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she’d lose her battle against tears.
    “So,” he said abruptly. “How do you want to do this? Trade the names of our lawyers?”
    The question was a knife plunging into her heart. Trying hard not to betray the wound, she reached calmly for her water glass with her right hand. Hidden beneath the table, the fingernails on her left hand dug into her thigh. A sip of water helped rid her of the lump in her throat. Left with only her pride, she managed to say, “Sure. I’ll email that information to you first thing tomorrow.”
    His chin lifted slightly. “Okay. Good. I’ll do the same.”
    “Okay. Good.”
    “I don’t want this to be ugly.”
    “I don’t, either. I hope we can avoid that. I’ll certainly try.”
    “Me, too.”
    Once again, the awkward silence fell. Emma searched for something to say—anything—that would give her a legitimate excuse to leave. She wanted nothing more than to fling herself onto her bed and cry into her pillow.
    Jared cleared his throat. “I guess we should tell Molly she’s getting the gift she wanted.”
    “Yes.” Emma licked her lips. “I know she was worried that we would make the wedding festivities awkward. She’ll be happy to hear that we’ve settled everything.”
    Jared’s fingers tightened around his water glass. So he wasn’t as calm as he pretended. Well, good . As time ticked by, Emma experienced the sudden urge to throw away her pride and attempt to talk to him. Really talk to him.
    The notion gained strength as he picked up his fork and resumed his meal. Emma rearranged her napkin. Words—honest words—bubbled up inside her, but before she could give them voice, Jared said, “I’m glad we see eye-to-eye on this. It makes everything easier. So have you met Charlie’s parents yet? They seem like very nice people.”
    Her stomach sank. They saw eye-to-eye. Well, guess that told her. She worked to keep her voice steady as she answered. “Yes, I like the Malones very much. So does Molly.”
    She heard the door behind her open, and she looked around, expecting to see Molly. Instead, she watched Celeste Blessing rush into the room. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I just got a call from St. Stephen’s Church, and they’re in a terrible pickle. I know this is an imposition, but I am hoping you two can help.”
    Emma frowned. The wedding ceremony was at St. Stephen’s. “What’s wrong?”
    “Our community Christmas pageant is tonight, and our pianist slipped on the ice and broke her ankle. She doesn’t want you to worry. She’ll be able to play for Molly’s wedding—even though, just between us, she’s nervous about playing in front of you, Emma—but she’s had painkillers today and can’t play tonight. There’s no one to take her place.” Celeste looked at Emma and smiled encouragingly. “We’d be ever so grateful if you’d take her place. The children will be crushed if they’re not able to perform.”
    “I’ll be happy to pitch in,” Emma responded, glad for the opportunity to escape.
    Celeste foiled that chance by addressing Jared. “We’ve also a need for someone to be our official photographer, since that job was assigned to Evelyn’s husband and he’s with his wife at the medical clinic. Molly tells me that photography is your hobby, and that she is sure you have your camera with you now. Can we count on your help, too?”
    Jared’s smile toward Celeste was easy, a marked difference from any he’d shown toward Emma. “Sure.”
    Celeste clapped her hands. “Wonderful. Thank you so much. Now, not to rush you along, but we’re due to start at eight. It’s chilly outside, so you’ll want to dress warmly.”
    Just like that, the reunion dinner was done.
    Sort of like our marriage .
* * *
     
    Emma rode with Celeste to the Christmas program. Jared waited for Molly, who spent extra time primping, since she was meeting Charlie and his parents there. On the short ride to the Eternity Springs school where the pageant was being