“Jericho, you hated that job.”
“It’s less torturous than the alternative.”
“Which is?”
“Living without you. I simply can’t.”
She kissed him right in front of everyone, deeply, passionately. When she broke free, she cupped his face. “You won’t have to quit. I am.”
“Kate, no.”
“Don’t worry. It’s a very good job. It’s with the FBI.”
“In Washington?”
“No. Here in their San Diego lab.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive, because, you see, I simply can’t live without you either. I love you, Jericho.”
“I love you, Kate.”
“Now that that’s settled, will you two sit down so that we can call this meeting to order?”
Sienna picked up her drink and turned to A.J. “To A.J. Camacho, who brought me out of the dark and into the light. Tough, tender, and giving, I thank you for this trident pin that symbolizes the honor of the Navy SEALs. I’ll wear it proudly.” She clinked her glass with her friends and drank as her diamond glittered in the overhead lights.
Lana picked up her drink and turned to Sean. “To Sean Ryan O’Neill, who taught me my heart’s desire. Adventurous, bold, and caring. I thank you for this medal that was given to you for your valor. I’ll wear it proudly.” She tapped her glass with Sienna and Kate, and they drank.
Kate picked up her glass and turned to Jericho. “To Jericho St. James, who gave me his fire to ignite my own flame. Honest, relentless, and generous, I thank you for these cuff links that show your steadfast sense of justice. I’ll wear them proudly.”
Hours later, after the camaraderie, the drinking, and the dancing, Kate drove Jericho to her apartment in her red-hot Mustang, while A.J. volunteered to drive Jericho’s car back to his house for safekeeping.
When Kate and Jericho got out of the car, they kissed on the sidewalk, in the lobby, climbing the stairs, and while she put her key in the lock. They kissed and took off articles of clothing as they made their way to Kate’s bedroom. Tumbling into Kate’s bed, she sank into Jericho and endeavored to show him how wild and daring she had become.
It was early the next morning when they heard knocking on the door.
Jericho stumbled out of bed and pulled on his jeans while Kate struggled into her robe. He opened the door, and she heard Danny’s voice.
“Hi, Mr. St. James. Tell Kate it’s cartoon time.”
She heard the crackling of the Sunday paper, and it warmed her heart when she heard Jericho say, “Come on in, Danny. You can make the coffee.”
He walked into her room and shut the bedroom door. “Is this a Sunday ritual?”
“I’m afraid so.”
He walked over and gathered her into his arms and buried his face in her neck. “Cartoons?”
“Comics really, but Danny likes to look at the pictures.”
“So, there’s a soft side to my wild woman.”
She cupped his jaw and said, “Look who’s talking, Mister Softy.”
He shrugged. “As you said last night, I can be generous. I know that you love me and we have a lifetime. I can give Danny Sunday mornings.”
“Ah, me, being daring and bold does have its rewards.”