BY THE TIME EVERYONE leaves around 10 o’clock, Helen and I are both exhausted but thrilled with how well the evening went. Anna steps outside to say goodbye to Bill and then heads to the stairs saying, “Tom, if you’re still up when the dishwasher finishes, please go ahead and empty it and put on a second load. Just leave everything stacked on the counter; I’ll put it away tomorrow since I know where everything goes.”
I want to retort, “So do I,” but before I can, she pauses and walks across the room. Hugging Helen closely, she kisses her on the cheek and says, with gentle tears of affection in her eyes, “My dear, you did a wonderful job tonight. Things could not have gone any better. Get some rest this evening and dream sweet dreams of all the dinners and parties you’ll be giving here in
