"Gary, we only need to explain to mom and dad. Gee's and Pen's parents are out of the picture. Gee's could care less and Pen's mother has remarried and wants nothing to do with her former life."

"Well, we'll need a better story than we're all getting married. Mary can say she's got a better offer in the hospital here. What about you two?"

Dog pile once again. I said the magic word: married. De facto if not legal.

After a break for comfort hugs and kisses, Pen gives me her reason. "Gee and I provide legal and financial expertise, so it's natural that we want to form a firm...