Ivy pursed her lips. “I’m glad we’re getting along, too.”
“The flowers were a nice touch, by the way, Jack,” Brian said, chuckling at the adoring way Jack and Ivy looked at each other. “How come you didn’t bring them inside, though?”
Jack stilled, dragging his eyes from Ivy’s face. “What flowers?”
“The ones out on the side of the porch,” Brian said, adding jam to his toast. “They’re pretty. I don’t understand why you just left them outside, though. I would’ve thought Ivy would want to put them in a vase. Whenever I buy my wife flowers she talks to them while she arranges them.”
“I didn’t get Ivy flowers,” Jack said, tilting his head to the side. “You saw me walk up the driveway. I didn’t have flowers on my mind.”
“So who are the flowers from?” Brian asked.
Jack hopped to his feet, cautioning Ivy with a warning finger when she moved to follow him. “You … keep your head inside. Promise me.”
Ivy sighed. “Are we going to start fighting already?”
“Not if you keep your head inside,” Jack said, cupping her chin and giving her a quick kiss. “I’ll get the flowers.”
Brian followed Jack, keeping a wary eye on the surrounding property as Jack grabbed the discarded bouquet and brought it inside. He turned it over, searching it, but they looked like normal flowers.
“Is there a card?” Max asked.
Jack shook his head, his expression distant.
“What is it?” Brian asked.
“These are the same type of flowers … the exact same mixture … that I dropped off at Marcus’ grave when I got out of the hospital,” he said.
“Why would you give the guy who shot you flowers?” Max asked.
“Because I wanted him to know that I won,” Jack replied. “I … it’s stupid. I wanted closure.”
“You’re sure it’s the same bouquet?” Brian pressed.
Jack nodded. “I wouldn’t forget something like that.”
“Well, that’s another tie to Marcus,” Brian said. “You know what you have to do, right?”
“Yes.”
“What do you have to do?” Ivy asked, her voice small.
“I have to go back down to Detroit and talk to Marcus’ mother … and some of my old contacts from my days with the department down there,” Jack answered.
“But … you’re leaving? So soon?” Ivy knew Jack had a job to do, and she couldn’t see a way around a trip south either, but the idea of being away from him after just getting him filled her with dread.
“Don’t worry, honey,” Jack said. “You’re going with me.”
Ivy brightened. “I am?”
“Of course you are,” Jack said. “I just got you. I’m not letting you out of my sight. It will be our first official road trip as a couple. I just hope you’re not annoying during a long trip.”
Max snorted. “She’s annoying no matter what.”
Ivy flicked his ear. “You’re the one who is annoying.”
“Ow!” Max rubbed his ear ruefully and took a step away from Ivy. “What do you want me to do while you guys are out of town?”
Jack arched a challenging eyebrow. “Oh, now you want to help?”
“She is my sister.”
“That’s good,” Jack said, leaning over and scooping Nicodemus up and handing the cat over to Max. “You’re going to be needed for babysitting duty. I don’t want the cat left alone here while we’re gone.”
Max scowled. “That doesn’t sound like something I can list on my résumé … or use to woo women at the bar.”
“I guess you’ll just have to use your smile then,” Jack said, rolling his eyes. “Come on, honey. You need to finish your breakfast and pack. We have a long drive ahead of us.”
“Is it wrong that I’m excited to go out of town with you?”
Jack’s expression softened. “If it’s wrong, we’ll be wrong together.”
“Oh, gross,” Max said. “You two are definitely going to make me sick.”
“Get used to it,” Jack shot back. “This is the way it’s going to be from now on.”
“Just make sure my sister is wearing underwear next time, will you?”
“I can’t promise that,” Jack said. “I’ll do my best, though.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Fifteen
“Well?” Jack cast an expectant look in Ivy’s direction, navigating from one freeway to the next and watching her to see how she would react to the city.
“I have been to Detroit before,” Ivy said, her gaze trained on the scenery as it flew by. “I’m not some country bumpkin who has never seen asphalt.”
Jack pursed his lips. As far as trips went, this one had been pleasant. They talked about everything that crossed their minds, chatting amiably as if they’d known each other for years instead of weeks. They held hands and kissed whenever possible, including whenever there was a break in the traffic or they stopped for a restroom break. Still, the closer they got to the city, the more antsy Ivy got. Jack could read the change in her demeanor no matter what she said. “When was the last time you were down here?”
“Mom and Dad took Max and me to the zoo when I was eight.”
Jack chuckled, delighted. “That recently, huh?”
“I know you think I’m a hick when it comes to stuff like this … .”
Jack cut her off. “I didn’t say anything of the sort and I certainly don’t think that,” he scolded. “There’s nothing wrong with liking the country. After living in Shadow Lake, I can honestly say I prefer it to the city. I was not making fun of you.”
Ivy shifted and met his gaze. “It feels … oppressive.”
“I agree,” Jack said, lifting their joined hands and pressing a kiss to Ivy’s knuckles. “I had different ideas for our first road trip. You know that, right? This isn’t exactly what I had in mind. I just … there was no way I could be away from you and I had to come down here.”
“I know that,” Ivy said. “I’m not angry. I’m glad you talked me into bringing regular
