I knew that when he rubbed his left eyebrow he was trying to solve a problem.

After breakfast, I helped clear the plates.

Lauren joined me at the sink, and for a moment we worked side by side just as we had on the night of the storm.

The difference was that now neither of us was waiting for the other to make an impossible promise.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly.

“More than okay.

Are you?”

She looked toward the living room, where Mason was arranging presents beneath the tree.