Her family’s estate, perched on top of a steep knoll, featured a well-manicured lawn a couple of acres long and a colonial home sitting upon the kno...l like a diamond in an emerald sea. After they unloaded the many suitcases and cartons filled with what were now college memories, she sat out on the patio behind the kitchen and drank a tall glass of iced tea, this time without the alcohol.“How about we barbecue tonight?” called out her father through the screen door of the kitchen.“Is that really. " We need something to drink. You can handle that." OK." All right. I'll take all three kids and we'll get the pizzas. You guys get your card and your photo paper and stuff and we'll all meet in front of the cash registers.I got a cart and put Billy in the seat. "In or out?" I said to the girls.They looked at each other, then Laurie said, "In."I lifted her up and stood her in the cart, then did the same with Annette. They managed to sit down, facing each other. Billy was driving his truck over. He flicked the switch on the kettle before walking across to her."Hi, I'm Ben," he said, holding out his hand. She was so surprised sheshook the outstretched hand."Oh, you're so wet. Hang on, let me get you a towel to dry yourself." Heopened a door, through which she glimpsed a washing machine and a pileof laundry on a work top. He came back with a towel and she took itgratefully, wiping her hands and face before starting to dry her hair."Sorry, is it OK if I dry my hair on it?" Yes, yes, of. I saw it at a jewelry store last summer. He remembered that I liked the style and the cut of the diamond. He is always doing things like that. I’ll say or do something completely innocuous and he’ll pick up on it.”Michael smiled almost in spite of himself.“He loves you, Sweetheart,” he said. “And he knows how lucky he is to have you. Uh, do you mind if I talk to Phil for a minute?”He wasn’t going to ruin Hailey’s big night. He would pass his information on to Phil.“Sure, Dad,” Hailey.