She gave him a disbelieving look. “You’re the one who traveled through time. You don’t get to doubt things.”
“You’re right.” He gave her a wink. “You’re always right. Is this how our marriage is going to be?”
She bit her lip and looked down into the wine in her glass, then drew it to her lips for a small sip. “Oh, you’ve decided our courtship has been successful?”
Reno saw the twinkle in her eye she was trying to hide. She was teasing him. Dammit, he should’ve insisted they go into town today. When he did officially propose, he wanted to have a ring in hand. He wondered if he had enough money for a ring in this time. With the way the prices of everything had skyrocketed, he probably didn’t. Perhaps he should wait…
“Reno!”
He jerked his head up. “What did you say?”
Journey felt a bit put out. He’d delayed just a little bit too long in his answer. Now, she knew how those people felt who offered an ‘I love you’ and didn’t get anything in return. “Nothing. We were talking about Kota.”
“Oh, yea. You said he might know something about my arrival. Do you have a theory?”
She exhaled a long breath, still a bit peeved. “Well, everyone else left something behind. Journals. Papers. Deeds. Marriage certificates. Perhaps Ela passed something down to Kota. Something about you.”
He took a sip of wine, pondering her observation. “You may be right.”
“May be right? You just said a moment ago I was always right.”
Reno gave her a beaming smile. “Did I?” When she gave a tiny little growl under her breath, he laughed out loud. “Yes, I did say that. Now, tell me more. I want your insight.”
Pacified to a small degree, she thought of what she knew of Kota. “He’s lived in this area all of his life. If anything out of the ordinary has ever happened here, he would know about it.”
“You think I should confide in him?”
Journey thought a moment more. “I do.” She took another sip of wine, then made a face. “I like my Moscato better.”
He took her glass, drained it, then opened the bottle of Moscato and filled it to the brim. “You should always have what you want.”
Those words coming from his lips made her smile – despite her faint case of ire. “Should I? Even if what I want is you?”
“Most especially.” Her took her glass from her hand and kissed her soundly. “Now, how about some food.”
For the next little while, they enjoyed the food, the beautiful scenery, and one another. A bird flew down and lit on a fallen branch nearby. “Look, Reno, that’s a yellow-cheeked warbler. Isn’t he pretty?”
“He is.” Reno glanced around. “I don’t seem to see as many birds in this time. Or butterflies. Or bugs.” He looked on the ground. “Why is that?”
“Pollution. Insecticides. Habitat encroachment. Man hasn’t been kind to nature.” She pointed at the small black bird with the yellow on his face. “That bird is endangered. If measures aren’t taken, his species will go extinct.”
He gave her a somewhat vacant stare. “Well, do something. I know that’s happened with some species like the dodo, but this time is so advanced. How could they let this happen?”
“They? Who is they? Greedy people? Fortunately, some action is being take.” She nodded to the branch where the little bird had lit before it flew away. “He is luckier than some. A whole preserve has been set aside to protect their nesting ground.”
“Well, good.” He eyed the chocolate cake. “So, you made this cake?”
“I did.”
“The chicken salad was excellent, and this looks even better.”
“It’s very, very rich. Don’t let the small size of the piece fool you.”
“Okay.” He gave her sly look. “I thought you were just being a bit chintzy.”
“Chintzy?” She tossed a paper towel at him. “You’re being a toot!”
“Me?” He asked with all innocence, then chuckled. “That’s why we’re here, to find out these things about ourselves. Both good and bad. So, now you know I can be a toot.”
She gave an exaggerated sigh. “And to think…I always assumed you to be without fault.”
“I don’t want to be on a pedestal, love.” He leaned forward to whisper. “I’d much rather be in your bed doing raunchy things with you.” When he saw the lovelight shining in her eyes, he cut a bite of the cake and lifted the fork to her lips. “Here, be sweet. Eat this.”
She complied as he took a bite for himself – and groaned. “God, this is good. And rich. I take back the chintzy part.”
“Good.” While she drank her wine, Journey leaned back on one arm to let the breeze filter through her hair. “This is nice.”
“It is.” He pushed the food aside and lay down to place his head in her lap. “I’ve never been more content. You make me feel peaceful. Happy.”
She stroked his hair, gazing at his beloved face. “I feel the same way. Complete.”
“That’s right.” He agreed. “I feel that too.” After a little while, he looked up into her face. “When we get home, I want you to take the test for me. I want to know if you’re pregnant.”
“All right.” Journey felt a bit of unease edge through her middle. Before she could call them back, she blurted out a question she’d never intended to ask. “Is it going to make a difference?”
Reno sat up, trying to hear what she wasn’t saying. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at, but to answer the question you asked – yes, yes it will make a difference.”
“It will?”
Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes. “I want to know so I can
