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“For fifty-two years.”

“We’ve never seen him,” Noah commented.

“Harold!” Mrs. Evelyn called toward the hallway. “They think you’re imaginary.”

Claire couldn’t believe it. The expression on Noah’s face told her he couldn’t either.

An older man stepped around the corner. He looked at Claire and Noah, then at Mrs. Evelyn. “I was hoping to avoid this,” he said.

Mrs. Evelyn ignored him. “Tell them about the bet.”

Harold sighed. “She bet you two would be dating before Thanksgiving.”

“And you bet against us?” Noah asked.

“I didn’t bet against you. I said it would take until Thanksgiving.”

Claire looked between them. “You were really betting on us?”

She had thought Mrs. Evelyn was kidding about her bet with the mysterious Harold.

At least she hoped.

“She was,” Harold said. “I was dragged into it.”

“And I won,” Mrs. Evelyn reminded everyone. “He has no instincts.”

“Barely,” Harold retorted. “Fall’s right around the corner. It’s not like you won six months early.”

“A win is a win.” Mrs. Evelyn had a triumphant look on her face.

“Evelyn has been going on about you two for months,” Harold quietly told Noah. At least, he meant to say it quietly. Claire and Mrs. Evelyn both heard.

“What can I say?” Mrs. Evelyn smiled. “I’m invested.”

“If she wins the next bet I have to take her to Hawaii.”

“Oh, yeah?” Noah grinned.

Before Claire could ask what the next bet was, Mrs. Evelyn proudly announced, “I bet you would be engaged before Valentine’s. Harold said after.”

Claire’s cheeks flushed. “Mrs. Evelyn, we’ve barely even started dating.”

“Nonsense.” She took Harold by the hand and marched off. He shook his head and followed.

Claire watched them exit, smiling to herself. They reminded her of her and Noah.

Claire glanced at Noah. “Can you believe that?”

“No.” He couldn’t hold back his laugh. “Let’s go.” He reached for her hand, and they escaped through the lobby doors before Mrs. Evelyn could announce any more predictions.

Claire and Noah entered the restaurant, looking for Cole and Julia. Cole lifted one hand when he saw them.

“There they are.” Cole grinned. “Claire, I feel like I already know you. Noah definitely hasn’t been talking about you for months.”

Noah stopped beside the table. “We can still leave.”

“No, you can’t,” Julia said. “I already ordered fried pickles.”