No one said he was normal. She had brought so much color and depth to his life--he had no idea how better to express it. She could laugh at him if she wanted. It would be good to hear her laugh, whatever the reason.

He took the invitation to slide next to her, wrapping one arm underneath her, and he had been settling in when she said that. He propped himself back onto his elbow. "You did?" He sounded excited. "You defeated him?"