Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in updating. I'm having a hard time with the idea of letting this story finish, apparently. Thanks to all of you who let me know you feel the same way! I hope the rest of you won't get too impatient with me while I indulge myself in a long wrapup. A couple more chapters, probably.

Chapter 56

One look at the dismal egg-like substance on offer in the hospital cafeteria was enough to dim even Jane's euphoria. Rigsby correctly interpreted his expression and offered, "I saw a diner down the street last night."

"No. I don't want to leave Teresa." Jane decided he would settle for some oatmeal with fruit. The blueberries looked good, at any rate. And at least there were tea bags and hot water available. Rigsby got a plate piled high with home fries, and they sat down at a table near the door.

"So," Rigsby said, "can I ask you a question?"

Jane suppressed the flippant answers that sprang to mind. Rigsby and Cho had really put themselves on the line to rescue Lisbon, so the least he could do was be cooperative. For a while, at least. "Sure."

"I've been thinking about asking Grace to marry me. Do you think—how can I get her to say yes?"

Jane smiled. "Grace is a traditional girl at heart, Rigsby. Go buy her a nice ring, something that won't get in her way at work. Take her out for dinner at some trendy health nut place, get down on one knee, and tell her that her smile lights up your life, or whatever. Write it in advance and memorize it so you won't forget it in the middle. And do it soon, so she can pull together a wedding before she starts to show."

"Right. Health nut place?" He looked pained.

"It will show solidarity with her desire to eat the best possible diet for your child. But you should figure out where to take her for dessert to celebrate after she says yes."

"Right. Thanks!" Rigsby sipped at his coffee, then said, "I asked Sarah, you know, after we found out about Ben. But she said no. I don't want Grace to think this is just because of the baby."

"Well, is it?"

"No! I mean, the timing, okay, yeah. But I can't really imagine being with anyone else anymore. It's always been her."

"Then make that part of your proposal," Jane advised.

"Okay. Thanks." Rigsby looked thoughtful as he shoveled a forkful of home fries into his mouth.

Jane ate his oatmeal, thinking about change. The team had been the one solid thing in his life for so many years that the prospect of it breaking up, even for happy reasons, made him a little melancholy. And he knew it would be hard on Lisbon, who truly treasured her little family. He needed to ensure the rest of their life stayed relatively calm for a while. No matter how much he wanted to celebrate their freedom by whisking her off to all the best romantic spots in Europe or start furnishing a nursery fit for a little queen, she needed stability while she adjusted to the unavoidable changes at work. He had to restrain himself. That wasn't something he was particularly good at, but he would try.

Rigsby's phone beeped, and he glanced at it, then sent a quick text. "Cho's here."

"Good," Jane said. "Let's get this over with."

Cho and Moore both looked exhausted, obviously having been up all night. Cho greeted them with, "I need coffee. The press is surrounding this place." He headed for the counter.

Jane kept his alarm off his face. There had to be a way to get Lisbon out of here without exposing her to a horde of reporters. She hated them at the best of times.

Moore reached out to shake Jane's hand. "Congratulations," he said. "On getting Agent Lisbon back, I mean, not on your revenge."

And this was what he needed to straighten out, Jane thought. "The first is the only one I care about."

"Of course," Moore said, unconvinced, as he sat down.

Cho returned, setting a cup down in front of Moore and taking a long sip of his own. "The FBI's locked down the facility. They're tracking down the staff who live elsewhere, too."

"Lisbon wants the gynecologist charged," Jane said.

"Right. How is she?" Cho asked.

"Fine. I'm hoping to take her home after we talk to the doctor. Let's get this over with," Jane replied. He gave a brief recap of the night's events, from Stiles' call asking to meet to the abrupt end of the poker game. He'd briefly been over some of it with Rigsby last night, to let him know to track down Manchester, Bertram, and Stiles.

When he paused to take a sip of tea, Cho said, "Bertram claims he was there visiting a friend and that anything you say is just part of a plot to get Lisbon promoted."

"Idiot," Rigsby snorted.

Jane had to agree. "That might be plausible if Lisbon had any interest in being promoted. He's guilty of colluding in her kidnapping if nothing else. Her testimony is all we need."

"So after the car ran over the spikes we put in the road, Lisbon and Schultz got out," Cho prompted.

"Yes, Teresa was nauseated again. I hoped she'd get clear before the shooting started. It didn't quite work out that way." He recounted how they'd found each other in the dark, then their encounter with Red John and how Lisbon had taken him down. His heart squeezed in remembered terror as he described it. "I had the knife, but I didn't cut him. Teresa had him covered with his gun."

"Actually," Cho said, "it turned out to be hers. He must have wanted to confuse things if he needed to shoot someone."

"Hm." Clever, Jane thought, if risky. But then, Haffner had been arrogant enough to believe he wouldn't get caught with Lisbon's gun. "Anyway, I thought it was over. Then someone shot Teresa."

"That was Schultz," Rigsby said. "I didn't have a fix on her until she fired."

Jane knew better than to appear completely calm during this part of the story, but he didn't want to share his feelings with Moore, either. He settled for a troubled expression and a slight hoarseness, neither difficult to achieve when he thought about what had happened—and what might have happened. "I dropped the knife and tried to catch Teresa, but Haffner grabbed the knife and swung at me. He slashed my stomach. I jumped away from him, trying to get between him and Teresa. She was unconscious, and I couldn't tell if she was breathing." He broke off to swallow and clear his throat. "I was trying to feel for her wrist when I found the gun instead. And when he swung at me again, I fired." He paused again, letting his tone become wondering. "I didn't even look to see if he was dead. All I wanted to know was that Teresa was alive. Then Rigsby came over and told me an ambulance was on the way."

Actually, what Rigsby had said was, "Holy shit, you blew his brains out!" It was only after he'd turned away that he'd added the part about the ambulance. By then Jane had pulled Lisbon into his lap and ascertained that she was breathing.

Moore nodded. "You're saying it was self defense, then. Not revenge."

"They're not mutually exclusive," Jane couldn't resist pointing out. "But yes, revenge wasn't on my mind. I just wanted to keep him from hurting my wife. My pregnant wife." Jane paused, making sure he looked Moore straight in the eye. "It was about saving my family."

Moore held his gaze for a moment, then nodded slowly. Turning to Rigsby, he asked, "That tallies with what you saw?"

"Yes," Rigsby said. "He cut Jane pretty bad, and he had the knife up like he was going to try again. I was aiming for him when Jane beat me to it."

"Yeah," Cho said. "Me too."

Moore nodded again. "Well then, I'll need formal statements, but it appears justified."

"It was," Rigsby said, just as Cho said, "Damn straight."

Jane felt a rush of affection. It had been dark and chaotic, and there was no way they could be completely certain Haffner had still been a threat. But they would swear to it in court if they had to, because they knew Red John had deserved to die. And because they didn't want Lisbon put through having her husband tried for murder. And maybe, a little, because they wanted to keep him around.

"Good," Moore said. "Can I speak with Agent Lisbon?"

Jane said, "I'd rather you waited until the doctor clears her. She's been through a lot in the past week, and I don't want her under any unnecessary stress."

"I won't interrogate her until she's ready," Moore promised. Then he smiled wryly. "You two are the heroes of the hour. I'm just hoping we can say it was a joint investigation, even though you didn't call me until it was time for the cleanup. Though since my boss was one of Red John's people, I can't say I blame you."

Cho said, "Our boss was too."

Rigsby grinned. "We arrested our bosses. We're living the American Dream!"

Jane said, "I don't care about getting credit, but I want to make sure Teresa gets her fair share."

"Of course," Moore agreed.

"In fact," Jane said, "if you would distract the press by making a statement while I take her out the back door, we would both greatly appreciate it."

"I'd be happy to," Moore said. "Cho and Rigsby, care to join me?"

"And Grace," Rigsby said quickly.

Jane shook his head. "One of you needs to come with us. There may be disciples out for revenge. I want Teresa guarded when we're in public."

"I'd offer FBI help, but I doubt you'd trust it," Moore said.

"You want to be careful too," Jane told him. "If you're taking part of the credit, you'll become a target as well."

Rigsby frowned. "Maybe Grace and I will skip the press conference. You know, to make sure Lisbon and Jane get home safe."

Cho wasn't fooled, but Jane could tell he had accepted his role as front man for the team, since he was the only one not expecting a child. "Sure. You should do that."

Rigsby's phone beeped, and he looked at the text. "Grace says Boss wants you back up there, Jane. The doctor just showed up."

Jane jumped up and headed for the elevator. The others caught up with him just as it arrived. When they were safely inside, he said, "I don't want Teresa upset. She's going to ask about what happened. There's no need to get into graphic descriptions." Like the fact that he'd been covered in Haffner's brain matter until he'd cleaned up at the hospital. The shot had been point blank.

"Right," Cho said.

Jane took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves as the elevator doors opened. Lisbon had seemed fine, but head injuries could be tricky. He really wanted to take her home today, but they weren't leaving without the doctor's approval.

Grace was standing in the doorway, on the lookout. She smiled and stepped into the hall when she saw Jane, letting the door swing shut behind him so he and Lisbon could speak to the doctor in private.

Jane focused on Lisbon first, taking in her calm expression and deciding the news must be good. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. "Patrick, this is Dr. Overbeck."

"We met briefly," the older man said, reaching out a hand for Jane to shake. "Last night."

"Yes," Jane agreed, wincing internally at the impression he must have made. He summoned up a charming smile. "I wasn't at my best, I'm afraid."

"Understandable. I'm just happy to have good news for you." The doctor turned back to Lisbon. "Everything looks good; the swelling on your head has gone down, and you're not showing signs of concussion."

Jane asked, "Then why was she unconscious for so long?"

The doctor shrugged. "I take it Agent Lisbon has been through a rough time lately, not sleeping well?"

"Yes," Lisbon said.

"Then there's your answer." He smiled reassuringly at Jane. "She was exhausted, so she slept. She did wake up briefly while we were stitching her up, and she must have realized she was safe."

"So I can go home," Lisbon said, glancing at Jane to see if he was going to object.

"Yes. If you can make it through the crowd outside," Dr. Overbeck chuckled. "You're quite the celebrity, apparently."

Lisbon looked alarmed. "What?"

"Don't worry," Jane assured her. "Cho and Stan are going to give a press conference while Grace and Rigsby help us sneak out the back."

"Oh, good." Then she narrowed her eyes at him. "What else did you decide while you were gone?"

"Just that. So, Doctor, what do I need to get her out of here? Discharge instructions?"

"Yes. But to put it simply, if she has any severe headaches, dizziness, or shows any sign of mental impairment, she should see a doctor immediately." He turned back to Lisbon. "And get some sleep. Early pregnancy can be more of a strain on your system than you think."

"I'm going to take a nice long nap as soon as I get home," Lisbon told him.

"Excellent. That's the best thing you can do, as long as someone checks on you every so often."

"Don't worry about that," Jane said.

The doctor wished them well and left. Lisbon fixed Jane with a look. "You're going to drive me crazy, aren't you?" she said.

Jane grinned. "I am going to coddle and pamper you until you're rested enough to fight back. And then I'm going to wait on you hand and foot until well after you've had the baby."

She rolled her eyes. "And then you'll devote all your energy to spoiling the baby rotten."

"Yes. But I assure you that I will not neglect the care of my beautiful wife, no matter how gorgeous and irresistible our daughter turns out to be." He leaned down to kiss her.

She returned the kiss, but when he straightened back up, she asked softly, "What happened that you aren't telling me?"

"I told you what happened, love. Ask Cho or Rigsby if you don't believe me."

"Where is Cho?"

"Just outside. I figured you'd want to see him. Should I get him now?"

"Yes. He's got too much to do to be sitting around in a hallway."

Jane smiled. That was Lisbon, still in charge even while she was on medical leave. Hm. He was going to need a plan to keep her from trying to work through her maternity leave, possibly involving her cell phone and the diaper pail.

He stuck his head into the hallway. "Hey, Cho. Lisbon says to stop slacking off and get in here."

Cho's expression as he got up clearly said something dire about Jane's odds of survival under his command, but it dissolved into an actual smile when he saw Lisbon. "Good to see you awake, Boss."

"Thanks. And thanks for keeping Jane from getting himself into too much trouble while I was gone," Lisbon replied.

"You're welcome. Just don't stick me with the job permanently." Cho gave her a quick rundown of what he'd been doing all night. "We'll need your statement, but it can wait until you're out of here."

"The nurse is bringing the discharge papers any minute now," Lisbon said optimistically.

"Good. Moore and I will get to work on our diversion for your escape," Cho said. "Rigsby and Van Pelt are your escorts. Until we know how many disciples we need to be on the lookout for, we need to be careful."

"Yes, we do. That means you stick with Moore, right? I don't want any of us out alone," Lisbon said. Then she frowned. "You trust him?"

Cho moved his eyebrows infinitesimally to indicate skepticism. "Not sure I trust anybody outside our unit. But Moore's looking at a major career boost right now. He's got nothing to gain by loyalty to a dead man, even if he is a disciple. And I don't think he is."

"Neither do I," Jane put in, because Lisbon trusted his judgment when it came to spotting criminals, even though his faith in his own abilities was somewhat shaken by his failure to spot Haffner.

"Okay. Just be careful," Lisbon said.

Cho nodded. "And Moore's not the only one looking at a career boost. The AG wants to talk to you as soon as you're back at work."

"Me?" Lisbon looked shocked. Jane watched in fascination as she processed what Bertram's arrest meant for the CBI. Since Wainwright's position still hadn't been filled, there was nobody to take charge of the media shitstorm that was going to follow the revelation that Red John was a former CBI agent. "Oh, crap."

"Don't worry, Boss. You rest and recover. I got this."

"Thanks," she said in relief. "Hey, if you play your cards right, maybe you'll get Wainwright's job."

"Don't want it," Cho said instantly. "All paperwork and political BS, plus having to explain what the hell Jane's done now to the director, who'll probably turn out to be a jerk."

Jane seized on the opportunity. "Actually, I was thinking about retiring."

Lisbon and Cho both stared at him. "What?" he asked innocently. "I don't need to hunt Red John anymore. And I'm thinking I might like to be a full-time dad this time around. I mean, who's to say our next boss won't be a complete ass? None of the people I trust want the job, and the new guy probably won't care about the cases I close if I make trouble doing it. So I'd just get fired anyway."

Cho said, "Yeah. And with two kids to support, you'll never get Rigsby in on another scheme that gets us all suspended. Besides, there's way less chance of Lisbon divorcing you if you don't endanger her job every other week."

"I see what you two are doing," Lisbon said darkly. "Cut it out. I don't want that job either."

"Of course not," Jane said. "But that's another reason for me to stay home, since the baby will hardly ever see you."

Lisbon made a face, but he could see the horrified realization in her eyes as she pictured their family life, or lack thereof, with her current schedule. Satisfied, he decided to change the subject. "But we don't want to bore you with our domestic arrangements, Cho. What are you going to say at the press conference?"

"Red John's dead. We caught a bunch of his disciples and are looking for more. Both the FBI and the CBI are cleaning house. And all thanks to the leadership and dedication of Agent Teresa Lisbon and Special Agent Stan Moore." Cho delivered the entire speech in a perfect monotone.

Jane applauded politely. "I like it. Very sound-bitey."

"I don't," Lisbon objected. "You and Rigsby and Van Pelt deserve credit too."

"Not me?" Jane teased.

"You don't need credit if you're retiring," Lisbon retorted.

Cho said, "Anybody who gets credit becomes a target for disciples who want revenge. You already are, but I'm keeping Rigsby and Van Pelt out of it, as far as the media's concerned."

"Oh. Yes, of course." Lisbon frowned. "Maybe I should do the press conference instead of you?"

"No," Jane and Cho chorused.

Jane continued, "We're going to stay under the radar for a while. Maybe go to Chicago and see your brothers and their families. Hey, we could have that church wedding you wanted while we're there."

He realized his mistake instantly, catching the panic that flashed in Lisbon's eyes, and added, "Or we can just hide out at home, watch movies, and indulge ourselves in complete sloth."

Cho remarked, "You're not on medical leave, Jane."

Jane grinned at him. "You really want me around talking to the press?"

"Medical leave it is," Cho said without hesitation.

mmm

Lisbon was grateful that Jane had asked Van Pelt to bring her bag from her car, but she thought the big sunglasses and oversized coat he had gotten somewhere were overkill. As it turned out, no reporters were near the door they used—they were all out front yelling questions at Cho and Moore.

Once they were safely in the backseat of the SUV, she made Jane help her out of the coat and took off the sunglasses. Then she leaned against him, sighing in contentment as he slid an arm behind her to rest on her hip. She just wanted to go home. After a day to rest, she'd have to jump back into work, because it wasn't fair to leave the whole mess to Cho and the others.

Jane, of course, would have other plans. She'd have to keep an eye on him or she'd find herself on a plane to some ridiculously expensive destination. His instinct would be to keep moving, because if he sat down and thought about Red John's death, he would have to start dealing with all the feelings associated with his family's deaths. He'd barely scratched the surface when he'd sold the house, she thought, sliding her arm around his waist. And it would be better for both of them if he worked through his emotional issues before the baby arrived, because that was sure to be a very emotional time all on its own, and she wanted him fully present for it, not mired in his memories.

Jane kissed the top of her head and whispered, "Stop thinking so hard."

"There's a lot to think about," she sighed.

"And it will all seem more manageable once you're home and have a nap and a good meal," he replied.

He was probably right, she realized. "Okay, so tell me what you're thinking about."

He chuckled softly, his breath ruffling her hair. She closed her eyes and savored the feeling. She'd missed him so fiercely that his presence was almost overwhelming, and she just wanted to rest against him, sleep for a few hours, and then pick up their life where they'd left off.

Only that wasn't possible, she realized. As much as they'd tried to keep Red John out of their marriage, there was no denying he'd been a huge influence. It wasn't just that their wedding had been a response to his threats and full of reminders of him, from the fact that they'd all been armed to the smiley face cake. They'd moved to their apartment to feel safer from him. Practically every decision they'd made had taken him into account. Now that he was gone, would they be able to adjust?

Jane murmured, "I'm thinking about how much I'm going to enjoy being married to you without worrying about a serial killer hurting you." He paused, then added, "And how relieved I am not to have to worry about condoms anymore."

She couldn't help the brief laugh that escaped her.

"And," he whispered, "how you are going to be surprised at how quickly we'll adjust to him being gone. Because we managed to be happily married even while he was skulking around the shadows, so we're going to be absolutely blissful now that we don't have to think about him anymore. We'll be one of those couples who are so disgustingly happy that they make innocent bystanders nauseated just walking down the street."

She grinned. "When I'm not yelling at you for making me work late because you generated extra paperwork on a case."

"Oh, but I'm retiring, remember?"

"Yeah, right. You just said that to make me think I should apply for Wainwright's job so you'd stay on and I could be home for dinner every night."

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't recall any of our former bosses getting out of the office much earlier than you usually do. I was just thinking that you'd feel obligated to step in on an interim basis while you're confined to desk duty anyway. You know, to make sure things are done right rather than leaving it to some unknown person who may turn out to be incompetent."

Lisbon sighed again. "Well, that might make sense. Only on an interim basis, though. And you have to promise to behave for Cho. And stop talking about retiring like you're an old man."

"I see your devious plan," he said. "You need me to keep up the bureau's case solution rate to make you look good while you're the interim boss. And you don't want me out scouting for a house on thirty acres where we can keep our daughter's pony."

"I am not moving to a horse farm," Lisbon warned him.

"But boarding horses is needlessly expensive, and not nearly as much fun," Jane replied.

She thumped him lightly on the chest to let him know he'd better be teasing her. Then she yawned.

"Have a nap, darling. I'll wake you when we get home."

"No making plans without me," she told him firmly.

"Only menu plans," he promised.

Lisbon tucked her face against his shoulder and closed her eyes, letting his warmth relax her. She felt so much better with him safe in her embrace. The relief was so intense it reminded her of how she'd felt back at the beginning, when Red John had messed with her head. But this was better, she comforted herself. Back then she'd been afraid of losing him to the killer, of him running off again and disappearing, this time for good. But she didn't have to worry about that anymore. Red John was dead, and Jane had chosen her and the baby over his revenge, proving where his priorities lay. He wasn't going anywhere. Ever. Secure in that knowledge, she let herself drift off.

She woke when Jane pressed a gentle kiss to her temple and said, "Wake up, love. We're home."

She blinked and sat up, rubbing at her eyes and looking out the window at their apartment building. "How long did I sleep?"

"Three hours," he smiled. "Feel better?"

"Yeah, I guess." Actually, her head felt worse, probably because the painkillers were wearing off.

"We'll get you something when we get upstairs," Jane assured her. "The doctor gave you a prescription, but he thought over the counter stuff might be enough."

"I know. I was there," she reminded him as he opened his door. He slid out, then offered his hand to help her. She took it, deciding it was better to be prudent than stubborn right now.

Van Pelt and Rigsby went about the normal sweep and camera check when they got inside the apartment. Lisbon opened her mouth to tell them not to worry about it, then remembered there might still be threats. She looked at Jane, who was picking up random dishes and paper strewn around the living room. His fussing was sweet, but unnecessary. "Do you think any of the disciples will want the baby? To carry out his plan?"

"No," Jane said, a little too quickly. "The ambitious ones will try to take up the reins themselves. The meek ones will probably slide back under Stiles' control, secretly relieved. I bet he has the reeducation seminars all scripted out."

Lisbon sat down in her favorite chair. "Why did Stiles bring you?"

Jane carried the dirty dishes into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water and a bottle of painkillers, which he handed her. "Haffner wasn't the only one thinking about succession. Bret's not getting any younger, and he must have started to realize that Haffner was planning to take over Visualize after his death. Maybe he even thought Haffner would get impatient and kill him. He must have decided that having me expose Red John was the lesser of the two evils. Haffner kidnapping you was Stiles' opportunity to make me clean house for him."

"Did you know that going in?" she asked.

"No, though I suspected it would turn out to be something along those lines when Bret invited me to go for a drive with him. At the time, I wasn't concerned with anything except finding you. Do you want to lie down? Or have an early lunch?"

"I'd really like to take a nice long bath," she said. She'd rushed through bathing at the facility, unsure of her privacy. It would have to wait until the sweep was done, though.

"I'll draw it for you in a minute. Any requests for lunch? I might have to run to the store," he said, frowning.

From the looks of the place, he'd had at least one roommate while she was gone. She was grateful he hadn't been alone, but she didn't want him to leave. "Can't you order in?"

He grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes. Yes, she would normally be against such an extravagance, but this was a special case. "What a good idea," he said. "Craving anything?"

"No. I'll be happy with whatever you want to cook that isn't made for a hundred people."

Rigsby and Van Pelt came in and reported that all was well. Lisbon submitted to a hug from her pregnancy buddy—she'd have to make it clear that couldn't continue at the office—and then she was alone with Jane at last. They fell into each other's arms, needing no words, just the reassurance of each other's presence.

After a while, Lisbon pulled away, gave Jane a kiss, and headed for the bathroom. Jane followed her, starting the water running and then helping her undress. There was nothing sensual about it, she knew; Jane was in full caregiver mode. His lingering looks were not admiration, but him cataloging her injuries. Damn, she'd almost forgotten about the bruises Kirkland had left.

"I'm fine," she assured him.

He summoned a sly smile. "Yes, you are." Kneeling to help her out of her jeans, he paused, pressing his lips to her belly and whispering something. She couldn't make out the words, but the feel of his lips and breath on her skin was at once arousing and soothing. The realization that he was talking to their baby brought a rush of unaccustomed tears, and she rested her left hand on his head, running her fingers through his curls. He slanted a mischievous smile up at her, quickly sobering when he saw her face.

"Don't cry, sweetheart," he murmured, standing and wiping her wet cheeks. "Please."

"I'm okay," she said, managing a smile. "I am. Really."

"I know," he said. "Just tired and emotional. Something we'll both have to get used to." He finished undressing her, shut off the water, and reached for the bath salts, then hesitated. "Aromatherapy might not be the best idea right now."

"I don't need anything," she agreed, heading for the tub. Jane stopped her, taking her good hand and putting his free one on her waist to steady her as she stepped into the bath, then helping her lower herself into a sitting position.

"You need to be careful about falling," he reminded her. "Especially since you have one hurt arm and a head injury. Call me when you're ready to get out."

"Okay," she said, closing her eyes. "Hand me the bath pillow, would you?"

He gently slid the pillow behind her head, adjusting it as she leaned back so she wasn't putting pressure on her cut. Then he stroked her cheek with one finger. "I love you," he whispered.

She hummed a little in contentment. "I love you too." When he kept stroking, she opened her eyes a little. He'd sat down on the floor beside the tub and was looking at her with naked adoration. "What?" she asked, feeling her cheeks heat.

"Grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch," he mused. "And crockpot pot roast for dinner."

That sounded perfect. "With potatoes and gravy?" she asked hopefully.

"Of course." He smiled. "Comfort food."

She closed her eyes again, content. He knew her so well, and he never forgot any detail she told him about her childhood, no matter how minor—like what her mother used to make for Sunday dinner and what her favorite lunch had been when she was little. He was an attentive and thoughtful husband, and he was going to be a marvelous father.

"So I guess I'd better get the groceries ordered. Feeding Rigsby really cleaned us out." He got to his feet.

"Patrick?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Are you okay?" This just seemed far too easy.

He smiled down at her. "As long as I have you, I will be."