Page 29 of Miracles and Marriage
“I knew I always wanted children, but to me, getting my career underway was paramount. Then I thought I’d marry and have kids. But that was vague and general. Now it looks as if I’ll be lucky to have even one.”
“Maybe you’ll have twins.”
“Maybe. Start the water for the pasta, would you?”
As preparations continued, Zoe began to grow more at ease.
Cal hunted in the cupboard where the pans were coming up with a deep one. While he filled it, Zoe asked, “So did you want a large family?”
“I never thought about it. One day I figured I’d get married and have the average 2.5 children. Uncle Hal was forever after me to get started, he had a fear I’d end up like him—a bachelor all his life.”
“Today changed that,” she murmured.
It seemed surreal. She was a married woman and still felt as uncertain as any employee entertaining the boss. She studied the glint of gold on her finger for a moment.
Zoe set their places on a small table in the living room feeling it would be more intimate than the large kitchen table. If things went well, she’d like to have a nice memory of her wedding night.
Talk inevitably turned to work. They discussed upcoming visits by various dignitaries and businessmen they had been hired to help. Strategies to keep them from the public eye, how to let them do all they wanted in Washington without putting any in jeopardy with fanatical groups. And the recent request to accompany a Congressional member’s family when they toured a Middle East country.
They talked long past ten. When Zoe realized the time, she jumped up.
“I’ll do these dishes and let you get to bed.”
Cal leaned back lazily and watched her.
“Efficient as ever. But I rarely go to bed this early. Do you?”
Zoe nodded.
“I get up really early to run, so I usually go to bed around ten.”
“I’m a runner,” he said. “I imagine the beach is great for that.”
“If I don’t get out almost before dawn in the summer, it’s too hot. But the packed sand is the best surface to run on and I love it this time of year. Join me tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
He rose and carried the rest of the items from the table to the kitchen.
When Zoe bid him good-night a few moments later, she didn’t know if she should offer a kiss on the cheek or not. She’d have to touch him sometime. Before many more days passed they’d be doing a lot more than touching.
“Wake me if I’m not up when you are ready to run,” Cal said, taking the decision from her.
Sometime later, Zoe lay in bed, the pretty nightgown she’d bought still folded in her suitcase. She’d donned her comfy sweats, warm enough for the old house in winter. Not exactly a fashion statement, she thought as she drifted to sleep. She bet Suzanne never wore sweats a day in her life.
Zoe awoke suddenly. She looked into the darkness, wondering why she was awake. Peering at the clock, she saw it was only a bit after midnight. She hadn’t slept for long. Straining to hear anything unusual, she only heard the soft rhythm of the sea kissing the shore.
Turning, she caught a glimmer of light. Was Cal up?
Throwing back the comforter, she rose and found socks to put on her feet. Softly she padded into the living room. Cal saton the sofa his laptop open on his legs. He looked up when she entered.
“Did I wake you?” he asked.
“I don’t think so. What are you doing? Have you been to bed?”
“Not yet. Just catching up on reports. This is the best time to do that—no interruptions.”
“Mmm.” She sat beside him on the sofa and looked at the screen. “Agent reports?”
