You're Mine

Ethan Montgomery spoke up, his voice breaking through the sudden, uncomfortable silence that spread through the room. Everyone paused, and Derek Mason let out a light, knowing laugh. "Of course, we've known each other since we were kids—I can tell you about every time she wet the bed or talked in her sleep!"

"Really?" Ethan's voice came out tight, his words squeezed through clenched teeth.

"So Derek and Ms. Miller were childhood sweethearts, huh? How come you never mentioned such a charming neighbor before, Derek? It was only after I met Ms. Miller that I truly understood that old English saying: 'better late than never,'" Mr. Yamada raised his glass, his eyes playfully darting between Ethan Montgomery and Derek Mason, then settling warmly on Avery Miller.