By the time they'd each had a second drink and consumed most of a delicious but filling lunch, the earlier tension was all but forgotten. As they split a very fattening dessert, they were back to joking with each other and teasing, taking their time over the remnants of the meal. It was midafternoon by the time they finished eating.

"I'm stuffed," Kaitlyn said, rubbing her tummy.

"Me, too." Ryan took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "So we're all good ...