er the past few years, yet this visit felt different. Laura's presence showed in the smallest corners

to arrange, where he had to sit across from strangers and pretend interest. This time, though, no one pushed him int

idn't come close to this. Her smile carried across the room with ease, filling the space before she even spoke. Warmth seemed to follow

y moved ahead of his thoughts. Deanna walked straight toward him

right?" she asked, holding out

m Daniel. Harry's brother," he replied,

o women fell into a natural exchange. Even so, a faint tension hovered in the room. Harry, as always,

epended on it. In a way, it did work out. Ju

as Harry and Laura?" Daniel aske

t in university

s voice as he continued, "An

classical

one didn't sit right. It carried something sh

oed in her head. He

. "What's that supposed

't mean a

n't just say 'mmm

I respect artis

stepped in. "Why don't we start eating?" she s

wasn't the type to stay quiet. If they didn't step in, it would turn into somethi

ouble. Light conversation filled the table,

ame up, and everyth

sort this out fast," said Harry. "You

as she spoke. "I really mean it.

le we're married, I'll handle your university costs for that ye

d. "Wait, stepping away?

ied to someone still in uni

taking yo

're giving something up, and tha

w you see it.

ra shared a look. The tension t

continued, "You are aware

kno

r rules about how

for how the rest would go. Quietly, he hoped his friend could stay through the evening without calling

need to follow. They already w

is that? Sounds li

ven if you don't seem inte

s just hard to take this serious

le we're at it, you might want to rethink your

this, a

alm down-" Harry t

Daniel laid out was met with resistance from Deanna.

are basic expectations. You're not exac

u're trying to say, but you're talk

ow. This marriage may not be real, but it has to

niversity, I study how to deal with your kids, and I even

ans we underst

hat's your list, not mine

. Let's h

ty, I'll set aside one day each

ne. I'll p

. I alre

ve that job, so I'l

anxious look held her back for a moment.

t easily, then I want my own space in your

arranged. A

, that's

eet another's eyes. Harry and Laura exchanged tense looks, bot

our parents. We'll set up a family meeting so they can meet her

with quiet apology. In his head, he could already hear

thout restraint, like everyone around him wor

anymore. "I'm headi

"I can book you a

iel cut in, "That won't be n

might not be t

l be my wife soon. There's not

there, expecting her to follow. With a quiet sigh,

them spoke as the car moved through the

is where

s for the rid

ped out and walked insi

car, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

ne would buy it. She wasn't someone who bent easily. She spoke her mind, carried

gotten him