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too worried about my absence this evening.”
    Thomas grinned. “Kids.”
    â€œBe good,” Nicole called as she stepped over the threshold. “And lock the door behind us.”
    Thomas followed Nicole out the front door and heard the deadbolt being locked behind them, presumably by the babysitter. He placed his hand along the small of her back as he guided her toward his waiting SUV. “You look beautiful this evening,” he ventured. He opened her door.
    â€œThanks. And you’re quite the gentleman.” Nicole smiled up at him as she got into the passenger seat.
    â€œI try.” He shut the door and went around to his own side.
    â€œSo where are we headed?” she asked once they started driving. “Hopefully not a fast food joint, or I think we both might be overdressed.”
    â€œNot this time.”
    They drove the fifteen minutes it took to get downtown and Thomas found a parking spot near the upscale restaurant he had chosen. He opened Nicole’s door and helped her out, but didn’t let go of her hand once she was out of the car. She didn’t protest. Thomas stole a glance at her profile, and a warm sensation spread from the pit of his stomach out to his limbs. He smiled and squeezed her hand slightly and she returned the pressure with an answering smile of her own. They walked hand in hand into the restaurant.
    Mini-lights twinkled like stars on the ceiling, adding a touch of softness to the cream decor. Thomas stepped up to the hostess’s counter. “I have a reservation for two. Thomas Lone Wolf.”
    The twenty-something girl with bright red hair scanned her list and nodded. “Certainly. Right this way.” She led them to a small circular table tucked into a corner of the room. Thomas pulled out Nicole’s chair and once she was seated he slid into the chair opposite, careful not to catch the white tablecloth as he sat.
    â€œThis is lovely. I’ve never been here before.” Nicole glanced around the room at the understated yet elegant surroundings. She laughed as her eyes shifted back to Thomas. “Then again, I don’t get out much.”
    â€œMe neither. It’s hard with the kids.”
    â€œExactly.”
    They busied themselves with ordering a glass of wine and then perusing the menu until the waitress came to take their order. While they sipped their wine, the conversation bandied between the project at Old Man’s Lake and the crisis in Jackfish Landing. They’d spent so much time talking over the phone that any awkwardness or lack of subject matter was a moot point. Thomas’s only concern was keeping his gaze above Nicole’s neckline as she talked. Although the conversation was interesting, there were other things on his mind right now that were fighting for his attention.
    They lingered over their meal and then a cup of coffee. “I’ll never sleep tonight,” Nicole said with a laugh. “Coffee keeps me awake.”
    â€œWe could take a walk before going home,” Thomas suggested. “Waskana Park is really beautiful at night, especially by the legislative buildings.”
    â€œI’d love that,” Nicole said. “As long as you’re not anxious to get home. It is quite a drive.”
    â€œI’m in no hurry.”
    They left the restaurant and drove to the park, which was near Nicole’s home. Waskana Park was known for its miles of scenic walking trails, and there were plenty of places to park the car, which encouraged residents to use the space.
    The grand dome of the legislative buildings, the centerpiece of the park, glowed against the darkness of the sky. Lampposts dotted the area around the grounds and lined the walking trails that branched off in every direction. Thomas took Nicole’s hand and they strolled along in silence for a time, taking in the peace and beauty. They came to a railing that overlooked Waskana Lake and stopped. Lights from the