Jigsaw Pieces

Jane - Thursday

I parked the car in the drive and looked at our house. We’d moved in almost three years ago when Michael had been promoted. The estate was developed by Anderson Properties and seems to be the most ideal location for us. Away from the busy city life, quiet enough to get to know our neighbours and close enough to local amenities. Anderson Properties were becoming well known in the community and their affordable housing and ideal locations.

The house smelt amazing; I could hear Michael in the kitchen humming along with the radio playing Capital Xtra Reloaded. I smiled at myself. He did love the classic old school tunes. I wrapped my arms around his waist, startling him until he peered over at me.

‘Mmm, what's for dinner, it smells amazing.’ He wrapped his free arm around me and held me close, placing a soft kiss on my forehead as I melted into his arms. I still loved the effect he had on me, even after 20 years of marriage.

‘Chicken Pie and some salad if you’re up for it?’

‘I’ll take that as an instruction to prepare salad then Chef!’ He smirked at me.

‘You might want to get into something more comfortable first, although, I’m not complaining,’ He was smirking as he looked at me from head to toe. I blushed. How did he still make me blush even after all this time? I shook my head and made my way upstairs.

I picked up my clothes off our bedroom floor from this morning, shaking my head at how I’d slept through my alarm and then frantically searched for my suit and shirt, leaving no time to iron anything. I slipped into my long t-shirt and shorts ready for night-time. It was December and Michael had made sure the house was cozy, he must’ve turned the heating on when he got in, so I left my dressing gown on its hook behind the door. My makeup came off with ease and I clipped my straight, short hair back leaving half down to sit on my shoulders.

‘Feeling warm, are we?’ Michael had that glint in his eye as he guided me towards the dining table he’d set up and held my chair out for me. I chuckled at him, knowing he was looking at my legs. He leaned down and kissed my lips. ‘Hungry?’ His eyes still twinkling.

‘Famished, I didn’t have time for lunch today.’

‘Jane, you have to stop doing that, working through your lunch.’

‘Really, so are you telling me you had time for lunch?’ I raised one eyebrow at him.

‘Today was one crazy day,’ He changed the subject and I laughed knowing what the answer was.

‘I’m glad I’m home early.’ He asked about my day which took up most of the conversation. It felt good to talk about what busy day it had been. I loved how he did that, always making it about me.

‘Oh, by the way, I have tomorrow off but I’m probably going to be spending it alone, right?’ He looked at me as I just put the last mouthful of his amazing Chicken pie into my mouth.

‘Mmm… mmm,’ was the only thing I could muster as I suppressed the urge to laugh. ‘It’s Friday, so I won’t be staying after school.’ Finally swallowing my food. ‘I’ll be back before you know it.’

‘Good, I want to take you out for dinner tomorrow night, I’m going to book a table.’ I leaned forward to brush some of the pastry out of his beard.

‘Oh, that’s exciting, to what do I owe the pleasure?’ He was always so full of surprises, I loved that about him.

‘Am I not allowed to treat my beautiful wife?’ He took my plate with his and kissed the top of my head.

‘No, I’m doing the dishes, you cooked,’ I was insistent. I loved the way Michael helped around the house. He really made my life easier, helping me with maintaining our house which was much larger than our needs. ‘Teamwork’ was what he’d say to me.

‘How’s your case coming along, any developments?’ I loved how he cared for me, but I always made that conscious effort to also make it about him too. After all, if his attention and care was always aimed towards me, it was my responsibility to look after him. Michael was resting his head in the crook of my neck, holding me from behind as I washed the last of the dishes, planting soft kisses on my neck that sent shivers down my spine.

‘No, but I’m thinking that he’s got to be local. Too many women have given similar descriptions of a man, and at times, describing the same clothes on the same night. In my head it makes sense for him to be local, it can’t be a coincidence.’

‘Detective Sergeant Michael King,’ I dried my hands with the tea cloth. ‘There is no doubt in my mind that you will find him.’ I close the distance between us and put my arms around his neck. ‘I have full faith in you.’ I peck his lips softly. Suddenly he picks me up bridal style, making me sequel.

‘What are you doing Michael, put me down,’ I couldn’t help but giggle as he sprinted out of the kitchen and rushed up the stairs. His arms holding me close and tight to his chest, like I’m his precious cargo. Still strong as ever my gorgeous husband.

‘I’m looking for somewhere comfortable to put you down,’ He had that smirk back across his lips as he kicked open our bedroom door and swirled me into our bedroom.

‘Michael, stop! You’re making me dizzy,’ I held him so tight and tried to hide my head in his chest.

He dropped me on our bed and climbed on top of me, giving me his cheeky and mischievous smile. ‘God, I love you so much baby,’ My heart missed a beat as he cupped my face in his hands. It always did when he told me he loved me. He didn’t give me a chance to respond. He let go of the emotions that he was trying so hard to control and wrapped me in his love.