They had precisely four days to get ready for the most straightforward wedding either of them had ever organized, as the courthouse wedding was set for Thursday morning at ten-thirty. On Wednesday morning, Grace awoke to the sound of a persistent knock on their flat door. Max's voice came from the kitchen, expressing uncertainty over who could be paying them a visit at seven in the morning.
With a tone that suggested he was already mentally listing possible emergency situations, he yelled, "Grace, are you expecting anyone?"
She retorted, "No," putting on a robe and stumbling to the front door. She saw a familiar figure through the peephole, carrying what looked like a small luggage and numerous food bags.
She told Max, "It's Lyla," and he instantly displayed a mixture of delight and wor
