54. Moving Day (Epilogue)
Rita Jane took a last look around her former home. Amanda was returning from India next week and Rita Jane wanted the place to look perfect for her homecoming. Rita Jane hadn’t really lived in her rented home for months. Even before Danny’s birth, she had spent most of her time at Claudia’s place and that had only increased after the birth. Still, it had been nice to know that she had her own place to retreat to when life seemed too hectic. She would miss it, but at least she still had her studio.
She stopped by Dan’s house to check on Danny, who was sleeping soundly on Dan’s stomach. Dan himself was dozing in his favorite recliner with the television turned on to a college football game. His recovery was going well, but he hadn’t been back to work yet and he still slept a lot. Taking care of Danny was the perfect occupation for him since they both seemed to sleep most of the day. Dave was cooking soup. Pots and pans covered every counter surface and the aroma of garlic and onions permeated the air.
“Isn’t this the scene of domesticity?” Rita Jane asked.
“I love a man who can cook,” Dan said. “There are definitely benefits to getting shot. I haven’t had to cook a meal for myself in three months.”
“Don’t get any ideas about doing that again,” Rita Jane said.
“I keep telling him he doesn’t have to get shot for me to cook for him. I’ll cook for him even if he’s healthy,” Dave said.
“Isn’t he the best?” Dan said with a dreamy expression on his face.
“Do you want me to take him now? I’ve just got one more load to move out of Amanda’s.”
“We’ll keep him as long as you’d like,” Dan said. “He’s happy right where he is.”
Rita Jane dragged the cart stacked with boxes up the elevator. “It’s my last load,” she said to Claudia who was unloading groceries. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“What are you talking about — stuck with you? I’m the luckiest woman alive. Where’s Danny?”
“He’s with the boys. He’s fast asleep on Dan’s chest and I hated to disturb him. Plus, Dan didn’t really want him to go.”
“Does that mean we have the afternoon free?”
“If we want it,” Rita Jane said. “What did you have in mind? A matinee? A hike? It’s a beautiful day outside.
“I was thinking of something that we could do at home — a little indoor recreation shall we say?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Rita Jane said. They took each other’s hands and went upstairs leaving the groceries and boxes to be unpacked later.