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animal. “I wanted something extra-special for Dianne’s daughter, but this was all I could think of. I hope you aren’t disappointed.”
    â€œI love teddy bears!” Jill cried, hugging it tight. “Did Mom tell you that?”
    â€œNope,” Steve said, centering his high-voltage smile on the ten-year-old. “I just guessed.”
    â€œOh, thank you, thank you.” Cuddling the bear, Jill raced up the stairs, giddy with delight. “I’m going to put him on my bed right now.”
    Steve’s gaze followed her daughter, and then his eyes briefly linked with Dianne’s. In that split second, she let him know she wasn’t entirely pleased. He frowned slightly, but recovered before presenting the roses to Dianne’s mother.
    â€œFor me?” Martha brought her fingertips to her mouth as though shocked by the gesture. “Oh, you shouldn’t have! Oh, my heavens, I can’t remember the last time a man gave me roses.” Reaching for the corner of her apron, she discreetly dabbed her eyes. “This is such a treat.”
    â€œMother, don’t you want to put those in water?” Dianne said pointedly.
    â€œOh, dear, I suppose I should. It was a thoughtful gesture, Steve. Very thoughtful.”
    â€œJason, go help your grandmother.”
    Her son looked as though he intended to object, but changed his mind and obediently followed Martha into the kitchen.
    As soon as they were alone, Dianne turned on Steve. “Don’t you think you’re laying it on a little thick?” she whispered. She was so furious she was having trouble speaking clearly. “I can’t afford all this!”
    â€œDon’t worry about it.”
    â€œI am worried. In fact I’m experiencing a good deal of distress. At the rate you’re spending my money, I’m going to have to go on an installment plan.”
    â€œHush, now, before you attract everyone’s attention.”
    Dianne scowled at him. “I—”
    Steve placed his fingers over her lips. “I’ve learned a very effective way of keeping you quiet—don’t force me to use it. Kissing you so soon after my arrival might create the wrong impression.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t dare!”
    The way his mouth slanted upward in a slow smile made her afraid he would. “I was only doing my best to act besotted,” he said.
    â€œYou didn’t have to spend this much money doing it. Opening my door, holding out my chair—that’s all I wanted. First you roll your eyes like you’re going into a coma and pant like a Saint Bernard, then you spend a fortune.”
    â€œDinner’s ready,” Martha shouted from the kitchen.
    With one last angry glare, Dianne led him into the big kitchen. Steve moved behind Dianne’s chair and pulled it out for her. “Are you happy now?” he whispered close to her ear as she sat down.
    She nodded, thinking it was too little, too late, but she didn’t have much of an argument since she’d specifically asked for this.
    Soon the five were seated around the wooden table. Dianne’s mother said the blessing, and while she did, Dianne offered up a fervent prayer of her own. She wanted Steve to make a good impression—but not too good.
    After the buttered noodles and the stroganoff had been passed around, along with a lettuce-and-cucumber salad and homemade rolls, Jason embarked on the topic that had apparently been troubling him from the first.
    â€œMom said you met at the grocery store.”
    Steve nodded. “She was blocking the aisle and I had to ask her to move her cart so I could get to the Hearty Eater Pot Pies.”
    Jason straightened in his chair, looking more than a little satisfied. “I thought it might be something like that.”
    â€œI beg your pardon?” Steve asked, playing innocent.
    Her son cleared his throat, glanced carefully around before answering, then lowered his