Chapter 33

"Mort?" Deja asked softly. He didn't answer. "Mort?"

"Yeah? Did I wake you?"

Deja felt a mix of relief and disappointment. She was glad he wasn't Shooter because she didn't want to have to hurt him or vice versa. Disappointment because even the police visit hadn't made Shooter appear.

"It's fine. Coming to bed?" she asked.

"Yeah, I think I've waited for him to show long enough. Doesn't look like it's gonna happen tonight."

Two months had passed and life was as normal as ever for the couple. Deja was almost full term and they were both excited about what was in store for them. It was a letdown that Shooter hadn't appeared yet, but the police hadn't been back either.

Mort had looked into buying a property down in Florida and came up with a great home in Jacksonville. With the money Deja had received from selling her home, the down payment was basically taken care of.

They decided to purchase the home with the help of a friend that Mort had in Jacksonville. He'd looked at the house and reported back to Mort that it was in great condition. Definitely worth the money. Mort trusted his friend, and in turn Deja trusted Mort. She was excited about the move. She knew moving with two little ones would be a challenge, but Mort assured her that the furniture would be there within hours of them arriving and until it was properly placed he would arrange for them to stay at an upscale hotel. He wasn't too fond of fancy hotels, but was willing to give Deja and the kids nothing but the best.

With all of the preparations for the delivery and move, Mort had almost forgotten about Shooter. He knew it was something he'd eventually have to deal with, but right now he had other things on his mind.

Mort and Deja decided to move to Jacksonville about a month or so after the children were born. It would afford them the opportunity to pack up the belongings that they'd take with them and not rush to get things finished.

Mort would keep the Tashmore Lake cabin for two reasons. The first being sentimental, the other being evidence. He knew that the people of Tashmore Lake would like nothing more than for him to sell so that someone could buy it and go snooping around. He wasn't going to give anyone that opportunity until he knew the bodies were completely disintegrated.

Deja had gone on a doctor's appointment and Mort excused himself from going by telling her he needed to finish his book before they left for Florida. Truth was he'd finished his book the night before. He was going to take it to the post office and have it delivered to his agent in the city.

After leaving the post office, he drove to New London. He arrived in front of the store and walked in. It had been his second trip there. He opened the fine glass door and walked toward the counter. The door slammed behind him, putting all eyes his way.

An older woman, maybe in her 70s, made her way to Mort. "Hello, Mr. Rainey. So good to see you again."

Shaking her hand, he said, "Sorry 'bout the door. Is it in yet? Mr. Douglas said it should be in by today?"

"Yes, it actually came in two days ago, but by your request we didn't call," she answered, a smile on her face. "Have a seat here, and I'll have Mr. Douglas bring it out."

Mort had a seat in front of one of the counters and began tapping his fingers on the glass case nervously. Mr. Douglas walked out and had a seat on the opposite side of the counter, facing Mort.

"Good to see you again Mr. Rainey," Mr. Douglas said.

"Likewise."

"Well, here it is," Mr. Douglas said, pulling out a small black box. He laid it on the glass countertop and opened it.

Inside the box was a princess cut, diamond engagement ring. It held two smaller sapphire stones on each side of the one carat center stone. The band itself was made of platinum and had the words "Dangereusement Dans L'Amour" engraved inside. It took some doing, but Mort made sure those exact words would fit in it.

He examined the ring making sure it was exactly what he'd ordered. It was perfect and he hoped Deja would like it. He gave Mr. Douglas his credit card to fulfill the order and he was back on his way to the cabin.

Mort hadn't realized how much time had gone by. It was beginning to get dark outside. He pulled into the driveway and saw that Deja had already returned from her appointment.

She was lying on the couch, feet resting on top of a pillow. "Where have you been?" she asked as he hung up his coat.

"Dropped my manuscript off at the post office."

"So you finished it?" she asked excitedly.

"Yep. How was your appointment?"

"Routine. You didn't miss much. I'm completely worn out though," she sighed.

"How about I draw you a bath?" Mort suggested.

"Draw me a bath? Doesn't that sound a little old fashioned?"

"What do you want me to say? Run the bath water for you?" he joked.

Deja began laughing. "Yeah, that sounds better. And yes, I'd love for you to DRAW me a bath," she said in her best British accent.

Mort headed upstairs and ran the water in the tub. He poured bubble bath into it and began lighting the candles Deja had placed there a few months ago. He wanted her to relax and enjoy it so he could prepare the rest of the house for their special evening.

"It's ready," Mort said, walking down the stairs.

He helped her upstairs and undress in the bedroom. She walked into the bathroom and was shocked by the candles and music playing. He had put a small CD player in the bathroom and loaded it with her "Les Miserables" CD, which he knew always put her in a good mood.

She turned to him and kissed him softly on the lips. "Thank you, I really needed this."

He helped her into the tub and watched as her body descended below the bubbles. "Hope I can get out when I'm done," she laughed.

"Just call me when you need me," Mort said.

Closing the door behind him, he was in a mad dash for time. He had purchased about 40 candles of various sizes and kept them in the trunk of his car. He retrieved them and began placing them throughout the house. They filled almost every room.

He straightened up the living room and bedroom as best he could. He also laid red and white rose petals throughout the house. He felt it was incredibly cheesy, but knew that Deja would appreciate the effort. The only thing he was stumped about was what type of music he wanted to play in the background.

He turned off all the lights, save for a small lamp hidden in the kitchen. He put Deja's Sade CD into the player. It was the music that played the first time they'd made love. It was nostalgic for them.

He sat on the couch waiting for Deja's call. Ten minutes later he was still waiting. He was worried some of the smaller candles would melt down before she finished her bath so he decided to go get her.

He knocked on the door and heard no sound. Pressing his ear against the door, he heard the faint music and then heard Deja's voice. She was singing. He loved her soothing vocals and decided to let her finish her song before bothering her.

"...are bare and everywhere

The streets are full of strangers,

I love him

But everyday I'm learning

All my life

I've only been pretending,

Without me

His world will go on turning,

A world that's full of happiness

That I have never known,

I love him, I love him, I love him

But only on my own"

Mort knocked on the door again, only a little louder this time. "Can I come in?" he asked.

"Yes," she said softly.

Mort hated to even get her out of the tub. She looked so peaceful. "Don't you think it's time to get out? Don't wanna get prune fingers," he laughed.

Deja's mind immediately regressed back to the night Shooter had raped her. She remembered cowering in the shower until her skin was red and wrinkled. She shook her head, erasing those thoughts.

Mort helped her out of the tub and she began drying off. Mort brought her her undergarments and a large white box with a pink ribbon attached. "Where did this come from?" she asked, after putting on her underwear.

"Just open it."

She carefully untied the bow and lifted the lid of the box. Underneath the tissue paper was a beautiful satin and lace, lavender nightgown. She lifted it out of the box and held it in front of her. It was gorgeous. This was exactly what she needed. Ever since her stomach tripled in size, she hadn't been feeling so pretty. This was the pick-me-up she needed.

Mort helped her put it on. It fit perfectly. She turned to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and embraced him. Mort took her hand and led her out of the bathroom.

"Why is it so dark?" she asked, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

"Just follow me," he answered.

Her eyes took in the sight before her. The house was almost completely dark, apart from the many candles that were placed strategically throughout the house. She looked down as they descended the stairs and saw the rose petals strewn about. They were red and white. She was overwhelmed by what Mort had done. Tears filled her eyes, but for once they were tears of joy.

Mort walked her to the couch and helped her sit. "What is all this for?" she asked.

He took a seat across from her on the coffee table and began to speak. "Deja, you know that you mean the world to me. And from what I've been told, I mean the same to you." Deja let out a small laugh. He continued, "We've been through about just as much as any couple can endure. We're about to embark on a journey that's new to both of us. As you know I'm elated at the thought of becoming a father. And I couldn't think of a more perfect woman to be the mother of my children. I think I've used up all the cheesiness I have, so at the risk of overdoing it," he pulled the small black box from his back pocket, causing Deja to gasp and cover her mouth with her hand. He opened it, shining the ring before her, "Will you be mine, forever?"

"Oh my God. Mort...I was really not expecting this," he could tell she was totally surprised by his actions.

"I know I threw you for a loop, but I hope you'll consider this," he said softly.

"Of course!" she shouted, "I would love to be your wife!" Mort leaned forward and kissed her deeply. There was no more beautiful moment than this one. At this moment no one else in the world mattered.