“I am, but it’s still a good question.”

“I guess it is,” Laurel admitted. “I’ve never loved anyone but him. Knowing I’ve got all this in me for him, and only being sure he cares. Cares a lot, but there’s such a big difference between cares a lot and loves. It’s scary, which is the way I’m told it’s supposed to be, but that doesn’t make it less scary.”

“He’d never hurt you. And that’s the wrong thing to say,” Parker realized immediately. “Don’t you want him to know you’ve got all that in you for him?”

“Can’t. Because he’d never hurt me, and he’d try so hard not to.”

“Which would hurt more.”

“Oh, yeah. I’m doing my best to just stay in the moment. I think it’s working. Most of the time. Still, I can’t help looking for the trapdoors and trip wires.” And pianos over my head, she thought.

“Sensible advice back at you. Sometimes you look for the trapdoor and run into a wall instead.”

“I wish I didn’t know you were right. Okay.” Laurel waved her hands as if clearing a board. “I’m in the moment. I’m practically Zen.”

“Stay that way I’m going to call Mac and get things set up for later. Six okay?”

“Six is perfect.”

Parker stood up, then blew out a breath. “Give me just a taste of that, will you? It’s cruelty otherwise.”

Laurel got a spoon, dipped it into the warm cream, then offered.

“Oh God.” Parker closed her eyes. “It was worth every whisk. Shit!” she muttered as her phone rang.

“Do you ever think about just not answering?”

“Yes, but I’m not a coward.” She checked the readout as she walked out of the kitchen. “This is Parker at Vows. How are you, Mrs. Winthrop?”

Parker’s voice had barely faded away when Del came in from the other direction.

“Well, this is a popular spot today.”

“Why have I never noticed how sexy you look in an apron?” He leaned down to kiss her—but she saw his move toward the bowl of cream and slapped his hand away.

“Do you want to get me in trouble with the board of health?”

“I don’t see any agents around here.”

She got out a spoon, gave him the same taste as she’d given Parker.

“Good. Really good.You taste better.”

“Very smooth, but that’s all you get.” She moved the bowl out of reach. “I thought you were going to the game with your little pals.”

“I am. I’m meeting up with Jack and Carter here, then we’re swinging by to pick up Mal.”

“You’re taking a limo to the ball game again.” It was, she thought, so absolutely Del.