I’ve gone to dinner with Hannah and her Grandma, and Hannah with Julia and Tiff. It’s been wonderful getting to know them more, to know the people that helped raise thewoman I love.
Hannah opened up more about her parents too in that time, and I’ve loved seeing her with her sister, telling stories about their childhoods.
I’m finishing up my shift, and then heading home for the night. Hannah is off shortly too, and I’m going to make us dinner at my place. I head into the station, walking down the halls to the offices. Henry is still on desk duty after getting shot, but soon should be back in the field investigating.
I haven’t been involved in the investigation since I’ve been back, and I’m perfectly okay with that. After putting myself and Hannah in danger, I’m fine with stepping back from it.
I pass by Henry’s office, offering him a wave, but he stops me. “Thomas, you got a sec?” he calls.
“Sure,” I say, heading into his small office.
“I wanted to give you an update.”
I sit down in one of the rickety chairs, waiting for him to continue.
“While we believe we arrested the main dealers and people associated with Chaz, we have reason to believe he has people that he’s been communicating with on the outside.”
“Okay,” I say with a heavy exhale. This could mean many things. “So what now?”
“There hasn’t been any mention of your name specifically, but a few of the undercover guys with the FBI have heard about plans to get back at the department for arresting Chaz and his inner circle.”
A brewing fear starts in my chest. “Am I being sent back to a safe house?”
He shakes his head. “Like I said, we have no reason to believe that you—or Hannah— are being targeted this time.We will keep an eye on it and keep you in the loop, but stay alert. That’s all.”
I nod, standing from my chair. I know I have to tell Hannah, but I don’t want to burst this bubble for her. It seems like her anxiety has been so much better lately. I don’t want to drag her right back to square one. “Thanks for the update, Henry. Let me know if you need anything from me.”
“Will do.”
I leave his office, trying to think this through. Do I tell her? Henry himself has said there is nothing to worry about right now, but then again, he said to keep an eye out, and I never want to lie to her or withhold any information. I’ll tell her tonight, and then I’ll hold her through any anxiety she may have.
A soft knockingat my door makes me smile. She should know by now that she doesn’t need to knock before entering my home, but it’s adorable all the same. I wipe my hands on a towel before heading to the front door and opening it.
Hannah stands in front of it, her backpack slung over her shoulder and her pillow and weighted blanket in the other arm.
I lean forward, grabbing the heavy as hell blanket from her. She insists it helps her sleep, and I think I believe her. She didn’t bring it along to Ron and Dottie’s house, and the difference in her sleep is immense. She sleeps like a rock most nights. The only negative about it is that it can make it harder to cuddle her.
“You know you don’t have to knock, freckles.” I kiss her lips, cupping her cheek in my free hand.
She shrugs. “I’m a guest here, I should knock.”
“Baby, you aren’t a guest. You basically live here,” I say, guiding her into the house and shutting the door behind her. After today’s news, I feel a little on edge, so I glance around outside, noting nothing of consequence.
“I do not,” she debates, and I raise my brow as I carry her blanket into my room.
“Yes, you do. If we aren’t at your house, we are here. I don’t mind one bit, but you also have a key.”
“I do?” she questions, glancing down at her keys in her palm.
“You do,” I state. “I put a key on there after we got home.”
“You didn’t tell me that,” Hannah says quietly.
I shrug. “I guess I forgot.”
“Thomas Cunningham, you have the memory of an elephant. There is no way you put a key to your house on my key ring, thenforgot.” She drops her bag onto the floor in the corner of my bedroom.
“Maybe it was my way of subtly trying to ask you to move in.” I sit down on the edge of my bed. I didn’t know I was going to bring this up again tonight, I thought maybe I’d give her some more time, but if tonight’s the night, then I’m ready for it.
