“And the dark side?”

“He’s got a nasty temper and he’s a narcissist. He’s insecure but conceited at the same time. He’s a chronic womanizer. On our wedding day he flirted with some of the guests. Probably the best compliment I could give him is that he’s not my father.”

“That’s a short measuring stick,” Nicholas said.

“It’s the measuring stick life gave me,” I replied. “It’s funny how different kids can be from their parents.”

“Like you,” Nicholas said.

“Yes, but I meant Dan. Dan’s father is the most humble man you’ll ever meet. He’s had his same job as a hospital administrator for more than thirty years. He adores his wife and treats her like a queen. Sometimes I wish I had married Dan’s father instead of him.”

“No you don’t,” Nicholas said. “He’s too old.”

I smiled. “You’re right.” I breathed the cold air in deeply. “Now, may I ask you a deep, probing question?”

“It’s only fair,” he said.

“Do you ever wish you were married and had children?”

He thought a moment. “Yes. To both.”

“Then why don’t you? It’s not like that would be hard for you. Just in my office I know two women who would be more than happy to oblige you.”

“I guess it’s just taken me a little while to get to this place.”

“So why the contract? Why not just date?”

“Training wheels,” he replied.

“Training wheels,” I repeated, smiling. “I like that.” I slipped again. Again Nicholas caught me.

“It’s the shoes,” I said. “They don’t do snow.”

“I think you need training wheels.”

“I think you’re right.”

“Let’s go back and have some of that pie,” he said.

“All right. Just don’t let me fall.”

By the time we returned from our walk, the boys had disappeared and Grandma Wilma had already eaten her sliver of mincemeat and retired to the guest room to nap. Nicholas and I joined Scott and Sharon at the table for coffee and pie.

“Elise,” Sharon said. “Your pies are divine. This pecan pie is amazing.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re definitely on our guest list next year.”

“Or at least your pies are,” Scott joked. “In case this doesn’t work out.”

I furtively glanced at Nicholas, who didn’t respond.

We sat around and talked for nearly an hour. Eventually our conversation turned to the natural sleep agent properties of tryptophan in turkey, to which Nicholas yawned and said, “I need a nap.” He looked at me as if seeking permission.

“Go for it,” I said.

He went into the living room, leaving the three of us still at the table.

“The food was really great,” I said to Sharon. “Thank you for letting me join you.”

“Thank you for coming,” Sharon said. “You know, you’re good for him.”