Cody got up to answer the phone. He was back on the couch in no time. He cast Sherry a frustrated look. “That was my daughter. She heard I was over here helping you babysit Christina Lynn and Philip, and she’s mad that I left her at home.”

“I think,” Sherry said, patting Philip’s back, “she got her revenge.”

Cody grinned. “It was selfish of me not to bring her, but I wanted to be alone with you.”

“We aren’t exactly alone,” she said. She looked down at Luke and Ellie’s children, who had miraculously calmed again and seemed to be drifting off.

“True, but I was counting on them both being asleep. Luke thought they’d be and—”

“Luke,” Sherry broke in, pretending to be offended. “Do you mean to tell me this was all prearranged between you and Luke?”

“Well…”

“Did you?” Sherry could have sworn Cody was blushing.

“This all came about because of you and the fuss you made over wanting romance. Luke got a bit whimsical and thought he’d like to do something special for his anniversary. Then he got worried that Ellie wouldn’t go because she wouldn’t want to leave the children. It’s hard to be romantic with a couple of kids around.”

Sherry looked at Christina Lynn and Philip and smiled. “They didn’t seem to deter us.”

“True, but we’re the exception.” After a pause he said, “Put your head back on my shoulder.” He slid his arm around her. “It feels good to have you this close.”

“It feels good to me, too.”

He kissed the crown of her head. Sherry closed her eyes, never dreaming she’d fall asleep, but she must have, because the next thing she heard was Luke and Ellie whispering.

She opened her eyes and her gaze met Ellie’s. “They were a handful, weren’t they?” she asked with a smile.

“Not really,” Sherry whispered.

“All four of you are worn to a frazzle. Even Cody’s asleep.”

“I’m not now,” he said, yawning loudly.

Ellie removed Philip from Sherry’s arms, and Luke took his daughter from Cody’s. They disappeared down the hallway to the children’s room, returning soon after.

“How was your dinner?” Sherry asked.

“Fantastic.” Ellie’s eyes were dreamy. She sat in the rocking chair while Luke went into the kitchen. He reappeared a few minutes later carrying a tray with four mugs of coffee.

“I can’t remember an evening I’ve enjoyed more.” Ellie’s hand went to her throat and the single strand of gold Luke had given her for their anniversary. “Thank you, Sherry.”

“I’ll be happy to watch the kids anytime.”

“I don’t mean for watching the kids—I…I certainly appreciate it, but there’s more. Luke told me I should thank you because it was Cody talking to him about love and romance that made him realize he wanted our anniversary to be extra-special this year.”

Luke stood behind the rocking chair and leaned forward to kiss his wife’s cheek.

“I think it’s time we left,” Cody suggested, “before this turns into something, uh, private.”