She awoke the next morning alone in her bed. Which was harder than it should've been considering prior to her finally admitting her true feelings for Crane, she hadn't yet allowed herself to think of him as anything more than just a partner. A fellow witness.
But now. Now, things were different. And it wasn't that she was nervous. Because she was… deathly nervous. But there was also a sense of excitement within her that she hadn't expected to be there. A sense of instability in his presence that wasn't there before.
It had started that morning when she walked out of her bedroom to see him standing by the stove, finishing her plate of hot eggs and bacon the morning after their makeout session on the couch.
"Leftenant", he said when he heard her approaching. "Just in time…"
She smiled at his continued usage of her nickname… Some habits would never change even though some minor details in their relationship had.
"Should I be worried, Crane… last time you tried cooking me something to eat you nearly burned down the house."
He smiled modestly, motioning her to sit down at the table as he put her plate in front of her and poured a cup of coffee.
"No worries… I am beginning to understand how this machine works and even marvel at its efficiency." He said as he put her coffee in front of her and smiled, seemingly proud of himself.
"Go ahead and taste it", he said as he watched her nervously pick up her fork and take a bite of food.
She had to admit that Crane had definitely gotten better at the cooking thing since the last time he tried. She closed her eyes to savor it and opened them to find him gazing upon her and smiling.
"I'm glad you enjoy it, Leftenant", he said humbly, turning around and fixing himself a plate as well.
They sat for another fifteen minutes talking of anything and everything but what had transpired the previous night. And when her phone buzzed to come into the office a bit earlier than usual, she found herself in an awkward position of not knowing how to properly leave his presence.
"I guess I'll see you later, Crane." She said a bit sheepishly as she paused on her way out of the kitchen.
She watched as he approached her, his eyes never leaving hers. "I look forward to your return this evening, Leftenant."
His hand grasped her softly, placing a kiss upon her knuckles. And she felt her breath shallow as a chill ran thru her.
When she turned and walked to her car, Abbie wasn't sure if she was going to make it thru this courting thing. Not if Crane continued to do things like that to her all from one kiss to the hand…
…
Her work day had been filled with the buzz from Agent Reynolds departure and promotion. And also wondering who would fill his spot now that he was gone.
It had almost been 2pm when she looked up from her desk and noticed someone knocking on her door.
"Agent Mills…" the office receptionist said, entering with yellow roses in one hand and a bag from her favorite Thai restaurant in the other.
"A courier just arrived with these for you." She said, as she placed the items on Abbie's desk.
Abbie didn't need to look at the card to know who they were from. But she read it anyway…
If I had to die a thousand deaths to have met you, Grace Abigail Mills… I would.
Respectfully Yours, Ichabod Crane
P.S. – Since I'm sure you haven't afforded yourself the luxury of breaking for lunch yet, I hope you enjoy…
A huge grin on her face, she bent down taking a whiff of the flowers, and picking up her phone to send him a text.