The journal was left open on the kitchen counter. It was open to a page with a note scrawled in slanted script. Next to the book was a glass of orange juice, a blueberry muffin, and a single cigarette. The note read:

My Darling,
I woke up out of some restless dreams and decided running would be the best thing to do to put my mind at ease. I borrowed a pair of your shorts and those adorable puma runners. I hope you don?t mind, if you do I assure you I will make it up to you anyway you?d like.

I couldn?t have imagined waking you to join me even though I know you would have. You sleep like an angel, you must be enjoying your dream, because you were smiling so sweetly. Sometimes I wonder just what it is that?s going on in your dreams. You?re simply angelic.

On a side note, Michelle emailed me last night saying it would be a good idea for me to come see the kids. I think I may want you to join me. You?ll have to teach me how to get back there but I have a feeling Maria and little Quinn will love you. They take after their Daddy every other way so it?s a pretty sure bet they will adore you. You don?t have to make a decision now, we can talk about it more today over lunch. How does a picnic by the lake sound? I should be home soon, try not to miss me too much and don?t forget. I love you.

Yours and only yours,
Quinn.

Dirk woke up early that morning and crawled out of bed, leaving Quinn to sleep. He didn't want to wake his sleeping angel. His morning ablutions were done as quietly as possible.

A note was left in the little book that they kept to pass notes to and from each other. Across the pages he left a single golden ring, thick and heavy. It's match no where to be seen.

When he left the house, he was butt naked and heading for the lake. Nothing like a morning swim to start the day.

Mr. Silly,

Got your message on the recorder. No, a man cannot have enough neckerchiefs! They're in this fall, by the way.

When you wake, I'll be sitting out by the lake, fishing. I hear the crappie are biting. Why don't you come join them? I mean, me.

Love you,

Dirk

He hoped that Quinn would remember the reference to the crappie that bit him the weekend that Quinn became blooded.

With a smile on his face, the first one in ages, he dove into the lake.