“I went out to the cabin,” Louis explained. “I was sure you would try to make it there, but I didn’t see the boat and the lights were off. I checked the second dock and decided to look around some more. I was hoping I’d missed you in passing. When I got to the marina and realized you hadn’t made it back, I got real worried, but I was out of gas and I ended up falling out of the boat at one point. I had to go home and change. I’ll be honest. I might be getting too old for a rescue mission.”

“You are not old.” Cricket looked over at Louis. “You were a hero to even try.”

“Well, I’m sorry you had to worry about us,” Sylvie said, trying to break up the odd tension in the room. “It was my idea to have a picnic date. I think next time we’ll go to the movies or something.”

Rene slid an arm around her shoulders. “We’ll definitely be more careful the next time we sneak away for an afternoon date. Now, if you don’t mind, Mom, Sylvie is expecting Armie to pick her up shortly. She’s got to change and get ready to tour any damage in the parish. I’ve got to get into the office.”

“You should rest.” His mother stood. “You had a rough night. Have you thought about going to the medical center and letting Lila LaVigne look you over? You don’t have to go into the office today.”

Oh, but he did. Being seen around the office and talking about what had happened was part of the plan. “He’s going to take it easy, but he has a big project he’s working on, and he has to wrap it up since he’s going to take a whole week off soon,” Sylvie said. “I want him sitting by the pool with me and not having to sneak away to work. I didn’t get a honeymoon, so I want to be able to pretend.”

“Happy wife, happy life. And we’re both feeling fine.” Rene hugged his mother again. “You get some rest. You all need it. Sylvie and I didn’t sit up all night worrying. We napped a bit, and we’ll call it a day early and be home for supper. But right now, I’m going to change into some proper clothes.”

He was wearing a Guidry’s T-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts that were slightly too big for him. He looked adorable and so unlike himself.

Sylvie crossed to her mother. “I’m going to do the same, and I’ll be by later to get my hair done.”

“You better, honey.” Her mother kissed her cheek. “I’ll make sure Cricket gets some food and takes a nap. You go do your job. Delphine and I will take care of the rest.”