Chapter Twelve
"Hey."
D looked up. "Hey."
"What's wrong?" Kaylee asked immediately, sensing there was something amiss. "Was it the case?"
D nodded. "A promotion," he said, sounding sad and angry. "I just don't understand."
Kaylee leaned over and hugged him. "And you probably never will. The job we have exposes us to the worst of evil. But I'm glad to see it still affects you, and the rest of your team."
He hugged her back. "I love you."
She smiled. "I love you too."
"Let's do something tonight."
The smile turned into a laugh. "Okay…"
"I'll pick you up at seven, okay?"
She gave him an odd look, but nodded. "Okay. See you then."
/\/\/\/\
"Are you sure you're okay with staying with Sue tonight?" D asked Kelita for the third time that evening. "Because I can stay home if you don't want to."
Kelita smiled. "I'll be fine, D." She bit her lip. "Are you and Kaylee going to get married?" she asked.
D felt a flush creeping up his neck. "Why do you ask, Kel?"
The ten year old shrugged. "Cause you seem so cute together," she blushed with embarrassment. "Don't you want to get married?"
D bent down to look her in the eye. "Hey Kel, can I tell you a secret?"
She nodded excitedly. "What is it?"
He whispered something in her ear, and she jumped up and squealed. "Really?"
"Sure do."
She squealed again. "Can I see it? Pretty pretty please with a cherry on top? Covered in chocolate sauce and peanuts?"
He sighed mock-dramatically, causing the little girl to erupt in a fit of giggles. "If you have to."
It was a beautiful silver band with a large diamond in the middle, flanked by two smaller ones. When the light shone on it just right, it sparkled brilliantly, and Kelita gasped, bringing her little hands to cover her mouth. "Wowwwww…"
D laughed at the look of amazement on her face. "Do you think she'll like it?"
Kelita nodded ecstatically. "YES!"
"Okay." D made a mysterious face, and she giggled again. "What?"
"I need you to be part of my plan," he instructed.
"Ooooh, tell me!"
He bent to whisper in her ear again. "Ready?"