No more of those sweet smiles that made him feel like he’d just come in out of a storm.

“So, what happened? What did you say to change her mind?”

“I didn’t say anything. Her parents died and during the aftermath, I was there for her. I was willing to do whatever she needed. More importantly, I didn’t just offer my help; I gave it without her asking. In the midst of tragedy, people have the opportunity to show what they’re really made of. This is your chance to show your lady what you’re really made of, son. That you’ll be there for her no matter what. In good times and in bad.”

Too keyed up to sit still any longer, Nick jumped up and paced. He might not be able to convince her that he was there for her, but he could show her. He was suddenly sure that everything would be okay. That was one of his favorite things about spending time with his parents. He always felt better after seeing them.

“Thanks, Dad. You’re never too busy for us. Even now, when I’m clearly keeping you from your work.”

Mark ruffled his hair. “I’ve always got time for you, Nicky. My own father used to say that the true measure of a man is how he treats the people he loves.”

“You fixing this old thing again?”

“Just changing the oil.” His dad stroked an affectionate hand over the hood of the truck “She’s got years of life left in her.”

“Well, I guess I’d better go. Thanks for the advice, Dad.”

“Anytime, kiddo.”

He hugged his father and walked back in the house. His mother stood next to the sink, washing a handful of berries.

“Nick! You’re still here.”

“Yeah, I was just hanging out with Dad.”

She smiled. “I’m so glad. It’s strange sometimes for us, having this big old place all to ourselves. You always think you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet after your kids are grown, but sometimes I miss all the noise. All the laughter.”

She gazed out the window at the backyard as if seeing all the memories of the nights they’d spent playing there. His mother was still a beautiful woman, just softened by time, the lines around her eyes and mouth a testament to a life well lived. As he watched her, it occurred to him that his parents were getting older and that one day, one terrible day, they wouldn’t be there anymore.

“You know what, Mom? I think I’ll stay a little longer. Do you mind bringing me a pair of Dad’s old jeans and a T-shirt? I think I’ll help him with the truck.”

“I think he’d love that.” She disappeared and came back with a pile of clothes, then stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I probably don’t tell you enough, but I’m proud of you, Nick. You were a bit of a wild child but you’ve grown into a fine man.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

He ducked into the first-floor bathroom and changed clothes, hanging his suit on the back of the door. When he went back into the garage, his father had already gotten the truck up on the ramps. He looked up at Nick, startled.

“What are you still doing here, Nick? I thought you were long gone to go sweet-talk your lady.”

Nick picked up one of the clean rags on the workbench and threw it over his shoulder. “I’m going to help you with this old clunker before I leave.”

“You don’t have to do that. I know you’re anxious to get home.”

“I’ve got time. This really smart guy once told me that the measure of a man is how he treats the people he loves. Since I had the best role model in the world for what it means to be a man, I’m never too busy to help you out, Dad.”

Mark swallowed a few times. Tears shone in his eyes as he nodded. “Well, I’ll let you get down there then. You’ll have an easier time getting back up than I will, that’s for sure!”

*   *   *   *   *

WHEN NICK GOT HOME later that night, Raina was already in bed. She was snuggled up with a mountain of pillows. He almost wanted to laugh when he saw that she’d put so many pillows in the bed that it left very little room for him.

Well played, sweetheart, he thought.

“I spent some time with my parents tonight. Bennett’s in the converted barn out back, but he mainly keeps to himself and does his weird science experiments. I think they’re a little lonely in the house all by themselves.”

Raina didn’t turn from the show she was watching.

He yanked at his tie, then unbuttoned his shirt. He shrugged it off before pushing down his pants and tossed the pile of clothes in the hamper Raina had placed in his closet.

“My dad gave me some great advice. He said that the true measure of a man is how he treats the people he loves.”

Raina didn’t roll over but he could tell by the sudden stiffness in her shoulders that she was holding herself still, listening.

“I thought about our argument and whether I was treating you the way I thought a husband should. The way a man who’s crazy in love with his wife would. I decided that I wasn’t. Even when we don’t agree on something, I don’t want you to ever think I don’t care about your feelings. So I wanted to apologize.”

She rolled over and faced him. “I’m sorry, too. I know I was unfair. It just took me by surprise. I don’t want to take something you love away from you. I just can’t pretend it doesn’t terrify me to think of you getting hit. Getting thrown.” She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself.