Nearly three weeks after Gavin returned from the island, he stood outside the guest room while Audrey was reviewing a stack of French notes.

"I have a banquet tomorrow night," he said.

Audrey looked up. "Okay."

He did not leave.

She waited.

Gavin glanced at th

Audrey opened the message before she could talk herself out of it.

For a moment, she only stared at the screen.

Then she read the status again.

Approved.

Her visa had been approved.

The room did not change. The guest-room lamp still cast the same warm light across the bed.

Gavin's secretary looked surprised when Audrey walked into the office shortly before noon.

She had not been there in years.

"Mrs. Whitmore?" the woman said quickly. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No. I only need a few minutes."

The secretary picked up the phone