Sam experienced a twinge of anxiety. She and Jeannie had been through a lot together, especially since Jeannie was kidnapped and raped during an earlier investigation. The detective had been doing much better, but Sam was always watchful for signs of ongoing post-traumatic stress. “Of course. Do you want to close the door?”

“That’d be great. Thanks.” Jeannie closed the conference room door and turned back to Sam with a shy, hesitant look on her face. “This is awkward.”

“Spit it out. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out the way we always do.”

Rather than return to the seat, Jeannie stood behind it, her fingers digging into the vinyl. “Michael and I have set a wedding date.”

“Oh, hey, that’s great news. When’s the big day?”

“July 18. We’re going to do it out at Rehoboth Beach.”

“That’ll be really nice.”

“I hope so. The thing is... You know how this job can be. It’s all-consuming. It doesn’t leave much time for a life or friends outside of work.”

“You won’t hear any argument from me on that.”

“My sisters are going to be my matrons of honor, but I was sort of hoping that I might convince you to be an attendant too. You’ve become one of my best friends. I hope you know that.”

“Oh, wow, well... That’s very nice of you.”

“You don’t want to, do you?”

“I very much want to, and I’m honored that you would ask. I think of you as a good friend too. You know I do.”

“But?”

“I’d be concerned about the message it would send to the rest of the squad if I make such a public statement of personal friendship with you.”

“Of course. I understand. I’m sorry if I put you in an uncomfortable position.”

“You didn’t. And I’m not saying no. Since this is a first for me since taking command of the squad, let me run it up the flagpole and see what the brass has to say about it.”

“I wouldn’t want you to stick your neck out over it, Sam.”

“I’m not.” Sam got up and went around the desk to hug her detective—and her friend. “I’m very happy that everything has worked out for you and Michael.”

“Thank you,” Jeannie said, returning the embrace. “He was such a rock after what happened. It showed me everything I needed to know about who he really is.”

“You know I’m one of his biggest fans, so no matter what, I’ll be there with bells on for the wedding.”

“That means a lot. I’d better get back to work. I’ll keep you posted on what comes back from the car.”

“And I’ll let you know what the powers that be have to say about weddings and whatnot.”

Jeannie left her with a warm smile.