“So do I, so I will see you then.” She set the receiver back in the stand and went to check on Loren, finding her in front of the bathroom mirror. “How are you doing?”

“About done. It didn’t wrinkle much. I’ll be wearing brand-new shoes, with heels no less.”

“Your espadrilles have heels so don’t worry about it. Relax, sweetheart, you’ll have a good time, Nate will see to that.”

“Thanks, Mom.” She tucked the steamer back in its place under the sink. “You going out to Rich’s?”

“At four so I will help you get ready if you need me.”

“I’d rather go there.”

“Now, now. Let’s go have ice cream. I’m having rocky road.”

“Me too.” Sir Charles padded down the stairs in front of them, and Juno met them in the kitchen, reminding them it was time to feed their furry-faced kids.

* * *

“Just think, when we’re married, we can have evenings like this all the time.” While the breeze had driven them inside, Rich and Roxie were seated on the love seat looking out over the lake.

She sat straight up to turn and stare at him. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“It’s all a matter of time. When God gives you a gift, He’ll also say when to open it.”

“That is not a Bible verse.”

“Bet I can find one or many to support it.” He pulled her back with his arm around her shoulders. “I see our whole relationship as a series of mini miracles, starting with how we met, or rather, how you met my son. At just the right time. You realize Nate is in love with Loren?”

“I got that feeling. His eyes light up when she walks into the room.”

“And now he is making sure she meets his mother. First woman he has ever done that with. I tell you, it is only a matter of time.”

“Oh, look, the rim of the moon. How lovely.”

“Yes.”

She glanced at him. “You’re not looking at the rising moon.”

“I know, you look at the moon, I’ll look at you.” When the moon had cleared the trees on the far side of the lake, he tipped her chin with one finger and kissed her, lingering to savor the moment. “There, I’ve been waiting for that.”

Sometime later, she pulled away. “I need to get home; I have to submit a proposal and I have an early morning appointment.”

“I know. Me too. Two busy people.” He brushed her lips with his. “Just to remind you that I’m not kidding. I love you.” Hand in hand, he walked her to her car. “Call me when you get home.”

“I will.”

Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw him still waving. She punched the horn twice and reminded herself to pay attention on the roads. His comment about evenings like this all the time when they were married: That idea was seeming more appealing all the time. Crazy woman, she scolded herself. The main question? Are you certain you love him?