Chapter 37

• The lively chatter and clinking of dishes provided a comfortable ambiance as Valerie lifted her mimosa flute, arching an amused eyebrow at her best friend across the table.
• "Dinner?" Emily repeated with an impish grin. "So he's already taking you out on proper dates then? My my, this marriage contract is moving faster than I anticipated."
• Valerie rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Please, you know the terms as well as I do. Michael stipulated we have a weekly dinner outing to maintain appearances and...well, follow through on certain marital obligations." She cleared her throat delicately.