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“Thanks for, uh, not burning my mom’s place down,” Lita said, throwing a glance over her shoulder as she and Kane stepped into their home. His massive hands carried an assortment of gifts from her family.
He grunted in response.
“You staying up late with me?” she asked, heading into the kitchen to grab a drink.
“I guess,” Kane muttered, setting the presents down on the dining table. “Not tired.”
“Even after that long drive?” She arched a brow, leaning against the counter. They’d just spent two exhausting days driving coast to coast from her mom’s place back to their own.
“Used to it,” he said with a shrug. “Show to show.”
She smirked as she poured herself a drink. “You know, for a guy with anger issues and a bum eye, you’re a pretty good driver.”
Kane blinked, his expression unreadable. He didn’t seem sure whether to take it as a compliment or an insult.
Lita chuckled, shaking her head, her red hair spilling over her shoulders. “You’re quiet tonight.”
“Well…” He started to speak but trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “Not much to say, I guess. 2005’s around the corner.”
“Our first New Year’s Eve as a married couple,” Lita mused, swirling her glass.
“Yeah.”
“You gonna light any fireworks?” she teased, her lips quirking into a grin.
“No.”
“Jeez, Kane, you’re a real chatterbox tonight,” she quipped, her grin widening. “What’s the deal? Are you shy around me now?” She poked his chest playfully.
His face, as usual, gave nothing away.
“C’mon, lighten up,” she said, filling a glass for him and holding it out. “Have a drink with me. Cheers, crazy man.”
He took the glass, muttered a quick, “Thanks,” and tossed it back like water.
She tilted her head, studying him. “You wanna kiss at midnight? Is that what’s got you all quiet?”
For a moment, his mismatched eyes dropped to the floor. Then, slowly, he looked back up at her. “If you want.”
Lita smiled softly. “I think we’re making progress in this whole marriage thing. You’re actually considering what I want now. Not just the whole ‘you have to marry me, you have to have my kid, blah blah’ thing.”
Kane’s jaw tightened, his fist clenching briefly at his side. “I’m trying. For you.” His voice dropped, quieter now. “And for our son’s memory.” Her smile faltered for a moment, the weight of his words settling between them. Then she stepped closer, her hand brushing his. “That’s all I ask.”