But the ability to make decisions that mattered.

I touched Arthur’s shoulder.

He placed his hand over mine.

“Yes, Vanessa,” he said quietly.

I looked at him.

“You’re a very determined woman.”

I smiled.

“And you married one.”

He laughed again.

Then we watched the last light settle over the Westchester gardens.

This time, neither of us needed a microphone.

Or a test.

Or an audience.

We already knew what kind of people we had married.