“It’s beautiful,” she’d whispered when he put it on her finger.

“But not more beautiful than you,” he’d said, before emitting a big sigh. “I-I wasn’t sure…it’s not the usual thing.”

She smiled at the memory and refocused on the job at hand. “I will have many good reviews to save,” she said. “The play is wonderful. The cast is excellent.

Tickets are selling…”

“…and I’m kissing the woman I love.”

She relaxed against him, relishing the firmness of his arms around her, and still amazed at what a difference one summer could make in her life. “And then I’ll take photos of everything I saved,” she continued, “and create a real book. There are on-line services that do that. Each play can have its own album.”

“Got it all figured out, huh? Love your positive thinking, honey, but there are bound to be flops along the way. You won’t like creating souvenirs for those plays.”

“So I won’t!” She grinned and took a step back. “I understand that success can be a sometime thing in your world, so make hay while you can. We’ll never starve, Doug. I’ve seen that you’re not a spendthrift, and you know I love my career. I can’t see ever giving it up, so we’ll have that income to depend on.”

She felt his pause. “What about kids, Jen? We’ve never even discussed having a family.”

“Kids?” she asked, totally flabbergasted. “I am so not ready! I barely have enough time to help with my own sisters and brothers! Ask me again later on—

like w-a-y later on. In the meantime, you can keep giving birth to new plays.”

His laughter warmed her heart. “That I will, Henny Penny. I certainly will.”

“I’m so glad you had the gumption to come back to Boston…to come home.”

He cupped her face, raised her chin. “How could I not? My heart was here.”

Now she knew that it was true. “I think mine had gone into hiding.”

“Nah…more like hibernation.”

She eyed him, blinked coquettishly and vamped. “Just waiting for my prince to come along and awaken me?”

“Exactly!” He swung her around. “A romantic fairy tale where at least we get a happy ending.”

An idea sprouted. “Doug! Why not write a love story? If you happen to get a good idea, it would show another side of you. And if it were comedic…with a great cast? I’ll bet Broadway audiences would go for it.”

His jaw dropped a little and he nodded, regarding her seriously. “I’ve considered a love story. I’ll let you know.”

“Good. I’m glad I can contribute something to you, even if it’s only a little idea.”

##

After hugs and exclamations of welcome for Liz and Matt. Jen sat down for lunch with her former office buddies. Evan and Alexis completed the group.

“You two look great,” said Jen. “Tell us everything about Kentucky.”

Liz glanced at her fiancé, her cheeks pinking up. “Well…life is good. I’m working again, and you’ll all be invited to a wedding at Christmas time!”

Congratulations echoed around the table.

“So you’ll be back,” said Jen. She reached for her friends’ hands and squeezed them both. “So glad.”

“But that’s where it ends for a while,” said Matt. “Actually, Kentucky’s been great. Different—it takes some getting used to after Boston, but it’s all good.”

“Any new place would take getting used to,” said Alexis.

“That’s what I tell myself,” said Liz. “At least I’m working now. But making friends is taking time, and with no family around, Sunday can be a pretty long day.”

“We’re still newcomers, but we’re looking forward to planting some roots.”

If Jen’s stomach wasn’t already knotted in anticipation of Doug’s play’s opening the next night, it would have formed a big knot then. Planting roots halfway across the country? No family nearby? She pasted a smile on her face.

“You are wonderful people—friendly and smart. I’m sure you’ll be very happy sooner rather than later. But don’t think new friends can replace us!” She leaned forward, and in a stage-whisper added, “You never forget you first love…s.”

With that remark and ensuing laughter, conversation became general, as though

the couple had never left town.

“Sorry Doug couldn’t join us for lunch,” said Matt. “He must be busy with last-minute details.”

“And as on-edge as the proverbial cat on a hot tin roof,” said Jen. “We just watched the movie on television last week, and it was powerful.” She gazed around the table. “So I’m staying far away from Doug, at least, until tonight.”

Head nods, remarks of understanding followed, until Liz said, “We are really happy about you and Doug, and we’re dying to see your ring. C’mon, are you wearing it or is it getting fitted or something?”

Slowly, Jen held out her left hand, showing her emerald. “Turns out I love the guy. I’m even getting used to the idea of spending time in New York. It-It’s not that far after all.”

“Whoa-a-a-a!” said Matt. “We...never said it was. “But you? Wow.”

“Yeah,” she whispered. “A leap of faith with the right partner…my mom’s advice.”

She caught the inquiring glances that passed among her friends. “Oh, stop that.

My folks are still here.” She patted her chest. “I want what they had.”

“Then you’ll get it,” said Alexis. “I’m guessing you figured out that Doug needs Broadway.”

“He can write anywhere, but…yes. And that reminds me— two producers will be in the audience tomorrow night. They’re the ones who get the backers for a play. So, will you applaud until your hands sting, please?” She took a breath. “I don’t know how Doug does what he does. I don’t know how he puts up with the stress. But I did learn that playwriting is a business. And that part, I understand.”

“Ouch,” said Alexis. “My hands are stinging in advance.”

Jen gave her a thumbs-up. “And we’ve got to get back to work. Oh, I almost forgot.” She reached into her handbag. “Voila. Your tickets. I’ll see you all again tomorrow night.”

##

If Doug’s nerves were not shot before the performance, they were beyond frazzled after intermission, when he noticed a dozen empty seats that had been occupied earlier. So not everyone returned for the second half. Not a good sign.

He’d mingled with the crowd in the lobby a little earlier, trying to overhear comments. General chitchat was almost all he got, but reaction to the play seemed good. He laughed at a woman’s warning, “…it’s breaking my heart, but it better have a good ending.”