I don't wear my ring because Idon't want to lose it," I stammered. "But I am." You should've said something."I started to ask why, but I felt really ...ncomfortable. "Have a good dayJordan. Bye," I said. Then I took off and ran as fast as I could asfar as I could. I left the reservoir loop and went on the main one. Itwas crowded with bikers and tourists. It wasn't as much fun to run, butit was what I needed.I walked in the door and Jess was on the couch. "How was the run?"I told her. “Start at the beginning,” I said. “And everybody up here shut up, please.”“You still on the plane?” she said. “You might get the flight to divert to New York.”“Not happening,” I said. “We’re at capacity, and we need to get these people home. Again, will you tell me the damn story?”“Okay. Calm now,” she said, almost convincingly. “I got a phone call two days ago from Mel Walters in California. Turns out he’s a big fan of your Peachy Keen series. A big fan. And so is his brother.”“Okay,” I said,. “Yes,” Henry said over his shoulder as he began spreading the condiments on the slices of bread. “Excuse me?” Sean asked. “You were about to ask for my baby’s hand in marriage. I just said yes.” Sean stood stock still for a moment as he gathered his wits. “You realize that you just took all the fun out of asking you.” “Yep.” Sean breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled. “Thanks.” Henry chuckled while he sliced the tomatoes and lettuce. “Well, I remember what it was like when I asked for Alice’s. "May I join you?" Of course you can. We can wash each other's backs."The two women showered and helped each other wash. They explored each other's body and kissed a few times, but did not go further. When they were done, they dried off and put on a couple of robes, then went to the kitchen. Rosalinda had a couple of plates set at the island counter and poured two cups of robust coffee as they walked in. They could smell something baking."Boun giorno, Rosalinda. Qualcosa di profuma.