Chapter 40

"I can't believe that we're going back to work tomorrow," Sarah heaved a sigh. They had gone out for a walk in the sunshine and were now sitting on that park bench which gave them a fantastic view of the harbor. It had been nearly three weeks since Charlie put in his vacation request. He'd added a week to his and Rex's vacation when they had gotten word that Sarah's return to desk duty was fast approaching but didn't quite line up with their initial request.

"As much as I want to stay home more, I think Jesse is missing us," Charlie chuckled and his girlfriend laughed too. The younger detective had been checking in with the elder detective on a regular basis and Sarah had been texting pictures of Rex to the team.

"Maybe just a little," she smirked. Rex barked and they both looked at him.

"Buddy there is not enough room on this bench for you. I know you like to snuggle," Charlie petted his partner.

"He's wondering when we get lunch," Sarah said. She was glad that she'd been able to return to a regular diet, though she was still eating multiple small meals a day. Her stomach needed to be gradually stretched after being operated on.

"Well, it's in the car. I'll get it," Charlie got up and headed to the nearby parking lot. Rex immediately took his spot on the bench.

"You know that he's going to want to sit when he gets back," Sarah tussled his fur and Rex just licked her hand. The Head of Forensics had received word that all of her hard work had paid off. When she returned to work tomorrow, she would now be a Detective. It would allow her to carry a weapon in the field and go out investigating without a partner. Admittedly though, she hoped that she'd be able to go out with Charlie and Rex. Kelly and Ingrid would be handling forensics for the most part – Joe had not mentioned who would take her role of Head of Forensics over.

"Rex, I wasn't going to be gone that long," Charlie gave his furry partner a look, picnic basket in hand. The dog seemed to think about getting up but did not do so.

"Rex, you know you can't eat on the furniture," Sarah teased him, but the dog refused to yield. He wanted a front row seat for what was coming next. Charlie handed Sarah the picnic basket over her shoulder and came around the front of the bench so that he was facing her. She gave him a look.

"Open the basket and we'll make a good show of enjoying our lunch without him," Charlie chuckled. Sarah smirked and opened the basket only to find that on top of the sandwiches was a little black box. She looked up at him.

"Did the sandwiches go bad?" he asked, not giving away a thing. Sarah reached inside the basket and pulled out the little box. She set it on the lid and that's when she noticed Charlie was down on one knee in front of her. Her eyes went wide and she opened the box. Inside was a silver ring with a diamond in the middle but surrounding the diamond were four smaller emeralds. The pattern was unmistakably a dog's paw print.

"Sarah Truong, would you make me the happiest man in the world?" Charlie asked. Rex barked, wanting to be included.

"And of course make Rex the happiest dog in the world?" He added.

"Charlie…" the pause made both Charlie and Rex hold their collective breath. Charlie worried that he'd still somehow blown it and he remained frozen in his position. It was then that he noticed the woman he loved had tears trailing down her cheeks. He stood, quickly removed the picnic basket from her lap, pocketed the ring box, and pulled her to him into a hug. They stood there for a moment or two until Sarah mumbled into his coat.

"What?" Charlie loosened his grip on her and she pulled away, only slightly though.

"Yes, I will," Sarah repeated. They kissed and Rex barked. When they parted, Charlie went into his pocket and pulled out the box with the ring. He then pulled the ring from the box and Sarah offered her hand. He slid it on and it fit perfectly.

"It's beautiful Charlie," Sarah said as she stared at the ring on her finger.

"Rex and I thought this was the best place. There's a symmetry to it and after what happened, I… I couldn't wait anymore," he admitted. Sarah smiled and put a hand on his cheek.

"I love you Charlie Hudson," she said.

"And I you Sarah Truong," he smiled at her. Rex barked and they came over and showed him how much they loved him with pets and kisses.

"How do we tell Joe?" Sarah suddenly asked.

"How are we going to tell Jesse?" He countered.

To Be Continued…

Only an epilogue to go...