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“Vera?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Lay off the brownies.”

JAMIE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING TO THE SOUND OF rain. “Holy cow!” she said to Max. “Destiny was right.”

Max smiled beside her. “You know what this means.”

“Um, we’re going to need an umbrella?”

“Nope. It means you’re going to be late for work.” He reached for her.

“I can’t be late for work. Vera’s got a broken arm.”

“That’s not going to stop her, and that’s why I’m not worried about taking you back to Virginia with me for a few days. We’ll take the small six-passenger plane so Muffin can have some time off.”

Jamie did a bit of eye-rolling. “Max, do you know how that sounds? I’ve never been involved with a man who owned a fleet of airplanes and a two-million-dollar car. I’m going to have to get used to your being so rich.”

“It has certain advantages.”

Jamie suspected it wasn’t a bad idea. She needed to get away. Somehow, she had to put the bad stuff behind her and go on, and she found solace in Max’s arms. She smiled. “So you’re taking me to Virginia, huh?”

“I want you to meet my family, Jamie.”

“Geez, Max, that sounds serious.”

He gazed back at her. “I guess it does. Maybe it’s time I let down my guard and went with my feelings.”

Jamie waited for him to say more. “What does that mean exactly?” she asked when he didn’t elaborate.

“You’re asking me to go out on a limb here.” His look grew serious. “Jamie, do you love me?”

She was surprised he hadn’t figured it out for himself. “Men are so dumb.”

“Is that a yes?”

Jamie glanced away, afraid he would see it in her eyes.

“I haven’t used that word in a long time, Jamie,” he said, “and I ended up being wrong.”

“So take a chance, Holt.”

“I asked you first.”

“Come on, Max, give it up.”

“It certainly feels like love. The fact that I don’t want to be without you, and I can’t stop thinking about you when you’re not with me is a good indication that something serious is going on between us.” He grinned. “Your turn.”

“You didn’t say the words, Max.”

His look turned tender. “I love you, Swifty.”

Jamie felt her heart turn over in her chest. “See, that wasn’t so hard. I love you, too, Max. I have for some time.”

He looked relieved. “This smacks of commitment, you know. I usually run as fast as I can when a woman mentions that word.”

“And now?”

“I’m tired of running. I love you,” he repeated. He suddenly grinned. “It gets easier every time I say it.”

Jamie studied him. He was sincere; she could see the love in his eyes. “You know what else I love?”

“What?”

“Rainy days.”

“It’s still early. I know how we could fill the time.” He kissed her deeply. Before long they were aching for each other. Max began to unbutton her gown.

“Uh-oh,” Jamie said. “Something tells me I’m going to be really late for work. I’ll miss out on the fresh doughnuts.”

He laughed. “Those doughnuts are going to be very stale by the time you show up.”

EPILOGUE

ONE WEEK LATER.

Dear Divine Love Goddess Advisor:

I’m a single gay male, and I have a crush on a policeman. Every time I see him in his shorts I get hot all over—he’s got a behind to die for. I’ve watched him closely, and I suspect he’s gay as well, but he doesn’t seem to know I exist. I’ve tried jaywalking, not putting change into parking meters, and parking more than eighteen inches from the curb. He writes me tickets but he’s all business. What I want to know is whether or not I should confess my feelings to him and risk rejection, or take a chance.

Dear Flaming:

The Divine Love Goddess strongly suspects this man feels the same about you, but he is trying to come to terms with his sexuality. My advice to you is to confront him, and see where it leads before you go broke paying fines. Who knows, maybe he’ll handcuff you, take you home, and show you his nightstick. You might just end up on his “Most Wanted” list.

See you at the policemen’s ball!

Dear Divine Love Goddess Advisor:

I have been married for a long time to a wonderful man. I recently found out I was pregnant. I am concerned my husband won’t be attracted to me once I begin to gain weight because I have always taken very good care of myself, maintaining a perfect size-six figure. How can I be certain he will love me when I’m big as a house?

Dear Growing:

The Divine Love Goddess knows that your concerns are unwarranted. Your husband loves you very much and looks forward to sharing this special time with you. Many men find pregnant women very sexy, and I suspect your husband will, as well. I suggest you not worry so much about your figure and concentrate on the miracle growing inside of you, because your husband is going to love you even when your feet swell to twice their size, you blimp out, and start waddling like a duck.

Dear Divine Love Goddess Advisor:

I am a gay policeman who recently became attracted to another man. I think the feeling is mutual because he follows me everywhere. I think he might be trying to get my attention because he’s racking up fines for parking violations. Should I come clean with this man and give him the frisking of his life?

Dear Uncertain:

I am positive this man has strong feelings for you. (Read “Flaming Hot in Beaumont.”) Don’t wait until he becomes so desperate he has to call 911 to get your attention.

Dear Divine Love Goddess Advisor:

I am in love with a wonderful man who recently confessed his love for me. I feel insecure at times because he’s gorgeous and filthy rich and has dated his share of celebrities. Can you tell me what the future holds for us?

Dear Head over Heels:

One word: Fireworks.