“I’m a teacher. Third grade,” Janet said to Ryann. Then to Maddie, “Uh, okay, I guess. They’re getting a little crazy with the holiday coming, but that’s to be expected.”

“The holiday?” Ryann asked.

“Valentine’s Day,” Janet said.

“Really?”

Janet laughed. “Oh, sorry, yes—it’s a big deal. Parties, assemblies, choral concerts. I forget sometimes that it’s such a local thing.”

“Oh, yes, of course.”

As Janet launched into a story about her students to Maddie, Ryann let herself relax a little, sipping her beer. She was still wearing her heavy coat, but she was cozy here on the couch. Her left leg was brushing Maddie’s, and the cat was warm and calming.

She’d never really seen the point of a cat. They seemed somewhat useless, really. You had to clean a nasty box, and they got fur all over everything. But having one warming your lap on a cold winter night had its appeal. She stroked its back, and it opened one green eye at her, its purring increasing, before closing it again, obviously at peace.

She let her own eyes drift closed, leaning back into the seat behind her, her exhaustion suddenly catching up to her.

“You look worn out,” Stuart whispered near her ear.

She opened her eyes. “I am. I actually have two meetings later tonight, if you can believe it.”

He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, honey. You’re such a peach for coming. I know you’re busy at work this time of year. And I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to get caught up. But I promise we will this weekend. I’ll show you my place, and we can have a whole evening together—just the two of us.”

“That sounds really nice.”

They were speaking quietly, and Janet and Maddie were wrapped up enough in their own conversation that it was almost as if they were already alone. She was surprised to tear up, and Stuart squeezed her shoulders with one arm, his eyes sparkling, too. The cat stood up, disturbed, but quickly settled again when Stuart let go of her.

“So, Ryann,” Janet said. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

“What’s tomorrow?”

Janet grimaced. “Stuart didn’t tell you yet?”

Ryann stared at him, and he refused to make eye contact, staring down at his beer.

“What’s tomorrow?” she repeated.

After a long moment of hesitation, he met her eyes. “The dresses.”

“What dresses?”

“You, me, and my sisters are all getting our bridesmaid dresses fitted tomorrow,” Janet said. “It’s my half day, and that’s why Jos came up from Denver. Then, once she told Mom and Dad she was coming, they decided to throw this whole soiree.”

“A dress? Really?” Ryann asked Stuart.

“Or you can do a suit, instead,” Stuart said, wincing slightly.

“Are you kidding me right now?” she asked.