"You must eat whatever you like, darling," I say, "since you're eating for two."

"Then I may have two palmiers," I toss back with a quick smile.

I ease myself down into the chair and slip my shoes off ever so slightly before turning eagerly to the pastry. It is lovely to have a husband who is such a good cook! And even if the new doctor scoffs at the idea of eating for two, I am quite happy to have a reason to eat more of Valmont's cooking!

"I hope Mab's willing to listen, at least."

"So do I," I say quietly, feeling my smile fade away. "I think if she will listen to anyone, she will listen to us. But…even that is uncertain, these days. If she does not…I am not certain what is left for us to do."