Chapter Text
In the Jeep en route back to Palma, while Max and Miranda hungrily devoured sandwiches, tea, and water, they learned from the officers that due to Officer Cabreras, the three jewel thieves had been arrested, and Max's car had been recovered.
Max stated between sandwiches, "We really have to thank Cabreras. Maybe we can take him to dinner?"
Miranda, chewing on her third sandwich, could only nod in agreement. Then she swallowed carefully and asked, "What about the missing woman in La Mola that we were sent to try to find?"
The officer who was driving added, "Turns out she wanted to get away from her husband, so she voluntarily disappeared for more than a week."
"No way! So there really was no case!" Max exclaimed, exchanging a knowing look with Miranda.
Once they reached Palma, there was so much to be done that the partners were unable to see each other for more than a few minutes during their first two days back: medical attention for Max's left ankle, reports to Inés, new phones and numbers, lock changes on their apartments (because their keys had been stolen along with Max's car), and food shopping.
As soon as forensics had finished with Max's car, it was returned to him needing yet one more new tire, since the thieves had ruined one trying to extract the rest of the diamonds. He was grateful to have Bertha back with only minimal damage, and as soon as the BMW was driveable again, he set off for Miranda's. He had truly missed having her sleep in his arms, and he fervently hoped that she had missed being with him just as much.
Miranda had just returned from the market, was putting away her purchases; she wondered nervously if she and Max would see each other soon. She admitted to herself how much she had missed falling asleep in Max's arms and hoped he had missed her, too. But her nerves were on edge due to her recall of Max's declarations of love; she worried that she would be unable to maintain the emotional and physical intimacy needed for a romantic relationship. As she put away the last of her shopping, the object of her thoughts knocked on her door.
As she opened the door to admit Max, he stepped in and embraced her tightly.
"I've missed you way too much these past two days, Miranda," he declared softly.
"Me, too," she murmured into his chest.
They broke the embrace and moved up to the living area, their arms around each other.
"How's your ankle, Max?" she asked.
"Much better, thanks. In fact, it feels well enough for me to climb those stairs up to your bedroom—I mean, your balcony," he answered with a mischievous grin and twinkling eyes.
Miranda turned, smiled into his eyes and kissed him. He reacted immediately, deepening the kiss and pressing her fully against him. "God, Miranda, I love you so much," he uttered earnestly as they pulled apart to catch their breath.
Miranda blushed as she affirmed, "Max, I love you, too, but this is so overwhelming for me."
"I know, Miranda, and I promise not to pressure you into anything that makes you uncomfortable." Max was more than willing to accede to her wishes, anything she wanted, as long as they could be together."I want us to be work partners and life partners, just like two geese," he stated.
Miranda smiled shyly. She felt her heart would be safe with him. "There's something I want to give you, Max. It's upstairs."
It was his turn to smile as she took his hand and led him up the stairs. On the side table rested a shiny new key. Miranda pressed it into his hand.
Thrilled and surprised, Max responded, "The key to your heart, I hope?"
"You've had my heart for a long time, Max. This will unlock my apartment door anytime."
"Thank you, Miranda," Max said emotionally, obviously touched.
They both moved forward at the same time, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. Their lips and bodies met passionately. They kissed and caressed while removing each other's clothing, piece by piece. With a gentle push from Max, they fell to the bed. Finally, they knew they were truly home.