The hall was warm with amber light when Katherine and Kingsley stepped inside. Long tapestries draped the windows in calming earth tones, and two tall glass dispensers sat on a linen-covered table near the door—one filled with cucumber-mint water, the other with hibiscus iced tea. A row of handmade clay cups stood beside them, mismatched and charming.

Other couples were already arriving in slow waves—some holding hands, some walking apart. Quiet chatter filled the room like a low, ...