We had brought the chilled champagne, the little hats, the noise-makers, and two glasses into the bedroom. The dirty dishes were still sitting on the table but the salad had been put into the refrigerator.
“By my watch, we have three minutes,” I informed her.
“So much to do in so little time,” she said as she unbuttoned my shirt and let it drop to the floor. Her robe followed.
“I’ll get the champagne ready.” I tore the metal off the top and gently removed the cork. It didn’t pop or go flying across the room. She held the glasses out and I filled them.
“Happy New Year,” she said as she clinked glasses with me.
“Happy New Year.” We both took a sip.
I took her glass from her hand and set it beside mine on the bureau, and then I wrapped my arms around her.
“No,” I said decisively. “This
