“No buts. That’s just the way it is. I believe we can have a family, and I can still do my job.”

She smiled but there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. “You know I love you, and, yeah, I bought into the whole rebel-cop thing, fell for you hard. Okay, I admit it, but, damn it, now it’s not just you and me. Ben needs his dad. I need my husband. The game’s changed.” She rolled her eyes. “Oh, God, now I sound whiny and needy, a wife who’s trying to manipulate her husband. I hate that.”

“Then stop.” He kissed her gently, then changed the subject. “I brought bread and wine.”

“Such a hero.”

“Maybe we can eat whatever you made tomorrow night?”

“Seafood Alfredo?” She wrinkled her nose. “Not so great on the second day.”

“Sorry.”

She nodded. “Anyway, I offered some to Cruz.”

Montoya’s head jerked up at the mention of his brother’s name.

Abby explained, “He stopped by to see Ben earlier, but he couldn’t stick around.”

“There’s a surprise.”

“Must run in the family.”

Montoya said, “So okay, you’re pissed. I get it.” He turned his palms to the ceiling. “What do you want me to do, Abby?”

“I don’t know.”

“Tomorrow. We’ll go out. Get a sitter for Ben.”

“Oh, right, in the middle of the case.” She knew him better than that. For the first time that night, she actually smiled with some humor. “I don’t think I’ll hold my breath.”

“Oh, ye of little faith—”

“That’s me. Okay, let’s not fight. You’re forgiven,” she said, rolling off the bed. That was the great part about her; she never stayed mad for long. Oh, she could get white hot and fast, but it always dissipated quickly.

Her feet hit the floor. “I guess this is where I play the part of the doting wife.”

“Yeah, right.”

“You take care of your son and I’ll heat up your dinner.”

“You don’t have to—”

“You got that right. I don’t.” She stopped at the doorway, barefoot, one hand on the door, her gaze skewering his. “But I know you were out bustin’ crime, tryin’ to make the city safe, right? So I’m offering you an olive branch here, because I know I came off like a world-class bitch. You know I do understand that your work is important, that you’re trying like crazy to find out who killed that poor nun.”