When the call ended, the room fell into a quiet hush. Shoshana turned toward Thomas, eyes warm with affection.

  “Come here,” she said, reaching out.

  Thomas stepped in, and she pulled him into a kiss—tender and brief, but more affectionate than any they had shared in public before. Their embrace lingered just long enough to say what words didn’t need to. Then, just as naturally, they parted.

  Shoshana looked across the room. “Tamar, I have a question.”

  Tamar raised an eyebrow. “What’s the question?”

  “Well…” Shoshana grinned, gesturing at Thomas. “Since there’s absolutely nowhere within walking distance—well, not for most people, anyway. Not even five miles registers to this guy—I was wondering. Would it be alright if we went out Saturday night on a double date with you and Zeb?”

  David walked in at just the right moment, catching the tail end of the question. “Can anyone get in on that? Miryam, how about a date night with our daughter?”

  Miryam, without looking up, replied with a teasing smile, “One more reason to keep him around.”

  Shoshana laughed. “Just remember—this is a date night. Not family dinner.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  David nodded solemnly. “Understood. But just so we’re clear—that means we’ll be kissing.”

  “Good,” Shoshana said quickly. “Then I don’t have to worry about you being jealous of me.”

  The room burst into laughter.

  Tamar, still grinning, leaned in. “I can’t wait… actually, this makes it your second official date, doesn’t it?”

  Shoshana nodded, feigning mock outrage. “I knew I was missing out.”

  “You have been,” Tamar said with a smirk. “But bad news—look at the time.”

  A glance at the clock was all it took. The house shifted gears, everyone beginning to move—candles to set, final touches to make.

  Shabbat was coming.

  The phone rings with Mickelson on the line

  Mickelson: Can I speak with Zebulon

  Zebulon: Yes, Mickelson what can I do for you.

  Mickelson: You can quit hogging Thomas to yourself.

  Zebulon: Look, you will need to talk to Dad if you want him.

  Mickelson: Did he take the offer

  Zebulon: Actually yes, he will be her for the first week of winter break

  Mickelson: Look, if it is possible I would love to see him before he leaves town. Maybe Sunday on the way out.

  Zeb: Look, we are going out for date night tomorrow evening. You and your wife could join us. Other wise we can see about running him by Sunday afternoon.

  Mickelson: Let me check with my wife and I wlll get back to you.

  Oh, we have to talk about Peddeerson. He still would love to have Thomas help on a dinner service.

  Zeb: That will have to be taken up with Thomas. But I can share

  Mickelson: Pedderson would like that. You know him,it is hard to impress

  Then I could go for some Kenny & Ziggy

  Just an option,

  Zeb: We will discuss it. See you soon

  Mickelson: Before you go, Summer, Pickard, and Rosenburg where he this afternoon asking about our boy. Just a heads up

  Zeb: Good to know