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"A nus, but mainly I’d…" He hesitated as Summer made her way down the stairs Her hair was

"Ralph, this isher He slipped his arm around her shoulders

"Hello, Suet here?"

"Last week Would you two like some coffee? I’ll make a pot James, take your friend into the den, why don’t you, and I’ll bring everything in there"

Ja about the way she spoke told hiue That hen he saw her skirt draped on a chair, and her jacket on the floor

"This way, Ralph," he said, ushering the other man into the den

He looked over his shoulder and saw Su, then hurry into the kitchen

"So amuses you?"

James cleared his throat "Not really"

"First of all, Jairl--"

"Su, your judgment appears to be questionable"

This was a serious accusation, considering that Ja for a position on the superior court

Ralph’s lips were pinched "It worries me that you’d marry some woman you barely know on the spur of the moment"

"Love sometimes happens like that"

"Perhaps," Ralph muttered "Personally I wouldn’t know, but Jaer is she?"

"Not as much as you think Nine years"

"She’s unsuitable!"

"For whon, not runto have nant, as well?"

"Yes, the baby’s due September twenty-third"

Ralph’s lips hite with disapproval "Could she have chosen a more inconvenient date?"

"I don’t think it really matters"

"That’s the pririef, James" Ralph shook his head "This won’t do It just won’t Once people learn what you’ve done, they’ll assu we need now is to have your "

"I can’t believe you brought her here, after everything I said"

Jaritted his teeth "She’s my wife"

Ralph paced back and forth for a moment or two "I don’t feel I have any choice," he said with finality

"Choice about what?"

"I’er"

Su a tray "Coffee, anyone?"

Ten

Summer settled easily into life with James She adored her husband and treasured each an to follow a routine of sorts She rose early and, because she was feeling better, resuular workout, which included a two-

Jah he h dark streets at dawn’s early light But he wasn’t co every step of the way

James was naturally athletic, and Summer didn’t think anyone was more surprised than he was by how enjoyable he started to find it After their run, they showered together Thankfully Jaer one back in her Orange County apartative hen Jas in a row

"You shower first," he told her after their Monday-ether?" she asked, disappointed

"I can’t be late this "

"We’ll behave," she promised

James snickered "I can’t behave with you, Suht, but you shower first, and I’ll get us breakfast"

Ten minutes later, he walked into the kitchen, where Sue juice He wore his dark business suit and carried his briefcase, ready for his workday

"What are your plans?" he asked, downing the juice as he stood by the table He sat down to eat his bagel and crea to send Julie a long e-ht I’d stop in at the library and volunteer to read during storyti the paper

Su ritual, which he didn’t have as much time for since her arrival She drank the last of her juice and kissed his cheek

"I’ht Have a good day"

"I will Oh, what tiht?" she asked

"Six or so," he e

Suet hoht the first week after she’d ht there was son supporter to talk to, some plan to outline--all to do with the Septeh it was still months away