WE ARE FAMILY
Thanksgiving Day
It was ten thirty Thanksgiving morning when two SUVs rolled up the driveway of Chateau Ironside in front of the tasting room. Katherine and the Chief waited as the doors of the lead vehicle opened, revealing Eve and Mac MacAllister, and Ironside surmised a month's worth of designer fashion for a long weekend at the vineyard. Eve loved clothes. He, Ed, and Mark often teased her about her need to wear the latest couture, along with matching heels and accessories. She would retort that it was her responsibility to look her best to brighten up the office, considering the drabness of her boss' basic brown or blue suit and Ed's rumpled brown suits. Mark, she said, at least showed some signs of hope.
Mark Sanger drove the second one. His wife Diana was in the passenger seat, her head buried in a case file. Even though it was the holiday weekend, he suspected their vehicle probably held materials for the cases they were working on. Diana was the city of San Francisco's private attorney, and Mark was an associate justice in California's State Superior Court. He marveled at how the Sangers avoided potential conflicts in their careers. He knew Diana gave up a job she loved as Marin County DA to avoid appearing before the Superior Court, forcing Mark to recuse himself from cases. She understood the chances were good that one day, Mark would be on the shortlist for a federal court appointment, perhaps even the Supreme Court. Unlike some current federal court members, she would not have unnecessary attention drawn to her or her husband.
Ironside looked down the road where the dust trails were settling, looking for a third vehicle. There was none.
"They didn't come with you?"
"Robert, can't you start with hello first?" Katherine asked.
"Alright." He growled, "Hello. Happy Thanksgiving. You're late. Now, where are they?"
Eve and Mark looked at each other uncomfortably. "We don't know." Eve stammered out.
"They were supposed to stay with your parents last night. Are you saying they didn't, Eve?"
"That's right. We were going to fly out with them, too. Ed told Mac Monday morning to forget about that. He booked a different flight for them."
"So, you're all saying you don't know where they are?"
"No, sir." Mark fell back on his police training. "We knew where they were last night; we just have no clue where they are right now."
"Oh, come on, you guys, we know they're fine, at least," Diana laughed. "We had dinner with them last night. After dinner, we danced, strolled through town, got dessert, and they left. And you three, do you remember the first night we were alone? No babies, no parent responsibilities. Don't you think they deserve some alone time after the time they've had this past year?"
"You were with them last night? And they said nothing about where they were staying so they could be contacted?"
"I called Fran at work on Tuesday, and her secretary, Hetty Sandoval, told me something strange. Monday afternoon, Ed showed up at the office with Champagne and flowers and told Fran he was taking her to moonlight and romance, and they almost ran out of the office." Eve said.
"We had a lot of fun last night, but those two were off in their little world. I think they're still there." Mac chimed in. "I've never seen Ed look so relaxed, and Fran, she was just glowing."
Mark broke out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Diana asked.
"The last time Ed brought up moonlight and romance, he was ready to kill her."
Diana, Mac, and Eve looked horrified.
"It's ok. It was her third day on the job. I think it means something different for them now." Mark finished.
A small smile played on Katherine's lips as they entered the house. She was glad to see everyone but knew more about the whereabouts of Fran and Ed than she was free to say.
The Monday Afternoon Before Thanksgiving
Ed Brown burst into the office of the Director of Conservation programs for the Denver Art Museum. He carried a bouquet and a split of Champagne.
"Are those for me?"
"Sandoval," Ed whispered in his best Sean Connery James Bond. "if only we'd met earlier, I might say yes." His voice went back to normal. "These are for your boss. I intend to sweep her off her feet. Is she in?"
The secretary lifted her receiver, punching a button as Ed opened his wife's office door. The desk was disordered, piled with files and art pieces she was working on.
Startled, Fran replaced her receiver.
"Come away with me."
"Have you lost your mind?"
"Nope, in fact, I think I found it." Ed handed her the flowers, grabbed a couple of coffee cups from the sideboard, pulled the cork, and poured champagne into them, handing her one.
"What is this all about? Don't get me wrong. I love champagne, but what are we drinking too?" she demanded after they drank.
"The Chief of Police has ordered me to take two extra days of leave on top of the four days we'll be at the Chiefs. I want to spend those two days alone with the love of my life. No phones. No children. Just us. Alone. I've cleared it with George. Ma and Patrice will take care of the twins. Cat's with Eddie, and you are coming with me because I want to show you how loved and adored you are."
"I've never been away from them that long," Fran said softly.
Ed kissed and hugged her gently. "It will be alright. I'm going to miss them too. We've got to go. You're already packed because we've got a four-thirty flight to catch."
"I need to say goodbye to the twins."
"It will be ok. Let's go. Traffic will be crazy right now."
Light snow fell as they got to the airport, finding Sarah Brown, Patrice, and the twins outside of security waiting. Fran had a feeling they were all in on Ed's plan.
"This is for Greta," Sarah said, handing her son a small package. "She told me last year how she loved my stuffing bread. Didn't want her to go without, and we knew that Fran needed to see my grandbabies before she left."
Ed watched as Fran cuddled their son and daughter on a nearby bench—Maggie content in her mother's right arm. Robbie slumbering on her left. As their flight was called, she reluctantly gave the babies to Ed for a hug and a kiss; then, he returned them to the stroller. Bidding farewell to Sarah and Patrice, Ed and Fran went through security to board the plane.
They sat in first class.
"First class to San Francisco? Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?"
"Nothing but the best for you, my lady."
Fran snuggled against Ed's shoulder, sliding her arm across his belly. "Seven months, two weeks." She said drowsily.
Ed knew what she meant by the number. It was how long the twins had been in their lives. He shifted her slightly.
"Let me move the armrest." He pulled up the center arm. "Is that better?"
She nodded, closed her eyes, and was silent for the rest of the trip.
The flight gave Ed time to reflect on who he was grateful for. His mother, the Chief, Eve, Mark, and Diana came to mind quickly. He remembered what his life had been like without them. Once upon a time, he'd been a bitter, angry man. He'd seen too much violence. All he cared about was the job. Life was black and white. Bringing the bad guy to justice was all that mattered. Mark, Eve, and the Chief helped pull him out of the darkness of Vietnam. He owed them a debt of gratitude he couldn't begin to repay. Sarah Brown had come west after he took the job in Denver to help him start the ranch with Patrice Gless. Then there was the woman sleeping on his shoulder. The mother of his children, who willingly took on the additional responsibility of raising Catalina Montez as her own. He and Fran had come so far from their beginnings. His life would be completely different without her. They weren't just husband and wife; they were partners, and his partner needed some major TLC that he was more than happy to provide.
Fran felt the gentle pressure of Ed's thumb sliding along her cheek and chin. She opened her eyes.
"Sorry, Sleeping Beauty, naptime's over. We're landing."
Fran moved into an upright position, making sure her seat belt was fastened.
"I know where we're landing, so what's next on our agenda now that I'm awake?" she asked.
"It's a secret."
Fran smiled, "This is so unlike you."
"Stick with me, kiddo. We haven't even begun moonlight and romance yet."
Disembarking from the plane, the two walked the concourse to the baggage carousel. They found their bags and turned to see a row of dark-suited drivers waiting for their passengers. One held a card with the word "Brown" on it.
Ed walked towards him, Fran following.
"Good Evening Chief Brown, Doctor Brown. I'm Henry. I'll be driving you to your lodging.
"Which is?" Fran asked
"I'm sorry, Doctor Brown. The Chief has requested me not to disclose the location. Please, let me take your bags."
Henry's car was a Chevrolet Suburban with deeply tinted windows and had been fitted with luxuries such as a small refrigerator, a two-way intercom, and a leather-clad club-style bench seat. Henry smoothly exited the airport and drove north, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and continuing on Highway 101.
"In the refrigerator, Chief. You will find the small plates you ordered and the wine." Henry's voice floated through the speaker. "Silverware, glasses, and napkins are in the right-hand drawer. Pull-down tables are in front of you. Anything else you or the Doctor require?"
Fran shook her head.
"No, Henry, we'll be fine. Thank you." Ed said.
"When you're finished, please put the debris in the right-hand drawer. I won't disturb you anymore. Our ETA is one hour forty minutes. Bon appetit".
The screen behind the front seat darkened, and a dim overhead light came on.
"Well, I forgot what I ordered, so here goes." He opened the refrigerator. Each plate held a thick slice of Spanish Tortilla, olives, and cheese. The refrigerator also contained a small basket of bread and butter and a half bottle of Chateau Ironside Cabernet. He poured each of them a glass.
"Sante," Fran said. They clinked glasses.
After eating and replacing the dishes, they lay back in a contented drowse.
"This is quite delightful. It's not my birthday. Not our anniversary. Why all the fuss here, Chief?"
"I just wanted to."
"You didn't have to go to all of this."
"Yes, I did."
"Why?"
"You don't know?"
"No"
"Then allow me to show you, Doc." Ed turned out the light, bent his head, and kissed his wife languidly, then deeper as she responded.
The time passed quickly. A firm rap at the window reminded them they weren't alone in the car. It was Henry.
"We've arrived at the destination, Chief Brown."
"Thanks, Henry." He turned to Fran, "Time to put this on." He held out a blindfold.
"No fair."
"Yep, be a good girl. I want you to be surprised when you see where you are".
"You know about paybacks, Ed Brown."
"I asked you to come away to moonlight and romance, and you agreed."
She slipped it on. "Lead on."
Judging from the sounds and smells, Ed guided her through what she thought was a hotel lobby. They walked outside past a pool. Fran smelled chlorine and heard splashing. A cafe or bar must be nearby as she smelled food and heard convivial conversations and laughter punctuated by clinking glasses.
"Turn left"
She stepped into an elevator car. The required hotel muzak was overhead, and the momentary jump as the car stopped. The doors opened. Ed guided her out and turned her to the left.
"Are we there yet?"
"Almost"
"Turn right." They walked down another tile hallway.
The game was beginning to drag.
"Stop."
Fran tried to take a peek, lifting an edge of her mask.
"Uh huh, you promised."
She heard the soft click of a lock disengaging. The change of air from the hallway to the room as she moved into the room. The smell of a gas fireplace greeted her.
"Just a few steps more...Now. Now you can take it off."
Fran removed her blindfold to see they were in a large suite with a gas fireplace as the central focus unless one first saw the canopied king-sized four-poster bed. The ceiling was whitewashed and vaulted. Two French doors led out to a balcony. One side of the room held a low dresser with a mini bar, refrigerator, and coffee station. On the left was a hallway to the bathroom. Water had been drawn for a bath in the large soaking tub. One of the hotel employees had lit candles around the tub area and floated Fran's favorite flowers, gardenias on the surface. An ice bucket held an open bottle of white wine, and two glasses hung from a carved insert.
She turned to find Ed behind her.
"Oh, Ed," she breathed into his chest. "This is all too much. You didn't have to do this."
"Yes, I did. You've been through so much, and I wanted an extravagant way to show how much I love you." He kissed her, holding her tightly to him. His hand slipped into her hair. The other began unbuttoning her blouse. He kissed her hungrily. He felt her hands on his chest and the coolness of the air as his shirt was unbuttoned and pulled out of his pants.
"How about we have a soak before the water gets cold?" Ed croaked.
The Tuesday Before Thanksgiving
Ed woke to morning sunshine and found himself leaning against the headboard in a tangle of arms and legs, all loosely covered with Italian linen. Fran was propped against his chest, her dark brown hair disarrayed from the previous evening. Her left leg was casually thrown over his legs, and her left arm rested on his chest. He smiled as he carefully untangled her hair from his fingers. He could smell faint traces of gardenia from last night's bathwater on her skin and hair. He began running his fingers up and down on her bare back.
"Mmmmph. Go away. Tired."
"You sure weren't last night. "
His wife lifted her head, slowly opened one brilliant blue eye, and smiled at her husband. "Morning."
"Morning. Sleep well?"
"Very. You?"
"Mm hum," Ed grinned as she moved along his side for a cuddle. His fingers began lightly moving up and down her arm. Her hand drew patterns on his chest and stomach. He rubbed his thumb into her scapula. He heard a low sound of pleasure. Her hand dropped below his stomach, continuing to explore lazily. An equally low moan escaped from him. Fran rolled on top of him; her lips brushed his. His head spun. Everything else would wait.
Ed planned this stay for months with Kate Ironside as his co-conspirator. A few days before Thanksgiving at the Chief's would be perfect. Ed gave her his ideas and asked her to find the right spot, not too far from the Chief's winery but not too close. Katherine had found the perfect location in Yountville, California, the gateway to Napa County. Ed's plans for today were simple. Fran would have a spa day—anything she wanted from their menu. He scheduled a late afternoon tee time for them. Fran loved the game and played often. However, with Cat and the twins in the house, she hadn't played for quite a while. He would be able to read Mick Herron's latest.
Fran would decide their activities for the next day, except for the surprise he had scheduled for the morning. According to Katherine, finding things to do in town would be no problem. The hotel offered bicycles. There were hiking trails. He hoped she would rest and relax and enjoy her time.
A sharp knock on the door reminded him he'd ordered room service. He got up quietly so as not to disturb his wife. He pulled the sheet so it covered her. Pulling on a robe, he opened the door to the waiter with a dining cart. Ed motioned to set it up on the balcony table. He signed the check and returned to bed; sitting on the edge, he ran his fingers up his wife's back.
"Come on Paquita—time to eat. Things will get cold."
Grumbling, Fran put on her bathrobe; the French Doors were opened, showing a beautifully set table. A side table held a bakery basket, jams, juice, and a pot of coffee. Two large metal domes covered dishes on the table held breakfast. Fran poured coffee and juice, and they sat down. The balcony overlooked a large garden and part of the pool.
"This is absolutely beautiful, but I want to know, where did you kidnap me to?"
"Moonlight and romance, remember?"
"Ed, there's no moonlight now, and you promised me."
"We are at the Hotel Yountville." He smiled. "Not too far from the Chief, but well, you know." He ate some bacon and jabbed a piece of toast into egg yolk.
I'm happy to know where I am."
"Are you happy?"
"Yes, yes, I am. Last night was... incredible." She smiled a megavoltage smile and helped herself to some smoked salmon.
"Just two people know where we are, Sarah and Kate."
"Sarah, I can understand, but why Kate?"
"Someone had to help me plan this. Hetty certainly couldn't be trusted. She'd tell you everything. I couldn't risk that. Kate's been doing the behind-the-scenes since the kids were baptized. I had Eve come and pack your bag after you left for work. I knew what I wanted you to wear and what looked the best on you, but she knew the other stuff to pack. However, she, Mac, Diana, and Mark have no clue where we are. They promised not to call."
Fran laughed. "Thank heavens. You would have packed .."
"Absolutely nothing and we would have had to go clothes shopping."
"And you, Ed Brown, do not like going clothes shopping with me."
"You're right, Dr. Brown. I like how clothes look on you, but not the process of how you buy them."
"Do we have plans for today?"
Ed outlined the day for her. He knew he'd done it right with the spa time.
"I'll meet you at the spa at 2:00, and then we'll walk to the course and have lunch before our tee time."
"Course? You're going golfing with me? You hate golfing."
"In exchange, you'll ride in a hot air balloon tomorrow morning."
Fran stopped putting jam on her English Muffin. "Hot Air..."
He grinned. "Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride over the wineries. It'll be fun. Just the two of us."
Fran reached across the table and kissed her husband's head. "It will. What do you plan to do today?"
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll find something to do, but perhaps You can show your appreciation for my efforts if you'd care to join me in the bedroom." Ed said, getting up from the table—Fran right behind him. Both acted like children as they leaped for the four poster.
Fran was gone when Ed woke up. She left a note telling him she'd gone to the spa. He dressed and went downstairs. A wall of French Doors was open to the garden. A coffee station held newspapers and the promise of a fresh cup of coffee with pastries. He took advantage of it all and then went to a sunkissed patio to read. Halfway through the San Francisco Chronicle, he felt a presence. He looked into the earnest face of a hotel employee. His name tag read Jaxon.
"Yes?"
"Are you Ed Brown?"
"Guilty."
"Your wife has asked you to meet her in the spa. Said to tell you she's fine, but she'd like you to join her there."
Ed checked his watch. It was one thirty. He suspected something was up but followed Jaxon to the spa.
"This way, sir." Jaxon led him down one of the corridors, finally stopping before a door marked 8 and knocking. Jaxson opened the door, motioning Ed inside.
He found Fran relaxing in a chair.
"It's been wonderful, but you did say I could have anything on the menu. And remember what I said about paybacks."
Ed looked away to see two massage tables.
"Well, erm, ahh. I intended this to be all for you."
"Well, I wanted something very special —I ordered the couples massage, so meet Stan." She pointed to a very fit man in a white t-shirt and pants leaning against the wall. She took a sip from her wine glass. "Stan, this is Ed. He's been a policeman all his life; you'll find he ran afoul of things like bullets—a few surgeries. Sometimes, he gets a little embarrassed by the scars. He's a cowboy and a mountain climber, too. He's got a few knots I couldn't get out for him this morning." She giggled at the memory.
Ed shook Stan's hand. "Don't be embarrassed, Ed; with your lifestyle, it's good to have regular massage. You'll find everything you need in the changing room. Ed came out moments later wearing a pair of terry cloth shorts, his chest, and arms covered by a short robe. Fran ran her eyes up and down her husband's body, smiling cheekily. Her tongue licked her top lip—the tightness in his body he had experienced earlier. returned. Fran remained in her chair, drinking wine, eventually loosening the ties of her robe and slowly dropping the robe along her shoulders, giving him a peek at the mounds of her breasts. His lower body tightness got worse. He knew her body very well. She'd worked hard to lose her pregnancy body; she knew she could arouse him with that simple act. Stan left the room. Ed found the wine, poured a glass, and drank it quickly.
"Monica will be out in a minute," Stan said.
A few minutes later, a woman Ed could only describe as Vikingesque came out.
"Ramona does a great job with the body wrap and facial, doesn't she? You look amazing. Fran, you told me the last couple of years have been rough for you physically. Twins, a major upper-body injury, a job that requires a lot of sitting and standing daily, and you love to ride horses, kayak, bike, and run. Do you climb mountains with the hubs? Yes? Oh God, you're a Coloradan, for sure. Anything else I should know? No? Let's see what we can do for both of you."
"First, we'll start with a relaxing bubble bath. Follow me to the next room. and we'll get you settled." Stan laughed.
Ed glared at Fran, "Bubble bath?" he stammered.
She broke into a belly laugh. "Tiny Bubbles," she sang.
The bubble bath was nothing like the stuff that came in the plastic bottles of his youth. Unlike last night's bath, this bath held the essence of eucalyptus. It was relaxing. Drinking a glass of wine in the tub felt good, too.
"When do we get one of these tubs for home?"
"It's tempting," Ed said.
Fran responded with another high intensity smile.
Fifteen minutes later, Monica and Stan returned to help them out of the bath. They wrapped the robes tightly around them, leading them back to the massage tables.
An aromatic oil was opened. It probably was for Fran. He could smell vanilla, sandalwood, and other scents he liked in Fran's perfume. Another bottle was opened. It smelled woodsy with a little bourbon thrown in it. Stan began putting it on Ed. His eyes closed. Stan started massaging the top of his head. How could his scalp be tense? His ears, his neck? Stan's hands moved to his shoulders. It suddenly felt that every knot in his body was melting. He felt like goo. After a while, Stan tapped his shoulder, and Ed drowsily turned over. Stan started with his feet and moved up Ed's body. Ed felt like putty in the masseur's hands.
"Ok, Ed, I saw some scarring along your spine, so I'm going to roll you over and put some warm stones on each vertebra."
Starting at his neck, Stan placed the stones on every vertebra. Ed was left to drift as the warmth radiated from his spine.
An eternity later, Stan came back. "Any place I missed on your body, Ed?"
"What body?" came his mumbled response.
"Thanks, it means I did my job. The stones are off; take it easy when you get up. Drink plenty of water. and have a good stay."
Minutes later, he got up. Stan and Monica were gone. He felt incredible. Fran propped on her elbows, looking at him. "Well, Marshall, how'd it feel?"
"Truth?"
"Always."
"I liked it.
He got up off the table and helped Fran off of hers. There was a basket filled with the scented oils they'd enjoyed, some exfoliant scrub made from cabernet grapes, two bottles of chilled mineral water, and a bottle of red wine.
"I've got an idea. Let's take this to our room. We'll enjoy it later.
"Sounds good. Can we golf tomorrow?"
"Sure, we spend time taking a nap, or we can wander before dinner."
"Let's wander."
An hour later, Fran and Ed strolled along Washington St. Ed wore dress slacks, a crisp open-neck white Oxford linen shirt, a sports coat, and his favorite Tony Lama boots. Fran wore a black cowl neck back dress with a silk shawl. Eve had packed well, Ed thought. The dress was short and low enough to show off Fran's toned body in all the right places.
Their first stop was a local winery tasting barn, where they sampled several vintages ordering a few to be sent home—then continued their wanderings, stopping at various galleries, bookstores, and more tasting stations. They found presents for Sarah and Patrice, Cat and the babies. They ordered more wine that would be shipped back to Denver.
Ed steered Fran into a shop, sniffing appreciatively. "I'm hungry."
"Massage will do that."
"So will not having lunch."
"What are you going to do about that?"
"Split a Bahn Mi with me?"
"You go ahead. I'm saving my appetite for dinner," she said.
Ed opted instead for an Oyster Po'Boy. When Fran sniffed appreciatively, He relented and gave her an oyster. She rewarded him with a huge smile as a thank you. They continued their walk, stopping at a bakery for macrons and coffee and listening to a small jazz band in the park.
"Are you hungry now?" Ed asked.
"Famished," she replied.
"I lied to you."
"About what?"
"Planning." He looked at his watch. "We have dinner reservations at Bistro Jeunty at seven-thirty. We should get headed that way."
Rather than walk back along Washington, Ed and Fran returned via Yount St. Yount was more residential than Washington. Towards the end of their walk, Yount merged back into Washington, and moments later, the restaurant lights appeared. They walked in and were seated in a quiet spot in the back. They ordered drinks. Ed ordered an Urban Bourbon, the closest thing to a Manhattan he could find. Fran chose a Jefferson Airplane. The manager greeted them.
"Chief Brown, Mrs. Brown. It's a pleasure to have you tonight. I hope you will enjoy your meal." She gestured, and a waiter joined them.
"Hello, I'm Todd, your server." He put menu cards in front of them. "Would you care to have a starter? I recommend you order a baguette with our homemade truffle butter and smoked trout. It comes with some of our delicious potato salad; it's shareable and my favorite. It's also Chef Jeunty's family recipe."
They agreed, and the waiter soon returned with the fish.
"How did you come to decide on this place?" Fran asked.
"I didn't. I got a text today from the restaurant telling me we had reservations."
"I sense Kate's hand in this."
"Well, I wouldn't be surprised. I wanted a special place for tonight. The French Laundry is booked until spring, and I did tell her I trusted her taste."
Todd returned and asked if they wanted another cocktail; they declined and then took their dinner orders. Ed opted for the Steak Frite, medium rare, and Fran, the mussels. Todd returned with another round, telling them it came from the management.
"This is definitely Kate's work," Fran laughed as she slid her hand onto Ed's thigh under the table. Ed covered her hand with his.
"This reminds me of the Balboa," she said, referring to their first date.
"Yeah, it does." They clinked glasses.
The mains arrived with sides and two carafes of wine, one red, one white. Todd placed the red in front of Ed. "Ballentine, Cabernet Sauvignon," Todd said, referring to the winemaker.
Another server placed the white before Fran, "Failla, Chardonnay, ma'am."
A large bowl was set before Fran, and a platter was put down before Ed with the ribeye steak.
"Can I get you anything else?" Todd asked.
"A-1 sauce?"
Fran looked mortified. Todd did a polite cough.
"Just kidding. I raise beef cattle. I would never ruin a steak like this one. Sorry."
His wife shook her head. "Good job, Chief. Get us tossed out of a place like this. Imagine the headlines."
"He forked a bite of steak into his mouth. "Mmmmm, glad I didn't put the A-1 on it." He sliced another piece off, put it on his fork, and offered it to her. Gently, Fran lipped it off.
"Mmmm. This is good. You have to find out how the chef prepared your steak."
He poured wine for her. "Y'know, this is the first time in a long while we've had a meal together that didn't involve smeared food, formula, crying babies, dogs, a sometimes moody teenager, parental figures. Here's to peace, love, conversation, and adulting."
Fran turned and kissed him. "Here's to us."
Their meal continued languidly, ending with dessert, after-dinner cocktails, and coffee.
They got up from their seats; Ed adjusted Fran's shawl. They walked to the Host Desk. Ed asked for the check
"Thank you for joining us tonight. Did you enjoy your meal? And," she checked her notes, "your bill has been taken care of."
"Do you know who paid for our meal?" Fran asked.
"I don't know," The host said apologetically. "Sorry." Ed calculated an approximate tip. Pulling out the bills. he gave them to the host. "If you can, thank our benefactor for a wonderful evening."
They walked back to the hotel slowly. Ed's placed his arm around Fran's shoulders.
"It was quite a day."
"Yeah, it was. I'm glad I got to share it with you."
"What time must we be there for the balloon ride?"
"You're not going to like it. Six thirty."
"It's later than I usually get up."
Come on, honey, let's go to bed. I've got some knots in my shoulder and need them worked on."
Fran flashed him another huge smile and kissed him. "Shall I call Stan?"
"I thought maybe you could help tonight."
"I have a fee."
"Name it."
"Breakfast."
"You've got it."
They entered their room. Fran went into the bathroom. Ed hit the gas fireplace button and ignited it. He heard the bathroom door open. She was wearing lingerie that hugged every curve, leaving little to anyone's imagination
"To be loved means to be consumed. To love is to give light with inexhaustible oil. To be loved is to pass away; to love is to endure. I want to be consumed," she whispered.
Ed strode to the door, picked her up, and carried her to the bed. "With pleasure."
The Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
The next morning, found them soaring over the vineyards of Napa. Instead of the solo flight, they shared the balloon with a couple from Switzerland and another from South Carolina. The weather was good, the sun shone, and the view was stupendous. They enjoyed the companionship. Over breakfast, the women found common interests in writing, bicycling, and kayaking and agreed to meet for lunch and paddle down the Napa River afterward. The three men enjoyed bicycling and fishing. Flyfishing was popular in Yountville, and they arranged to go with a guide.
After their time with their new friends, Ed and Fran returned to the hotel to change for dinner. Fran offered to wear the little black dress from last night, but Ed knew there was another dress.
"Wear the blue one."
When she came out of the bathroom after what seemed like ages, it was worth it. Ed took a deep breath and held it. Everything about her was perfect. Especially the dress she wore, a blue capped-sleeved sheath dress with a matching jacket. It set off the deep blue of her eyes.
"I love it, and I love you."
"You should have seen the bill from the tailor.
"I'm very, very, glad you work."
"I'm an independent woman I am, sir. I liked the people we spent today with. Mark and Karen, Peter and Lizzi. We shared addresses at lunch so we can stay in touch with them."
"Yeah, we should. They were easy to hang out with. Peter said my mountain climbing experience in Switzerland was a raw deal. I should return, and he'll show me some better climbs where I won't find stupid English teenagers. But we need to get going. We have reservations."
"Where?"
"The Rutherford Grill." He looked at his phone. "Our Uber should be here, so let's scoot."
The drive to the Rutherford Grill took under half an hour passing many of the same wineries they drifted over that morning. They were shown to an outside tented table far from the kitchen area.
"Surprise!" Mark, Diana, Eve, and Mac greeted them.
Fran turned to Ed. "Was this your idea?"
He nodded, happy he pulled it off.
"Hell, you two must be having some fun. We were about to start a search party for you two." Mac said, thrusting a glass of wine into Ed's hand.
"Tonight is dance night because, on Friday, they'll be closed, so they're staying open late," Diana said.
Eve sidled up next to Fran. "You look gorgeous and rested."
"I feel wonderful. Thanks for packing for me."
"It's what sisters do for each other."
Diana joined them. "Girrll, no one would mistake you for being the mother of twins tonight. I want details."
"Tomorrow".
"Food is on Diana and me tonight. It's family style," Mark said as waiters carried out trays of food redolent of oak smoke and several bottles of wine, placing them on the table. "And it's barbequed surf and turf with all the extras you could ask for. "The night is young, and we haven't been together for a while, L'assaiz les Bon Temps Rouler!"
Thanksgiving Morning
Ed watched amusedly as Fran completed her coffee ritual: two sugars and a dollop of milk.
"Such a waste of good coffee."
"No, it's not. My abuelita Muñoz taught me to drink coffee that way when I was a little girl, and it's the only way to drink some people's coffee."
"Are you disparaging my coffee-making skills?"
"You mean Marine Coffee? That wasn't coffee; that was poison."
"Hey, should I be offended by that remark?"
Fran leaned over and kissed him. "Nope."
They were sitting in the Hotel restaurant.
Ed ate a bite of his pancakes, following it with coffee and ham. "Last night was incredible."
"You were pretty amazing yourself."
"Yes, I was. Last night, being with Mark, Eve, Diana, and Mac was fun. And to think that I pulled that off without you ever suspecting. You weren't so bad yourself."
Fran balled up her napkin and threw it at Ed's cheek. She laughed at him, letting him know she was teasing. She ate some of her Eggs Benedict.
"You still push all the right buttons. But for the first time in months, we acted like adults, doing things with friends, eating out, not having to tear away from the table and the clothes you wore." Ed said.
"Weren't spattered with formula and creamed squash."
"True. I've missed seeing you wear that blue dress. I was thinking more of that short, black, lacy lingerie you bought in Vienna. It took my breath away; no one would have mistaken you for the mother of twins the last few nights.
"Why, Mr. Brown, such flattery. Not telling Mark and Eve where we were staying was genius. You know they could find us by phone."
"Sam took Eve's phone. Mark promised he and Diana wouldn't call unless the vineyard burned down. And our phones."
"... were left in our room."
"Nobody is going to find us."
The restaurant hostess approached the table. "Excuse me, are you Ed Brown?"
Fran laughed. "Busted"
"Yes, I am," Ed said.
"I have a message for you." Her face flushed. "Take her away to moonlight and romance another time. Dinner's at two, and I have a murder for you to solve."
"Any name for that message?"
"No, the gentleman said you'd know."
Ed got up from the table, extending his hand. "Come, my love. 'Tis time to leave moonlight and romance. The master detective has found us—time to return to the real world."
As they left the restaurant, Fran looked up at her husband. "We had all our tracks covered. How did he do it?"
"Simple. He's Ironside."