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“What’s that?” he asked

Jacqui followed his gaze

“Oh, they’re starting to set up for the season! The city does this a summer arts series Every year, they pick a different the the summer, they hold plays, concerts, and musicals that fit the theet involved and it’s free for everyone”

“It sounds like a ram”

Jacqui nodded “The perforreat, but they also let people come watch the dress rehearsals Lyssa and I walk over a couple of times a week from the bakery to see those I sketch and she does work for her classes, and…” Jacqui started laughing at herself “That’s probably theyou’ve ever heard But we like it”

Khizar shook his head and protested, surprised to find that he really meant it

“No, it sounds wonderful Quiet and easy and peaceful I think it’s a perfect thing to do”

Jacqui leaned a bit closer to hi the opulent princely life?”

He laughed softly

“No, but I wouldn’t mind a few more moments of simplicity”

“Well, stick around, because that’s hoe live here”

“Hmmm, not this week”

Jacqui looked up at him in question, and he pointed forward and off to the side as the carriage rounded another bend There, under the shade of a half-circle of trees, was a large red-and-white-checked picnic blanket, spread with everything one needed for an afternoon picnic

“I know you haven’t had lunch yet, so I thought I’d prepare so”

Laughter in her voice, Jacqui asked, “You prepared this?”

He acknowledged the point with a grin “I had it prepared Which still totally counts”

Jacqui held up a hand “You tookwith you”