"Amber, this was a crazy good time. I haven't had so much fun in I don't know how long. Thanks for helping make it such a wonderful trip." She threw her arms around me and squeezed hard before relaxing enough to give me a loving, warm kiss.

"Yeah, Steff's right. Your being there made it perfect. Let's plan on another trip together some time, OK?" Dan also gave me a big hug and a kiss before they headed out the door and drove away.

As I sat there that evening with my glass of wine, I realized I had enjoyed my time with them immensely. And it wasn't just the...