"Thanks,” Paul said. “I've got it under control."

The maitre d’ placed Nan 's dessert in front of her before setting Paul's glass on the table. The long stemmed glasses were rimmed with sugar and filled with strawberries. The maitre d’ tipped Paul's glass to let champagne trickle down the inside of the stemware. He did the same with Nan 's glass. He placed two long-handled forks next to the glasses before smiling at Nan. “I hope you enjoy your strawberries."

"You remembered,” Nan gushed. “One good thing about our first date was the fresh strawberry I had in my wine. Everything else was a disaster."

"You knocked your plate off the table, your heel got caught in the sidewalk grate, and you slipped and fell outside the theatre,” Paul said. “The only time you smiled that night was when you saw that fresh strawberry and you devoured it in one bite."

"That's because my dinner ended up on the floor.” Nan stabbed at a strawberry and held it up to Paul's lips. He eased it off the fork and mimicked the gesture, lifting a sugared strawberry to her lips. The savory juices flowed over her tongue. She gathered another berry. “That maitre d’ makes me nervous,” Nan whispered. “He keeps staring at us."

"He's staring at you. The man knows a beautiful woman when he sees one."

"I think he wants us to hurry and finish so he can go home."

"I doubt it."

She tipped her glass to find the next strawberry. Nan squinted, staring deeper into the glass. “Oh my God.” Jerking her head up to look at Paul, she uttered, “Oh my God.” She placed the fork gingerly into the center of the berry and lifted it out of the glass. “I can't believe it."

Paul reached for the strawberry and pulled it from the fork. He removed the diamond ring and said, “Give me your hand."

As tears began to pool in Nan 's eyes, Paul slipped the ring on her finger. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Wiping her eyes, Nan gaped in disbelief. “I can't believe you. How did you manage this?” Nan looked toward the side of the room where several restaurant employees were lined up watching the event unfold. Nan mouthed a thank you in their direction before grasping Paul's hand.

"I've waited a long time to find happiness, Paul. I can't believe this.” She dabbed under her eyelid, trying not to smear her mascara. “I can't believe this."

Laughing, Paul said, “You already said that."

"Of course I'll marry you. But…"

"I don't like the sound of that,” Paul said, grasping her hand.

"I need to make sure you understand what you're getting into.” She placed a hand on her chest. “You need to understand before you commit to a life with me."

"You need to give me some credit, Nan. I've thought this through. You're concerned about Aanders. You're worried how he'll adjust to having someone new in his life. I also know you're concerned about your finances and you don't want to be a burden."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about."

"I'll make a deal with you. Let's not talk about this until tomorrow. Let's go to the boat and celebrate the way engaged couples should celebrate.” Paul pulled Nan from her chair. “I promise tomorrow we'll sit down and map out a plan that will work for both of us."

"I wish you could spend the night. I don't want you to go,” Paul whispered, his lips caressing Nan 's neck.

"I have to go,” Nan said. “I can't leave Aanders alone. You know how I feel about that."

Nan moved several items around in her purse, searching for her house keys. The evening on the boat had been magnificent and the scent of Paul's skin still lingered. He had truly knocked her off her feet when he told her he wanted to buy the land for the mortuary as a wedding gift. She had been giddy with joy. Her legacy would stay intact. Paul confessed he hadn't wanted to tell her about the land until later, but in the throes of passion, he divulged his secret.

Nan 's purse tipped over, spilling the contents onto Paul's car seat. As she tried to push everything back into her purse with one sweeping motion, several items and slips of paper fell to the floor. She ran her fingers along the floor under the seat. Grasping the papers, she pulled them up, folded them and shoved them into her purse.

After returning home and placing the keys next to her purse on her kitchen table, Nan noticed note paper protruding through the purse clasp. She removed the items and carried them to Aanders’ room. She pushed on the door and slipped into his room without a sound.

A hairy lump of dog sprawled in a U shape around Aanders’ pillow. Five thumps of Belly's tail signaled he was aware Nan had entered their sanctuary.

Lost in sleep, Aanders lay on the far side of his bed with his video control resting on his chest. Nan switched the television off and placed the remote control on his dresser before bending to kiss his forehead. She watched his chest rise and fall in slumber, thankful sleep offered him a brief respite from the sorrow. She pulled the blanket up over his body.

Before Nan flipped the kitchen light off and surrendered to fatigue, she turned the papers over and paged through the notes. She wadded the first one into a ball and tossed it into the waste basket. She placed the second slip on the counter. She'd deal with it in the morning. She studied the return address on the final piece and realized she had picked up an envelope belonging to Paul.

Nan placed the envelope next to her purse. She'd give it to Paul when they got together in the morning to discuss their plans. She turned out the kitchen light, hesitated for a moment, flipped it back on, and lifted the envelope from the table. She ran her finger over the return address. “Gessal Life Insurance. Where have I heard that before?"

24

Failing to get the attention he felt he deserved, Belly grunted and dropped down onto the rug next to the screen door. He scratched at his blue rhinestone collar and stared soulfully toward the crossers. No one noticed. A pitiful whine erupted before he rolled over and closed his eyes.

"We'll leave you to your business,” Jane said, glancing at her sister and Aanders sitting at the table. Jane placed her nose on the screen and peered back into the cabin. “Don't be too hard on the boy. You had to learn how to be a death coach, too."

Jane grabbed Mr. Bakke's arm and led him toward the steps. She suddenly turned back and shouted, “If I remember right, you made your share of mistakes as a death coach. In fact you made quite a few. I'd be willing to share them with Aanders."

"Thank you for those words of wisdom."

"Think nothing of it,” Jane yelled from the bottom step.

"Has anyone seen Rodney today?” Sadie queried.

Everyone seated at the table shook their heads.

"Don't tell me he found someone on the brink. We couldn't possibly be that fortunate,” Theo said. “At least I'd have a few tranquil moments before I go on to the next phase."

As Tim leaned on Sadie for support, Sadie directed the crossers’ attention to Aanders. “Let's hear why Tim thinks his father was murdered.” She shot a stern glare toward Aanders. “If you think this will buy you more time with Tim, you're wrong."

Getting no response, she tapped the table top with a blue lacquered nail. “Aanders, I'm serious. You need to understand the consequences if Tim doesn't go though the light.” Sadie tugged at her blue paisley halter top trying to resituate it against the strain of Tim's weight.

Aanders’ foot twitched against the table leg setting the surface in motion. “I already know what will happen. You told me a million times. He'll disappear and never get to see his mom and dad."

"I trusted you, young man. You let me down. How will you ever earn your rainbow if you can't honor the rules?” Sadie's jaw tightened. “Someone obviously made a mistake when they selected you."