Page 70 of Keystrokes and Kittens

“I do.”

“Then life’s good.” I gazed out over the lake. “You up for a swim later?”

“Yep.”

“And we’ll go and see the fireworks later.”

“Wouldn’t be the Fourth without them.” He put out the plates and organized the cutlery.

A soft breeze blew in across the lake. The little ripples brought me a sense of peace.

“They’re good people.”

I startled as I hadn’t realized Laurent had moved closer. I met his crystal-blue eyes. “Yeah, they are.”

“Making Quinta happy is my goal in life.”

“Along with graduating with a PhD.”

He chuckled. “Sure. But only because I want to continue my research. Finding cures for horrible diseases is on my bucket list.”

“That’s an impressive item. Mine is to eliminate all hackers from the world. I think you’re more likely to succeed.”

As I hoped, he laughed. “Lofty goals.”

“Yes.”

“I love her.”

“I see that.” I offered a broad smile. “And I appreciate you trying to win Sam over. I think you’re mostly there.”

“Part of winning Sam’s approval is also winning yours.” Laurent sobered. “Quinta wants him to live his best life.”

“And my goal is to give him that life.” Here, I could be honest. “And assure Quinta that eventually there’ll be a marriage proposal to go with it.”

Laurent’s cheeks pinkened.

“Probably before yours.” I flipped the chicken. “I like the idea of waiting until she’s finished her undergrad studies. I know Sam will as well.”

The screen door opened.

Niece and uncle stepped out, carrying glasses of lemonade. Sugar-free for me. My doc had run some tests, and my wonky liver enzyme hadn’t gotten worse. I’d also received a stern talking-to, and the doc extracted an easy promise to take better care.

As if Sam wouldeverlet me slip.

Before I could ask, Laurent had a clean plate for me to pile the barbecued food on.

We sat at the table and passed the plate around. Then the salad.

Quinta and Laurent grinned like the young people in love they were.

Sam gazed at them with a benevolent smile.

I shook my head at Tibby who decided a nice spot in the sun was an alternative to food. I’d give her something later.

Laurent held his glass aloft. “To our hosts. You provided a beautiful home, lovely pets, and perfect weather.”

We clinked glasses as I laughed. “I can only take ownership for two of the three. The weather is just a bonus.”