled gently downward to the Susquehanna River, some 300 yards to the west. The river rolled to the south, expanding into Lake Frederic, about 1/4 mile away.

Kim and William picked up the basket and agreed on a tree to settle under, a large oak about 15 feet away. They sat on the lush grass, William opening the basket and laying out the checkered cloth, and Kim putting paper plates into the holders. William then began laying out items from the basket; a package of honey barbecue hot wings, which Kim immediately began to divide equally on the plates; seasoned potato wedges; two snack-size bags of corn chips; two chocolate parfait dessert cups; and a four-pack of "Country Time" pink lemonade juice boxes. William patted a larger box still in the basket. "There's some fried chicken in here, in case we're still hungry or to have for another meal."

"Cool," said Kim, passing her husband a plate, laid out with seven hot wings, some potato wedges, and a bag of chips.

"Here we are again," William said, looking at the package that contained the wings. "Fifteen hot wings between two people. One left over."

"Yeah...but you usually end up being first to it." Kim then got a slightly devilish grin on her face. "I'll play you for it."

"Play...?"

"Yeah. I'll ask you a question. If you get right - it's your wing. If you don't - it's my wing."

"Just a moment," said William, holding up a finger. "This can't be some secret Celler thing only you would know."

"Nope," Kim giggled. "I promise to make it a question pertaining to us."

A rather confident look crossed over William's face. "Bring it on."

Kim held up the package. "For this wing," she said with a sly grin, "For this juicy, spicy, succulent wing right here...tell me the first time you ever kissed me."

William's smile grew as he slowly reached for the package. "All too easy," he said. "That would be on a Wednesday...the morning you first fixed french toast for us. It was in the evening, after we had danced for a while...the light on the end table blew out and we lit the candle." He placed his fingers around the package, readying to take it. "My wing."

Kim drew the package back. "Ah- ah- ahhhh," she grinned. "Not so fast, Slick...that wasn't the first time you ever kissed me. You have the day right...and it was the first morning I fixed breakfast...but the first time you kissed me was in the morning, not the evening...it was during breakfast...you saw a spot on my nose, and you didn't know if it was flour or powdered sugar. You kissed my nose." She started to lower the package to the cloth, next to her plate. "My wing," she said with a triumphant smirk.

William sat for a moment as Kim silently gloated her victory. He suddenly perked. "Not so fast yourself, Miss Wing Rustler...it was in the morning...but it wasn't your nose. I did notice the spot, and I did ask if it was flour or powdered sugar. But you then put your finger to the spot, and presented it to me. You said, 'You tell me.' I kissed your finger before I kissed your nose, re-memmmberrr?" he drew out, smiling.

Kim slid the package next to William's plate with her pinky. "...your wing," she said defeatedly.

"I'll save it until last," Willliam said, picking a wing from his plate, "just in case you think of a question to win it back."

Kim started on one of her own wings. "Oh man," she moaned. "As good as these are, it might be worth trying to stump you again."

You're not mad at me for outsmarting you on your own question, are you?" he smirked.

"No," she replied. Her gaze shifted back and forth between him and the wing she was working on. "Okay...maybe a little." She then canted her head and looked at him, her hair draped over one eye, and jutted out her lower lip, quivering it a few times.

"Ohhh man," William sighed, "not that." He resignedly placed the package with the single wing back by Kim's plate.

She immediately erupted into a short giggle. "I can get just about anything I want with that pout."

"And to think you're always chiding me about 'being evil'," said William, smirking and starting on another of his wings. "Let's eat before it all gets cold...we'll battle over the final wing later."

2:44 PM.
Kim and William thoroughly enjoyed their lunch, and were now reclining under the large oak taking in the scenery, William leaning against the tree lightly caressing Kim's shoulders as she sat between his legs, resting her back against his chest. "That was just the best," she cooed back to her husband. "This whole day has been just the best."

"The day wouldn't have meant quite as much without the company," said William.

Kim responded by taking William's arms and drawing them across her, nestling them with her own. She then guided his hand to smooth over her midsection. "William...do you think I'm...err...showing yet?"

"I'm not sure that's a question I can answer accurately after such a good meal -" he chuckled softly, and she joined in. "-but, to answer...I can't say as I've noticed much difference in your shape as yet...but then, some women don't 'show' until they're well into their fourth month."

"And...some others puff up right away?"

"Yep. It varies."

"Guess I'm one of the lucky ones," she smiled. "But...I have been looking at maternity clothing online the past couple weeks. After all, I can't go to work in sweatpants and a t-shirt."

"Well, at a certain point, you won't have to worry about that," he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked, leaning a bit to the side to look at him. "I won't be able to work? You mean I'll lose my job??"

"No no, hon," he replied, brushing her hair from her eyes with his fingers. "Maternity leave. Just a few months before and after birth. Nearly all women do it. At some point, it could become painful for you to sit at a desk for long periods of time. But you won't lose your job."

"Hmmm...I could still work part-time at home."

"Sure. You could coordinate to have someone bring you claims every day....or, you might ask to take over the reports, like I used to do."

Kim returned to her back and settled against her husband. "That kind of leads into something I was thinking about."

"Hm?"

"A computer of my own."

"That's doable...but I don't think there's any more room in the bedroom for another desk."

Kim thought for a second. "How about in the living room...where the bookcase near the door is now? And that chair?"

"Yeah...either there or the opposite wall, near the stereo...and now that you've brought this up, it kind of leads into something I've been giving thought to myself..."

"...which is?" Kim asked.

"A bigger place to live," William replied. "Our family is about to expand...and so should our living space."

"You mean, like a house instead of an apartment?"

"Exactly."

Kim settled further against William's chest, nuzzling. "I like this thought, Mr. Hodge...would the house have more bedrooms?"

"At least three...one could be a nursery...and another could be like an office."

"And a garage?"

"Two-car garage...and a basement," William said. "Marcy was telling me about a couple of really nice places up near where she lives." Kim got rather quiet at this. "What's wrong, hon?" William asked.

"I don't know," she started, "It's just that...we'd have to move away from the market, and the neat little grocer on the corner, and Emma next door, and...it kind of feels like because of me, you're having to move away from everything you've known since you've lived here. It feels like you've had to change everything...because of me."

William motioned Kim to sit up and face him - then to slide close. He slid his arms around her as she scooted up, moving her legs beside his and drawing her knees up. "Kim...I've made a lot of changes since you became part of my life - you're right about that. But I can't think of a single bad thing that's happened because of any of those changes...and certainly nothing bad 'because of you.' I don't think of my life as...changing...but as having grown. My life has expanded into something beautiful. My life - is part of our life. The two of us-" He then moved his hand to caress Kim's tummy "-and soon...the three of us. Kim...there is nothing in this world that could make my life any more beautiful...than you...than us."

As William spoke, Kim's eyes became full with warmth. When he stopped talking, she immediately moved closer into his embrace and engaged him in a long, passionate kiss. When they parted, she looked deep into his eyes, lightly brushing her fingernails over his temple. "I don't know if Cellers can be blessed," she said in a soft tone, "but if so...there's no doubt that I have been...William Hodge, I'll never be able to put into words just how much I love you." With this, she melted back into his arms, holding him close and tight.

"Sometimes words don't say it," he replied. "Sometimes, you tell me with your smile...your hand in mine...sometimes you say it with just a look...like you just did. I love you, Kim...and ever since you came into my life, I've known that I have been truly blessed."

They remained in their embrace for a few moments - then Kim withdrew slowly "...William?" she asked hesitantly. "This is going to sound sooo stupid...but I want to ask." She looked down for a moment - then, "Do you think you could have been this...happy...with someone else? I mean- " she sighed.

"I...think I know what you're asking," interjected William explaining. "When the series of events that brought you out of my mirror started...when I met Angelica...I...wasn't planning or expecting to meet anyone to spend time with, much less spend the rest of my life with. You have to remember...outside of work, my entire life's interaction came from inside the TV."

"Don't take this wrong," said Kim, "but...that kind of made you sound like...a loner...almost a loser, you know? But...it's just impossible to think of you that way. Around me, you're always...funny, witty...gracious...thoughtful...just everything that a woman looks for in a man. I don't know anyone I've talked to who wouldn't love to have someone like you."

"Well, a lot of that wasn't there before you burst through my mirror. Ask Marcy, I wasn't like that at all before last December."

"You and Marcy get along so well...you just mesh. Did you ever think about...?"

"No," he chuckled. "Marcy and I are friends, sure...but it's based on a work relationship. I never felt a chemistry there for anything more." He then added with a smirk, "Kim...are you trying to pawn me off? Because it's not going to work. You're stuck with me, Mrs. Hodge."

"Happily stuck, Mr. Hodge," said Kim, leaning to kiss and embrace her husband again. She then rocked back onto her heels. "Let's take our leftovers and get stuck at home."

"Capital idea, my spouse," said William, beginning to compact empty containers into others, and putting them in the basket as Kim folded the cloth. William handed Kim the keys and took the basket, and they started back down the rise to the car, making a mental note to return to this same spot for a future outing. Kim unlocked the front compartment and got in the car, retying her scarf as William secured the basket. He then took his seat behind the wheel, started the engine and headed out of the clearing to head for home. They took their time on the return trip, taking in the sights and enjoying the afternoon sun and air, knowing that fall was just around the corner. At one point they pulled off the road by a small covered bridge, and Kim picked some wild flowers to put in a vase at home.

5:36 PM.
William slowed as they neared the apartment. "Aw man, look at that," he said, pointing to a small green sedan as he brought the sports car to a stop, "Someone is parked right in front of the apartment - in my spot."

"Yeah," Kim remarked. "It looks just like the car I was looking at when we were at Harlan, too. Someone else bought my car and parked it in your spot."

"Well, I'm sure they made more than one like that," said William, "but yeah, it looks like the one you showed me."

They got out of the car and Kim assisted William in undoing the cover to put up the convertible's top. Kim waited on the walk as William retrieved the basket from the front compartment, tossing the keys to her so she could unlock the door. When she turned the key and pushed the door ajar slightly, William said, "I got this, hon. Maybe that car belongs to a friend of Emma's. There aren't any plates on it. Go read the in-transit sticker, and maybe we can get them to move it up for us."

Kim gave her husband a small kiss on the cheek. "Okay," and she turned to walk to the sedan. William tapped the door open with his foot and stepped inside, walking to place the basket on the kitchen table. He didn't even get turned around when Kim burst through the doorway screaming. He barely made it to the doorway of the kitchen as Kim leaped into his arms. "MY CAR! IT'S MY CAR! MY CAR!" she squealed. The force of her jumping twirled them both and they fell to the floor, Kim on top, immediately smothering her husband with kisses. interspersed with "You SNEAK! You wonderful sneak, you! That's MY car! My name is on it! ThankyouthankyouthankyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyou!! Ohhh, it's EXACTLY the one I sat in! I don't believe it eeEEEEEEE!!"

She continued her appreciative kisses as William began to laugh. "Are you happy or something?" he joked through his chuckles.

"Yes! Where are the keys!?" she shouted in a breathless voice.

"I told them to drop the keys through the mail slot," said William, trying to catch his own breath, then laughing again. "You probably kicked them halfway to the bedroom when you came running in."

Kim quickly scanned the floor. "They're by the stereo!" she burst out, jumping up and snatching them from the floor, then emitting another high-pitched squeal, jumping in place as William got to his feet. She then turned toward the door - and stopped, extending her hand back toward her husband. "Aren't you coming along for a spin around the block in my car?"

"Yeaahhh," he smirked, remembering what she said during the test drive in the Camry. "I just wanted an invitation."

to be continued...