I grabbed my phone—which had a dead battery—and wallet before heading to the front door. But Emily stopped me with another hug. I encircled her thin waist and pulled her into a big hug, lifting her off the ground. She giggled as her feet left the floor and planted a kiss on my cheek. Our eyes met for what seemed like an eternity when I set her down again. Then she kissed me on the lips. It was a quick kiss—barely lingering—but it still took me by surprise.

"Sorry," she said quickly. "I just had a sudden urge to kiss you."

"It's okay. It was only a kiss," I smiled,...