* * *
Although Ulan and Emma had school to attend the next morning, Braxton College's classes wouldn't resume until the following day. I spent a few hours in my office leisurely drafting lesson plans and reading poorly written overviews of students' project proposals for each of my courses.
By lunchtime, I was eager to meet Lara Bouvier at Simply Stoddard in the downtown district. Its dining room had been transformed into a gorgeous autumn setting, complete with resplendent artwork focusing on harvest scenery. Indoor trees boasted leaves of brilliant gold, orange, and yellow colors, and the scent of earthy cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and maple candles roamed the space. We reflected on Bartleby's surprising acquisition, the Braxton Lighthouse, as it loomed tall and stalwart in the widest sec
