Page 65 of Bold Encounter

The song she performed last was a new one.She had written it from a place of newfound strength.She held her ukulele and at the appropriate moments played those parts.

The bright, high-pitched sound of the instrument seemed an unlikely choice for the melancholy blues.But Genevieve considered the ukulele delightful and charming.The audience seemed to agree, and applauded mid-song.

The final note of her set rang out into the appreciative silence before the audience erupted in sustained applause.Genevieve took her bow, feeling more like herself than she had in years.

This was her music, her choice, her life.And no one would take that away from her.

*****

One evening, Genevieve studied her reflection in Abe's bedroom mirror with satisfaction.The bandage was gone from her neck, leaving only a thin line that would fade to nothing within a few weeks.Her headaches had disappeared completely, and she felt stronger than she had in months.

"You look gorgeous," Abe said from the doorway, dressed in a charcoal-gray suit, as impossibly handsome as ever.

"So do you," she said, smoothing the skirt of her silky dress."Where exactly are we going tonight?"

"I'm taking you to Antoine's," he said with a mysterious smile."I called in a favor with the chef."

Antoine's was one of the most elegant restaurants in the French Quarter, the ideal place for a romantic date.Genevieve felt a flutter of anticipation as they drove through the historic streets.

The greeter led them to a table in a quiet corner, where candles cast the table in romantic light.True to Abe's promise, the service was impeccable, with course after course of deliciously prepared Creole cuisine.

"This is incredible," Genevieve said, savoring the crawfish étouffée."How do you know the chef?"

"We went to high school together," Abe said."He owes me for keeping him out of trouble during senior year."

They talked and laughed throughout dinner, sharing stories and dreams for the future.Genevieve felt completely relaxed for the first time in weeks, surrounded by good food, elegant surroundings, and the man she loved.

As they finished their coffee and pralines, she leaned back in her chair with a contented sigh."This has been perfect."Genevieve felt playful."Our lives have calmed down."She gave him a devilish grin."What shall we do for excitement now?"

Abe got up from his chair.Genevieve watched in amazement as he moved to her side of the table and dropped to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his jacket pocket.

"I thought we'd get married," he said.He opened the box to reveal a stunning solitaire diamond that caught the light and threw it back in brilliant sparkles.

Tears filled Genevieve's eyes.Around them, other diners began to take notice of the event, but she only had eyes for the man kneeling before her.

"Will you marry me?"Abe said in a deep voice."Will you build a life with me here in New Orleans, where we can make music and solve crimes and drive each other crazy for the rest of our lives?"

Through her tears, Genevieve managed to find her voice."Yes."Then she said louder, "Yes, I will marry you!"

Abe slipped the ring onto her finger with hands that trembled with excitement.Then he stood and pulled her into his arms for a deep kiss.Around them, the restaurant erupted in applause, but Genevieve barely heard it.

When they finally broke apart, breathing hard, Abe rested his forehead against hers."I love you so much."

"I love you too," she said.She held up her hand to admire the way her engagement ring caught the light."You've made me so happy."

Abe lifted her hand and kissed her sparkling ring."Let's go home, honey."

Genevieve gathered her purse and wrap, then tucked her arm through Abe's as they prepared to leave the restaurant.At the door, he paused to look into her eyes, making Genevieve flush all the way to her toes.Then they stepped into the warm New Orleans night.