"Thanks, Mom."

I tried to give her a reassuring smile as I patted her knee and stood up. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

"Goodnight, Mom."

I turned to go. "Mom?"

"Yeah, Sweetie?"

"You shouldn't let anyone tell you differently, either."

I smiled at her. "Okay."

As I shut the door behind me I closed my eyes. "Too late for me, Paige."

***

"So, are you finished with those technical manuals?"

"Mmm, yes. I finished with them yesterday. Thank God." I took another bite of the savory chicken dish we were sharing. It tasted incredible.

Sandy giggled, which made me blush. "What's up next?"

I groaned. "Dress shopping."

"Ha, that's a bit of a...