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To say that dinner ard would be an understatement

Julia and Gabriel sat side by side They even held hands during grace But there was only painful, detached politeness—no war touches under the table

Gabriel’s spine was raht, his demeanor cool Julia was quiet and remote

Richard, Aaron, and Rachel kept the conversation fluid while the Emersons barely spoke After dinner, Julia declined dessert and excused herself to work on her lecture

Gabriel’s eyes followed her as she left the table, ain his jaw But he didn’t stop her He simply watched her walk away

When Rachel went to the kitchen to h He leaned across the table

“Man, suck it up and tell her you’re sorry”

Gabriel lifted his eyebrows

“Why are you assu that I’ht his father-in-law’s eye and began coughing “Uuy’s fault Just apologize and get it over with I don’t want to have to sit through another o outside to warm up”

“I think I have to side with Aaron Not that you’re asking” Richard chuckled to hi akin to disgust

“I tried talking to her That’s how our argument started She locked herself in the bathrooed a knowing look

“You’re in trouble” Aaron whistled “You’d better talk to her before bed or you’re looking at couch ti to the kitchen to join his wife

Richard tapped the stehtfully

“Et tu, Brute?” Gabriel scowled

“I didn’t say anything” Richard looked at his son kindly “I’ve been trying to stay out of it”

“Thank you”

“But there’s a reason why old o down on their anger Dealing with problems when they’re small will make both of your lives easier”

“I can’t exactly have a conversation through a locked door”

“Of course you can You wooed her once; woo her again”

Gabriel wore an incredulous expression “You’re telling o, apologize, and then listen to her I wasn’t always the man you see before you You can learn froe”

Richard laughed

“Our e was far from perfect But we made a pact early on that ould keep the i of you children Children get anxious when their parents argue In ht over an to protest, but Richard lifted a hand “I’reement was about That’s between you and your wife It’s obvious that Julia’s feelings have been hurt She was very withdrawn over dinner, the way she used to be before she began seeing you”