Risen (Haunted Series Book 22)

about not being normal.  It’s all worth it.”
Ted’s heart swelled.  “Mia, growing up with an oversized brain, nose, and feet was horrible, but I knew that I was a worthwhile individual.  But that was the problem; I was alone.  Sure, I had Cid and my family, but part of me has always been missing.  That was until I saw you.  I fell into your eyes, Mia.  It took you a while to notice me - which puzzles me because I’m way too tall to miss.  I know it wasn’t Burt who took you from Murphy; it was me.  I don’t know how I did it, but I did.”
“You did it by accepting every change, adoring me, scolding me when I needed it.  Sure, we went through a rough patch, but it brought us here to this moment.  Our marriage is like Altair’s sword.  A sword doesn’t simply appear.  Its metals are joined, beaten into form, and tempered, all before it’s ready to be held.  And then it’s strong enough to cut through any problems.”
“Mia, you’re giving me goose bumps,” Ted said.
Mia ran her hands along Ted’s arms.  “You do have goose bumps,” she said.
“We need to celebrate,” Ted said.  “Let me take you to dinner.”
“I don’t know if St. Kitts has a Taco Bell, Teddy Bear.”
Ted pointed at Mia.  “You’re a stinker.  How about I take you someplace you can wear that chain thingy I found in your bag.  You know it’s the real deal.  It’s the finest chainmail made.”
Mia looked at Sabine’s suitcases that were stacked in the closet.  “It’s obscene on its own, but maybe Sabine has something that will help.  Let’s call the kids before it gets too late.”
“Good thinking.  Brian has become suspicious of why you weren’t around for a few of the Skypes.”
“Call first, then celebrate,” Mia said.
“Yes, General.”
“Hey, did I tell you I was offered forty legions of demons?”
“Just forty?  Hell has no imagination.”
~
Sabine put her purchases behind the passenger seat.  She shut the door and backed into someone.  “I’m sorry.”
“Mia?” Tom Braverman asked, putting a steadying hand on the woman.
Sabine turned around.  “No, it’s me, Sabine.  How are you, Tom?”
“Surprised.  I was just going to issue Mia a ticket for a bad taillight.”
“Is one of them faulty?”
“No, but it would have pissed her off.  I’m happy to see you.  How are the girls?”
“Growing and boisterous.  It’s taking more than a village to raise them.  They are with Brian’s family for a while.”
“Want to get some dinner?” Tom asked.
“When?”
“Now.”
“I’m sorry, Tom.  Cid’s making dinner at the farmhouse.  Would you like to join us?”
“You’re asking me to join you on a date?” Tom asked, his eyebrows raised.
“It’s not a date, it’s dinner.  I was just buying wine…  Do you think it’s a date?”
“Run the scenario by me.”
“Mia and Ted are in the Caribbean.  I asked if it was alright that I stayed at the farmhouse while they were gone.  He said, he was going to make something spectacular for supper.  I offered to go and get the wine…  He said to get lots in case someone flew in.”
“Huh, I was thinking date until the last bit.  Where’s Dieter?”
“Dieter’s at Mark’s for the weekend.”
“Damn, now I’m back to a date.  Tell you what, you enjoy your date with the chef, and then give me a chance tomorrow night.”
Sabine blushed.
“I’m not much of a cook, but how about pizza and beers?  I’ll pick you up at six?”
“I’d like that,” Sabine said.
“Didn’t a hurricane just go through the Caribbean?” Tom asked her.
“Yes. Ted and Mia are fine.  Murphy’s missing still.  They are going looking for him tomorrow.  Why am I telling you all of this?” Sabine asked.
“It’s the badge, ma’am,” Tom said.  He took her hand and kissed it.  “Until tomorrow, Sabine.”
Sabine nodded, unable to speak.  The emotional vibe rolling off Tom was delicious and warming.  He wasn’t as smooth an operator as Patrick was, but he was genuine.  She managed to get into the truck before she realized that, if Tom was right and she was having a date with Cid tonight, then she had three suitors.  “What have I done?”
She pulled out of the parking spot and drove through town and around the lake.  She pulled up at a cute little mansion and got out of the truck.
Audrey Stavros, who had been pulling weeds out of the planters out front, did a double take.  She took off her gardening gloves and pushed her bouncy red curls away from her face.  It was Mia’s truck, her hat and clothes, but it wasn’t Mia.  “Sabine?”
“Oh, Audrey, I don’t know what to do.”
“Is it the triplets?” Audrey asked, escorting Sabine into the cool foyer of the house.
“No, but it has to do with three,” Sabine said.  “I think I’m a slut!”
Audrey swallowed her laughter.  “Well, I could say you’ve come to the right place, but...  How about you come on in to the parlor and let me get you some tea.”
“Can I go wherever you’re getting the tea from?” Sabine begged.  “I think I’m losing my mind.”
“Sure, come on in to the kitchen.  We don’t have a maid, basically, because of the whole birdman thing,” Audrey explained.  “I don’t know why we need such a big house, but Orion is into investments.”
Sabine appreciated that Audrey was babbling.  The two had worked together before, but this was the first time they were together for something other than work.  Sabine knew she was acting oddly.  She must be freaking Audrey out.  But, then again, Sabine was freaking out.  “I’m sorry to just drop in, but Mia’s not handy; Tauni is on vacation; and I can’t call my mother, she’d laughed her head off.”
Audrey patted Sabine’s arm in understanding.  “Sit over there