Eileen put down her cup of punch. “It’s a marvelous party,” she said.
“Yes, it is,” Gerald agreed. “And we appreciate it more than we can tell you. On account of the fact that circumstances are holding up our own wedding, we enjoy ourselves cutting in on other people’s celebrations.”
“Eileen!” Jean cried. “You didn’t tell me!”
“She’s spoke fer,” Gerald laughed. “And if I keep up the payments, she can even keep the ring.”
“You goose!” Eileen cried, holding out her hand. “Do you like it?”
Jean examined the ring with squeals of enthusiasm. “Oh, golly,” she sighed. “It’s perfect! But what on earth will Dr. Barsch do ... if you get married?”
“That’s one of the circumstances,” Gerald said. “I’ve a feeling he’d ride me out of town on a rail if I snatched away his second Supervisor of Nurses.”
The music started again, and Ralph set down his cup. “May I borrow your fiancee for a dance, doctor?”
Gerald smiled and nodded. “Take care of her. She’s all I have.” He held out his arms to Jean and whisked her away.
“Happy?” he asked her.