I smoothed the fabric again, more out of nervous habit than necessity. "Thanks. I figured I should look presentable, you know, meeting your

father and mine after... well, you know."

A smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Ah yes, the morning-after parade. Are you ready for the scrutiny?"

I laughed nervously. "As ready as I'll ever be. Though I suppose someone could always lift my skirt and check my thighs for bruises, just to be sure."

The humor vanished from ...