She heard someone answer. "Hello?" Laura looked up and saw Chris leaning against the kitchen doorway, phone in hand. He'd changed into a t-shirt and jeans. He wore casual well. She smiled quickly. He smiled back. "Yeah, mom. I don't know." He set the phone against his shoulder. "How long till dinner?"

"Six o'clock," Laura answered.

"Laura's says six," he said into the phone, then nodded. "Take your time." He hung up, then loud enough for Jack to hear: "Mom's on her way."

"Okee-dokee."

Keeping a cautious eye on Jack, Chris walked over behind Laura and wrapped his arms around her in a big bear hug. She tensed slightly; she...