’ ‘If you loved me you wouldn’t say you love all those other people.’ ‘Loving them does not lessen my love for you.’ ‘We’ve been down ...his road before Sabrina. If you are going to be with other men I want you far away from me. I’ve lived here longer than you, so you have to go!’ ‘I’ll consider it.’ ‘Better hurry or you won’t have much too take with you.’ ‘How much time will you give me?’ ‘If you aren’t gone by the end of the month things will start happening that you won’t like. Things worse. " "Just Jo Beth, please," Jo Beth said. "We don't needto be so formal." Mrs. Johnson smiled slightly. "We should be home atabout this time tomorrow," she said to Jo Beth. "Tryto keep him out of trouble until then. Emergencynumbers are near the phone-" she pointed- "and he goesto bed at ten sharp. Don't let him finagle you intoletting him stay up any later. Help yourself toanything you want in the fridge, and feel free tosleep in our bed if you'd like." "Yes, Mrs. Johnson," Jo Beth agreed with a. She'd even let him have an extra beer.Lovemaking had been tender and slow Sunday, and afterward they'd talked about the changes in their lives Lenore's enlistment and enrollment would bring. She'd have only a few more days of free time, as Fales' deputy and Lieutenant Wheeler worked out her duties and obligations. Chief Kostowe wasn't involved with that negotiation, though, to Lenore's surprise. Classes would begin on the 26th, and Lenore had to report for NROTC orientation and New Student. Todd laughed, and tightened his hold on her again as she started to reach for the cover, curious as to what tonight’s dessert special was, ‘Wait,’ he told her, ‘We can eat it in a minute. First I want to say Happy Anniversary…’ ‘Happy Anniversary,’ Allison murmured back, leaning forward to kiss him. It was another few moments before he spoke again. ‘… and that I love you.’ His voice was low in his throat, rough with emotion as his eyes held hers. She blinked back a few tears… he said it so.