Epilogue

"Ghost Busters," Juliet said excitedly.

"Oh, tough one," Shawn said. "Buster and Billie."

"I've never heard of that."

"It was released in Sweden," Shawn explained.

"Fine," Juliet said. "Billy Madison."

"Madison Avenue."

"Avenue X."

"X Men."

"Men in Black."

"Black Hawk Down."

"Down with Love."

"Love Story."

"The Story of Us."

"Us?" Juliet said.

"The Story of Us." Shawn repeated.

"Can I substitute U.S.?"

"I think that'd break the rules in a big way," Shawn told her.

"Fine," Juliet said, searching her brain to think of a playable title. "Us . . ."

"Us what?" a third voice said from the doorway.

Shawn started at the unexpected voice. Juliet smiled and said, "Abigail, how nice to see you."

"Hey Abigail," Shawn said, spinning his wheel chair around so he could look at the girl he was dating. He didn't want to call her his girlfriend, that seemed a little to heavy for the light, fun, flirtation they had. But still, it felt very odd, having Abigail and Juliet in the same room. He felt like it would be cruel to flirt with either of them in front of the other. He also felt like it would be suspicious if he stopped flirting. He certainly wanted them to get along—but he was terrified to think of what would happen if they became friends.

"Hi Juliet. Hello Shawn," Abigail leaned over and kissed him on the top of the head. He smiled up at her adoringly, but wished that Juliet hadn't seen the display of affection. "Per your request, I brought you a pineapple," Abigail continued, pulling the large fruit out of a canvas bag.

"Oh, that's great!" Shawn said, eagerly taking the fruit. "You know, I asked Gus to bring me one, and my Dad to bring me one, but they both brought balloons. I tried to explain that I was no longer an eight-year-old and fascinated by floating mylar. If I could untie the balloons and make my voice all squeaky like Gary Coleman, that'd be different. The chief sent over a nice bouquet, though."

"She sent me one, too," Juliet said. "She has exquisite taste in flowers. And I thought Carlton's gift was especially thoughtful."

"Lassiter brought you a gift?" Shawn asked, stunned. "I thought he didn't do gifts."

"Yeah, he brought me this cactus," she said, motioning to a small potted Early Flowering Mammillaria Marksiana on the table next to her hospital bed.

"Oh, a little prickly plant," Abigail said, "how thoughtful."

"He didn't bring you anything?" Juliet asked, genuinely surprised.

"Now I feel hurt," Shawn said, looking at the plant. "I really thought he cared."

"Well, I know what will cheer you up," Abigail said. "I happen to have a huge bag of cheesy popcorn in this bag."

"Oh, that does help," Shawn said.

"And, a copy of Toy Soldiers."

"Is that the one with the kid from Star Trek and the fat Hobbit?" Juliet asked.

"Yes," Shawn said. "And it's awesome! Why don't we throw it in right now? You don't mind, do you, Jules?"

"Ah," Juliet said, glancing at Abigail. "I don't think so. My mom's going to be coming over soon with a video of the wedding."

"Oh, that sounds fun," Abigail said, though she didn't sound quite sincere. Shawn realized that Abigail didn't know what wedding Juliet was talking about. Shawn had told her that he and Juliet had been working on a case. Fortunately, Abigail didn't seem to care.

"Do you want us to stay here and keep you company until your mom gets here?" Shawn asked. "Abigail is a killer at the movie game. What was our record in high school?"

"Forty-seven minutes," Abigail said. "And I beat you with Clockwork Orange."

"You guys go," Juliet said. "Seriously, my mom will be here any minute."

"Are you sure?" Shawn asked. "I don't want to abandon you to merciless boredom."

"Shawn," Juliet said with a smile on her face, but not in her eyes. "Don't make me tell you to go with Abigail again."

"Right," Shawn said, nodding soberly. He swallowed his regret and smiled at her. "I'll see you later."

"Later, Shawn," Juliet said as Abigail wheeled him out of her room.