"I invited Jeff Morrow over—hoping it would be all right. Jeff was happy to hear about your engagement too."
Miles nodded. "Glad you did. Jeff's a good guy. The most efficient man we've got. When will he be here?"
"Any time now." Bert took the drink and lifted it in a toast. "Here's to the happiness of my two best friends."
They toasted and Carol turned on the vid-player. Soft dance music filled the room as the door chime sounded. Miles put his glass down.
"That must be Jeff. Be back in a moment."
Carol sat on the arm of Bert's chair. "I'm so happy, Bert. This makes everything complete. Nothing would have been the same without you."
Bert stared at her, then lowered his gaze. "And nothing would be the same without you, too, Carol. It has to be this way...."
She puzzled for a moment over his words, but then Miles was back and Jeff was with him.
"Come on, everybody, let's celebrate. Tonight's the night for Tanner-Berendt, and—" Miles added with a soft glance at Carol, "—the future Mrs. Berendt. Gentlemen, a toast to the bride."
They toasted.