"So, three weeks?" Julia asked, squeezing his hand as they walked in the park.

"Yes. Three weeks of suspension and a reprimand on my permanent record." William said, sadness clear in his voice.

"It's going to be alright William, it could have been worse if you hadn't … escaped. Inspector Giles was intent on pinning the murder on you. I was so upset when he told me I couldn't go and see you, I almost pushed him away to go anyway."

"That would have made things worse." William smiled sweetly. "But thank you."

"Come on, let's sit here." Julia said, pointing to a semi secluded spot.

William unfolded the blanket and helped Julia settle on it. He groaned as he joined her on the ground.

"Are you alright?" she asked, worried.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just the night in the cells. Our bed is much more comfortable." he said, laughing.

"You do look tired." Julia said, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Thank you, that's so nice of you to say so." William laughed.

"That's not what I meant and you know it." Julia scolded softly.

"When is Ruby supposed to join us?" he asked, trying to contain a yawn.

Julia fished the clock out of his vest pocket.

"In half an hour. More if she is late, which she always is. You should lie down for a while, get some rest before she arrives."

"Julia, I'm not going to take a nap in the middle of the day in a park waiting for your sister to bring lunch." William laughed.

"I'm not asking you to sleep, just to rest for a while." Julia said.

She moved a bit to the side to rest her back against a tree and nearly pulled William to her and forced him to lie down, putting his head on her lap.

"When did you get so strong?"

"When you got so tired you couldn't resist." Julia laughed. "Now stop talking and relax." she ordered, massaging his temples with her healing fingers.

As she had expected, he relaxed instantly.

"Do you think you could take some time off from work in the next three weeks? Maybe we could go somewhere? Just the two of us ..."

"Is Ruby getting on your nerves that much?" Julia laughed.

"That's not what I said. But she does have a particular talent for showing up at the wrong moment. Maybe we should introduce her to Constable Higgins..."

That made Julia laugh and blush when she remembered all the times Ruby had walked in on them in the last month.

"Maybe we should restrain ourselves to the bedroom when we have guests." Julia said, smiling down at him.

"Or maybe you could restrain yourself from jumping on me everytime you feel like it." William said, bringing one of Julia's hands to his mouth to kiss it.

"Well, maybe you should do something not to be so handsome and so sweet." she said, bending over to kiss him.

The kiss was intended to be short and fun, it ended being long and full of love. They separated when the heard someone clear their throat.

"Ruby, what a surprise!" William laughed, sitting on the blanket and putting his arm on Julia's back.

"Are you two always kissing or touching, seriously?"

"You just happen to appear at the wrong moments." Julia said, throwing a dark look at her sister. "Did you bring lunch or was your plan only to interrupt us?"

"Calm down Jules, I brought you food as a peace offering." Ruby said, handing the basket to William as she sat down.

Food was placed on the blanket, plates passed around, drinks poured.

"So, what did you think of the Wonderland Party the other night?" Ruby asked.

"Really Ruby? How can you ask that?" Julia asked, anger rising.

"No, not that. I mean before this sordid affair." Ruby corrected. "Wasn't it fantastic to see everyone in costumes? And Julia you were absolutely stunning as Alice."

"I have to agree with you there Ruby." William said. "It's a shame I was drugged before I could take you home." he whispered in Julia's ear, making her blush deeply and choke on her food. "You never answered my question earlier Julia, do you think you can take some time off?" he asked in a completely normal tone.

"Yes … I … I'll take some time off." she said, smiling at him.

"Good. I'll make arrangments as soon as we get home." William smiled, kissing her quickly before going back to his food.

"You two make me sick." Ruby said.

"You're just jealous." Julia replied, a huge smile on her face.

"Maybe."