I didn't need to be under the table to know that Carly and Brian were holding hands. The way she turned her head and looked up at him, eyes sparkling, I had seen that before but in someone else and I could already feel that gaze upon me.

Dani's hand crept under the table and her fingers slipped between mine, interlocked. It was all the assurance I needed.

When we parted ways, Carly gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Treat her well, Richie," she whispered in my ear, then pulled back and winked.

Brian and I nodded to each other, and then they left.

Dani...