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Soon the meat was cooked, the salad was prepared and on the table

“Wow, Carey I’m impressed with your domestic abilities”

“Yeah unlike Peter Pan, I eventually had to grow up”

“I would’ve liked to see that” The wistful tone of her voice made him reach over and place his hands over hers “No e the past”

“You’re right” She nodded

“Good I’ to remind you of this moment the next time you’re pissed at me”

She chuckled “I forgot how funny you were”

“That’s because you’ve been away too long, and I have to adot better with time”

“I love your modesty”

“It’s one ofattributes” He took his seat across from her and set their plates on the table “Let’s eat I’m suddenly in the mood for Farkle”

They dug into their food He kept the conversation light and humorous The taut muscles in his shoulders relaxed

“I’ll help you clean up” She stood, cleared the table, and he followed The banter proved easy to slip back into He watched her from the corner of his eye as they rinsed their plates and utensils and placed them in the dishwasher

Relaxed and belowed He could see the women she would have been if Clark’s murder had never happened

“Why are your eyes boring a hole into me?”

“Just enjoying the moment”