The last fork clinked against an empty plate, and Katherine stood up, gathering the dishes into a quiet stack. Kingsley made a motion to rise as well, but she cut him off with a soft, quick shake of her head.

“I’ve got it,” she said, not looking at him.

“Katherine… let me help,” he said gently, already starting to rise.

“I said it’s okay,” she repeated, sharper this time, moving toward the sink.

“I know it’s okay,” he insisted, standing up fully now. “But I ...