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“Captured for all time by the monster maniaceye-contact commandant.”

“That’s an awful name,” Autumn said, lockingher arms around Kate’s neck as she was lowered to the ground. “Doesn’t falltrippingly off the tongue at all.”

“I’ll work on it.”

“But you’re looking hot in the aftermath ofthe attack. That’s something.”

“Hot?” she smoldered purposefully. “So Ishould chase you out of the apartment more often?”

“I’m just saying the reunion is a perk.”

Kate leaned down for a kiss and was greetedby the sound of applause. They turned to see Hadley and Gia hanging over thesecond-floor railing. “I give that a nine out of ten,” Gia said, in her bestcommentator voice.

“And I’m going with an eight, Gia, justbecause her feet were flat on that lift.”

“Good call,” Gia said.

“Robbed,” Kate said under her breath, pullinga chuckle from Autumn. “My feet were perfectly arched.”

“Hey! Anyone want to go out for Mexicanfood?” Gia called down. “Had’s already in.”

“Hell, yes,” Autumn said, and turned to Kate,who grinned.

“If you’re there, I’m there.”

With Kate around, time seemed to slow downfor Autumn in the most wonderful way. Days no longer blurred into other daysbut held unique meaning. They laughed together, read books, or sat in thecourtyard under the stars trying to figure out what the universe all meant.

“So, Gia and Izzy do this thing where theyhave to choose between two awful things. I think we should try it. Just maybenot the awful part.” It was after closing, and they sat on the tailgate ofKate’s truck sipping the chocolate milkshakes Kate had surprised Autumn with.Never before had the end of a workday looked so good. It was really nice to bethought of.

“Like roses or lilies?” Kate asked, lickingher spoon.

Autumn paused a moment to watch the potentdisplay, a welcome shiver moving through her. “Or Star Trek or Star Wars?”

Kate eyed her. “Is there even a question? Ifyou say yes, my heart will splinter.”

Autumn gestured wildly with her cup. “Now,that is the most dramatic thing I’ve ever heard you say, so the answer must beStar Wars. You people are unreasonable about your franchise love.”

Kate hopped off the tailgate and faced Autumnin outrage. “You people? Youpeople?You don’t know the sacred ground you’re treading.”

“The Force is strong with me as well. Calmdown there, sweetheart.”

Kate grinned. “Authoritative. My turn.Winning the lottery or hired for your dream job?”

“Dream job. No question. I’d be the bestmermaid this town has ever seen.”

Kate choked on her milkshake and placed ahand on her chest. “Only you.”

A pause hit as their quiet laughter came to alull. The night air brushed gently across Autumn’s skin and she took a breath.“I postponed the insemination another month.”

That seemed to throw Kate. “You did? Why?”

She searched for the words to explain thatshe was in the middle of something important already, and if it was fleeting,well, she wanted to be able to drink in every moment of it. Kate had becomethatimportant to her.“There will be time for that soon. Right now, I’m just enjoying…right now.” Andrefusing to think too much about the day creeping up when it would all be justa distant memory, that one time when a wonderful woman showed up and made lifemeaningful for the first time.

Kate placed a hand on Autumn’s leg. “Hey, youdon’t have to do that for me.”

She ran her hand across Kate’s. “I’m doing itfor me. It’s what I want.”

Kate nodded. “If that’s true, I can acceptthat.”