“Yes, you did. And I thanked you. That’s what Mother always says a woman should do when a man compliments her appearance. She’s supposed to say that and nothing more. But then I spoiled your compliment by saying that of course you thought I looked good because you gave me this outfit for my birthday.”

Norman laughed. “I know I did. Claire picked it out for me. But that’s not all I was talking about. You’re also happier than you were this morning and when you’re happy, you’re beautiful.”

Several responses flew through Hannah’s mind, the first of which was Have you had your eyes checked lately? You obviously need glasses. The second response was Don’t be silly. I know I’m not beautiful, and the third was Are you trying to butter me up for some reason? But Hannah decided to follow her mother’s instructions and she didn’t say any of those. “Thank you, Norman,” she said. And then she reached out to cover his hand with hers.

Sally Laughlin approached their table and Hannah pulled her hand back. She was a bit uncomfortable with public displays of affection. “Hi, Sally,” she said.

“Hello, Hannah. Good to see you, Norman.” Sally was dressed in one of her signature chef’s jackets that were trimmed in the same colorful pattern as the aprons the kitchen staff wore. Hannah knew that because the kitchen was visible through a large plate glass window so that diners could watch their food being prepared. “I heard about your accident,” Sally told her. “Are you all right?”

“I’m okay,” Hannah said and she left it at that. She really didn’t want to discuss the accident. She just wanted to forget what had happened in the rain this morning, or at least put it out of her mind for the present. There was no point in discussing it again and again, and talking about it might depress her and spoil her nice evening with Norman.

“Your mother and Doc are on their way here,” Sally said, changing the subject when Hannah didn’t elaborate. “She just called me to make sure you were here.”

“Mother and Doc are joining us for dinner?” Hannah turned to Norman.

“I’m not sure. They’re certainly welcome to join us, but this is the first I’ve heard about it.”

Hannah turned back to Sally. “Did Mother say anything else?”

“Just that they had something important to tell you and it couldn’t wait.”

Hannah and Norman exchanged glances. The phrase something important to Delores could be used to describe almost anything that affected her from the new acquisition at her antique store to the announcement that she’d actually agreed to something they’d suggested for her wedding.

“Thanks for the early warning,” Hannah told her. “We’ll expect them in twenty minutes or so.”

Norman gave Hannah a questioning look and she responded with a little nod. She knew exactly what his silent query meant.

“Please invite them to join us for dinner,” Norman said, correctly interpreting Hannah’s nod.