“How about that? We must have set some kind of record.”

“A record?” he asked.

Alex nodded. “We’ve been talking for fifteen minutes and haven’t argued yet.”

Wyatt laughed, realizing she was right. “I’d better leave then, before the moment is ruined.” Amusement played along his lips.

“Good idea.”

“More agreement. This is some kind of record,” he marveled. He hesitated, overcome by bittersweet emotion before adding, “Too bad my dad’s not around to see it.”

Alex ached for his loss—and for her own. “Yes, too bad,” she echoed sadly.

Looking back, Wyatt wasn’t sure just what came over him. A wave of gratitude, no doubt. That and the devastating assaults of sorrow he was experiencing mingled together, temporarily taking away his ability to cope, to maintain a tight rein over himself.

It was as good an excuse as any.

Leaning forward, he placed his hand on her shoulder and then lightly brushed his lips against hers….