“I know I’ve said this before, but you should think about being a comedian if this marshal thing doesn’t work out.” Luna wrinkled her nose at him.

“Well, if I’m not intruding, that would be great. I am a little beat, and two more hours on the road would probably finish me off.”

“Good. Then it’s settled.” Cullen poured another round of wine. “Cheers!”

Luna tried to keep her thoughts under control. What would they talk about? Me? Him? Would Cullen be audacious enough to ask Gaines how he felt about their “relationship”?

She smiled in agreement. “Brilliant idea. You can stop by the center in the morning for a scone and cappuccino.”

“Oh, but you wouldn’t think of asking me to look at the letter, now would you?” Gaines teased.

“Only if you have time.” Luna was being sincere. She could try to lure him back to Asheville once she got the project underway.

“Let’s see how the morning unfolds. As long as I can be back in my office by one. I have a debriefing about the case in Louisville.”

The rest of the evening passed by with anecdotal stories, jokes, and laughs. The four of them got along like old friends. Luna once joked that maybe they all knew each other from a previous life. But when Gaines gave her a sideways look, she decided to zip it. It was enough he had accepted her intuitive skills. She didn’t want to ruin it by going all weirdo on him.

When the check came, Cullen immediately grabbed for it but Gaines protested. “Oh, no you don’t. You’re giving me a place to stay. Please let me take care of dinner.”

Luna thought it was rather chivalrous of the two men to argue about who would pick up the tab. She was absolutely all in with equal rights, equal pay, equal everything, but if someone was going to be generous, she was not about to take that feeling of goodwill away from them. It took her a long time to accept a compliment with a simple thank-you, rather than an offhanded statement such as “This old thing?” Or gratefully accept a gesture with “I appreciate this very much” instead of answering with “You didn’t have to do that.” Using positive words in response to a positive word or deed elevates the intention even further. Luna was all about “living in the light.”

“Thank you, Christopher. It is always a delight to spend time with you. This was lovely.” Chi-Chi placed her hands in a prayer position and bowed her head in respect.

Luna mimicked Chi-Chi’s acknowledgment. “Yes, Marshal, always a pleasure. Thank you.”

Gaines smiled, stood, and pulled out Luna’s chair. Cullen did the same for Chi-Chi. It was a traditional courtesy that was always appreciated.