Tiffany had neither refused nor agreed.
Sydney understood and did not press the issue. Instead, she said, "Ray has changed a lot lately. The last time he came to Delta Mansion, even Grandma said he seemed steadier than before."
Tiffany didn't respond, but the corner of her mouth twitched slightly. Sydney noticed, though she chose not to call attention to it.
The two sat together a while longer. Then Tiffany checked the time. "If your man finds out I kept you out late, he won't let me see you next time. Let's go."
"He wouldn't." Sydney stood with a laugh and picked up an armful of shopping bags.
Tiffany immediately took more than half of them. "Give those to me. You're a top-priority case these days."
The two walked side by side toward the parking lot. As they passed a baby goods store, Tiffany suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Sydney followed her gaze. In the display window sat a set of crib bedding, complete with a pale pink blanket embroidered with moons and stars.
"Nothing." Tiffany looked away. "Just thinking... Time really flies. You're about to be a mom."
Sydney caught the hint of wistfulness in her voice and tightened her hold on Tiffany's arm. "You should hurry up too."
"Hurry up with what? Getting married?" Tiffany huffed. "I don't even have a boyfriend."
"Isn't Ray—"
"Stop." Tiffany raised a hand to cut her off. "I told you, later."
Sydney knew better than to push and simply shook her head with a laugh.
…
Winter days were short, and the nights came early. By the time they returned to Delta Mansion, darkness had already settled in.
Julian stood in the entryway and took Sydney's coat and shopping bags from Tiffany.
He looked Sydney over carefully, and only after assuring himself she was fine did he turn his attention to Tiffany. "Have you two eaten?"
"No." Tiffany changed her shoes and sat down on the sofa. "We just had some drinks."
Agatha emerged from the dining room, smiling as she waved them over. "Perfect timing. Dinner's ready. Come eat."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Tiffany agreed with a bright smile and headed for the dining room.
Julian followed with an arm around Sydney's waist and leaned down to murmur in her ear. "Did you have fun shopping?"

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