“I want to celebrate us.

That’s all.”

The steak was tender.

I ate it.

Across the table his phone lay face up, and the screen stayed dark.

After dinner, Julian took Maya from the bassinet and carried her to the living room.

He held her against his shoulder with one hand under her bottom, the way he did when he wanted to look competent.

He sang “You Are My Sunshine” off-key.