by Jayne Castle
Applause broke out as Rafe swung Orchid into a long, gliding turn.
"Just one question, Mr. Stonebraker," Orchid said.
"What is that, Mrs. Stonebraker?"
"Did you alter my marriage registration file so that Hobart Batt could match us?"
"It wasn't necessary. I just gave him the file I found in Bracewell's office. Untouched and unaltered."
"Things might have been a bit awkward if Hobart hadn't concluded that we were a perfect match."
"There was no chance that would happen." Rafe smiled into her eyes. "The first time I saw you, I knew we belonged together."
"Hah. I don't believe that for one moment. You needed a date and you were getting desperate."
"Ah, but deep down, I knew that you were the woman I'd been hunting for... uh, I mean searching for, all my life."
Happiness shimmered through Orchid in a sparkling wave. "What a coincidence," she said. "I knew it, too. About our little private detective hobby."
"What about it?"
"I know we won't have much time for that kind of thing in the future, but I'd hate for us to give it up altogether."
"No reason why the firm of Stonebraker and Adams can't continue to do a little business on the side when the mood strikes." Rafe smiled down at her, eyes brilliant with his love. "But not tonight."
"No," Orchid agreed. "Not tonight."
END