“Didn’t you hear me scream?”
“It was more of a shout and you covered it up.”
“In my head I was screaming.”
“Next time, let it out so I’ll know.”
“Even if it brings Rooster and the boys?”
“As long as it doesn’t bring Jelly from the far end of town, it’ll be okay.”
Laughter bubbled on Laurel’s lips. “I think you’ll be safe.” She swiveled her head to look at him and said seriously, “I feel well and truly loved.”
“I hope so. You about killed me.”
“I don’t mean what you did or what I did or what we just did. I mean I feel—”
Call put a finger to her lips. “I know what you mean. Youareloved, Laurel. I know because I love you.”
“I’m maddening,” she said when his finger dropped away.
“I know it.”
“And stubborn.”
“That, too.”
“I have opinions.”
“That’s not a revelation.”
“And you love me anyway. I can think of a lot more reasons why you shouldn’t.”
“Laurel. I don’t love you in spite of those things. I love you because of them. I don’t relish arguing with you, but I don’t go out of my way to avoid it either.”
“I noticed.”
“You hold your own. I do the same. Somehow we work it out. I think it’s better to know that now.”
She nodded. “You’re right about a lot of things. Most things, actually. It’s annoying. I figured I should tell you in case no one else has.”
“I’ve had it brought to my attention. My mother said it was disturbing. I think I was about ten the first time she pointed it out.”
“Not only disturbing,” said Laurel. “Unnatural.”
He chuckled. “Probably.” Call turned over, extinguished the lamp, and then lay on his back. “It’d be a good idea to get some sleep now.”
She moved closer and tucked her head against his shoulder. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all.”
Laurel closed her eyes. “What are you going to do with that... with that...thing?”
“The French letter? I’m thinking about burying it.”
“No. Really.”
“Let me worry about that.” He tipped his head and kissed the top of hers. “I took care of the socks. I’ll manage this, too.”
