Allison snorted behind her, barely containing his laughter.

"Sure, sure." I waved a hand lazily. "Stress-eating. That's what they all say."

"It is what I say because it's the TRUTH." Allison's voice cracked slightly. "And for the record, I'm not married. I'm not even impregnating anyone. This is purely nutritional happiness."

Malcolm, despite his earlier thousand-yard stare, actually cracked a small smile. "Nutritional happiness. That's a new one."

"Shut up, Malcolm. This is your fault for making us all stressed." Allison rolled his eyes.

I laughed for the first time in days, and the sound felt like medicine.

Lira sidled up next to Allison, bumping her hip against his with...