Page 56 of Ghostly Bother
"Not fair. I want to come home early," Lance told him. "I'm guessing things went well?"
"They did. Michael admitted that Rachel confessed to killing Eden. He's willing to testify in court about what she said. It doesn't look like he was involved in the planning, but we'll never truly know. At least her killer won't be getting away with anything."
"I'm glad it worked out. I was worried this case would never end. I know it's not the longest case you've worked, but every day has felt like a month. For me, it was the most stressful case you've had."
"Only because you were stalked by the victim. Let's pray that never happens again." Angus got into his car. "I'll be home when you get there. We can finally relax and catch up on our shows."
"Betty dropped by and told me that your mom left us a pork roast in the fridge. We just need to heat it up," Lance told him.
"We'll there goes my idea of surprising you with dinner. I guess I can always stop and get some ice cream for dessert."
"Chocolate please," Lance said. "And grab a bag of dog food. We're almost out."
Angus laughed. "And life is back to normal."
"It's kind of perfect that way. I like our normal."
"I like you."
"I love you," Lance said softly.
"I love you too." Angus smiled as he rested his back against the seat. "I'll show you just how much when you get home."
"Then I better get back to work." Lance paused. "Normal forever, right?"
Angus's chest tightened at the word 'forever'. "Yes, normal forever."
"Good. I'll see you in a few hours. Love you."
"I love you too." And as he ended the call, he wondered how normal everyday things seemed so perfect with Lance in his life. Normal was good, because normal meant they were together with a long future ahead of them. Yep, he'd take normal any day with Lance by his side.
EPILOGUE
Lance got off the motorcycle and stretched. Angus followed. They decided to only take one bike instead of both, and Lance was glad. He loved holding on to Angus as they moved through the canyon curves, feeling his muscles tighten as he steered the bike. It was hot out, and they were both sweaty, but it had been worth it.
"Let's get food, then go sit by the lake." Angus nodded to the small café near the marina.
Lance nodded and followed. They'd come up here a few times together, and both enjoyed the simple burger and fries the café sold. "One day I'm going to figure out what they use in their secret sauce."
"Sometimes it's better not knowing, but I agree. If I could make it at home, we'd be eating burgers every night." Angus placed their to-go order, and they stepped back to wait.
"This was the best idea." Lance looked across the lake. "I wish we didn't have to be back for work tomorrow."
"Me too. The weekends go too fast." Angus leaned closer to Lance, pulling him closer. "Next weekend we have your dad's birthday party, and the weekend after that, Franks invited us to his place to barbecue. I'm not complaining, but this will be our last weekend alone for a while."
"Then we'll have to take full advantage of it." Lance nodded to one of the tables in the distance. "That one should give us enough privacy." He was nervous. He'd decided after going just a few days without Angus by his side, he never wanted that to happen again. He'd gone out last week and bought Angus a ring. He wished Jackson was around so he could talk to him about taking such a big step, but he'd gone to Ray instead. Having never been married, Ray wasn't a lot of help, but he'd beensupportive and tried to ease Lance's worries that it was too soon in their relationship to take such a huge step. He kept worrying. What if he was the only one who felt this strongly? What if he asked and Angus didn't want to be married, and it caused some sort of issue between them? They hinted a lot about forever. Joked about being married, but they'd never truly sat down and discussed it.
The ring was like a weight in his pocket, refusing to let him forget it was there. He tried to force his mind from it, but each time he moved, he felt the box in his pocket. He'd thought of a million places to do this, a million things to say, but he still didn't know exactly when the right moment would be. Not standing, waiting for food. Maybe at the picnic table with the lake beside them.
"I got it." Angus waved Lance back as their number was called to pick up their food.
They walked side by side to the picnic table. There was a soft breeze coming off the water, and around them families enjoyed the water. Several boats floated, people fishing and swimming. Lance was almost jealous of those enjoying the cool water.
"So do you think something more is going on with Franks and Gretta, or are they just good friends?" Angus asked as they laid out their food.
"I caught them kissing in the front office the other day. It wasn't a big passionate kiss, but one like you and I share when you're leaving. There's definitely something there, but I'm not sure how far they've taken it. I'm just glad they're both happy. Franks would never admit it, but he's been lonely. And I think Gretta needed a man like Franks who isn't looking for someone to show off. Her ex sounds horrible. She said he refused to let her leave the house unless she was wearing makeup and something he deemed presentable. Can you imagine telling me what I can and can't wear?"
Angus laughed. "I'd tell you to go naked all the time."
