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“It’s just been a while since I went shopping or anything, really.” She’s right.

“I know. I have some loose ends to tie up, and then we should have a honeymoon.”

“Really?”

“If you like.”

“That sounds wonderful. Wait, do I need a passport?”

“I already have one for you.”

“What? How did you—” She cuts off, shaking her head. “Never mind. So the passport is done.” Tova laughs again.

I return a smile, not sure why that’s funny. I will always be prepared when it comes to Tova.

She takes my arm, and I lead her downstairs where Cosima and Z are waiting in the entryway. For once, they aren’t fighting. Cosima’s attention is on her phone while Z is glaring at her. Brian and another one of my men are waiting.

I open the back seat door of the SUV for Tova. “I’ll be fine,” she says when I clip her seat belt on for her. Her hand comes up to cup my cheek. “Will you be fine?”

“I’ll figure it out.” She stares at me for a long moment, tilting her head.

“I know this isn’t the right time, and we’re always together.”

“Not always.”

“Okay, not always.” Tova laughs. There were a few times I left bed before her and had business to deal with.

Though she will often come into my office and work on her sewing or reading, that ends up turning into sex rather quickly. My wife enjoys the more erotic stories; they are getting dirtier and dirtier. Sometimes, she's in her garden or visiting her mom. Not to mention the library. She spends time there often with my sister and with Marks on a call.

As much as I relish my time with her, I also enjoy the laughter I hear coming from inside the library when they are all together. It makes her happy, which settles me.

“Like I was saying, it’s not the right time, but we’re actually going different places, and I don’t only want to say only bye. I want to say bye, I love you.” It’s not often I’m taken aback, but it takes me a second to process what she said and the feelings it causes to rush through me. “Don’t say it back.” Tova covers mymouth with her hand. She has developed a new habit of covering my mouth when she wants me to remain silent. “I don’t want you to say it back because I said it. You just think on it. I know that the L word has always eluded you.” I pull her hand down from my mouth.

“I love you, little mouse.”

“Really?” Her eyes go soft.

“This has to be love.”

“Or obsession,” my sister chimes in, leaning forward so that I can see her.

“Do you have a seat belt on?” Z says from behind me.

“I love how obsessed you are with me, and I love you.”

“I love you too.” I run my finger over her wedding ring. “Be a good girl for me.” Tova's cheeks flush pink, and I know she’s remembering the chapter of one of her books she read to me last night in bed. One that I was more than happy to make a reality for her.

“I’ll be good.”

I give her another kiss before I force myself to shut the door. “Brian.”

“I know, sir.”

I nod. He gets into the driver's seat, and I watch them pull out and down the long driveway.

“You all right?” Z asks. I wish I could tell him I am, but I feel unsettled for the first time in a while. I merely nod. “All right, I’ll see you there.” Z puts his helmet on before jumping on his bike and taking off ahead of us.

Ronan pulls up. I slip into the passenger seat. “Is there anything I need to know ahead of time?”