“Perfection comes from working hard. Joy is doubled by perfection,” said Meg. “Are you sure you didn’t plant these?”
“No! Little Ma looked at me and just picked those two out,” said Luc.
“Weird. Take the dishes to the kitchen and I’ll show you what Kevin and I bought today,” she said.
“Okay. And yes, I thanked Kevin for coming to your rescue. I was upset and so mad and just wasn’t thinking about anything except eating reporters,” he said.
“I hear Buttercup and Fezzik got a couple of bites in,” she said as she showed him blankets, booties and little sleepers.
“Oh yeah. And that’s another reason I don’t want you around the office for the moment. We had to bring the reporters in and Buttercup came tearing into the office. I’d have killed the reporter and the dog if you’d have gotten hurt,” he said.
“I understand. It’s just been a very rough couple of weeks. Is this ever going to settle down?” she asked as she put the last of the purchases away.
“I think so. George called this afternoon and said that things have been much quieter. Only one incident and that was someone local. He took care of it,” said Luc.
“Good. Are you going to be able to cope if they don’t come home?” she asked.
“Why do you say that?” asked Luc.
“Well, I just have this feeling that Sam is going to want company. In spite of all she said, she and Buster were an item for a long time. Even when George stops playing Buster, she’s going to miss him. Plus, didn’t you notice how much more relaxed George and Angie were up there?” Meg said.
“Now that you mention it, yes. Hmm,” he said as he thought for a moment. “You know, I think you’re right. Plus, Ginny and Patrick have the house under control and plenty of room. I guess we’ll see what happens when the sale on Angie’s house goes through,” said Luc.
“Did they get an offer?” asked Meg.
“Yeah. That call came in today too. It’s why George called me,” said Luc.
Meg nodded and stretched out on the bed. She was full and the day had been exhausting. Luc curled up next to her and put his hand on her stomach. He waited and after a few minutes, he felt the kicks. They looked at each other and smiled.
“Meg, if Jeff says it’s okay, and the world doesn’t end, would you like to go camping one last time before you’re too big to do so?” he asked.
“Yes!”
*
Friday finally arrived. Meg went to her doctor’s appointment and Luc headed to work. He got there to find Buttercup and Fezzik wagging their tails at the warehouse gate. Luc walked up to the gate and spoke the off duty phrase and then walked in the gate. Buttercup sat waiting for her treat and Fezzik sat right next to her. Luc realized that he’d actually miss these two when this was all over. It wasn’t often that he had been so comfortable with a working dog. Far too many of them cowered at the scent of him.
He headed to the office to find that Cal and Peter were already unpacking the latest order from their supplier. New routers and servers for an office complex. Kevin was handling the phones and when he got to his desk, there were maple doughnuts in a bag waiting for him.
“Thank you Ginny!” he called towards her cubbyhole.
“You’re welcome!” she hollered back.
Luc ate his doughnuts and drank his coffee while reviewing the papers from his lawyers. The two reporters that got bit had tried to sue. Luc provided his lawyers with all papers as well as the video of the two reporters in the warehouse. The reporters had dropped the suit.
“Luc, you have those two installations at 10am,” Ginny said as she dropped the paperwork on his desk. Luc smiled, gathered his gear and headed out the door at 9:40am.
Meg sat up and straightened her clothes. “So, how are the kids?” she asked Jeff.
“They’re doing great. Growing well and sounding healthy,” he said.
“So, can Luc and I go camping?” she asked.
“Well, if you were doing the whole RV thing in a national park, yes. However, I know where you two like to go. In all honesty, I’d worry myself sick until you got home. Picnic, but no overnight unless you are somewhere more civilized. Sorry Meg,” he said.
Meg sighed. “Okay. Have to admit that the idea of sleeping on the ground didn’t exactly thrill me as much as I want to get out of the city. That trip up to Spoon River made me realize how much I had missed camping,” she said.
“I understand. Civilized camping, yes. Rough camping, no. Do you need me to thump it into Luc’s head?” Jeff asked.
“No, but don’t be surprised if you get called,” said Meg.
“I won’t. See you in two weeks,” Jeff said and opened the door for her.
*
Luc was disappointed when he got home, but they planned a picnic. Saturday dawned early and Meg got the fried chicken, biscuits and coleslaw out of the fridge and placed it in the cooler with the water bottles. Luc packed what he called his daypack. He had more emergency stuff in there than most people took on a week long backpack, but to be honest he was taking no chances. He also had Patrick’s 9mm.
They were packed and on the road in thirty minutes and out of town less than twenty minutes after that.
“You know the last time we were on this road, I was out of it and you were driving,” said Luc.
“I know. I thought about that,” said Meg.
“Well, hopefully that bear has moved on or didn’t survive the event,” said Luc.
Meg nodded and watched the scenery. The Subaru climbed higher and higher into the mountains. Around 10am, they reached the lower campground. Meg headed for the outhouse and Luc looked around.
“So, do you see a place you want to eat, or do you want to go higher?” Luc asked.
“If you drive slow, can we go higher?” she asked.
“Tell you what, we’ll go as high as you feel comfortable,” said Luc.
“Deal!” said Meg as they climbed back into the car.
*