"Obviously! And we missed you treating us to lunch, too," she shot back, bold and cheeky as ever.

"Done. Spread the word—dinner’s on me tonight at Blue Horizon," I said, barely thinking before the words left my mouth.

"Wait—seriously?" Her eyes widened in disbelief. Cute.

"Completely serious," I replied with a nod.

"Yay!" she squealed, practically bouncing on the spot before dashing off to share the news.

I ...