Melinda couldn't help but smile to the other woman, listening to the two men play. The touch was not an insignificant one, and she was no fool to misunderstand the importance of it. "It was and remains my pleasure," she said just as softly, not wanting to disturb them. "That is why I work, to see this sort of outcome."

She looked to the men, then said even more softly, "perhaps we should leave them to it. I get the feeling they may be a while." Let father and son rebond, as badly as it was needed.