The evening went well; Peter played a copy of the tape they had made in the Nevada cave.

"Oo, it gives me goose bumps," Lindsay shivered. "It’s so exciting! How’s the dig coming, Megan?"

"Well enough to let me leave it in the hands of an assistant for a while. It’s going slowly, but we’ve uncovered a lot of things. And you know, I forgot at the time in all the excitement and everything, but the word Gualetaga in Hopi means ‘Guardian Spirit,’ and that’s exactly what the voice said–that they were the ‘guardian spirits.’ And there was our link to the two tribes!"

"Incredible!" Connor added. "You were lucky to be there, Peter."

"I know." He glanced at Megan. "In more ways than one."

Everyone laughed, and the evening ended.

§§§

Lindsay got quietly out of bed and looked at the clock; it was just after six. As she slipped into her robe, she smiled down at her husband, still sleeping peacefully with a slight smile on his face. She went out into the living room and wandered to the window. It was still dark, but a dim light was burning in a receptacle, and the streetlights cast an amber glow into the room.

"Lindsay?"

She turned to see Peter, still half-asleep, standing in front of his bedroom door.

"Good morning, Peter," she smiled. "Are you ready for today?"

He half-shrugged, and grinned. "You’re up early. Are you okay?"

She nodded and patted her stomach. "My little insomniac. If he doesn’t sleep, neither do I," she laughed. "He’s practicing the high jump."

"He?"

"It’s not official, but I know it’s a boy."

He wandered over to the davenport and threw himself down on the cushions, yawning, and Lindsay came to sit beside him.

"You’re up early, too."

"Can’t sleep. Too much going through my mind."

She nodded. "I would imagine."

He rubbed his face and looked at her. "How are things going, Linds?"

"Fine. Really fine. It’s a lovely, quiet little town, and I’m very glad for the peace."

"You? I thought you thrived on excitement."

"Not any more. I have everything I’ve longed for, or soon will have."

"You’re happy, then?"

"Oh, ecstatic."

They smiled at each other, then his eyes flicked to the other door to make sure they weren’t overheard. He lowered his voice until she could barely hear him.

"Does he remember?"

She shook her head slowly. "Not even a hint of it returning." Her voice was as low as his. "I’m afraid of what it will do to him if he ever does! He remembers up until we came back from Egypt, and nothing more. Not even being assigned to the case." She hesitated a moment, then added: "He never even says his name," she whispered. Just then she heard a slight sound in their doorway, and she turned around, smiling. "Good morning, darling. Aren’t we all the early birds today? Shall I fix breakfast?"

"Yeah. I think there’s some stale donuts in the fridge," Peter said, and when Lindsay looked at him in surprise, he started to laugh. "Oh, come on, Linds. I’m kidding."

They all laughed and trooped out to the kitchen.

§§§

Megan arrived at 9:00 to pick up Lindsay, and they hurried off. Their first stop was the bridal shop, where Megan showed her the dress she would wear. It was a pale, turquoise-blue lace with matching under-dress. The long sleeves narrowed at the wrist, and were trimmed with tiny pearl buttons.

"It’s breathtaking," said Lindsay. She touched the heart-shaped neck edged with narrow, stand-up lace. "You’ll look wonderful in it."

"I saw one similar to it in a light green. I was thinking with your coloring–"

Lindsay nodded excitedly. "Let’s see it. I hope they have it in maternity," and they both laughed. "Does it bother you that your matron of honor is pregnant?"

"Of course not! I envy you. I just hope Peter and I–"

"Oh, so do I! It’s wonderful, Megan."

She loved the dress instantly and it fit perfectly. It was two-piece with a square neck, and, standing before the full-length mirror, she ran her hand down the front. "Well, what do you think?"

"Splendid! It looks like it was made just for you. Thank you so much for saying yes, Lindsay." She hugged her impulsively, then grew serious.

"What’s the matter?"

"I-I want to ask you something, but I don’t want you to–misunderstand . . ."

Lindsay nodded. "The answer is no, Megan. We were together for four years, and we’re best buddies. Nothing more," and she emphasized the last two words. "And besides, have you looked at my Connor?" She paused and laughed. "Maybe I should rephrase that."

"Never mind," Megan laughed in response. "I get it. He does have a–uniqueness, doesn’t he? And he’s gorgeous, if you can say that about a man. But then," she wiggled her eyebrows, "so is my Peter."

Lindsay nodded and laughed. "That he is, Megan. We picked the prime ones, didn’t we?" She turned back and forth in front of the mirror, then added: "What about shoes?"

§§§