I was pleased to see she did not choose a heavy dessert, and pleasantly surprised with her choice of beverage. Eiswein is a treat in itself.

"Stella, I am turning you over to the Doctor for a few hours: Grace and I have a business to run through rush hour. I sincerely hope you can stay with us for a while. Enjoy your evening, and I'll see you when the bar closes."

I stood and bent down, tilting her face up to me so I could kiss her... a long and lovely experience. Those lips would meet mine again!

"Grace!" I called out. "Time for action. And the rest of you; business time is here; back to work, all."