EPILOGUE

Faith's good mood lasted until she arrived home. She walked through the door and David shouted, "Surprise!"

She blinked and looked at the table to see a birthday cake with a candle lit on top of it. Turk barked happily and ran around her like a puppy.

David grinned. "We're going to do a bigger celebration on Sunday. I invited Michael and Ellie to come to dinner with us. But for tonight, I thought we could do something a little special ourselves."

Faith stared at the cake, her expression blank. She'd completely forgotten that today was her thirty-fifth birthday.

"Boy," David said. "I have to say, your enthusiasm is just overwhelming. I'm truly humbled by your gratitude."

"Yes," she said tonelessly. Then she managed to smile. "Yes! Thank you. I'm sorry, I just had a long meeting."

"A good one, I hope?"

"Yes, very good." She kissed him on the cheek. "Turk and I get to keep our jobs."

His eyes popped open. "That's wonderful! I'm so proud of you."

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. When they separated, he caressed her cheek and said. "I love you so much. I must be the luckiest man on Earth. God, I can't wait until you move in with me."

She fought back the lump forming in her throat. "If you say so."

"I do say so," he said. "Come on. Blow out the candle. Make a wish."

I wish I didn't have to break your heart.

She blew out the candle, and Turk barked, excited. He looked pleadingly up at David and whined.

David laughed and said, "Dinner first, Turk. Then cake."

Turk groaned and tried the same pleading look with Faith.

"Sorry boy," she said. "I agree with David. Good food first, then snacks."

He snorted in irritation, and Faith and David laughed. "It's all right, boy," he said, patting his head. "I made lamb roast. Your favorite." He grinned at Faith. "I saved the best cut for the birthday girl."

She smiled at him. "Thank you, David. You're very sweet."

"Only for you, my love. Just think; soon you'll be having dinners like this every night."

She swallowed and nodded. "Sounds wonderful."

"It is. We have a wonderful life."

She decided to let David have one more night. Tomorrow, she would tell him about the move to Allentown and the break she would have to take from their relationship. Tonight, she would pretend that everything was simple and easy.