REET RESTAURANT

Bethany, dressed elegantly in a white gown and black coat, stepped into the restaurant where Dean had made their reservation.

 Her posture was confident, a reflection of the strength she'd been rebuilding without Fred's help.

She spotted Dean seated at their table and approached, taking the seat opposite him.

"Hey! I hope I’m not late. I had to…" She gestured vaguely behind her, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Dean leaned forward, a warm smile lighting up his face. "Come on, sweetie, we’re past all that. Tell me….what’s been on your mind?"

Bethany chuckled, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "You sound like my therapist!"

Dean’s smile faltered for a...