Granville and I applauded as Corine accepted her diploma. The future lawyer had never looked more dignified.

The Crossdales were in the audience with little Quemus. He was smaller than most babies his age, but he was lively and happy. After the ceremony, while we were congratulating Corine, they wandered over to our group and waited patiently.

"Congratulations, Miss Dawson." Crossdale shook Corine's hand.

"Thank you."

Adjusting Quemus, Crossdale's wife smiled warmly. "Dawson family, I'm Nurse Crossdale. I knew the lieutenant in Afghanistan. I want you to know that he's alive and well. He seems a little world-weary, but that's to be expected in a war. The military is fortunate to have him. He's saved countless lives, even when others thought it was too late to help certain patients."

Quemus squealed and waved his tiny arms.

"Would you like to hold him?"

Mother and Nora were used to holding babies. They looked so natural with Quemus in their arms. It was different with Simon. He seemed entirely unsure of himself.

"My wife and I…" He shook his head.

"You could always adopt," Nora reminded him.

"Maybe someday."

Simon passed me the baby. Quemus immediately started chewing on my finger.

On the train home, we overwhelmed Corine with our chatter.

"Your room is just as you left it," I assured her. "Simon and Nora still have their own respective homes, so the house won't always be this crowded."

"Don't call me Nora!" my sister retorted.

Corine smiled. "And Mr. Hughes?"

"Granville is just a friend," I replied.

"I bought a ticket to the theater this evening for the graduate," Granville stated. "I bought an extra one in case she wanted to spend some quality time with her sister. I'll be a few rows in front of you during the performance."

Corine laughed. "You're not fooling anyone, Mr. Hughes. You want to know if we can trade seats so you'll be next to my sister."

I felt my face growing hot.

When we arrived home, Corine unpacked her belongings, and I tried to find something suitable to wear. No matter which dress I tried, it seemed inappropriate for such an occasion. After a half hour, I was startled by a knock at the door.

"Who is it?!" I asked.

"Corine," my sister answered.

"Come in."

She entered the room. "Just like when Lenora was courting."

I'm sure my entire face was crimson. "I'm not courting."

"Try this dress. You'll look stunning."

I slipped it on over my chemise.

"Sit down. I'll do your hair."

I took a seat.

"I've missed being around sisters." Corine began brushing my hair.

"Is the university different than what Mother describes? Has it changed over the years?"

"A bit," she answered. "There are a lot more women there now, but the majority of the students are still male."

When Corine had finished arranging my hair, I could hardly believe the reflection in the mirror was really myself, especially after she slipped Mother's necklace around my neck.

"Come now. We mustn't keep him waiting."

Granville was at the bottom of the stairs when I stepped out of my room. As I descended, he practically raced up the stairs to offer me his hand.

"Poor lad!" Father remarked softly. "I've seen it all before. I remember what happens to a man wrapped that tightly around the finger of a lovely young lady!"

Mother elbowed him in the ribs.

Granville politely offered Corine his other arm, but she respectfully declined.

"I know what you're doing!" she stated. "You're courting my sister! You invited me out of courtesy, but we both know you want me as chaperone!"

We never made it to the theater. When we were nearly there, three ruffians stepped in front of us from an alley.

"Good evening!" one greeted. "Ain't you just the luckiest guy in Mousedom with two women?"

"What do you want?!" Granville demanded. "My money? My grandfather's watch?"

"We're collectin'!" another remarked. "Boss needs more men!"

"Your boss can go sit on a mousetrap!" I retorted. "We're busy! Now off with you!"

The third criminal winked. "I like her. She's feisty."

A proper lady would not mention what Corine did, but I will say she fought briefly with the ruffians, and with a few well-placed kicks, she made sure they would have trouble walking for the remainder of the evening.

Too shaken to enjoy the theater, I suggested we have dinner instead. Thankfully, Corine and Granville accepted my idea.

"Where did you learn to fight like that?" I whispered when we were all seated around the table.

"Simon taught me," Corine answered softly. "I told him I wanted to be able to defend myself if there was trouble at the university. Do I look bad?"

I shook my head. Her hair wasn't even out of place.

"Why now?" Granville moaned.

"There's a powerful criminal ring in this city," I replied. "These things happen sometimes."

"But I had a song…" His voice trailed off.

"Go ahead and sing it."

"Here? Now?! But…!"

I smiled encouragingly. "Go on."

To my horror, he dropped to his knees and took my hand in his as he sang.

I simply can't imagine

How Heaven mourned the day

The most beautiful angel

Grew wings and flew away

But oh, how blessed my life's been

Since the day we first met!

How lucky can one man be?

How blessed can his life get?

I finally have the ring.

I'll love you all my life.

I ask you, Meta Dawson,

If you will be my wife.