“I guess,” Cal said.

Campers were just beginning to come awake. The aroma of coffee and bacon around the campsites filled the air, as did the sounds of people getting ready for a day of fun. A couple of dogs barked.

“Whoa,” Tom said, looking over at the house.

Maggie stepped out onto the porch. She wore a slim-fitting sleeveless black dress, black hose, black pumps. She carried a jacket over one arm and had a briefcase in hand. She’d fussed with her hair, that was obvious. It was smoothly turned under at her collar but still had that life in it, moving with her. She was decked out somberly but classy.

“Wow,” Tom said again.

Cal got up and walked over to the house. He’d already kissed her good-morning, once in bed and once when she was in the shower. He’d already told her she’d be great today. He wasn’t about to let her leave for court without another boost to her confidence. He took the steps up to the porch and stood before her.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“This is my funeral suit,” she said. Then she winced.

“How do you feel?”

“Terrified, but as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“If you’ve changed your mind I can still go with you. I can be ready in five minutes.”

She shook her head. “I’m just going to do it.”

“My phone is charged and I’ll keep it on for you.”

“You’ve been wonderful,” she said. “In case I didn’t say it or in case I forget to say it, you’ve been so wonderful. Helpful, encouraging, supportive.”

“How about a dynamic lover who’s taken you to heights never before experienced, taking your mind off your more cerebral legal affairs?” he asked.

“Satisfactory,” she said. Then she smiled her teasing smile. “Okay, above average.”

“The way you make me beg, it turns me on,” he said, returning the smile.

“I’ll call with updates, if there are any. I don’t know the process so if you don’t hear from me as soon as you...”

“It’s okay, honey. I know the process. And the rule is—unpredictable and leveraged on the mood of the judge and the paperwork involved.”

“Well, we’re ready. At least that’s what the lawyers say.”

“It’s going to be okay. Just remember, you did the right thing.”

“I did my best,” she said. “It’s been good enough so many times...”

“Maggie, you did the right thing. You’ll do the right thing today. All you have to do is listen and confer with your attorneys. You’re going to be fine. This will soon be behind you.”

“Only to happen again and again?”

He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him, kissing her passionately. She couldn’t embrace him, coat in one hand and briefcase in the other. But she certainly gave full attention to his kiss.

“Did you smear my lipstick?” she asked.

“No. Now listen to me. Everything is going to happen again and again, Maggie. There will be accidents, there will be lawyers, there will be grieving family members. There will also be magnificent victories and lives saved. And there will be joyous occasions.”

“I’m remembering that book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.”

“Good things also happen to good people. This isn’t the only outcome you’re going to have to live through, you know. Now, are you ready to go? Do you want to tell Sully you’re leaving?”

“I saw him for a moment before I got in the shower and he wished me luck. Will you tell him I’m on my way, please?”