When their time at the bookstore wrapped up, Veronica slung her bag over her shoulder and looked at Thomas a little shyly.

  Veronica: “Come over for dinner? My parents already know you’re coming.”

  Thomas agreed, and a short while later he stepped into the Mendelsons’ home. The smell hit him first—fresh yeast rolls, pot roast, herbs warming in the oven. On the coffee table, Settlers of Catan was already spread out like an invitation.

  Thomas: “I didn’t think I was being kidnapped to play games tonight.”

  Wendy: “You are being kidnapped—to spend time with us.”

  She laughed as she wiped her hands on a towel. “We wanted a date night, but something light.”

  Eric: “And honestly, with you around, the worst that’ll happen is you’ll fall asleep with our little one in your arms.”

  Everyone chuckled, including Thomas.

  They settled at the table for dinner. Thomas took the seat beside Veronica, with baby Morgan propped comfortably between them.

  Daniel: “Veronica, you’ve got a good one here. He’s already helping with the baby.”

  Veronica’s cheeks went red.

  Wendy: “We’re going to have to do this more often with these two.”

  Veronica: “Why’s that?”

  Wendy: “Because I forget how handy he is to have around. And Morgan loves Thomas. He’s never this easy to feed at home.”

  The banter flowed easily after that—warm, teasing, gentle.

  After Dinner

  They moved into the living room. The couch and loveseat framed two sides of the coffee table, and Thomas and Veronica sat cross-legged on the carpet as the family set up the game pieces.

  Halfway through the game, Veronica leaned back slightly.

  Veronica: “Dad… I keep getting the feeling Thomas wants to tell me something, but he’s been told not to.”

  Daniel and Eric exchanged a puzzled look.

  Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

  Eric: “When did you feel he was trying to hint at something?”

  Veronica: “It started Thursday after school while we were studying—especially during chemistry. And yesterday, when we went through the Summa Theologica… it was even stronger.”

  A knowing light flickered in both men’s eyes.

  Daniel: “Veronica, do you remember when we were teaching you to read the clock with hands?”

  Veronica: “I think I was four.”

  May: “Sometimes, no matter how hard someone tries to explain, you won’t understand until you’re ready.”

  Eric: “I think Thomas does have something to tell you. But you have to be in a place where you can receive it.”

  Veronica: “Then I guess I’ll just ask him straight out.”

  Just then, a soft sound interrupted them—snoring. Thomas was stretched out on the carpet, asleep, Morgan resting against his chest.

  Veronica moved closer, smiling tenderly. She leaned down and kissed Thomas lightly on the lips. He stirred awake.

  Thomas: “Oh—sorry. I must’ve—”

  Eric: “It’s been a long week. Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

  At the Mendelsons’

  A few minutes later, Eric escorted Thomas to the door of the Blumberg home. The Mendelsons, already gathered near the entryway, stopped mid-conversation, stunned.

  Eric: “He’s exhausted. Fell asleep on our floor—still holding the baby.”

  Ruth: “Tzuriel, go on to bed.”

  Thomas disappeared down the hallway. Moments later, the sound of snoring drifted back.

  Ruth: “Mm-hmm. Definitely tired.”

  Sholomoh: “All right, Eric. What do you think you figured out?”

  Eric: “He… understood the Summa Theologica.”

  Sholomoh: “He grasped the basics Tuesday. By Wednesday evening he was confident enough to share it with Shoshana. And from what I heard, she had him working through the harder parts.”

  Ruth: “Why bring it up?”

  Eric: “Because Veronica keeps saying Thomas is hinting at something she can’t seem to catch.”

  Ruth: “He’s doing exactly what he was asked to do.”

  She tilted her head. “So—how did the evening go?”

  Eric: “Honestly? It was great. He took care of Morgan all night. Even when he fell asleep, he didn’t let go.”

  Ruth gave him a curious look.

  Ruth: “You seem puzzled.”

  Eric: “Me and Wendy… we’re confused by whatever’s going on between those three.”

  Ruth: “It is a strange dynamic.”

  She folded her arms. “But Shoshana’s the one who set it up.”

  Eric: “Wendy is never going to believe that.”

  Ruth: “I understand. It sounds crazy. Veronica knows Shoshana is a better long-term fit. But Thomas is here, he’s gentle, he’s fun, and her parents like him. And she knows she could lose him to Shoshana—but not to any other girl. That matters.”

  Eric: “I just wanted to make sure Thomas wasn’t getting himself into trouble.”

  Ruth: “No. Veronica will stay around him regardless. Shoshana’s far away. Veronica’s boyfriend is far away. They get companionship without pressure. It works for now. We—and the Blumbergs—think it’s fine.”

  Eric: “…Wait. Are you saying he’s with both Thomas and Shoshana?”

  Sholomoh: “Yes.”

  Eric: “Wow.”

  Sholomoh: “It was Thomas’s idea to have Shoshana ask her father.”

  Eric: “That must’ve been a shock.”

  Sholomoh: “We made it clear they’re not to speak openly about it. But it seems Thomas is trying to give Veronica hints. She’s just not ready.”

  Eric: “One last question… is he dating both girls?”

  Ruth: “No. He’s dating Veronica. He’s courting Shoshana.”

  Eric: “You know Daniel wants him as a son-in-law.”

  Ruth: “I don’t blame him. Thomas and Veronica make a wonderful pair. But… Shoshana fits him better. If the situation were different, I might encourage Shoshana to look elsewhere. But it isn’t.”

  Eric: “Interesting.”

  He stepped back toward the door. “I better get home before Wendy starts to miss me.”