Nora laughed. “With real gravy and real butter for the rolls.”

“I think I’ve died and gone to Heaven.”

“I certainly hope not.”

They ate in companionable silence. Mary couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a meal this good. “I’ll do the dishes.”

“No, I’ve got it. Find us some more music.”

She found their favorite big band station and made herself comfortable on the couch. Nora joined her soon after.

“Do you know what today is?”

Again, Mary searched her memory banks. “I give.”

“What’s the date?”

“March 23, 1945.”

“Exactly.”

Mary shook her head. “I know I must be missing something, but for the life of me, I don’t know what it is.”

Nora took her hands. The intensity in her eyes gave Mary goosebumps. “Mary Elizabeth Trask, on this day, exactly one year ago, you walked into this house with your suitcase after the longest month of my life. I took one look at you, and I knew that in you, I’d found my forever home. And every day since then, I’ve thanked whatever God there is in Heaven for delivering you back to me.”

Mary swallowed hard. This was the Nora she’d been missing. This was her Nora.

“I wanted to do something to mark this occasion, this anniversary. I got you something. I hope you like it.”

Nora produced a small velvet box from her pocket and opened it for her to see. Inside was a perfect ruby solitaire. Mary gasped and put her hand to her mouth.

“That’s for me?”

“That’s for you. It’s a symbol of my love for you. Of course, you won’t be able to wear it on your left hand, but you can wear it on your right, and we’ll know that it’s our engagement ring.”

“I-I don’t know what to say. It’s gorgeous. I can’t believe you bought this for me.”

“May I?”

“Yes!” Mary held out her right ring finger, and Nora slipped the ring on it. It fit perfectly. “How did you know what size?”

Nora chuckled. “I didn’t. I just knew it had to be about two sizes smaller than my finger.”

Mary turned the ring in the light and watched it sparkle. “It’s amazing, sweetheart, but not as amazing as you. I love you.”

“I love you. I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a little distant lately. You know I can’t talk about work, but I need you to know and trust that I will never, ever, ever lose sight of you or of us. I swear it.”

“But I don’t have anything for you.”

“You’re my gift, sweetheart. You’re all the gift I need.”

This time it was Mary who took Nora by the hand. “Then you’d better unwrap it, don’t you think?” She blew out the candle and led them to bed.