Page 108 of Forever and Other Lies

“I know it’s your wedding day and all, but I still need to ask. Do either of you have any idea how a doormat that reads ‘Dog’s friendly but the owner’s not’ ended up on Ophelia Meddler’s porch?”

“Nope,” Derek answered, brow furrowing. He shrugged and looked at Jayna. “How about you, honey? Any idea?”

“Not a single one,” Jayna answered.

Burke narrowed his eyes. “I seem to recall seeing a doormat matching that description at your front door the last time I was here to play poker. I just checked, it’s not there now.”

“Wow, that’s quite the coincidence,” Jayna stated. “Come to think of it, I did notice it was missing.”

“Maybe it was that kid Bobby McDermott. Nick said he’s been pranking the Meddler quite a bit lately,” Derek offered.

Burke pursed his lips. “Twelve-year-old Bobby McDermott? He would need to ride his bike five miles outside of town to reach your house, then steal the mat and somehow ride his bike back with it under his arm.”

“Hey, a good prank is worth the extra effort.” Derek grinned. “That wouldn’t have stopped me at his age.”

“I knew if you two joined forces, this town would never be the same.” Burke shook his head. “I can only hope you don’t plan on procreating.”

Derek raised both eyebrows.

Jayna placed a hand on her belly. “You’re the first to know, so don’t go blabbing it to anyone.”

Derek’s hand tightened around her waist, and he leaned closer, kissing her temple.

“I have another twenty-two years before I can retire.” Burke let out a loud groan and threw his hands up in the air. “The spawn of Two-Date Brennan and Jayna Date and Dash, I just can’t.”

“You could take a different job,” Derek suggested. “Heard the county is looking for a meter maid.”

Burke glared, mumbling as he walked away. “Guess I could always move. Change police departments.”

“If it’s a boy, we should name him after Burke,” Derek pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Oh, he’d love that.” Jayna lifted on tiptoe again and kissed her husband.

The band started to play Reba’s ‘Forever Love’ and Derek pulled her onto the dance floor. Maybe the song wasn’t so bad after all. It was time to change her anthem from Consider Me Gone to Forever Love.

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