Their Life

Fugitive Part 4

Newt rolled over to find his wife staring at him sleepily. He jumped slightly and she started giggling.

"I didn't know you were awake," he protested. 

"I didn't know you were awake but I didn't nearly jump out of bed the moment you turned," Tina replied, grinning mischievously.

"You could see and feel that I was turning so you could guess I was awake. You weren't moving so I thought you were still asleep. Then I roll over and find you staring at me," Newt explained defensively.

She laughed and he kissed her. Then he climbed out of bed and reached for his shirt.

"Today's your book signing, isn't it?" Tina asked.

Newt turned to respond but found himself unable to speak. Tina was beautiful. She had sat up and was facing him, leaning sideways against the headboard. The light streamed through the window above the bed. It lit up her face which was framed by her dark, sleep-mussed hair.

Her expression shifted to one of concern. "Newt, are you okay?"

Newt took a moment to gather himself. "Uh -- yes. I . . ." He paused and blushed. "I don't think I tell you enough how beautiful you are," he breathed.

Tina blushed. "You've told me more than enough times, especially since it's not true."

Newt's reaction was immediate. He was on the bed in an instant, kneeling in front of her on hands and knees, his face inches from hers.

"Don't you ever say that again," he said firmly. "You are a beautiful woman and you shouldn't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Her blush deepened and she shifted her gaze away from his face, staring at the sheets below him.

"I love you, Tina," he continued gently. "I love everything about you." He shifted his weight to one arm so he could raise the other hand to lift Tina's chin. Then he leaned forward and kissed her again. Lowering his hand, he crawled off the bed and began changing. A few minutes later, Tina repeated her question.

"I asked if today was your book signing."

Newt sighed. "Yes." He turned and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't understand why they've scheduled it on Christmas Eve."

Tina had gotten out of bed and changed. She picked up a hairbrush and ran it through her hair as she spoke. "I think Christmas Eve is the perfect day for a book signing. Especially since it's a Saturday. More people will be able to come."

"I don't want more people," Newt whined. "I don't like people."

Tina made her way over and pulled him into a hug. "I know, but I'll be there with you. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Newt sighed. "I know."

Tina released him and they left the room. As they made their way down the stairs he said, "Bunty should be here soon. I asked her to come early so we could finish up with the creatures before the book signing."

They reached the kitchen and Newt began preparing breakfast but Tina's next words made him falter.

"When are you going to tell her we're married?"

Newt turned slowly. "What?"

"Bunty. When are you gonna tell her?" Tina repeated. "We've been here for a week. When are you going to tell her we're married?"

"She doesn't know?"

Tina shook her head. "You haven't told her. How would she?"

"You could have told her," Newt said.