Shallie said she’d called her friend Emma, who lived in the same building, to tell her when they expected to arrive. She’d explained earlier that she hadn’t given up or leased her apartment yet. Carly had noticed the…inquiring? troubled? look Cord sent Shallie’s way when she said that. Carly didn’t consider herself the most observant person on the planet but could hardly miss the fact that he had serious hopes of a permanent relationship with Shallie. She hoped Shallie would make up her mind—fast!—get rid of her life in Seattle and move in with Cord.

Carly was charmed by the low-rise, not the kind of building she was familiar with, and loved the idea that people had lived here for generations. Through the Roaring Twenties, the Depression, the Second World War and on. Shallie parked in the nearby lot, texted Emma and, carrying their bags, they walked to the front entrance.

Emma was waiting at the door, a tall, very pretty woman with shoulder-length blond hair and a vivacious manner. Shallie made introductions, then Emma hugged each of them in turn. She suggested Carly stay at her place—she had a sofa that converted to a bed—which appealed to Carly and no doubt to Shallie and Cord. It was something of a relief, if Carly was honest about it; she wanted them to have their privacy.

“Let’s get ourselves organized,” Shallie said. “And then we’ll plan something for dinner.”

FOR DINNER THAT NIGHT, the four of them decided on takeout from a seafood restaurant Emma recommended; she said she had plenty of wine, beer and soft drinks.

The meal was as good as promised, in Cord’s opinion. The shrimp appetizers, salmon main course with a vegetable stir-fry—it was all delicious.

In a very short time, he’d come to like Emma Grant, to feel a connection with her due to their shared interests and, even more, her closeness with Shallie. He noticed Shallie’s approving smile as he and Emma spoke, and that only added to the sense of rightness he felt about this new friendship. He could very much see Emma as part of his life, his personal community, in the coming years.

“Dessert, anyone?” Carly asked. “We have brownies and ice cream. Don’t they go together perfectly?”

Go together perfectly. A good summary of how he felt…

THE NEXT MORNING, Shallie made coffee, grateful that Emma had supplied her kitchen with the basics, and plenty of them.

She brought Cord his coffee in bed. Stretching, he said, “This is true luxury. Only one thing missing.” He sent her a meaningful glance.

“We were both too tired last night.” Too tired for more than a few kisses. Too tired to do more than lie asleep in each other’s arms. “Tonight for sure.”