“We have just helped our thousandth couple. Howard set us on our path, and he gave us a gift to share with everyone. He was more than a mentor; he was the catalyst to everything we do. He established Crossroads Counseling and then employed me—the second great thing he did.”

A harsh, over-the-top cackle burst from Monique. Heat from Kelly radiated at his elbow.

“Now we’re one of the most recognizable practices in the city, thanks to a little book you all know.”

Milly slouched in a chair on the far side of the deck. He had lost the battle but won a compromise. She wouldn’t sit at the table, but she was screenless.

“Everyone who has played a key role at Crossroads is here tonight.” Daniel raised his glass. “So I would like to toast Howard Jones, Crossroads Counseling, and the thousandth couple who came to us for help, but most importantly, I would like to raise a glass to all of you.”

The air thundered with cheers and the clinking of glasses. Kelly looked up at him with a smile, and in that moment of connection, Daniel was transported back to happier times, to the moment he came home and told her Howard wanted him, fresh out of grad school armed with his master’s in counseling. She had joked that being married to a counselor should mean they would never need therapy.

Anna stood as she dabbed away tears. “Thank you, Daniel. Your leadership is the backbone of our success. It’s more than the book. It’s also your integrity and strength of character.”

As she raised her glass again, Daniel felt the slightest twinge of discomfort. The faint whisper of a memory long buried.

Anna wasn’t finished. “I’d like to suggest a memento to remind us of tonight—something permanent. Maybe a group photo we could hang in our reception area to celebrate everyone who has helped us succeed?”

Daniel called Milly over. “Would you mind?”

Milly slunk over to the table and picked up Gramps’s camera.

The jostling started as chairs were pushed back and the group moved to the railing. Peter stood front and center of them, and Jade moved to hide at the back despite her lack of height. Spouses not on the frontlines of couple therapy shuffled to one side.

Anna directed traffic as she shoved Peter out of the way. “We need Daniel in the center.”

Kelly moved in next to Daniel. Monique barged past her to stand on his other side, and Daniel felt Kelly’s protective arm slide around his waist.

Peter clicked his fingers. “Anna, you were there in the beginning, so you need to be in the middle next to Daniel.” Monique stood her ground as Anna approached but then reluctantly ceded her turf. Anna squeezed in next to Daniel.