PROLOGUE

"Emily?" he says, his voice filled with recognition. "Aren't you Emily?"

"Yeah," Emily replies, a bit startled. "Do I know you?"

He smiles warmly. "I'm Dean Anderson. I think we met briefly at Sarah's wedding."

"Oh," Emily says, the memory clicking into place. "Sarah's cousin, right?"

"That's right," Dean says, his smile widening. "It's nice to see you again. Are you leaving already?"

"Yeah," Emily admits, glancing towards the exit. "I have something to do."

Dean nods understandingly. "Well, before you go, can I have your number?"

Emily freezes, her mind racing. Without thinking, she blurts out, "Oh, sorry, no, I'm married."

Dean looks taken aback for a moment, his smile faltering. He glances at her, sensing something amiss, but Emily avoids his gaze, feeling a rush of guilt for using the excuse she has relied on for years to ward off unwanted attention.

After a brief pause, he nods slowly. "Oh, I see. Well, your husband is a lucky man."

Emily feels a pang of guilt for the automatic response. She wants to correct herself but feels too flustered. She bites her lip, then manages a small smile. "Thank you, Dean," Emily says softly. "It's good to see you, but I really have to go now."

"Of course, Emily. Take care." Dean replies warmly, though a hint of disappointment lingers in his eyes as they part ways.

~ several chapters later ~

They step out of the car, and Emily feels the cool night air wash over her, grounding her in the present. As they walk toward her front door, she suddenly feels the weight of the evening lift slightly. Maybe things won't be so hard after all.

Dean hesitates as they reach the door. "Do you want me to come in for a bit? Or should I just go?"

Emily pauses, looking up at him. There's a comfort in his presence, a steady warmth she's come to appreciate. "You can come in," she says softly. "If you want to."

Dean smiles, following her inside.