"Don't be silly," Joel says, because while he's been making friends more and more often, while he feels comfortable around more people than he ever would have thought possible, Essie is special to him. He wouldn't be able to explain it, he only knows she is.

"Come on," he says, touching her elbow and leading her back toward the library. He catches Spencer's gaze for a moment and nods toward Essie, figuring his husband will understand enough to know they just need a moment. Or the whole afternoon. Either way, it'll all be fine. "The library's quiet."